Impact of exclusion criteria on patient selection for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Up and over staged endoconduit technique for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

Adverse iliofemoral anatomy can preclude complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. This study aims to describe the "up-and-over" staged endoconduit technique to improve access and avoid vascular injury before complex endovascular aneurysm repair. A staged procedure for complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is performed using an endoconduit (W.L. Gore & Associates). After obtaining contralateral femoral access, the extension of iliofemoral disease is assessed using angiography. The endoconduit is advanced "up and over" the aortic bifurcation and delivered percutaneously into the common femoral artery to treat a diseased access site and maintain intact the ipsilateral femoral access for future stent graft deployment. Internal iliac artery patency is maintained when feasible. During complex aneurysm repair, the endoconduit is accessed directly under ultrasound guidance using sequential dilation to avoid vascular injury. PerClose sutures (Abbott Vascular) are used to close the endoconduit femoral access site. This study found that staged "up and over" endoconduit creation is a useful technique before complex endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with adverse iliofemoral anatomy. Avoiding accessing the main femoral access site during the first stage prevents vascular or access site injuries and allows for both iliac and femoral disease to be addressed.

Hybrid management of iliac injury during thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A case report

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is nowadays the preferred option to manage descending thoracic aorta diseases. However, despite feasibility and safety of the procedures, several complications may occur. We report the case of an 83-year-old female patient with inadvertent iliac rupture occurred during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. To limit massive bleeding, considering the patient's comorbidities contraindicating open surgical repair and the morphology of the arterial injury (circumferential rupture of the artery from its origin), we chose to perform a homolateral hypogastric and common iliac artery embolization and an aorto-uniliac balloon expandable stent graft deployment from the distal aorta to the contralateral common iliac artery. A femoro-femoral crossover bypass graft was performed to restore both lower limbs perfusion. Final angiography documented correct positioning and regular patency of the implanted grafts and bypass with no blood loss from the right iliac vessels. Despite careful preoperative assessment, iliac artery injury can represent a challenging complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair, particularly in the setting of inadequate iliac diameter, calcification and vessel tortuosity, or when large-caliber introducers are required. The hybrid approach we describe is a valid and effective solution to minimize blood loss and avoid major consequences in the management of iatrogenic iliac artery rupture during endovascular procedures.

Long-term outcomes of staged iliofemoral endoconduits prior to complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Adverse iliofemoral anatomy may preclude complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). In our practice, staged iliofemoral endoconduits (ECs) are planned prior to complex EVAR to improve vascular access and decrease operative time while allowing the stented vessel to heal. This study describes the long-term results of iliofemoral ECs prior to complex EVAR.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2023, 59 patients (44% male; median age, 75 ± 6 years) underwent ECs before complex EVAR using self-expanding covered stents (Viabahn). For common femoral artery (CFA) disease, ECs were delivered percutaneously from contralateral femoral access and extended into the CFA to preserve the future access site for stent graft delivery. Internal iliac artery patency was maintained when feasible. During complex EVAR, the EC extended into the CFA was directly accessed and sequentially dilated until it could accommodate the endograft. Technical success was defined as successful access, closure, and delivery of the endograft during complex EVAR. Endpoints were vascular injury or EC disruption, secondary interventions, and EC patency.

RESULTS

Unilateral EC was performed in 45 patients (76%). ECs were extended into the CFA in 21 patients (35%). Median diameters of the native common iliac, external iliac, and CFA were 7 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 6-8 mm), 6 mm (IQR, 5-7 mm), and 6 mm (IQR, 6-7 mm), respectively. Internal iliac artery was inadvertently excluded in 10 patients (17%). Six patients (10%) had an intraoperative vascular injury during the EC procedure, and six patients (10%) had EC disruption during complex EVAR, including five EC collapses requiring re-stenting and one EC fracture requiring open cut-down and reconstruction with patch angioplasty. In 23 patients (39%), 22 Fr OD devices were used; 20 Fr were used in 22 patients (37%), and 18 Fr in 14 patients (24%). Technical success for accessing EC was 89%. There was no difference in major adverse events at 30 days between the iliac ECs and iliofemoral ECs. Primary patency by Kaplan-Meier estimates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 97.5%, 89%, and 82%, respectively. There was no difference in primary patency between iliac and iliofemoral ECs. Six secondary interventions (10%) were required. The mean follow-up was 34 ± 27 months; no limb loss or amputations occurred during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

ECs improve vascular access, and their use prior to complex EVAR is associated with low rates of vascular injury, high technical success, and optimal long-term patency. Complex EVAR procedures can be performed percutaneously by accessing the EC directly under ultrasound guidance and using sequential dilation to avoid EC disruption.

Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Aortic Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with a Hostile Neck Anatomy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for the treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a hostile neck anatomy (HNA).

METHODS

From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019, a total of 259 patients diagnosed with an AAA who underwent EVAR were recruited into this study. Based on the morphological characteristics of the proximal neck anatomy, the patients were divided into the HNA group and the friendly neck anatomy (FNA) group. The patients were followed up for up to 4 years.

RESULTS

The average follow-up time was 1056.1±535.5 days. Type I endoleak occurred in 4 patients in the HNA group, and 2 patients in the FNA group. Neither death nor intraoperative switch to open repair occurred in either group. The time of the operation was significantly longer in the HNA group (FNA vs. HNA, 99.2±51.1 min vs. 117.5±63.8 min, P=0.011). There were no significant differences in short-term clinical success rate (P=0.228) or midterm clinical success rate (P=0.889) between the two groups. The overall mortality rate was 10.4%, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the two groups had similar cumulative survival rates at the end of the follow-up period (P=0.889).

