Local anesthesia for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Locoregional Anesthesia Has Lower Risks of Cardiac Complications Than General Anesthesia After Prolonged Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

Although general anesthesia is the primary anesthesia in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), some studies suggest locoregional anesthesia could be a feasible alternative for eligible patients. However, most evidence was from retrospective studies and was subjected to an inherent selection bias that general anesthesia is often chosen for more complex and prolonged cases. To mitigate this selection bias, this study aimed to compare 30-day outcomes of prolonged, nonemergent, intact, infrarenal EVAR in patients undergoing locoregional or general anesthesia. In addition, risk factors associated with prolonged operative time in EVAR were identified.

DESIGN

Retrospective large-scale national registry study.

SETTING

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted database from 2012 to 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 4,075 out of 16,438 patients (24.79%) had prolonged EVAR. Among patients with prolonged EVAR, 324 patients (7.95%) were under locoregional anesthesia. There were 3,751 patients (92.05%) under general anesthesia, and 955 of them were matched to the locoregional anesthesia cohort.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients undergoing infrarenal EVAR were included. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, emergency cases, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, and acute intraoperative conversion to open. Only cases with prolonged operative times (>157 minutes) were selected. A 1:3 propensity-score matching was used to address demographics, baseline characteristics, aneurysm diameter, distant aneurysm extent, and concomitant procedures between patients under locoregional and general anesthesia. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were assessed. Moreover, factors associated with prolonged EVAR were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Except for general anesthesia contraindications, patients undergoing locoregional or general anesthesia exhibited largely similar preoperative characteristics. After propensity-score matching, patients under locoregional and general anesthesia had a lower risk of myocardial infarction (0.93% v 2.83%, p = 0.04), but comparable 30-day mortality (3.72% v 2.72%, p = 0.35) and other complications. Specific concomitant procedures, aneurysm anatomy, and comorbidities associated with prolonged EVAR were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Locoregional anesthesia can be a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia, particularly in EVAR cases with anticipated complexity and prolonged operative times, as it offers the potential benefit of reduced cardiac complications. Risk factors associated with prolonged EVAR can aid in preoperative risk stratification and inform the decision-making process regarding anesthesia choice.

Octogenarians fare better under local anesthesia for elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

With an aging patient population, an increasing number of octogenarians are undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that, for the general population, use of local anesthetic (LA) for EVAR is associated with improved short-term and long-term outcomes as compared with performing these operations under general anesthesia (GA). Therefore, this study aimed to study the association of LA for elective EVARs with perioperative outcomes, among octogenarians.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2021) was used to conduct this study. Octogenarians (Aged ≥80 years) were selected and sorted into two study groups: LA (Group I) and GA (Group II). Our primary outcomes were length of stay and mortality. Secondary outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, return to operating room, cardiopulmonary complications, and discharge location.

RESULTS

Of the 16,398 selected patients, 1197 patients (7.3%) were included in Group I, and 15,201 patients (92.7%) were in Group II. Procedural time was significantly shorter for the LA group (114.6 vs 134.6; P < .001), as was estimated blood loss (152 vs 222 cc; P < .001). Length of stay was significantly shorter (1.8 vs 2.6 days; P < .001), and patients were more likely to be discharged home (LA 88.8% vs GA 86.9%; P = .036) in the LA group. Group I also experienced fewer pulmonary complications; only 0.17% experienced pneumonia and 0.42% required ventilator support compared with 0.64% and 1.02% in Group II, respectively. This finding corresponded to fewer days in the intensive care unit for Group I (0.41 vs 0.69 days; P < .001). No significant difference was seen in 30-day mortality cardiac, renal, or access site-related complications. Return to operating room was also equivocal between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed GA was associated with a significantly longer length of stay and significantly higher rates of non-home discharge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.59; P < .001 and AOR, 1.40; P = .025, respectively). When stratified by the New York Heart Association classification system, classes I, II, III, and IV (1.55; P < .001; 1.26; P = .029; 2.03; P < .001; 4.07; P < .001, respectively) were associated with significantly longer hospital stays.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of LA for EVARs in octogenarians is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer respiratory complications, and home discharge. These patients also experienced shorter procedure times and less blood loss. There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality, return to operating room, or access-related complications. LA for octogenarians undergoing EVAR should be considered more frequently to shorten hospital stays and decrease complication rates.

Local Anesthesia for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Allows for Accurate Graft Deployment with Durable Results

BACKGROUND

Local anesthesia (LA) is sparsely used in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) despite short-term benefit, likely secondary to concerns over patient movement preventing accurate endograft deployment. The objective of this study is to examine the association between anesthesia type and endoleak, sac regression, reintervention, and mortality.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for all EVAR cases from 2014 to 2022. Patients were included if they underwent percutaneous elective EVAR with anatomical criteria within instructions for use of commercially approved endografts. Multivariable logistic regression with propensity score weighting was used to determine the association between anesthesia type on the risk of any endoleak noted by intraoperative completion angiogram and sac regression. Multivariable survival analysis with propensity score weighting was used to determine the association between anesthesia type and endoleak at 1 year, long-term reintervention, and mortality.

RESULTS

Thirteen thousand nine hundred thirty two EVARs met inclusion criteria: 1,075 (8%) LA and 12,857 (92%) general anesthesia (GA). On completion angiogram, LA was associated with fewer rates of any endoleaks overall (16% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis with propensity score weighting, LA was associated with similar adjusted odds of any endoleak on intraoperative completion angiogram (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.68) as well as combined type 1a and type 1b endoleaks (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.47-1.09). Follow-up computed tomography imaging at 1 year was available for 4,892 patients, 377 (8%) LA and 4,515 (92%) GA. At 1 year, LA was associated with similar rate of freedom from any endoleaks compared to GA (0.66 [95% CI 0.63-0.69] vs. 0.71 [95% CI 0.70-0.72], P = 0.663) and increased rates of sac regression (50% vs. 45%, P = 0.040). On multivariable analysis with propensity score weighting, LA and GA were associated with similar adjusted odds of sac regression (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.97-1.55). LA and GA had similar rates of endoleak at 1 year (hazard ratio [HR] 0.14, 95% CI 0.63-1.07); however, LA was associated with decreased hazards of combined type 1a and 1b endoleaks at 1 year (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.96). LA and GA had similar adjusted long-term reintervention rate (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.44-1.38) and long-term mortality (HR 1.100, 95% CI 079-1.25).

CONCLUSIONS

LA is not associated with increased adjusted rates of any endoleak on completion angiogram or at 1-year follow-up compared to GA. LA is associated with decreased adjusted rates of type 1a and type 1b endoleak at 1 year, but similar rates of sac regression, long-term reintervention, and mortality. Concerns for accurate graft deployment should not preclude use of LA and LA should be increasingly considered when deciding on anesthetic type for standard elective EVAR.

