Endovascular treatment of stenotic and occluded visceral arteries for chronic mesenteric ischemia

Advancements in Treatment Strategies for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A Comprehensive Review

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) arises from the inability to achieve adequate intestinal blood flow after meals, leading to an imbalance between oxygen and metabolite supply and demand. The true incidence of CMI remains uncertain. However, the occurrence of mesenteric artery occlusive disease (MAOD) is relatively common among the elderly population. Delays in diagnosing CMI can often be attributed to several factors, including the variability in patient symptoms and the range of potential causes for chronic abdominal pain with weight loss. Mikkelson pioneered the introduction of a surgical treatment for occlusive lesions of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in 1957. The inaugural performance of endovascular revascularization (ER) for visceral vessels took place in 1980. The literature has documented two types of endovascular revascularization (ER) methods: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and primary stenting (PMAS). Despite the limited quality of available evidence, the consensus among experts is strongly in favor of PMAS over PTA alone for the treatment of atherosclerotic mesenteric artery stenosis. There are several key areas of focus for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) treatment. Randomized controlled trials comparing different stent types, such as covered stents versus bare metal stents, are needed to evaluate efficacy, patency rates, and long-term outcomes in CMI patients.

A Systematic Review of Endovascular Repair Outcomes in Atherosclerotic Chronic Mesenteric Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

Chronic mesenteric ischaemia (CMI) treatment focuses on symptom relief and prevention of disease progression. Endovascular repair represents the main treatment modality, while data on the associated antiplatelet regimen are scarce. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the early and midterm outcomes of endovascular repair in patients with CMI.

DATA SOURCES

Randomised controlled trials and observational studies (1990 - 2022) reporting on early and midterm endovascular repair outcomes in patients with atherosclerotic CMI.

REVIEW METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines and PICO model were followed. The protocol was registered to PROSPERO (CRD42023401685). Medline, Embase (via Ovid), and Cochrane databases were searched (end date 21 February 2023). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for risk of bias assessment, and GRADE for evidence quality assessment. Primary outcomes were technical success, 30 day mortality, and symptom relief, assessed using prevalence meta-analysis. The role of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was investigated using meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Sixteen retrospective studies (1 224 patients; mean age 69.8 ± 10.6 years; 60.3% female) reporting on 1 368 target vessels (57.8% superior mesenteric arteries) were included. Technical success was 95.0% (95% CI 93 - 97%, p = .28, I2 19%, low certainty), the 30 day mortality rate was 2.0% (95% CI 2 - 4%, p = .93, I2 36%, low certainty), and immediate symptom relief was 87.0% (95% CI 80 - 92%, p < .010, I2 85%, very low certainty). At mean follow up of 28 months, the mortality rate was 15.0% (95% CI 9 - 25%, p = .010, I2 86%, very low certainty), symptom recurrence 25.0% (95% CI 21 - 31%, p < .010, I2 68%, very low certainty) and re-intervention rate 26.0% (95% CI 17 - 37%, p < .010, I2 92%, very low certainty). Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) and DAPT performed similarly in the investigated outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair for CMI appears to be safe as first line treatment, with a low peri-operative mortality rate and acceptable immediate symptom relief. During midterm follow up, symptom recurrence and need for re-intervention are not uncommon. SAPT appears to be equal to DAPT in post-operative outcomes.

Management of patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia across three consecutive eras

BACKGROUND

Endovascular intervention (EI) is the most commonly used modality for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Since the inception of this technique, numerous publications have reported the associated clinical outcomes. However, no publication has reported the comparative outcomes over a period of time in which both the stent platform and adjunctive medical therapy have evolved. This study aims to assess the impact of the concomitant evolution of both the endovascular approach and optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) on CMI outcomes over three consecutive time eras.

METHODS

A retrospective review at a quaternary center from January 2003 to August 2020 was performed to identify patients who underwent EIs for CMI. The patients were divided into three groups based on the date of intervention: early (2003-2009), mid (2010-2014), and late (2015-2020). At least one angioplasty/stent was performed for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and/or celiac artery. The patients' short- and mid-term outcomes were compared between the groups. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were also conducted to evaluate the clinical predictors for primary patency loss in SMA only subgroup.