CONCLUSION

EVAR was feasible and safe in patients with an AAA with a proximal HNA. The early and midterm results were promising; however, further studies are needed to verify the long-term effectiveness of EVAR.

Brazilian Society for Angiology and Vascular Surgery guidelines on abdominal aortic aneurysm

The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, through the Guidelines Project, presents new Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Guidelines, on the subject of care for abdominal aortic aneurysm patients. Its development prioritized descriptive guidelines, using the EMBASE, LILACS, and PubMed databases. References include randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and cohort studies. Quality of evidence was evaluated by a pair of coordinators, aided by the RoB 2 Cochrane tool and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale forms. The subjects include juxtarenal aneurysms, infected aneurysms, and new therapeutic techniques, especially endovascular procedures. The current version of the guidelines include important recommendations for the primary topics involving diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for abdominal aortic aneurysm patients, providing an objective guide for medical practice, based on scientific evidence and widely available throughout Brazil.

Transrenal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair-A Novel Approach for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Difficult Neck Anatomy

BACKGROUND

The endovascular approach to treating ruptured or symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with difficult neck anatomy still poses a major challenge. This study proposes and evaluates the outcomes of a novel technique, Transrenal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (Tr-EVAR) which utilizes the top ring 'valley' and 'peak' configuration of the Anaconda stent graft to achieve proximal seal in AAAs with an unfavourable neck.

METHODS

All patients treated with Tr-EVAR over a period of 10 years were identified retrospectively. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected, and survival analysis was performed. The time-to-event was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves for complication-free survival, reintervention-free survival, and overall survival.

RESULTS

During the study period, 36 patients ruptured, symptomatic or large AAAs having unfavorable necks and not fit for open repair underwent Tr-EVAR. Two patients died in the first 30 days postprocedure (5.6%). The overall survival at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were 86%, 72% and 54% respectively with a mean overall survival of 74.0 months (SE 7.8, 95% confidence interval 58.7-89.3) which was comparable to chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The complication-free survival and reintervention-free survival at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 75%, 61%, 42%, 78%, 64%, and 45%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Tr-EVAR can be considered as an off-the-shelf solution for urgent cases not fit for open repair with unfavourable neck features for standard EVAR. Careful patient selection and planning have generated acceptable immediate, midterm and long-term results comparable to those presented by chimney EVAR in the literature.

Outcomes of Endurant II Stent Graft According to Anatomic Severity Grade Score

OBJECTIVES

This study's objective was to evaluate Endurant II (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota) stent graft's early and midterm outcomes and compare the results according to the anatomic severity grade (ASG) scores.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients treated with the Endurant II stent graft between January 2013 and May 2021. The patients were divided into 2 independent groups, including those with a low ASG score (score <14) and a high ASG score (score >14).

RESULTS

A total of 165 consecutive patients (89% males, age 74±8 years) were included. There were 110 (67%) patients in the low-score group and 55 (33%) patients in the high-score group. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Primary clinical success at 30 days was 100% and at 1 year was 96%. Median operative time was longer in the high-score group with no statistical significance (133 vs 120 minutes, p=0.116). The median dose area product of low-score patients (50.9 Gy·cm2; IQR 22.4-75.5 Gy·cm2) was significantly lower than high-score patients (85.0 Gy·cm2; IQR 46.5-127.9 Gy·cm2) with p=0.025. Median fluoroscopic time was lower in low-score patients (17 minutes; IQR 13-24 minutes) compared with high-score patients (19 minutes; IQR 16-23 minutes) without a significant difference at p=0.148. At a midterm follow-up of 32 months (range 2-63 months), combined complications (29% vs 8%, p<0.001) and implant-related complications (13% vs 4%, p=0.043) were higher in the high-score group. Systemic complications at 30 days were higher in the high-score group without a statistically significant difference (15% vs 11%, p=0.500). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from reintervention was significantly higher in the low-risk group at 1 (97% vs 90%), 2 (96% vs 88%), and 3 years (96% vs 85%) with (p=0.035). The cumulative survival rate was significantly higher in the low-score group than high-score group (p=0.001) at 1 (99% vs 87%), 2 (98% vs 85%), and 3 years (96% vs 82%).

CONCLUSIONS

Endurant II endovascular aneurysm repair seems to be safe in both low-score and high-score patients. However, patients in the high-score group showed more implant-related complications and midterm mortalities than those in the low-score group.

Status of diagnosis and therapy of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by localized dilation of the abdominal aorta. They are associated with several serious consequences, including compression of adjacent abdominal organs, pain, treatment-related financial expenditure. The main complication of AAA is aortic rupture, which is responsible for about 200,000 deaths per year worldwide. An increasing number of researchers are dedicating their efforts to study AAA, resulting in significant progress in this field. Despite the commendable progress made thus far, there remains a lack of established methods to effectively decelerate the dilation of aneurysms. Therefore, further studies are imperative to expand our understanding and enhance our knowledge concerning AAAs. Although numerous factors are known to be associated with the occurrence and progression of AAA, the exact pathway of development remains unclear. While asymptomatic at most times, AAA features a highly unpredictable disease course, which could culminate in the highly deadly rupture of the aneurysmal aorta. Current guidelines recommend watchful waiting and lifestyle adjustment for smaller, slow-growing aneurysms, while elective/prophylactic surgical repairs including open repair and endovascular aneurysm repair are recommended for larger aneurysms that have grown beyond certain thresholds (55 mm for males and 50 mm for females). The latter is a minimally invasive procedure and is widely believed to be suited for patients with a poor general condition. However, several concerns have recently been raised regarding the postoperative complications and possible loss of associated survival benefits on it. In this review, we aimed to highlight the current status of diagnosis and treatment of AAA by an in-depth analysis of the findings from literatures.