Locoregional Anesthesia's Association With Reduced Intensive Care Unit Stay After Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Impact of Temporal Changes in Practice Patterns

BACKGROUND

Elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be performed via local anesthetics and/or regional (epidural or spinal) anesthesia (locoregional [LR]), versus general anesthesia (GA), conferring reduced intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays. Current analyses fail to account for temporal changes in vascular practice. Therefore, this study aimed to confirm reductions in ICU and hospital stays among LR patients while accounting for changes in practice patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Quality Initiative, elective EVARs from August 2003 to June 2021 were grouped into LR or GA. Outcomes included ICU admission and prolonged hospital stay (>2 d). Procedures were stratified into groups of 2 y periods, and outcomes were analyzed within each time period. Univariable and multivariate analyses were used to assess outcomes.

RESULTS

LR was associated with reduced ICU admissions (22.3% versus 32.1%, P < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stays (14.3% versus 7.9%, P < 0.001) overall. When stratified by year, LR maintained its association with reduced ICU admissions in 2014-2015 (21.8% versus 34.0%, P < 0.001), 2016-2017 (23.6% versus 31.6%, P < 0.001), 2018-2019 (18.5% versus 30.2%, P < 0.001), and 2020-2021 (15.8% versus 28.8%, P < 0.001), although this was highly facility dependent. LR was associated with fewer prolonged hospital stays in 2014-2015 (15.6% versus 20.4%, P = 0.001) and 2016-2017 (13.3% versus 16.6%, P = 0.006) but not after 2017.

CONCLUSIONS

GA and LR have similar rates of prolonged hospital stays after 2017, while LR anesthesia was associated with reduced rates of ICU admissions, although this is facility-dependent, providing a potential avenue for resource preservation in patients suitable for LR.

Hypnosis during Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

(1) Background: Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) is associated with a reduction in early morbidity and mortality compared with open repair. Procedures performed under hypnosis might represent an alternative to further reduce the risks related to general anesthesia (GA). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of hypnosis and local anesthesia during EVAR. (2) Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent EVAR or fenestrated/branched EVAR (f/bEVAR) under hypnosis and local anesthesia (n = 28) between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively studied and matched to control patients who underwent the same interventions under GA. (3) Results: There was neither a significant difference in the length of ICU stay (p = 0.06), nor in the occurrence of endoleaks, reintervention, and 30-day mortality rate (p = 1.00, 0.73, and 0.24, respectively). The hypnosis group had lower use of norepinephrine (maximum dose 0.04 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 4.0 mg·h-1, p < 0.001), shorter procedure duration (181.2 ± 71.4 vs. 214.3 ± 79.6 h, p = 0.04), and shorter length of stay (5.4 ± 3.2 vs. 8.4 ± 5.9 days, p = 0.002). (4) Conclusions: In this pioneering study, hypnosis during EVAR appears feasible and safe. It is associated with lower intraoperative use of norepinephrine, as well as procedure duration and length of in-hospital stay.

Locoregional anesthesia is associated with reduced hospital stay and need for intensive care unit care of elective endovascular aneurysm repair patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative

OBJECTIVE

It has been shown local or regional anesthetic techniques are a feasible alternative to general anesthesia for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, studies to date have shown controversial findings with respect to the benefit of locoregional anesthesia (LR) in the elective setting. The objective of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes between LR and general anesthesia (GA) in the setting of elective EVAR, using a large, multicenter database.

METHODS

Using the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database, we retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent elective EVAR from August 2003 to June 2021. Patients were grouped by anesthetic type based on the level of consciousness afforded by the anesthetic: local or regional anesthesia (LR) vs GA. Primary outcomes were total postoperative hospital length-of-stay (LOS) and intensive care unit (ICU) LOS. Propensity score matching was used for risk adjustment and to analyze the primary outcomes with confirmatory analysis using logistic or linear regression, as appropriate, in single and multilevel models. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, postoperative outcomes, operative time, fluoroscopy time, and reoperation rate. These were analyzed following propensity score matching as well as using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression in single and multilevel models, as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 50,809 patients underwent elective EVAR from 2003 to 2021. Of these, 4302 repairs used LR (8.5%) and 46,507 (91.5%) were performed under GA. After employing propensity score matching, two groups of 3027 patients were produced. These showed no significant difference in 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.22; P = .53), 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.06; P = .62), or any postoperative outcomes. LR was found to be significantly associated with shorter hospital stays (≤2 days) (12.5% vs 14.8%; P = .01), decreased ICU utilization (19.3% vs 30.6%; P < .001), decreased operative time (110.8 vs 117.3 minutes; P < .001), decreased fluoroscopy time (21.0 vs 22.7 minutes; P < .001), and a slight reduction in reoperation rate (1.2% vs 1.9%; P = .02), which all remained significant following single-level and multilevel multivariate analyses accounting for hospital and physician random effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that LR anesthesia is safe and may offer advantages in reducing resource utilization for patients undergoing elective EVAR, primarily based on associations with reduced ICU care and reduced hospital stay. Given these findings, LR may prove an advantageous technique in appropriately selected patient populations.

Endovasküler Aort Anevrizması Onarımın Cerrahilerine Anestezist Bakışı; Tek Merkezli Retrospektif Bir Çalışma

Amaç: Minimal invaziv endovasküler stent greftleme yöntemleri olan endovasküler aort onarımı (EVAR) ve torasik endovasküler aort onarımı (TEVAR), aort anevrizmalarının tedavisinde geleneksel ve invaziv açık cerrahiye alternatif olarak uygulanmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı hastanemizde EVAR ve TEVAR uygulanan hastalarda uygulanan anestezi yöntemlerini değerlendirmektir. Yöntemler: 01.01.2015-31.05.2022 tarihleri arasında endovasküler aort onarımı yapılan 95 hastanın dosyaları geriye dönük olarak incelendi. Hastalara ilişkin tanımlayıcı verilerin yanı sıra ameliyat süresi, yoğun bakım ve hastanede kalış süresi gibi veriler toplanarak değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Endovasküler aortik greftlemenin 14 hastaya genel anestezi (GA) (Grup GA) altında, 67 hastaya sedo-analjezi (SA) (Grup SA) altında yapıldığı belirlendi. 75 hastaya EVAR, 6 hastaya TEVAR uygulandı. EVAR hastalarının 11'inin GA, 64'ünün SA ile tedavi edildiği görüldü. Hastaların yaş ortalaması 68.73±8.31 yıl olup, 75'i erkekti. Hasta komorbiditeleri göz önüne alındığında gruplar arasında anlamlı fark yoktu (p>0.05). Yoğun bakımda kalış süreleri hastanede kalış süreleri açısından değerlendirildiğinde gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmadı (p>0.05). Sonuç: Bu çalışmada kliniğimizde EVAR/TEVAR uygulanan hastalarda intraoperatif sıvı gereksinimi dışında anestezi yönteminin üstünlüğünü belirleyemedik.