RESULTS

A total of 278 patients were included (early, 74; mid, 95; late, 109). The overall mean age was 71 years, and 70% were females. High technical success (early, 98.6%; mid, 100%; late, 100%; P = .27) and immediate resolution of symptoms (early, 86.3%; mid, 93.7%; late, 90.8%; P = .27) were noted over the three eras. In both the celiac artery and SMA cohorts, the use of bare metal stents (BMS) declined over time (early, 99.0%; mid, 90.3%; late, 65.5%; P < .001) with a proportionate increase in covered stents (CS) (early, 0.99%; mid, 9.7%; late, 28.9%; P < .001). The use of postoperative antiplatelet and statins has increased over time (early, 89.2%; mid, 97.9%; late, 99.1%; P = .003) and (early, 47%; mid, 68%; late, 81%; P = .001), respectively. In the SMA stent-only cohort, no significant differences were noted in primary patency rates between BMS and CS (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-2.87; P = .94). High-intensity preoperative statins were associated with fewer primary patency loss events compared to none/low- or moderate-intensity statins (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.72; P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent outcomes were observed for CMI EIs across three consecutive eras. In the SMA stent-only cohort, no statistically significant difference in early primary patency was noted for CS and BMS, making the use of CS at additional cost controversial and possibly not cost effective. Notably, the preoperative high-intensity statins were associated with improved SMA primary patency. These findings demonstrate the importance of guideline-directed medical therapy as an essential adjunct to EI in the treatment of CMI.

Inferior mesenteric artery revascularization can supplement salvage of mesenteric ischemia

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) has often been overlooked in favor of the celiac or superior mesenteric artery in arterial mesenteric ischemia, owing to the typically robust visceral collateral networks. In the present report, we have described a case series of patients in whom "salvage" revascularization of the IMA was performed after attempted celiac or superior mesenteric artery revascularization had been unsuccessful. The restored IMA inflow had resolved the symptoms for three patients. However, sole IMA revascularization was insufficient to reverse the course for two other patients with severe acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia. The IMA should be considered for salvage revascularization in the appropriate clinical scenario.

Early and Midterm Outcomes of Open and Endovascular Revascularization of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

Background

Revascularization strategies for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) include open (OR) and endovascular (ER) modalities. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of OR and ER and the impact of clinical and morphological variables on early and midterm outcomes in a consecutive series of CMI patients in a tertiary referral center.

Patients and methods

From 2004 to 2017, all CMI patients treated with OR and ER were retrospectively identified. Patient records, preoperative imaging, as well as peri- and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to identify clinical or morphological variables affecting reintervention rates within 2 years.

Results

In total, 63 patients (33% male; mean age 71, range 60–76 years) were treated by ER (41 patients) or OR (22 patients) for CMI. Mean follow-up was 26 (10–71) months. 30-day mortality was 0.0% after ER and 4.5% after OR (p = 0.069); 30-day morbidity was 9.8% vs. 31.8%, respectively (p = 0.030). Length of stay was significantly longer after OR (14 vs. 4 days; p < 0.001). Freedom from reintervention rate after 2 years was 82% after OR and 73% after ER (p = 0.14). Overall survival did not differ after 2 years (OR 85% vs. ER 86%; p = 0.35). Multivariable analysis revealed that smoking was associated with higher risk of reintervention (hazard ratio, HR: 4.14; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.11–15.53; p = 0.03). Additionally, a nonsignificant trend of lower reintervention rates after OR was detected (HR 0.23 95% CI 0.05–1.08; p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Due to a lower invasiveness, despite the higher reintervention rate, an “endovascular first” strategy is justified and recommended.

Percutaneous retrograde revascularization of chronic occlusions of the superior mesenteric artery via collaterals of the celiac artery

Purpose

To evaluate the technical success of percutaneous retrograde revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) via the celiac artery (CA) in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of three patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the origin of SMA which were recanalized retrograde via collaterals of the CA after frustrating attempt of antegrade revascularization from the abdominal aorta in our institute between May 2019 and June 2020.

Results

All technical procedures of retrograde revascularization of CTOs of SMA via collaterals of the CA were successful. The clinical outcome resulted in a sustained resolution of abdominal pain in all cases.