Editor's Choice - Endurant Stent Graft in Patients with Challenging Neck Anatomy "One Step Outside Instructions for Use": Early and Midterm Results from the EAGLE Registry

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Endurant for Challenging Anatomy: Global Experience (EAGLE) registry is to evaluate prospectively the technical and clinical success rate of a stentgraft used in patients with challenging neck anatomy outside the instructions for use (IFU) but within objective anatomical limits.

METHODS

This was a prospective, international, multicentre, observational study. From 1 February 2012 to 1 September 2017, patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a challenging infrarenal neck that were deemed suitable for endovascular aneurysm repair were included prospectively at 23 European centres. Patients were distributed by anatomy into three groups: short neck (SN; infrarenal neck 5 - 10 mm in combination with suprarenal angulation [α] ≤ 45° and infrarenal angulation [β] ≤ 60°); medium neck (MN; infrarenal neck 10 - 15 mm with α ≤ 60° and β 60° - 75° or α 45°- 60° and β ≤ 75°; and long angulated neck (LN; infrarenal neck ≥ 15 mm with α ≤ 75° and β 75°- 90° or α 60°- 75° and β ≤ 90°. All computed tomography scans were reviewed by an independent core laboratory. Primary outcomes were technical and clinical success. Secondary endpoints were peri-operative major adverse events, all cause mortality, aneurysm related mortality, endoleaks, migration, and secondary intervention.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty patients (81.3% male) were included (SN = 55, MN = 16, LN = 79). The median follow up was 36 ± 12.6 months. In the overall cohort, the technical success rate was 93.3%. Estimated freedom from aneurysm related death was 97.3% at three years. Freedom from secondary interventions was 84.7% at three years. Estimated clinical success was 96.0%, 90.8%, and 83.2% at 30 days, one year, and three years, respectively. Estimated freedom from all cause mortality, late type IA endoleak, and migration at three years was 75.1%, 93.7%, and 99.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The early and midterm results of the EAGLE registry show that endovascular repair with the Endurant stentgraft in selected patients with challenging infrarenal neck anatomy yields results in line with large "real world" registries. Long term results are awaited for more definitive conclusions.

Migration of High Cardiac Risk Patients from Open to Endovascular Procedures is Evident within the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative

BACKGROUND

In this study, pre-operative medical complexity is estimated by the independently validated Vascular Quality Initiative VQI Cardiac Risk Index (CRI). This study aims to identify and correlate trends of CRI for open abdominal aortic aneurysm (OAR) with trends in the CRI for corresponding endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). This assessment of differences in estimated procedural risks will be used to support the theory that, patient migration is an important factor contributing to decreased POMI following open vascular procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of VQI data from 2003 to 2020 for all patients undergoing elective aortic repairs (OAR and EVAR) was conducted. The CRI scoring developed for the open repair (oCRI) was applied to both the OAR and EVAR cohorts, with variables specific to EVAR translated from similar open repair factors in the model where feasible. To evaluate for changes across time, patients were grouped into Eras based on year of procedure, subsequently, univariate analysis of post-operative myocardial infarction (POMI) rates and CRI scores were perfomed between each era.

RESULTS

A total of 56,067 elective aortic repairs were identified (83% EVAR, 17% OAR). Within the OAR cohort, the average oCRI estimate was 7.1% with significant decrease across the studied timeframe (8% ± 4.6%→6.9% ± 4.4%, P < 0.001), which corresponded to a significant decrease in observed clinical myocardial infarction (MI) rate (4.1%→1.4%, P < 0.001). Over that same time period, the open CRI was applied to the EVAR cohort, and the average oCRI estimate was 7.2% and showed a significant increase (6.6% ± 2.8%→7.2% ± 4.4%, P < 0.001). Within the EVAR cohort, the eCRI estimate did not show any significant changes over time (average 0.48%), while the actual rate of clinical MI showed a significant decrease (1.1%→0.3%, P = 0.002). Gap analysis was conducted within the EVAR cohort between CRI estimates of procedural risks from an open operation versus an EVAR, which demonstrated that patients within the EVAR cohort would, on an average, has had 6.7% higher risk of POMI had they undergone an open procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Paradigm shifts with regard to patient selection for aortic repair is evident within this large national cohort. Over time, OAR patients had fewer preoperative estimated cardiac comorbidities and there is a corresponding decrease in POMI rates. As high-risk patients migrate from OAR to EVAR, there has been a subsequent increase in EVAR estimated pre-operative risks as the patients become more medically high-risk. Despite increasing complexity, rates of POMI in EVAR significantly decreased, potentially explained by improved operative technique and peri-operative care.

The hemodynamic effect of eccentricity in visceral branched aneurysms with multilayer stents

It is preliminarily acknowledged that multilayer stent (MS) is a promising alternative technology in the treatment of visceral branched aneurysms, but hemodynamic consequences of eccentricity in such aneurysms with MS are less examined. In this work, we performed a time-dependent simulation of branched aneurysms of various eccentricities with different stent layers, and thrombosis-related parameters, such as time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillating shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT), were also analyzed. Our results revealed that MS can generally restore laminar flow inside the stent, and allow proper perfusion to vital organs while also fostering a relatively secluded hemodynamic environment for thrombosis formation. Particularly, a flow in the aneurysm sac communicating between the main artery and side branch forms at early systole. However, MS fails to completely eliminate detrimental flow impingement after peak systole, which may hinder aneurysm recovery, especially in the cases of eccentric aneurysms. Therefore, saccular aneurysms should be treated with more caution than fusiform aneurysms. And further therapeutic attempts to keep both perfusion in the proximal region of the aneurysm and isolation in the distal region of the aneurysm should be considered.