"Awake" Spinal Cord Monitoring Under Local Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation in Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms carries a risk of spinal cord ischemia, the causes of which remain uncertain. We hypothesized that local anesthesia (LA) with conscious sedation could abrogate the potential suppressive cardiovascular effects of general anesthesia (GA) and facilitate intraoperative monitoring of neurological function. Here, we examine the feasibility of this technique during fenestrated (FEVAR) or branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing FEVAR or BEVAR under LA and conscious sedation by a team at a single center were analyzed. Patients received conscious sedation using intravenous remifentanil and propofol infusions in conjunction with a local anesthetic agent. No patient had a prophylactic spinal drain inserted. Outcome measures included conversion to GA, need for vasopressors and/or spinal drainage, length of stay, complications, and patient survival.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients underwent FEVAR or BEVAR under LA and conscious sedation. The cohort included thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (n=41) and pararenal aneurysms treated with endografts covering the supraceliac segment (n=3). Four patients (9%) required conversion to GA at a median operative duration of 198 minutes (range 97-495 minutes). Vasopressors were required intraoperatively in 3 of the cases that were converted to GA. No patient developed spinal cord ischemia and none had insertion of a spinal drain. The median hospital length of stay was 4 days (range 2-41 days). Postoperative delirium and hospital-acquired pneumonia was seen in 7% of patients. All patients survived to 30 days, with 95% alive at a median follow-up of 15 months (range 3-26 months).

CONCLUSION

LA and conscious sedation is a feasible anesthetic technique for the endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Comparison between Totally Percutaneous Approach and Femoral Artery Cut-Down in Endovascular Aortic Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in a Single Hospital

PURPOSE

To evaluate the short-term outcome of totally percutaneous endovascular aortic repair (pEVAR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) compared with femoral cut-down endovascular aortic repair (cEVAR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of patients with ruptured AAAs that underwent EVAR between March 2010 and April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, preoperative vital signs, preoperative laboratory data, method of anesthesia, procedure duration, aneurysm morphology, brand of device used, length of hospital stay, access complications, and short-term outcomes were recorded. Univariate as well as multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Among 77 patients with ruptured AAAs, 17 (22.1%) received cEVAR and 60 (77.9%) received pEVAR. Significant differences in the procedure time (P = 0.004), method of anesthesia (P = 0.040), and 30-day mortality (P = 0.037) were detected between the cEVAR and pEVAR groups. Local anesthesia plus intravenous general anesthesia (odds ratio = 0.141, P = 0.018) was an independent factor associated with 30-day mortality and local anesthesia was better than general anesthesia for 24-hr mortality (P = 0.001) and 30-day mortality (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

In patients with ruptured AAAs, pEVAR procedures took less time than cEVAR procedures, but the length of hospital stay did not differ significantly. The 30-day mortality rate was lower with pEVAR than with cEVAR. Local anesthesia may be the key factor in EVAR to improved technical and clinical success.

Influence of Anesthetic Techniques on Perioperative Outcomes after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of anesthetic techniques on perioperative outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a Chinese population.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in patients after elective EVAR for infrarenal AAA at our single center. Patients were classified into general anesthesia (GA), regional anesthesia (RA), and local anesthesia (LA) groups. The primary outcomes (30-day mortality and morbidity) and secondary outcomes [procedure time, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and length of hospital stay (LOS)] were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

From January 2006 to December 2015, 486 consecutive patients underwent elective EVAR at our center. GA was used in 155 patients (31.9%), RA in 56 (11.5%), and LA in 275 (56.6%). The GA patients had fewer respiratory comorbidities, shorter and more angulated proximal necks, and more concomitant iliac aneurysms. LA during EVAR was significantly associated with a shorter procedure time (GA, P < 0.001; RA, P < 0.001) and shorter LOS (GA, P = 0.002; RA, P = 0.001), but a higher MAP (GA, P < 0.001; RA, P < 0.001) compared with GA and RA. LA was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiac (odds ratio (OR) 4.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-15.04), pulmonary (OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.58-18.23), and systemic complications (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.85-9.33) compared with GA. RA was also associated with a decreased risk of systemic complications (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.19-18.92) compared with GA. There was no difference in the 30-day mortality, neurologic complications, renal complications, and intraoperative extra procedures among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthetic techniques for EVAR have no influence on the 30-day mortality. LA for EVAR appears to be beneficial concerning the procedure time, LOS, and 30-day systemic complications for patients after elective EVAR for infrarenal AAA in the Chinese population.

Outpatient Percutaneous Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety of outpatient percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic repair (PEVAR) versus inpatient PEVAR without or with adjunct procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2012 and June 2019, a cohort of 359 patients comprising 168 (46.8%) outpatients and 191 (53.2%) inpatients who had undergone PEVAR were enrolled. All the patients were asymptomatic but had indications for endovascular aortic repair, ie, fit for intravenous anesthesia and anatomically feasible with standard devices. Patient sex, age, comorbidities, smoking status, type of anesthesia, adjunct procedures, type of graft device, operative times, mortality, complications, and readmissions were analyzed.

RESULTS

Median follow-up period was 16.5 months (interquartile range, 9-31 months). Except for a higher percentage of tobacco use (42.6% vs 28.8%; P = .04), dyslipidemia (39.7% vs 19.2%; P < .01), and use of local anesthesia (99.4% vs 82.2%; P < .01) in the outpatients, there was no significant difference in the type of graft and adjunct procedures used. No outpatient mortality occurred. There was no difference in the number, severity, and onset of complications (all P > .05). Outpatient unexpected same-day admission, 30-day readmission, and emergency department visit rates were 4.8%, 2.4% (P = .13), and 10% (P < .01), respectively. Operative times for outpatient PEVAR without adjunct procedures were shorter (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient PEVAR can be performed with a safety profile similar to that of inpatient PEVAR. The unexpected same-day admission, 30-day readmission, and emergency department visit rates were low. The outpatient PEVARs without adjunct procedures took less time.