Conclusion

Retrograde recanalization of SMA via collaterals from the CA seems to be a successful endovascular option for patients with CMI and a chronically occluded superior mesenteric artery when antegrade recanalization fails as far as it can be concluded from the small number of presented cases.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: Clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Vascular Surgery

BACKGROUND

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) results from the inability to achieve adequate postprandial intestinal blood flow, usually from atherosclerotic occlusive disease at the origins of the mesenteric vessels. Patients typically present with postprandial pain, food fear, and weight loss, although they can present with acute mesenteric ischemia and bowel infarction. The diagnosis requires a combination of the appropriate clinical symptoms and significant mesenteric artery occlusive disease, although it is often delayed given the spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders associated with abdominal pain and weight loss. The treatment goals include relieving the presenting symptoms, preventing progression to acute mesenteric ischemia, and improving overall quality of life. These practice guidelines were developed to provide the best possible evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CMI from atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The Society for Vascular Surgery established a committee composed of vascular surgeons and individuals experienced with evidence-based reviews. The committee focused on six specific areas, including the diagnostic evaluation, indications for treatment, choice of treatment, perioperative evaluation, endovascular/open revascularization, and surveillance/remediation. A formal systematic review was performed by the evidence team to identify the optimal technique for revascularization. Specific practice recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system based on review of literature, the strength of the data, and consensus.

RESULTS

Patients with symptoms consistent with CMI should undergo an expedited workup, including a computed tomography arteriogram, to exclude other potential causes. The diagnosis is supported by significant arterial occlusive disease in the mesenteric vessels, particularly the superior mesenteric artery. Treatment requires revascularization with the primary target being the superior mesenteric artery. Endovascular revascularization with a balloon-expandable covered intraluminal stent is the recommended initial treatment with open repair reserved for select younger patients and those who are not endovascular candidates. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are recommended after revascularization and for asymptomatic patients with severe mesenteric occlusive disease. Patient with recurrent symptoms after revascularization owing to recurrent stenoses should be treated with an endovascular-first approach, similar to the de novo lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

These practice guidelines were developed based on the best available evidence. They should help to optimize the care of patients with CMI. Multiple areas for future research were identified.

Transradial interventions in contemporary vascular surgery practice

OBJECTIVES

Upper extremity arterial access is often required for endovascular procedures, especially for antegrade access to the visceral aortic branches. Radial arterial access has been shown previously to have low complication rates, and patients tolerate the procedure well and are able to recover quickly. However, transradial access remains relatively uncommon amongst vascular surgeons.

METHODS

The radial artery was evaluated by ultrasound to evaluate for adequate caliber, and to identify any aberrant anatomy or arterial loops. A modified Barbeau test was performed to ensure sufficient collateral circulation. A cocktail of nitroglycerin, verapamil and heparin was administered intra-arterially to combat vasospasm. Sheaths up to 6 French were utilized for interventions. On completion of the procedure, a compression band was used for hemostasis in all cases.

RESULTS

Twenty-five interventions were performed in 24 patients. The left radial artery was used in 23/25 cases (92.0%). Procedures included visceral and renal artery interventions; stent graft repair of a renal artery aneurysm; embolization of splenic, pancreaticoduodenal and internal mammary aneurysms; embolization of bilateral hypogastric arteries following blunt pelvic trauma; interventions for peripheral arterial disease; delivery of a renal snorkel graft during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, and access for diagnostic catheters during thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Technical success was 92.0%. There was one post-operative radial artery occlusion (4.3%) which led to paresthesias but resolved with anticoagulation. There were no instances of arterial rupture, hematoma, or hand ischemia requiring intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the transradial approach, we have demonstrated a high technical success rate over a range of clinical contexts with minimal morbidity and no significant complications such as bleeding or hand ischemia. The safety profile compares favorably to historical complication rates from brachial access. Radial access is a safe and useful skill for vascular surgeons to master.

The Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines on follow-up after vascular surgery arterial procedures

Although follow-up after open surgical and endovascular procedures is generally regarded as an important part of the care provided by vascular surgeons, there are no detailed or comprehensive guidelines that specify the optimal approaches with regard to testing methods, indications for reintervention, and follow-up intervals. To provide guidance to the vascular surgeon, the Clinical Practice Council of the Society for Vascular Surgery appointed an expert panel and a methodologist to review the current clinical evidence and to develop recommendations for follow-up after vascular surgery procedures. For those procedures for which high-quality evidence was not available, recommendations were based on observational studies, committee consensus, and indirect evidence. Recognizing that there are numerous published reports on the role of duplex ultrasound for surveillance of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts, the Society commissioned a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic. The panel classified the strength of each recommendation and the corresponding quality of evidence on the basis of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system: recommendations were graded either strong or weak, and the quality of evidence was graded high, moderate, or low. The resulting recommendations represent a wide variety of open surgical and endovascular procedures involving the extracranial carotid artery, thoracic and abdominal aorta, mesenteric and renal arteries, and lower extremity arterial revascularization. The panel also identified many areas in which there was a lack of high-quality evidence to support their recommendations. This suggests that there are opportunities for further clinical research on testing methods, threshold criteria, and the role of surveillance as well as on the modes of failure and indications for reintervention after vascular surgery procedures.

Bifurcated Stent Technique: A Viable Option for Treatment of Patients With Unusual Anatomy Presenting With Combined Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia and Diffuse Ischemic Gastric Ulcers

Treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia has evolved over the last two decades. Endovascular therapy is now the treatment of choice for patients with lesions amenable to such an approach. Open revascularization remains the standard of care but is frequently being reserved for lesions containing intraluminal thrombus or severe calcification. In most cases, celiac axis (CA) stenting is not needed since revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) alone results in symptomatic resolution. This report describes a case of a patient with chronic mesenteric ischemia and diffuse gastric ulcers found to have a common origin of the SMA and CA that was treated endovascularly using a bifurcated stent technique.

Long-Term Results of Endovascular Treatment of Atherosclerotic Stenoses or Occlusions of the Coeliac and Superior Mesenteric Artery in Patients With Mesenteric Ischaemia

INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, primary percutaneous mesenteric artery stenting (PMAS) has become an alternative to open revascularisation for treatment of mesenteric ischaemia. Institutes have presented favourable short-term outcomes after PMAS, but there is a lack of data on long-term stent patency.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-one patients treated by PMAS for acute and chronic mesenteric ischaemia over an 8 year period were studied. Anatomical success was assessed by duplex ultrasound and/or CT angiography. A stenosis ≥70% was considered to be a failure.

RESULTS

Eighty-six coeliac arteries (CA) and 99 superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) were treated with PMAS in 141 patients. Nine CAs (10%) and 30 SMAs (30%) were occluded at the time of treatment. Median follow-up was 32 months (IQR 20-46). The overall primary patency rate at 12 and 60 months was 77.0% and 45.0%. The overall primary assisted patency rate was 90.3% and 69.8%. Overall secondary patency was 98.3% and 93.6%.

CONCLUSION

This study shows excellent long-term secondary patencies after PMAS, comparable with published data on long-term patencies after open surgical revascularisation.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in the management of chronic mesenteric angina: A single center experience

INTRODUCTION

The objective of our study was to review the results of percutaneous angioplasty (PTA)/stenting in the treatment of patients who presented with symptoms and angiographic findings of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 13 consecutive patients from a single institution who underwent PTA/stenting for the treatment of symptoms suggestive of CMI.

RESULTS

All 13 patients in our study were men, and most common presenting symptoms were weight loss and postprandial pain. Atherosclerosis was the most common cause. PTA and stenting was performed in 9 patients and PTA alone was done in 4 patients. Primary technical success rate was 92% with complete resolution of symptoms within 2 weeks in all patients. No statistical difference was noted in primary clinical success rate based on the number of vessels treated or the method of treatment. However, in patients whom SMA was treated had longer duration of symptom-free survival as compared to other vessels.

CONCLUSION

PTA and stenting are very effective therapeutic options for patients presenting with CMI symptoms. It should be considered as the first-line of management in such patients.