Editor's Choice - Sex Specific Outcomes After Complex Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

As females are at higher mortality risk after endovascular aortic repair, this study aimed to compare the 30-day and 12-month mortality, morbidity, and re-intervention rates between the sexes, treated with fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR).

DATA SOURCES

A search of the English literature, via Ovid, using MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL, up to 30 July 2021, was performed.

REVIEW METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, and its protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021273418). Observational studies (2010-21), with ≥ 20 patients, reporting on sex specific outcomes (mortality, acute kidney injury [AKI], spinal cord ischaemia [SCI], and re-intervention, after F/BEVAR), were considered eligible. Risk of bias in the studies was assessed using ROBINS-I, and evidence quality was assessed using GRADE. The primary outcome was the sex specific 30-day mortality rate, AKI, SCI, and re-intervention rates; secondary outcomes were survival and freedom from re-intervention at 12 months after F/BEVAR. The outcomes were summarised as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Four retrospective and one prospective study (2 421 patients; 26% females) were included. The 30-day mortality rate was 12% in females vs. 3% in males (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.79 - 3.92; Ι² = 0%). The 30-day AKI, SCI, and re-intervention rates were similar (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03 - 2.03; Ι² = 0%; OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.27 - 2.74; Ι² = 38%; and OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.66 - 1.77; Ι² = 0%, respectively). The 12-month survival rate was lower in females (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 - 0.99; Ι² = 38%). When excluding 30-day deaths, there was no difference in 12-month survival between sexes (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95 - 1.02; Ι² = 32%). The 12-month freedom from re-intervention was similar between sexes (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75 - 1.01; Ι² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Female patients treated by F/BEVAR may present worse outcomes in terms of 30-day and 12-month survival. The high peri-operative mortality rate remains an issue. When excluding 30-day deaths, the 12-month survival rate was similar between the sexes. Early morbidity and re-intervention rates were comparable.

Female Sex Is Associated With Reintervention and Mortality Following Elective Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE

While sex differences in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes are increasingly reported, but contributing factors remain without consensus. We investigated disparities in sex-specific outcomes following elective EVAR at our institution and evaluated factors that may predispose females to increased morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing elective EVAR from 2011 to 2020 at a suburban tertiary care center was performed. The primary outcomes were five-year survival and freedom from reintervention. Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and Kaplan-Meier analysis using the rank-log test investigated associations between sex and outcomes. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model controlling for age and common comorbidities evaluated the effect of sex on survival and freedom from reintervention.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-three patients underwent elective EVAR during the study period, including 68 (25%) females and 205 (75%) males. Females were older on average than males (76 years vs. 73 years, p= <0.01) and were more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; 38% versus 23%, p=0.01), require home oxygen therapy (9% versus 2%, p=0.04) or dialysis preoperatively (4% versus 0%, p=0.02). Distribution of other common vascular comorbidities was similar between the sexes. Thirty-day readmission was greater in females than males (18% versus 8%, p=0.02). Females had significantly lower survival at five years (48% ± 7.9% versus 65% ± 4.3%, p<0.01) and significantly lower one-year (89% ± 4.1% for females vs. 94% ± 1.7% for males, p=0.01) and five-year freedom from reintervention (69% ± 8.9% versus 84% ± 3.3%, p=0.02). On multivariable analysis, female sex (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.9), congestive heart failure (HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.9) and age (HR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.1) were associated with 5-year mortality. Female sex remained as the only variable with a statistically significant association with five-year reintervention (HR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-4.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex was associated with decreased five-year survival and increased one and five-year reintervention following elective EVAR. Data from our institution suggests factors beyond patient age and baseline health risk likely contribute to greater surgical morbidity and mortality for females following elective EVAR.

Incidence and Fate of Refractory Type II Endoleak after EVAR: A Retrospective Experience of Two High-Volume Italian Centers

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to report the outcome of patients presenting an isolated type II endoleak (TIIEL) requiring reintervention and to identify clinical and anatomical characteristics potentially implicated in refractory TIIEL occurrence and fate. Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study on TIIEL requiring reintervention was conducted between January 2003 and December 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics, procedural technical aspects, reinterventions, and outcomes were recorded. TIIEL determining sac expansion greater than 10 mm underwent a further endovascular procedure aiming to exclude aneurismal sac. Redo endovascular procedures were performed via endoleak nidus direct embolization and/or aortic side branches occlusion. TIIELs responsible for persisting aneurysmal sac perfusion 6 months after redo endovascular procedures were classified as “refractory” and submitted to open conversion. Results: A total of 102 TIIEL requiring reintervention were included in the final analysis. Eighty-eight (86.27%) patients were male, the mean age was 77.32 ± 8.08 years, and in 72.55% of cases the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) class was ≥3. The mean aortic diameter was 64.7 ± 14.02 mm, half of treated patients had a patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and 44.11% ≥ 3 couples of patent lumbar arteries (LA). In 49 cases (48.03%) standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedure was completed without adjunctive maneuvers. All enrolled patients were initially submitted to a further endovascular procedure once TIIEL requiring reintervention was diagnosed; 57 patients underwent LAs or IMA embolization (55.87%), 42 transarterial aneurismal sac embolization (41.17%), and three (2.96%) laparoscopic ostial ligations of the inferior mesenteric artery. During a mean follow-up of 15.22 ± 7.57 months (7−48), a redo endovascular approach was able to ensure complete sac exclusion in 52 cases, while 50 patients presented a still evident refractory TIIEL and therefore a surgical conversion or semiconversion was conducted. At the univariate analysis refractory TIIEL patients were significantly different from those who did not develop the complication in terms of preoperative clinical, morphological characteristics, and initial EVAR procedures: coronary artery disease occurrence (p = 0.005, OR: 3.18, CI95%: 1.3−7.2); preoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac diameter (p = 0.0055); IMA patency (p = 0.016, OR: 2.64, CI95%: 1.18−5.90); three or more patent LAs; isolated standard EVAR without adjunctive procedures (p > 0.0001; OR: 9.48, CI95%: 3.84−23.4). Conclusions: Our experience seems to demonstrate that it is reasonable to try to preoperatively identify those patients who will develop a refractory TIIEL after EVAR and those with a TIIEL requiring reintervention for whom a simple endovascular redo will not be enough, needing surgical conversion.