The Effect of Mode of Anaesthesia on Outcomes After Elective Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the most commonly used method to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms. EVAR can be performed using a variety of anaesthetic techniques, including general anaesthetic (GA), regional anaesthetic (RA), and local anaesthetic (LA), but little is known about the effects that each of these anaesthetic modes have on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of anaesthetic technique on early outcomes after elective EVAR.

METHODS

Data from the UK's National Vascular Registry were analysed. All patients undergoing elective standard infrarenal EVAR between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 were included. Patients with a symptomatic aneurysm treated semi-electively were excluded. The primary outcome was in hospital death within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes included post-operative complications and length of hospital stay. Time to event outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for confounders, including British Aneurysm Repair score (a validated aneurysm risk prediction score that is calculated using age, sex, creatinine, cardiac disease, electrocardiogram, previous aortic surgery, white blood cell count, serum sodium, abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade) and chronic lung disease.

RESULTS

A total of 9783 patients received an elective, standard infrarenal EVAR (GA, n = 7069; RA, n = 2347; and LA, n = 367) across 89 hospitals. RA and/or LA was used in 82 hospitals. There were 64 in hospital deaths within 30 days, 50 (0.9% mortality at 30 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-1.2) in the GA group, 11 (0.6%, 95% CI 0.3-1.1) in the RA group, and three (1.5%, 95% CI 0.5-4.7) in the LA group. The mortality rate differed between groups (p = .03) and was significantly lower in the RA group compared with the GA group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] RA/GA 0.37 [95% CI 0.17-0.81]; LA/GA 0.63 [95% CI 0.15-2.69]). The median length of stay was two days for all modes of anaesthesia, but patients were discharged from hospital more quickly in the RA and LA groups than the GA group (aHR RA/GA 1.10 [95% CI 1.03-1.17]; LA/GA 1.15 [95% CI 1.02-1.29]). Overall, 20.7% of patients experienced one or more complications (GA group, 22.1%; RA group, 16.8%; LA group, 17.7%) and pulmonary complications occurred with similar frequency in the three groups (overall 2.4%, adjusted odds ratio RA/GA 0.93 [95% CI 0.66-1.32]; LA/GA 0.82 [95% CI 0.41-1.63]).

CONCLUSION

Thirty day mortality was lower with RA than with GA, but mode of anaesthesia was not associated with increased complications for patients undergoing elective standard infrarenal EVAR.

Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Does Anesthesia Type Matter?

BACKGROUND

Given the various types of anesthesia used for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), we sought to determine the effect of anesthesia type in the outcomes of elective EVAR in a large multiinstitutional healthcare maintenance organization.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all elective EVAR conducted from August 2010 to August 2017 in 14 regional hospitals of Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Patients undergoing emergent, nonelective abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, requiring conversion to open surgery or general anesthesia were excluded from the study. Basic demographic information, medical risk factors, anesthesia type, operative data, and postoperative morbidity and mortality data were obtained for univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1,536 patients underwent EVAR, of which 1,206 met inclusion criteria. A total of 788 patients underwent general anesthesia, 164 patients underwent spinal anesthesia, 82 patients underwent epidural anesthesia, and 172 patients underwent local and monitored anesthesia care (AC). There was a significant difference in length of stay and operative time when comparing local/monitored AC to general anesthesia. No significant difference was noted in 30-day morbidity or mortality among the anesthesia groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Local and regional anesthesia is a safe and effective approach for elective EVAR.

Local anaesthesia for endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Case series and a post hoc subgroup analysis of a large randomized trial have suggested a potential benefit in treating ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) using endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with local anaesthesia (LA) rather than general anaesthesia (GA). The uptake and outcomes of LA in clinical practice remain unknown.

METHODS

The UK National Vascular Registry was interrogated for patients presenting with rAAA managed with EVAR under different modes of anaesthesia between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included: the number of centres performing EVAR under LA; the proportion of patients receiving this technique; duration of hospital stay; and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Some 3101 patients with rAAA were treated in 72 hospitals during the study: 2306 underwent on open procedure and 795 had EVAR (LA, 319; GA, 435; regional anaesthesia, 41). Overall, 56 of 72 hospitals (78 per cent) offered LA for EVAR of rAAA. Baseline characteristics and morphology were similar across the three EVAR subgroups. Patients who had surgery under LA had a lower in-hospital mortality rate than patients who received GA (59 of 319 (18·5 per cent) versus 122 of 435 (28·0 per cent)), and this was unchanged after adjustment for factors known to influence survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0·62, 95 per cent c.i. 0·45 to 0·85; P = 0·003). Median hospital stay and postoperative morbidity from other complications were similar.

CONCLUSION

The use of LA for EVAR of rAAA has been adopted widely in the UK. Mortality rates appear lower than in patients undergoing EVAR with GA.

Safety of Deep Sedation in Patients Undergoing Full-Thickness Skin Graft Harvesting and Skin Graft Reconstruction for Limb Salvage An Outcome Analysis

BACKGROUND:

Studies on obtaining donor skin graft using intravenous sedation for patients undergoing major foot surgeries in the same operating room visit have not previously been reported. The objective of this retrospective study is to demonstrate that intravenous sedation in this setting is both adequate and safe in patients undergoing skin graft reconstruction of the lower extremities in which donor skin graft is harvested from the same patient in one operating room visit.

METHODS:

Medical records of 79 patients who underwent skin graft reconstruction of the lower extremities by one surgeon at the Yale New Haven Health System between November 1, 2008, and July 31, 2014, were reviewed. The patients' demographic characteristics, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, comorbid conditions, intraoperative analgesic administration, estimated blood loss, total operating room time, total postanesthesia care unit time, and postoperative complications within the first 72 hours were reviewed.

RESULTS:

This study found minimal blood loss and no postoperative complications, defined as any pulmonary or cardiac events, bleeding, admission to the intensive care unit, or requirement for invasive monitoring, in patients who underwent major foot surgery in conjunction with full-thickness skin graft.

CONCLUSIONS:

We propose that given the short duration and peripheral nature of the procedures, patients can safely undergo skin graft donor harvesting and skin graft reconstruction procedures with intravenous sedation regardless of American Society of Anesthesiologists class in one operating room visit.