Celiac and Superior/Inferior Mesenteric Angioplasty and Stenting for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A Single-Center Experience

Angioplasty and stenting emerged as the less invasive treatment options compared to open surgical revascularization for the management of patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). However, endovascular techniques may not achieve symptomatic relief in many patients with CMI. We report our results from the endovascular management of patients with CMI. Data were reviewed from 45 patients undergoing celiac and/or mesenteric angioplasty and stenting for CMI, from October 2006 to January 2016. Angioplasty and stenting of celiac and/or mesenteric arteries were successful in relieving symptoms completely in 29 of 45 and partially in 6 of 45 patients. Only 10 of 45 patients mentioned no improvement, while symptom recurrence occurred in another 3 of 45 patients between 3 and 36 months postprocedurally due to stent occlusion. Angioplasty and stenting of celiac and/or mesenteric arteries provide symptomatic relief in a considerable percentage of patients with CMI. If symptoms fail to improve, an open surgical revascularization procedure should be considered.

Percutaneous retrograde crossing of a near-occluded celiac trunk via the superior mesenteric artery as an adjuvant maneuver for antegrade stenting

Abstract We describe the case of a 63-year-old woman with chronic mesenteric ischemia, persistent postprandial upper abdominal pain and progressive weight loss. Retrograde recanalization was performed via the superior mesenteric artery in order to achieve the goal of crossing the near-occlusion, showing that retrograde catheterization of the celiac trunk can be a feasible approach in challenging cases in which an antegrade approach fails as a single maneuver.

Endovascular treatment of occluded and stenotic visceral vessels in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia

Objective Current evidence in the literature about endovascular treatment (ET) of visceral vessels in patients with chronic mesenterial ischemia (CMI) based on morphological characteristics is limited. The aim of this study was the evaluation of ET in occluded and stenotic visceral vessels. Methods Patients undergoing ET for CMI between November 2000 and November 2012 were included in this retrospective study. Primary measure outcome was the symptom-free survival (SFS). Secondary outcomes were primary (PPR), secondary patency (SPR) rates and technical success rate (TSR). A Cox-regression analysis identified risk factors for the primary and secondary measure outcomes. Results Forty patients were included in the present study (men: 21, mean age: 68). The overall number of vessels with intention-to-treat was 62. Fifty-two visceral arteries (18 occlusions and 34 stenoses) were successfully treated by endovascular means. The overall TSR was 84%. Visceral vessel occlusions and atherosclerotic disease of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were identified as independent risk factors for poorer TSR ( p < 0.05). The 12-month SFS was 60%. The overall 12-month PPR and SPR were 71% and 94%, respectively. No significant differences were observed between occluded and stenotic vessels ( p > 0.05) concerning the PPR. On the other hand, the subgroup analysis revealed higher SPR among occluded visceral vessels ( p < 0.001) and coeliac axis lesions ( p < 0.001). Conclusions ET was associated with high incidence of symptoms recurrence despite the satisfying patency rates in both occluded and stenotic vessels. Additionally, visceral vessel occlusion and presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the SMA were associated with poorer TSR.

Successful endovascular treatment of severe chronic mesenteric ischemia by concurrent triple-vessel mesenteric artery revascularization

A 52-year-old man presenting with severely symptomatic chronic mesenteric ischemia had proximal occlusion of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries and critical stenosis of the inferior mesenteric artery ostium. Concurrent percutaneous revascularization with stenting of all three mesenteric arteries was successfully achieved using techniques tailored to each lesion. Complete clinical recovery was observed at the six-month post-procedure follow-up.

Isolated stenosis of the inferior mesenteric artery: to treat or not to treat?

The indication for treatment of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is generally not clear. The IMA is frequently ignored owing to its size and the presence of alternate pathways within the mesenteric vasculature. However, IMA treatment may be indicated in certain clinical scenarios. In this article, we focus on the indications for IMA treatment and technical considerations when treatment is indicated.

Endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia

PURPOSE

Data regarding endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) are sparse. Angioplasty is often accompanied by early restenosis and the need of further interventions. Thus we present our own patients' data and review the recent literature.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all endovascular CMI treatments performed from 2008 to 2012 (27 patients, 14 females, mean age 70 ± 9 years). Patients' data were retrieved from electronic health records. Patients' follow-up included routinely performed color-coded ultrasonography, and, if performed for other clinical reasons, computed tomography or angiography. In addition, data extracted from 11 studies focusing on endovascular CMI treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

Procedures were performed without clinical complications in all patients. Seven patients received pure angioplasty and 20 patients stent-assisted angioplasties using bare metal stents, respectively. Three patients died 3, 5 and 32 months after the intervention. Five patients underwent re-intervention (one early restenosis at day 4 after pure angioplasty with stent placement and four because of in-stent restenosis, 5 to 23 months after placement). Another patient was treated surgically because of stent occlusion and reoccurring abdominal angina 15 months after the intervention. The 11 studies found in the literature included 429 cases with 196 treatments of the coeliac trunk (truncus coeliacus = TC), 319 of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and 42 of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Patency rates in the more recent studies were high with up to 80% within 1 year. Data of earlier studies report longer follow-up periods and indicate low patency rates after three years. Our 2-year patency rate of 50% is within the range of reported patency data.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented data show that endovascular SMA treatment is a suitable and safe procedure in patients suffering from CMI, but long-term results are limited.

Open versus endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia: risk-stratified outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Outcomes of open (OR) and endovascular revascularization (ER) for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) were analyzed with respect to clinical risk stratification.

METHODS

The data of 229 consecutive patients treated for CMI with OR (146 patients/265 vessels) or ER (83 patients/105 vessels) between 1991 and 2005 were reviewed. Patients were classified as low-risk or high-risk using standard scoring systems. End points were mortality and morbidity, recurrence-free survival, and patency rates. A subset analysis compared 111 patients (208 vessels) who had OR with 58 patients (76 vessels) who had stenting.

RESULTS

The ER patients were significantly older (71 +/- 15 vs 65 +/- 11 years; P < .05), had higher risk (58% vs 31%), and fewer vessels revascularized (1.3 +/- 0.5 vs 1.8 +/- 0.4). Four (2.7%) procedurally related deaths occurred in the OR and two (2.4%) in the ER group (P = NS). Mortality was higher for high-risk patients (OR, 6.7% vs 0.9%; ER, 4.8% vs 0%; P < .05), but differences were not significant among low-risk or high-risk OR vs ER patients. OR patients had more complications (36% vs 18%; P < .001) and longer hospitalization (12 +/- 8 vs 3 +/- 5 days; P < .001). At 5 years, OR had improved (P < .05) recurrence-free survival (89% +/- 4% vs 51% +/- 9%), and primary (88% +/- 3% vs 41% +/- 9%) and secondary patency rates (97% +/- 2% vs 88% +/- 4%). More restenoses (hazard ratio [HR], 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-10.2), recurrences (HR, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.3-13.8), and reinterventions occurred in the ER group (HR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.9-9.7). At last follow-up, significant symptom improvement was noted in 137 OR (96%) and 72 ER patients (92%, P = NS). In the subset analysis of patients having first-time operations vs stenting, OR resulted in improved (P < .05) recurrence-free survival (91% +/- 3% vs 56% +/- 8% at 5 years) and better primary and secondary patency rates (93% +/- 2% and 98% +/- 1% vs 52% +/- 8% and 93% +/- 4% at 3 years).

CONCLUSION

OR has similar mortality but higher morbidity and longer hospitalization than ER in low-risk or high-risk patients with CMI. Both treatments effectively improved symptoms, but restenosis, recurrent symptoms, and reinterventions were more likely in ER patients. These findings may guide treatment selection and counseling of low-risk and high-risk CMI patients undergoing OR or ER procedures.

Suprarenal fixation resulting in intestinal ischemia after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) may be associated with specific stent- and procedure-related complications. Hepatic artery anatomic variability may lead to dramatic consequences when unanticipated. A 64-year-old man presented with a 6-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm, suitable for an EVAR procedure. The EVAR procedure was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 2 days. After 2 weeks, he was readmitted for recurrent upper abdominal pain due to acute cholecystitis. The postoperative EVAR computed tomography scan was revisited and the suprarenal bare-metal stent of the Zenith device overlapped the highly calcified origin of both the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the celiac trunk. Moreover, the patient appeared to have a right replaced hepatic artery originating from the SMA. He developed diffuse, patchy ischemia of both the large and the entire small bowel, and quickly became unresponsive to vasopressor drugs. He died shortly thereafter. An EVAR procedure may result in a highly complicated course when hepatic artery anatomic variability is present. Fenestrated EVAR or proximal graft scallops should be considered for cases in which the proximal sealing zone is diseased and flow to visceral vessels is compromised.