Unibody bifurcated aortic endograft: device description, review of the literature and future perspectives

The unibody (Powerlink/AFX/AFX2) Endovascular AAA device (Endologix Inc., CA, USA) presents a unique design with its long main body and two innate limbs. The device is designed to be deployed and sits on the native aortoiliac bifurcation and represents the only one-piece bifurcated endograft designed to use anatomical fixation for endograft stabilization. According to published literature, the unibody device seems to represent a valid choice in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This particular device would seem to satisfactorily perform even in the treatment of more compressed aneurysms (also in off-label association with parallel grafts) and in occlusive pathologies. Ongoing studies will provide new real-life data in a large and unselected patient population to better understand the device’s advantages and limitations.

Iliac Conduits for Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Pathologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm has largely shifted to endovascular techniques. However, severe iliofemoral arterial disease often presents a challenge during these interventions. As a result, iliac conduits have been introduced to facilitate aortic endovascular therapy. The goal of the current study was to gauge utilization and to analyze iliac artery conduit outcomes to facilitate endovascular therapy to treat aortic pathologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis of 14 studies was conducted with the use of random effects modeling. The incidence of periprocedural adverse events was gauged based on iliac conduit vs nonconduit cases and planned vs unplanned iliac conduit placement. Outcomes of interest included length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality associated to conduits, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Iliac conduits, either open or endo-conduits, were utilized in 17% (95% CI: 9%-27%) of 16,855 cases, with technical successful rate of 94% (95% CI: 80%-100%). Periprocedural complications occurred in 32% (95% CI: 22%-42%) of the cases, with overall bleeding complication rate being 10% (95% CI: 5%-16%). Female patients, positive history for smoking, pulmonary disease, and peripheral artery disease at baseline were associated with more frequent utilization of iliac conduits. Conduit use was associated with longer hospitalization, higher periprocedural all-cause mortality (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.75-4.64; p<0.001), and bleeding complication rate (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.58-3.58; p<0.001). Sensitivity analysis among conduit cases showed that planned conduits were associated with fewer periprocedural complications compared to unplanned conduits (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20-0.73; p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Iliac conduit placement is a feasible strategy, associated with high technical success to facilitate complex aortic endovascular repair. However, periprocedural adverse event rate, including bleeding complications is not negligible. All-cause mortality and morbidity rates among cases that require iliac conduits should be strongly considered during clinical decision making. High-quality comparative analyses between iliac conduit vs nonconduit cases and between several types of iliac conduit grafts aiming at facilitating endovascular aortic repair are still needed to determine the best strategy to address challenging iliac artery accesses.

Endovascular aortic repair in patients with challenging anatomies: the EXTREME study

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report the 30-day technical and clinical success with endovascular repair using the ultra-low-profile Ovation stent graft in patients judged to be outside the instructions for use (IFU) for conventional endografts, while amenable to treatment within the IFU for Ovation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-two patients (78.65±7.67 years; 111 male) were enrolled. Patients were evaluated as being outside the IFU for standard endografts because of the absence of a suitable proximal aortic neck in 109 cases (89.3%), of inadequate access vessels in 13 (10.7%), or both in 111 (90.9%). Mean aneurysm (abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA]) diameter was 52.96±10.1 mm; mean aortic neck length was 7.75±6.05 mm. Technical success (98.4%) was achieved in all but two patients due to a type Ia endoleak. At completion angiography, 15 (12.3%) patients presented a type II endoleak. All patients underwent 30-day follow-up. Primary clinical success at one month was 96.8%, assisted clinical success 98.4%. There were no type I endoleaks, while 12 (9.8%) type II endoleaks were still evident, in the absence of sac expansions. Two patients (1.6%) presented an asymptomatic limb occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that, in a selected population of patients with challenging anatomy outside the IFU for conventional endografts, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Ovation stent graft can be performed safely with satisfactory immediate outcomes.

Morphological applicability of currently available stent grafts in the endovascular repair of asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm in East-Central European patients

Introduction

Currently, there is a wide range of commercially available devices for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) that differ in terms of both anatomical requirements and the technology and technique of deployment.

Aim

To assess the applicability of currently commercially available devices for EVAR in the treatment of an asymptomatic abdominal aneurysm (AAA).