General anesthesia versus local anesthesia for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

The aim of this study was to compare general and local anesthesia techniques in patients treated with elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for infrarenal aortic aneurysms.In this single-center, observational cohort study, in all, 259 consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAR was included; 144 patients (55.6%, 126 men, mean age 72.8 years) operated on under general anesthesia (GA group) and 115 (44.4%, 100 men, mean age 72.3 years) operated on under local anesthesia (LA group). A retrospective analysis regarding technical feasibility, endoleaks, length of hospital stay, and 30-day clinical outcomes was performed.There was no anesthetic conversion (from LA to GA) during EVAR, and no significant difference was noted in the incidence of endoleaks and its types in relation to anesthetic techniques on final completion angiograms (14.1% vs 18.4%; P = .347) and follow-up computed tomography angiogram at 30 days after EVAR (23.6% vs 19.1%; P = .384). Significant differences were not observed with regard to a prolonged length of hospital stay in relation to anesthetic techniques (8.6 ± 16.3 vs 7.2 ± 3.3; P = .348), and the main outcomes showed no significant differences in morbidity (20.1% vs 16.5%; P = .457), mortality (0.0% vs 0.0%), and the rates of secondary therapeutic procedures (9.7% vs 4.3%; P = .099) between the 2 groups during the 30-day follow-up.We have not shown a definite difference in 30-day outcomes between GA and LA for EVAR. The anesthetist and surgeon, in consultation with the patient, should decide which anesthetic technique to use on an individual basis.

Loco-regional versus general anaesthesia for elective endovascular aneurysm repair – results of a cohort study and a meta-analysis

Abstract. Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with loco-regional anaesthetic techniques have better outcomes than those treated with general anaesthesia (GA). Patients and methods: We retrospectively evaluated outcomes of EVAR performed with regional anaesthesia (RA) or GA over a five-year period. Furthermore, we searched electronic bibliographic sources (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL) to identify studies comparing different anaesthetic methods in EVAR. We defined perioperative mortality and morbidity as well as length of hospital stay (LOS) as the primary outcome measures. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects models. Results are reported as the odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Results: Three hundred and fifty-five patients underwent standard EVAR over the study period (RA, 215 patients; GA 140 patients). Patients in both groups had comparable baseline demographics and clinical characteristics. Perioperative mortality was significantly lower in the RA group (0.5 % vs. 4.3 %, P = 0.017). No difference was found in perioperative morbidity (P = 0.370), LOS (P = 0.146), postoperative destination (P = 0.799), reoperation (P = 0.355) or readmission within 30 days (P = 0.846). Meta-analysis of data on 15,472 patients from 15 observational studies found a significantly lower perioperative mortality (OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.52–0.95, P = 0.02) and morbidity (OR 0.73, 95 % CI 0.55–0.96, P = 0.02) in patients treated with loco-regional anaesthetic techniques compared to those treated with GA. Our sub-group analysis demonstrated that both local anaesthesia (LA) (P = 0.003) and RA (P < 0.0001) were associated with a significantly shorter LOS compared to GA. Conclusions: Local and/or regional anaesthetic techniques may be advantageous over GA in elective EVAR, as indicated by reduced perioperative mortality and morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. Considering the current level of evidence, LA or RA should be considered in selected patients. Further clinical research is required to provide high level evidence on the optimal anaesthetic technique in EVAR.

Financial Impact of PEVAR Compared With Standard Endovascular Repair in Canadian Hospitals

OBJECTIVES

The percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic repair (PEVAR) approach is a minimally invasive technique that has demonstrated clinical benefit over traditional surgical cut down associated with standard endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR). The objective of our study was to evaluate the budget impact to a Canadian hospital of changing the technique for AAA repair from the EVAR approach to the PEVAR approach.

METHODS

We examined the budget impact of replacing the EVAR approach with the PEVAR approach in a Canadian hospital that performs 100 endovascular AAA repairs annually. The model incorporates the costs associated with surgery, length of stay, and postoperative complications occurring within 30 days.

RESULTS

The use of PEVAR in AAA repair is associated with increased access device costs when compared with the EVAR approach (CAD$1000 vs CAD$400). However, AAA repair completed with the PEVAR approach demonstrates reduced operating time (101 minutes vs 133 minutes), length of stay (2.2 days vs 3.5 days), time in the recovery room (174 minutes vs 193 minutes), and postoperative complications (6% vs 30%), which offset the increased device costs. The model establishes that switching to the PEVAR approach in a Canadian hospital performing 100 AAA repairs annually would result in a potential cost avoidance of CAD$245,120.

CONCLUSIONS

A change in AAA repair technique from EVAR to PEVAR can be a cost-effective solution for Canadian hospitals.

A Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Femoral Artery Closure Techniques: Conventional versus Purse Suture Technique

BACKGROUND

Different techniques have been reported for the exploration and repair of femoral artery (FA) in patients who undergo minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and endovascular aortic surgery. We used a modified approach alternative to the conventional technique (group CT) since May 2013, which specifies a shorter groin incision and diamond-shaped hemostatic purse sutures for arteriotomy closure without the requirement of cross-clamping (group PT [purse suture technique]) and evaluated early outcomes and the complication profiles of the 2 techniques for femoral access.

METHODS

In our clinic, between May 2011 and December 2015, 503 FA cannulations were performed on 345 patients who underwent MICS (n = 109, mean age 64.1 ± 17.6 years, female/male ratio 71/38), endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (n = 158, mean age 71.3 ± 10.2 years, female/male ratio 63/95), thoracal endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 50, mean age 65.0 ± 15.3 years, female/male ratio 15/35), and transaortic valve implantation (n = 28, mean age 80.8 ± 5.9 years, female/male ratio 13/15). A total of 295 FAs were exposed via mini incision and were repaired with the PT. We compared the duration of femoral closure (FC), wound infection, and vascular complications including bleeding hematoma, thromboembolic and ischemic events, pseudoaneurysm, seroma, surgical reintervention rates, delayed hospital stay for groin complications, and existence of postoperative local luminal narrowing (LLN) at the intervention site over 25% for both groups.

RESULTS

FC time (CT 14.9 ± 3.16 min, PT 6.5 ± 1.12 min, P < 0.0001), bleeding hematoma frequency (CT 6.2%, PT 1.7%, P = 0.01), and prolonged hospital stay for groin complications (CT 14.9%, PT 3.4%, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the PT group. Rate of technical success (CT 80.3%, PT 87.4%, P = 0.03) and event-free patient (CT 66.1%, PT 77.5%, P = 0.03) were significantly better in the PT group. There were no differences between groups in terms of ischemic events, wound infection rates, development of pseudoaneurysm and seroma, surgical reintervention rates, and LLN of FA over 25% at 6-month duplex evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of the 2 approaches revealed the advantages of the PT in terms of bleeding hematoma and shortening in FC time and the length of hospital stay. We suggest performing a smaller skin incision for FA access and utilizing purse sutures, which allows completing the procedure without cross-clamping, thus providing a favorable approach and excellent comfort for the surgeon.