Gastro-intestinal vascular emergencies

Gastro-Intestinal Vascular Emergencies include all digestive ischaemic injuries related to acute or chronic vascular and/or haemodynamic diseases. Gastro-intestinal ischaemic injuries can be occlusive or non-occlusive, arterial or venous, localized or generalized, superficial or transmural and share the risks of infarction, organ failure and death. The diagnosis must be suspected, at the initial presentation of any sudden, continuous and unusual abdominal pain, contrasting with normal physical examination. Risk factors are often unknown at presentation and no biomarker is currently available. The diagnosis is confirmed by abdominal computed tomography angiography identifying intestinal ischaemic injury, either with vascular occlusion or in a context of low flow. Recent knowledge in the pathophysiology of acute mesenteric ischaemia, clinical experience and existing recommendations have generated a multimodal and multidisciplinary management strategy. Based on the gastro-intestinal viability around a simple algorithm, and coordinated by gastroenterologists, the dual aim is to avoid large intestinal resections and death.

Bowel necrosis following endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Endovascular revascularization has recently been established as a less invasive treatment method for chronic mesenteric ischemia. However, intestinal necrosis caused by distal embolization following this procedure has not been emphasized.

Case presentation

The present report describes a 59-year-old man who was treated with endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia. After the procedure, he was diagnosed with intestinal necrosis caused by distal embolization. Despite emergent bowel resection, he died on postoperative day 109.

Conclusion

Although endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia is less invasive and may be suitable for high-risk patients, attention should be paid to avoid embolic complications that can cause intestinal infarction possibly leading to a fatal condition.

Endovascular recanalization of the superior mesenteric artery in the context of mesenteric bypass graft infection

Mesenteric prosthetic graft infection is a rare and challenging clinical scenario. A patient is described who developed recurrent abdominal pain after occlusion of an iliomesenteric prosthetic bypass. Endovascular recanalization of the native superior mesenteric artery, which had been occluded for more than 10 years, was accomplished using axillofemoral through-wire access and a steerable guiding catheter. The infected prosthetic was then explanted and his graft-enteric fistula repaired. Technical and strategic considerations are discussed.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: critical review and guidelines for management

BACKGROUND

CMI is caused by chronic occlusive disease of mesenteric arteries. In such an uncommon disease, clear recommendations are strongly needed. Unfortunately, treatment options for symptomatic CMI are still controversial and no guidelines exist.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of the last 25-years was conducted through MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Review/Trials register to identify studies reporting on CMI treatment with more than 10 patients. Primary outcomes were perioperative mortality and morbidity rates. Secondary outcomes were survival rates, primary and secondary patency rates, vessels treated, CMI recurrence, follow-up (FU), technical success (TS), and in-hospital length of stay (InH-LOS). Patients were divided into endovascular treatment (ET) or open treatment (OT) groups. Subsequently, primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed by study publication year for the interval periods 1986-2000 ("A") and 2001-2010 ("B"). Differences were assessed using the t-test and the χ(2) test.

RESULTS

Forty-three articles with 1,795 patients were included. Perioperative mortality and morbidity rates were lower in the ET group. No difference in survival rate was observed. Primary and secondary patencies were superior in the OT group. A greater number of vessels were revascularized in the OT group. CMI recurrence was more frequent in the ET group. FU was longer in the OT group. TS was superior in the OT group and InH-LOS was shorter in the ET group. A higher number of patients were treated by ET in the period "A." No differences in mortality and morbidity were observed between period "A" and "B" in ET and OT groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the lower periprocedural mortality and morbidity after ET, this approach should be considered as the first treatment option in most CMI patients, especially in those with severe malnutrition. Primary OT should be restricted to cases that do not qualify for ET or good surgical risk patients with long life expectancy. Considering better long-term results of OT, ET treatment should be considered as a bridge therapy to OT in some patients requiring retreatment if ET does not preclude subsequent OT.