Material and methods

The study group included 100 patients with infrarenal AAA with a maximum diameter ≥ 50 mm, qualified for invasive treatment at the University Hospital in 2013–2014. The aortoiliac morphological characteristics of the AAA were evaluated on preoperative computed tomography angiograms using the OsiriX DICOM viewer in the 3D-MPR mode. The morphological applicability of 14 types of CE-marked and FDA-approved stent grafts was determined based on their instructions for use (IFU).

Results

EVAR was feasible with at least one of the analysed devices in 68% of patients. The morphological applicability was as follows: Excluder Conformable (65%), Ovation iX (51%), Endurant II (47%), Treo (45%), Excluder C3 (45%), AFX 2 (45%), Incraft (44%), E-tegra (44%), Zenith Alfa (41%), Zenith Flex (40%), Anaconda (39%) Aorfix (37%), Altura (34%), and E-vita (20%). The differences in the stent graft applicability were statistically significant (p < 0.001). A wide diameter of the common iliac artery, angulated proximal neck, and diameter of proximal neck out of range constituted the most frequent causes of EVAR inapplicability.

Conclusions

The IFU-based applicability of currently available AAA stent graft systems differs significantly. Despite the constant evolution of EVAR technology, at least 32% of AAA will require a different therapeutic approach.

Technique for planning and implantation of a branched endograft as a proximal extension of a previous fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

Our patient had undergone a previous three-fenestration Anaconda (Terumo Medical Corp, Tokyo, Japan) fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to treat a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. At 10 years postoperatively, distal migration of the prosthesis, a proximal type I endoleak, and aortic sac enlargement of 10 mm in 6 months was observed. Because of the short length of the Anaconda's bifurcated body, we chose to use a Zenith custom-made endograft with four branches and a bifurcated body with an inverted contralateral limb. We have also described the issues that can arise during branched EVAR after fenestrated EVAR and some of the bailout techniques we performed to successfully perform the treatment.

The Effect of Manufacturer's Instructions for Use Compliance on Cook ZBIS Iliac-Branched Endograft Long-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines indicate iliac-branched endografts (IBDs) as the ideal means to preserve pelvic perfusion during endovascular aortic repair. Because patient vascular anatomy represents the main limitation to extensive use of these devices, off-label application may be considered to expand the number of patients being treated. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term outcomes obtained using the Cook ZBIS endograft in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms as per or outside manufacturer's instruction for use (IFU).

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent IBD implant in a single center were reviewed. Study population was divided into two subgroups: Group I treated as per manufacturer's IFU and group II treated outside IFU.

RESULTS

During the study period (2008-2018), 119 patients were treated with 130 IBDs. Eighty-six patients were treated as per IFU (group I) and 44 outside IFU (group II). Overall technical success was 99.2%. Mean follow-up was of 63.5 ± 38.3 months for group I and 58.3 ± 35.9 months for group II (P = 0.45). Freedom from reintervention at ten years was 79.8% in group I and 69.6% in group II (P = 0.29). Freedom from IBD-related reintervention rate was 98.7% and 95.3% in groups I and II, respectively (P = 0.240). Iliac-branched module thrombosis occurred significantly more in patients treated outside IFU with 4 cases in group I (4.7%) and 10 cases in group II (22.7%), (P = 0.005). Cox regression analysis identified hypogastric artery aneurysm as the only independent predictor for both IBD thrombosis and hypogastric artery occlusion during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

When used by an experienced team, Cook IBDs are safe and effective in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms both inside and outside IFU. Anyway a lower target hypogastric patency rate should be expected when treating patients with hypogastric aneurysms.

Mid-Term Results of Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm With Unfavorable Morphology

PURPOSE

To report mid-term results of endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) deemed unsuitable for a standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of 42 patients with EVAR-unfavorable anatomy treated by EVAS combined with chimney grafts in case of the proximal AAA neck shorter than 5 mm was analyzed. Early outcomes included final angiographic result, intra- and early post-operative deaths, and complications. Mid-term outcomes included all-cause mortality (ACM), aneurysm-related mortality (ARM), patency of the stents, occurrence of endoleaks, serious complications and graft failures defined as the AAA growth of more than 5 mm, type I endoleak, occlusion of the stent-graft or chimney graft, aorto-duodenal fistula, or aneurysm rupture.

RESULTS

The procedure was completed in all patients. Twenty-eight chimney grafts were implanted in 19 patients. Patients were followed for a median of 24 months (range 12-34 months). There were 2 intraoperative ruptures and 1 patient died in an early postoperative period. The cumulative ACM was 15, 21, and 36% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, and the cumulative ARM was 8, 11, and 27% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Three out of 5 aneurysm-related deaths were due to a secondary aorto-duodenal fistula. The cumulative incidence of graft failure was 20, 27, and 42% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The cumulative incidence of an endoleak was 5, 9, and 23% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The graft failure increased significantly both ACM (p = .012) and ARM (p = .00003). The implantation of chimney grafts at the initial procedure increased ARM significantly (p = .008). The presence of an endoleak did not have any significant influence on ACM and ARM.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with EVAS for AAAs with EVAR-unfavorable anatomy, especially those with chimney grafts, exhibit a high risk of graft failure and subsequent death.