[Management of anesthesia in endovascular interventions]

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Germany. In these patients, the high-risk profile necessitates an interdisciplinary and multimodal approach to treatment. Endovascular interventions and vascular surgery have become established as an important element of this strategy in the past; however, the different anatomical localizations of pathological vascular alterations make it necessary to use a wide spectrum of procedural options and methods; therefore, the requirements for management of anesthesia are variable and necessitate a differentiated approach. Endovascular procedures can be carried out with the patient under general or regional anesthesia (RA); however, in the currently available literature there is no evidence for an advantage of RA over general anesthesia regarding morbidity and mortality, although a reduction in pulmonary complications could be found for some endovascular interventions. Epidural and spinal RA procedures should be carefully considered with respect to the risk-benefit ratio and consideration of the recent guidelines on anesthesia against the background of the current study situation and the regular use of therapy with anticoagulants. The following article elucidates the specific characteristics of anesthesia management as exemplified by some selected endovascular interventions.

Anesthetic considerations for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Aneurysm is defined as a localized and permanent dilatation with an increase in normal diameter by more than 50%. It is more common in males and can affect up to 8% of elderly men. Smoking is the greatest risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and other risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of aneurysms, inflammatory vasculitis, and trauma. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair [EVAR] is a common procedure performed for AAA, because of its minimal invasiveness as compared with open surgical repair. Patients undergoing EVAR have a greater incidence of major co-morbidities and should undergo comprehensive preoperative assessment and optimization within the multidisciplinary settings. In majority of cases, EVAR is extremely well-tolerated. The aim of this article is to outline the Anesthetic considerations related to EVAR.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is an important technique in the vascular surgeon's armamentarium, which has created a seismic shift in the management of aortic pathology over the past two decades. In comparison to traditional open repair, the endovascular approach is associated with significantly improved perioperative morbidity and mortality. The early survival benefit of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is sustained up to 3 years postoperatively, but longer-term life expectancy remains poor regardless of operative modality. Nonetheless, most abdominal aortic aneurysms are now repaired using endovascular stent grafts. The technology is not perfect as several postoperative complications, namely endoleak, stent-graft migration, and graft limb thrombosis, can develop and therefore lifelong imaging surveillance is required. In addition, a postoperative inflammatory response has been documented after endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms; the clinical significance of this finding has yet to be determined. Subsequently, the safety and applicability of endovascular stent grafts are likely to improve and expand with the introduction of newer-generation devices and with the simplification of fenestrated systems.

Paravertebral Blockade with Propofol Sedation versus General Anesthesia for Elective Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of paravertebral blockade (PVB) for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair compared with general anesthesia (GA).

Data from patients who underwent elective infrarenal endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair between August 2001 and July 2002 using PVB or GA were retrospectively reviewed and compared with respect to risk factors, intraoperative hemodynamic characteristics, operative outcome, and complications.

Ten patients underwent elective infrarenal endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair under PVB, whereas 15 patients were operated on under GA. One conversion from PVB to GA was necessary for block failure. The perioperative (< 30 days) cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality were zero in both groups. The PVB group benefited significantly with respect to the incidence of intraoperative hypotension ( p < .05) and blood pressure lability ( p < .01), as well as postoperative nausea ( p < .01). Our preliminary results indicate that PVB is feasible and can be performed safely in a patient population with significant comorbidities.

Amsterdam Acute Aneurysm Trial: Background, Design, and Methods

The objective of the Amsterdam Acute Aneurysm Trial is to study the combined outcome of conventional emergency surgery versus endovascular treatment for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. The design used was a multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted in two university hospitals and one teaching hospital in the Amsterdam region. The study included all patients with a ruptured abdominal aneurysm who were eligible for endovascular and conventional surgery. The primary end points were combined mortality and severe morbidity. The secondary end points were quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The background, design, and methods of this trial are presented, and the ethical and legal issues of this type of research are discussed.

Local Anesthesia for Percutaneous Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

BACKGROUND

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) requires large-bore vascular access due to the considerable diameters of the endoprosthesis and delivery device. The preclose technique preceding endograft delivery has opened the door for an evolved access strategy. In addition, treatment under local anesthesia offers the advantage of optimal neuromonitoring. The goal of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous TEVAR under local anesthesia.

METHODS

All patients undergoing TEVAR in an elective setting at the Antwerp University Hospital between June 2012 and June 2015 were prospectively entered into an endovascular database. This database was queried for demographics, procedural details, and access-related complications. All patients underwent a percutaneous approach with the Perclose Proglide under local anesthesia.

RESULTS

This review identified 34 patients in whom 37 percutaneous TEVAR procedures were completed under local anesthesia. All patients experienced adequate analgesia, and no conversions to general anesthesia were implemented. The mean size of the arteriotomy was 23.8 ± 1.3 French (F). The number of Proglide deployments was 80, with an 8% rate of failure on deployment. There were no conversions to surgical cutdown, and adequate hemostasis was obtained in all procedures. The incidence of postprocedural access-related complications was 3%.

CONCLUSION

Local anesthesia for percutaneous TEVAR can be performed safely and effectively. The percutaneous approach facilitates local anesthesia, which provides the added benefit of early recognition of neurologic complications while maintaining a low risk of access-related complications despite the need for large-bore vascular access.

A Novel Anesthetic Technique for PEVAR

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) continues to evolve. Device profiles continue to decline, further reducing the physiological insult of the procedure. Anesthesia, however, has not evolved with a large proportion of patients continuing to receive general anesthesia for their increasingly less invasive procedures. We report on a novel anesthetic technique providing outstanding anesthesia in patients undergoing PEVAR in an outpatient setting. The total anesthesia used was remarkably cost effective.

METHODS

Six patients underwent PEVAR in an outpatient setting. The patients received moderate intravenous (IV) access sedation using versed and fentanyl in combination with bilateral ilioinguinal nerve blocks. Patients received 25 mL bilaterally of 0.5% bupivicaine with epinephrine. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists class III. None received central venous access, arterial, or urinary catheters. Standard noninvasive monitoring was used. A board-certified anesthesiologist was present at all times during the procedures.

RESULTS

All patients underwent successful repair. Average cost per case for anesthetic supplies averaged around $7.00. The fentanyl dose ranged from 100 to 200 μg with an average dose of 130 μg. Versed dose ranged from 2 to 3 mg with an average dose of 2.4 mg. No patient required conversion to general anesthesia. Postoperative pain relief was excellent. Two patients required pain medication before discharge. Two patients required oral narcotic analgesic the night of discharge. No patients required narcotics after that time.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral ilioinguinal nerve block, when combined with moderate IV sedation allows outstanding anesthesia for patients undergoing PEVAR. This novel combination has not been reported previously. The technique provides safe, effective, care for of a subset of patients not requiring general anesthesia. It offers a greatly reduced cost when compared with general anesthesia. Additional benefits include prolonged pain relief perioperatively as well as potentially decreasing the physiologic and cognitive effects seen with general anesthesia.