Multicenter Mid-term Results After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair with the Incraft® Device

OBJECTIVES

Durability after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is considered an ongoing topic of investigation and was always a point of concern with smaller profile devices. Recently released five-year clinical trial results using the Incraft® ultralow profile device are encouraging. However, additional real-life experience will need to assist these initial findings. Herein, we investigated the outcomes after EVAR, in real world practice using the Incraft® endograft (EG).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-seven patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) ≥50 mm in diameter treated with the Incraft® device in three vascular centers were enrolled from November 2015 to July 2018. Follow-up was completed in August 2020. Selection of EVAR using the Incraft® device was individualized according to aorto-iliac morphologic features, comorbidities, history of previous abdominal surgery and preference of the patient. At the early phase of the study, we specifically opted for preferential use of this low profile EG mainly in cases of small and tortuous iliac vessels (more challenging access routes). At later stages, it was used according to surgeon preference and not specifically in complex anatomies (real-world conditions). End-points included technical success, perioperative complications, 30-day survival, endoleg patency, presence of endoleaks, sac enlargement >5 mm and clinical success.

RESULTS

The primary technical success rate was 97.4% before the addition of an aortic cuff and iliac extension for a type Ia and type Ib endoleak respectively, and the repair of a maldeployment iliac component (primary-assisted and secondary technical success, 100%). Intraoperative small type II endoleaks (visible in final angiogram) were noted in 19 patients (24.7%). There were no intraoperative deaths from AAA rupture, primary conversions or conversions to aortounilateral grafts. Two complications occurred, necessitating hybrid techniques for repair (replaced of a dislodged endoleg and distal external iliac artery hemostasis). No deaths were reported within 30 days. Occlusion of an endoleg, was observed in two patients, 6 and 14 months respectively after implantation (2.6%), and were treated by femoral-femoral PTFE bypass after unsuccessful endovascular recanalization. The latter required open conversion, 3 mo later, to repair compromised flow to the inflow iliac axis. Three patients (3.9%) experienced sac enlargement >5 mm in diameter compared with the 1-month CT scan. All of these had type II endoleaks and two received embolization procedures. Eleven patients died from causes unrelated to AAA repair. Clinical success was 97.3%, 92.8% and 89.4% through 1, 2 and 3 years respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EVAR with the Incraft® device might be considered a reliable option in real-world conditions and not specifically only in complex iliac anatomies.

Management of abdominal aortic aneurysm in nonagenarians: A single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

In the last decades, life expectancy has increased worldwide considerably. Traditionally, very elderly patients have been considered too frail to undergo major vascular interventions. Considering that abdominal aortic aneurysm is an age-related disease, there is an increasing need of a correct management of the disease even in nonagenarians, but data are still scarce. The purpose of this single-centre study is to report early and mid-term outcomes of all-comer abdominal aortic aneurysm patients in their 10th decades of age.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified a total of 33 patients aged ≥ 90 presenting with abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2014 and 2019. Elective and emergency repairs were both considered. Early technical success and mortality rate at 30 days were considered as primary outcomes. Mid-term clinical success was reported, and overall survival, freedom from aneurysm-related death, re-interventions and endoleaks were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, stratified for elective of emergency repair and type of treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age was 91.7 (range 90-96), and 63.6% were male. Mean abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was 67.4 ± 16.8 mm. Sixteen patients were admitted for rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm: three untreated, five underwent open and seven underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with an early mortality rate of 100, 100 and 42.8%, respectively. Eighteen (60%) patients were asymptomatic, and all underwent elective EVAR, with an early mortality rate of 0%. At one-month follow-up, clinical success was 84% in EVAR group. At a median follow-up of 22.4 ± 14.5 months, no abdominal aortic aneurysm-related death was registered. Freedom from all cause of mortality was 77.3, 59.4 and 40.7% at one, two and three years. Freedom from endoleaks was 95.4% at one month and 61.7% at one and three years. Freedom from reintervention was 85.8% at three years.

CONCLUSION

Elective EVAR in nonagenarians is associated with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes. Age by itself should not be considered an exclusion criterion for treatment.

Endurant stent graft demonstrates promising outcomes in challenging abdominal aortic aneurysm anatomy

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the 5-year safety and effectiveness outcomes of patients enrolled in the Endurant Stent Graft Natural Selection Global Post Market Registry (ENGAGE) who were treated outside the approved indications for use (IFU) of the Endurant stent graft.

METHODS

Our primary outcome measure was 12-month treatment success, defined as successful endograft delivery and deployment and the absence of type I or III endoleak, stent migration or limb occlusion, late conversion, and abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter increase or rupture. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day all-cause mortality, major adverse events, secondary procedures, technical observations, aneurysm-related mortality, and all-cause mortality within 12 months.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics of ENGAGE patients treated outside (225 [17.8%]) and within (1038 [82.2%]) the IFUs were similar, except that female patients comprised a much higher percentage of the outside IFU group (19.1% vs 8.7%; P < .001). The outside IFU group presented with lower rates of coronary artery disease and cardiac revascularization and a greater number of symptomatic patients compared with the within IFU group (21.3% vs 15.0%; P = .020). Technical success was achieved in more than 99% of all patients. The outside and within IFU groups showed a comparable and low occurrence of uncorrected type I (0.9% vs 1.2%; P = 1.00) and type III endoleak (0.4% vs 0.3%; P = .54) immediately after device implantation. The 5-year freedom from type IA endoleaks was 89.4% vs 96.7% (P < .0001) for those patients outside and within the IFUs, respectively, although both groups had similar type III endoleaks through 5 years (P = .61). Stent graft limb occlusion estimated overall survival, and freedom from aneurysm-related mortality and endovascular interventions were comparable in both patient groups through the 5-year follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier estimates at 5 years showed a trend for low but increased need for type I or III endoleak correction procedures in the outside IFU group compared with the within IFU group (7.2% vs 5.2%; P = .099).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences were not observed in all-cause mortality, aneurysm-related mortality, and secondary procedures between within and outside IFU patients through a 5-year follow-up in the ENGAGE registry. Proximal necks with angulation or diameters outside the IFUs were the most common reasons for patients identified as being outside IFU, and the cohort had increased incidence of type IA endoleaks. Despite the challenges presented from the broad range of aortic and abdominal aortic aneurysm morphologies, the Endurant stent graft showed promising 5-year outcomes.