Renal Function is the Main Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) may occur in up to 18% of elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and has been associated with poor outcome; however, it is not clear which patients are at highest risk, to target renoprotection effectively. We sought to determine the predictive factors of AKI after elective EVAR.

METHODS

Overall, 947 patients undergoing elective EVAR between January 2004 and December 2014 were analyzed, using prospectively collected data. Postoperative AKI was defined by serum creatinine change within 48 hr, as per the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Cardiovascular and kidney-disease risk factors were entered in univariate and multivariate analyses to assess influence on AKI development.

RESULTS

Overall, 167 (17.6%) patients developed AKI but only 2 patients required dialysis perioperatively. At multivariate analysis, adjusted for established AKI-risk factors and parameters that differed between groups at baseline, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; as per the chronic kidney disease epidemiology [CKD] formula); odds ratio (OR): 1.02 (per unit decrease); 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003-1.041; P = 0.025; and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage > 2 (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.249-2.531, P = 0.001) were associated with development of AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI was common after elective infrarenal EVAR and preoperative renal function appears to be the main factor associated with AKI. Patients with a low eGFR need to be targeted with more aggressive renal protection.

Long-Term Renal Function after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Endovascular repair (EVAR) is a common treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, its long-term effects on renal function remain unclear. We aimed to assess long-term renal dysfunction after EVAR using a contemporary estimate of GFR and to compare long-term renal outcomes in patients after EVAR with open aneurysm repair (OAR) and in patients without an AAA.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We performed a nested case-matched analysis of 726 patients (using a prospectively maintained database for repairs that took place between January 2000 and May 2010 in a tertiary center): 121 patients undergoing OAR (with data at baseline and 5 years postrepair) were case matched (age, sex, smoking, diabetes, baseline eGFR) to patients undergoing suprarenal and infrarenal fixation EVAR (242 in each group) and to 121 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) without AAA. Changes in eGFR were compared (1 and 5 years).

RESULTS

The OAR patients lost an average of 7.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at 5 years (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4.8 to 10.6), compared with 8.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, 6.5 to 10.8; P<0.001) for infrarenal-fixation EVAR, 16.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, 13.0 to 21.9, P<0.001) for suprarenal-fixation EVAR, and 5.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, 1.7 to 7.5; P<0.001) for CEA. The decrease in eGFR was steeper during the first postoperative year, with each group losing -2.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (infrarenal-fixation EVAR), -10.7 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (suprarenal-fixation EVAR), and -4.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (OAR), compared with -1.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for CEA.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective EVAR is associated with a significant decline in eGFR after 5 years, which is steeper in the first postoperative year and more pronounced compared with a similar population with atherosclerotic disease.

Effects of Anesthesia Type on Perioperative Outcome After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE

To examine outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) using general, regional, or local anesthesia.

METHODS

From March 2009 to April 2011, patients were enrolled from 79 sites in 30 countries worldwide and treated with an Endurant Stent Graft System. Data were compared among 3 groups based on the method of anesthesia: general anesthesia (GA) was used in 785 (62%) patients, regional anesthesia (RA) in 331 (27%) patients, and local anesthesia (LA) in 145 (11%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for possible confounding factors; outcomes are presented as the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

There were intercontinental differences in the distribution of type of anesthesia used for EVAR. Higher ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification was associated with predominant use of GA. Procedure time was reduced in LA (80.4±40.0 minutes) compared with RA (94.2±41.6 min, adjusted p=0.001) and GA (105.3±46.0 minutes, adjusted p<0.001). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was less frequent for RA than for GA (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.97, p=0.030) and LA (adjusted OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.79, p=0.002). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for RA and LA compared with GA (adjusted p=0.003 and p=0.010, respectively). There were no significant differences in systemic and surgical complications. Mortality rates within 30 days did not differ among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Type of anesthesia used during EVAR has no influence on perioperative mortality and morbidity. The use of local or regional anesthesia during EVAR appeared to be beneficial concerning procedure time, ICU admission, and postoperative hospital stay.

Endovascular aneurysm repair with the Ovation TriVascular Stent Graft System utilizing a predominantly percutaneous approach under local anaesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with the Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System (TriVascular Inc., Santa Rosa, CA) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and compare results according to the type of anaesthesia.

METHODS

We conducted a single-centre retrospective study including patients who underwent EVAR using the Ovation endograft between May 2011 and July 2014. Outcome was evaluated regarding pre-, peri- and immediate postoperative and follow-up measures. Overall results are reported, while additional analysis was performed to compare the outcome between groups of patients undertaking either local or regional/general anaesthesia (LA vs RGA).

RESULTS

66 patients were included. Median follow-up was 13 months (range, 1-39 months). Median age was 72 years and median abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was 58 mm (range, 54-100 mm). Technical success was 63 (95%), while there were 2 (3%) conversions to open surgery. A total percutaneous approach was used in 50/66 (76%) cases. Overall, 9/66 (14%) subjects suffered from any kind of morbidity. Median hospitalization was 3 days (range, 1-16 days). Immediate and midterm mortality rate was 0%. No endoleak Type I, III, IV or stent migration was observed. There were 8 (13%) Type II endoleaks. Overall, additional endovascular procedures were required in 6 (9%), while surgery was performed in 4 (6%) patients. 44 (67%) patients underwent LA and 22 (23%) RGA. Differences between groups were significant for procedural time (85 vs 107 min; p < 0.001), percutaneous access (91% vs 45%; p < 0.001) and systematic complications (2.3% vs 14%; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EVAR with the use of the Ovation endograft shows promising short-term and midterm results regarding safety and effectiveness. Completion of the procedures under LA using a total percutaneous approach seems advantageous and may be used in routine practice.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System is an ultra-low profile stent graft system that allows percutaneous deployment for EVAR and offers excellent overall efficacy and safety. Totally percutaneous EVAR under LA seems advantageous and may be used as a routine with this specific endograft.

A Retrospective Analysis of Comparison of General Versus Regional Anaesthesia for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare general anaesthesia (GA) versus regional anaesthesia (RA) for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

We analysed the files of 89 patients between August 2010-August 2012 who underwent elective EVAR retrospectively.

RESULTS

We performed RA for 32 patients (36%) and GA for 57 patients (64%). The operations were completed successfully in both groups and did not require conventional surgery. The mean age of the patients was 71.5±7 (range 50-88 years). RA was preferred more than GA in the presence of advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease statistically (p=0.032). The usage of vasodilator drug and atropine was found to be higher in the GA group than the RA group in the intraoperative period (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). The intensive care unit (ICU) was necessary for 5 patients in the RA group (16%) and 13 patients for the GA group (23%) postoperatively (p=0.301). The median ICU stay in the RA group was 2 hours and 4.4 hours in the GA group (p=0.114). The median hospital stay was 2.63±1.91 days in the RA group and 2.04±1.16 days in the GA group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.120). There was no mortality of patients in either group for the peroperative period and the 30-day follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Our present study suggests that patient characteristics are more important than the anaesthetic method on the outcomes of EVAR.

Regional anesthesia for vascular surgery

Patients presenting for vascular surgery present a challenge to anesthesiologists because of their severe systemic comorbidities. Regional anesthesia has been used as a primary anesthetic technique for many vascular procedures to avoid the cardiovascular and pulmonary perturbations associated with general anesthesia. In this article the use of regional anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy, open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, infrainguinal arterial bypass, lower extremity amputation, and arteriovenous fistula formation is described. A focus is placed on reviewing the literature comparing anesthetic techniques, with brief descriptions of the techniques themselves.

Endovascular repair of a large ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm using monitored anesthesia care and local anesthesia

Over the last decade, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from open repair to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Regardless of the method used during emergent rupture, open verses endovascular repair, the overall mortality remains high. Recent studies have compared patient outcomes using different types of anesthesia during elective EVAR procedures. The data show that during an elective EVAR, monitored anesthesia care (MAC) with local anesthesia is not only just as safe as general anesthesia, but it offers other potential benefits as well. There is limited data in regards to patient outcomes using MAC and local anesthesia during cases of large ruptured aneurysms that are treated with EVAR. This case report discusses the treatment of a patient who presented with a large 13 cm ruptured AAA which was successfully repaired using EVAR with MAC and local anesthesia.

A limited and customized follow-up seems justified after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether long-term follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is justified in octogenarians.

METHODS

Between September 1996 and October 2011, all patients, including octogenarians, treated for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by EVAR were included in a prospective database. Patients older than 80 years and with a nonruptured infrarenal aneurysm treated electively or urgently were included in the study (study group [SG]). Patients with ruptured aneurysms and patients who died during surgery or within the first postoperative month were excluded from further analysis. The control group (CG) consisted of patients younger than 80 years, matched for gender and AAA diameter. All patients were evaluated 4 to 8 weeks after EVAR and then annually thereafter. Follow-up data were complemented by review of the computerized hospital registry and charts and by contact of the patient's general practitioner or referring hospital. Primary outcomes were stent- or aneurysm-related complications and interventions. Secondary outcomes were additional surgical complications and patient survival.

RESULTS

A total number of 193 patients (SG, n = 97; CG, n = 96) were included for analysis. Median age was 80 years, and 88.6% were male. Median follow-up time was 33.6 months (interquartile range [IQR], 12.9-68.3). Stent- and procedure-related postoperative complications were comparable between groups (SG, 41.2%; CG, 39.6%; P = .82). Median time to complication was 2.3 months (IQR, 0.2-19.4) in the SG compared with 18.1 months (IQR, 6.8-50.5) in the CG. The 2-year complication-free survival rates were 58% (SG) and 60% (CG). Interventions were performed significantly less frequently in octogenarians (SG, 8.2%; CG, 19.8%; P < .05). Median time to intervention was 11.1 months (IQR, 2.0-31.0) in the SG compared with 54.3 months (IQR, 15.0-93.2) in the CG. The 2-year intervention-free survival rates were 90% (SG) and 92% (CG). During follow-up, 98 patients died (SG, n = 54; CG, n = 44); median time to death was 31.8 months (IQR, 13.3-66.0) in the SG compared with 44.4 months (IQR, 15.0-77.7) in the CG. One aneurysm-related death occurred in the CG. The 2- and 5-year survival rates were 71% and 32% for the SG compared with 77% and 66% for the CG (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the low incidence of secondary procedures and AAA-related deaths in octogenarians, long-term and frequent follow-up after EVAR seems questionable. An adapted and shortened follow-up seems warranted in this patient group.

Anesthetic technique and acute kidney injury in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Prior studies suggest that general anesthesia (GA) is associated with worse cardiopulmonary outcomes after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Patients undergoing EVAR are at a high risk of developing perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI), and the relationship between anesthetic technique and AKI in these patients is not well-characterized. The authors sought to determine if anesthetic technique affected the risk of AKI in patients undergoing EVAR.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational cohort study analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model to assess the effects of anesthetic technique on renal outcome.

SETTING

Multiple institutions, mainly in North America.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005-2010 undergoing EVAR.

INTERVENTIONS

The authors investigated the association between anesthetic techniques, comparing GA to alternative (non-GA) techniques, and AKI.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

AKI was defined as an increase in the creatinine level of>2 mg/dL and/or dialysis. Of 13,026 patients, 84.4% underwent GA and 15.6% underwent non-GA techniques. AKI developed in 2.0% of the GA group and 1.4% of the non-GA group (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.43, p = 0.075; adjusted OR [aOR] 1.00, p = 0.99). Risk factors for AKI include ASA class, ruptured aneurysm, preoperative renal dysfunction, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, and perioperative blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthetic technique is not independently associated with the risk of AKI in patients undergoing EVAR.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms: endovascular options and outcomes - proliferating therapy, but effective?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has a reported prevalence rate of 1.4% in the US. AAA rupture accounts for an estimated 15,000 deaths per year, rendering it the 10th leading cause of death in men over the age of 55. Endovascular repair (EVR) has proliferated in the last two decades as an increasingly popular alternative to traditional open surgery, and is now the default treatment in the majority of centres worldwide. This review article outlines the evidence supporting this stance. The development of EVR is reviewed, alongside trends in utilisation of this therapy over time. The evidence for the relative short-term and long-term outcomes of EVR and open AAA repair is discussed, and ongoing controversies surrounding the use of EVR are considered.

Regional anesthesia for vascular surgery

Vascular surgical patients are a diverse group of patients who tend to be elderly, with multiple comorbidities, while vascular procedures may involve significant blood loss and ischemia of tissues beyond the arterial obstruction. Regional anesthesia techniques may offer benefits to patients undergoing vascular surgery because of their cardiorespiratory comorbidities. However, this group of patients is commonly receiving multiple medications, including anticoagulants, so regional techniques are not without risks. This review will discuss this topic based around 3 fundamental revascularization procedures, carotid, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and infrainguinal surgery, discussing the clinical applications of regional techniques relevant to each key area.