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment: Long-term Results From a Single-Center Experience in an Unselected Patient Population

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate early-, mid-, and long-term outcomes in an unselected population of patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with different commercially available off-the-shelf devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively compiled computerized database on patients presenting an infrarenal AAA treated between January 2008 and December 2015 in a high-volume Italian tertiary referral Center. Demographic, clinical, and specific morphological features were considered as potentially influencing the outcomes and the type of the implanted device. Outcome measures were procedure-related reintervention, AAA-related, and all-cause mortality rates at 30-day, 12-month, and long-term follow-up. Reinterventions considered for the analysis were AAA rupture, graft infection, type I or III endoleaks, type II endoleaks with sac enlargement > 5 mm, graft stenosis or occlusions, procedures related to renal or visceral ischemia, and reintervention for access vessel injury.

RESULTS

Of 498 EVAR procedures performed for elective infrarenal AAA treatment during the entire study period, 479 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 73.5 ± 7.34 years (range 51-91), and 416 (86.84%) were men. The mean maximum AAA diameter was 52.02 ± 8.04 mm (range 39-90.2), a maximum AAA diameter ≥59 mm was recorded in 107 patients (22.33%), and an aortic neck length was <10 mm in 137 (28.60%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 52.97 ± 26.16 months (range 1-120), overall reintervention and death rates were 8.14% and 20.04%, respectively, without AAA-related deaths. At univariate analysis, hypertension was the only demographical variable found to be associated with higher risk of reintervention, P = 0.04 (OR: 2.34; CI 95%: 1.00-5.42). Furthermore, male sex (P = 0.02; OR: 2.62; CI 95%: 1.09-6.27) and chronic renal insufficiency (P = 0.003; OR: 2.08; CI 95%: 1.27-3.42) were associated with higher mortality rates. AAA diameter ≥59 mm was statistically associated with a higher rate of both reintervention and mortality: P < 0.001 (OR: 9.05; CI 95%: 4.52-18.11) and <0.001 (4.00; 2.46-6.49), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience seems to suggest that EVAR could be safely and effectively performed in an unselected patients' population, with encouraging results up to a ten-year follow-up.

Clinical outcomes after internal iliac artery embolization prior to endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

Aortic anatomy is important in determining the success or failure of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Endoleak is another issue which should be addressed for a long-term durability of the procedure. Internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization is required to prevent type II endoleak when the iliac landing zone is not sufficient such that the iliac limb should be extended down to the external iliac artery (EIA). Pelvic ischemia is an important complication of IIA embolization, but its incidence and severity is not exactly known. Our experience suggests this to be common but not severe. In this study we reviewed the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent IIA embolization to facilitate EVAR at one of the major tertiary medical centers in South Korea.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the patients who underwent IIA embolization prior to EVAR between November 2005 and June 2018 at a single tertiary medical center in South Korea. Patients were interviewed via telephone to determine the severity of buttock claudication according to a previously defined pain scale.

RESULTS

The majority of 139 patients in both the unilateral and bilateral IIA embolization groups experienced no (N.=83, 60.0%) or mild (N.=51, 36.7%) buttock claudication. Only three patients in the unilateral IIA embolization group reported that their symptoms affected daily life, but without need for any measures for pain relief. Symptom duration was longer in the bilateral embolization group (12.6 months) compared to the unilateral group (6.6 months) without statistical significance (P=0.559). There were no critical complications such as buttock necrosis, spinal cord ischemia, or ischemic colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience, IIA embolization does cause buttock claudication of a certain degree. However, the most of them experienced mild discomfort rather than such symptoms severely affect their quality of life. Considering the risks of general anesthesia and complications of surgical procedures, IIA reconstruction along with EVAR may not be necessary.

Sex differences in perioperative outcomes after complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Female sex is associated with worse outcomes after infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. However, the impact of female sex on complex AAA repair is poorly characterized. Therefore, we compared outcomes between female and male patients after open and endovascular treatment of complex AAA.

METHODS

We identified all patients who underwent complex aneurysm repair between 2011 and 2017 in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular module. Complex repairs were defined as those for juxtarenal, pararenal, or suprarenal aneurysms. We compared rates of perioperative adverse events between female and male patients stratified by open AAA repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We calculated propensity scores and used inverse probability-weighted logistic regression to identify independent associations between female sex and our outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 2270 complex aneurysm repairs, of which 1260 were EVARs (21.4% female) and 1010 were open repairs (30.7% female). After EVAR, female patients had higher rates of perioperative mortality (6.3% vs 2.4%; P = .001) and major complications (15.9% vs 7.6%; P < .001) compared with male patients. In contrast, after open repair, perioperative mortality was not significantly different (7.4% vs 5.6%; P = .3), and the rate of major complications was similar (29.4% vs 27.4%; P = .53) between female and male patients. Furthermore, even though perioperative mortality was significantly lower after EVAR compared with open repair for male patients (2.4% vs 5.6%; P = .001), this difference was not significant for women (6.3% vs 7.4%; P = .60). On multivariable analysis, female sex remained independently associated with higher perioperative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-4.9; P = .007) and major complications (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.2; P = .002) in patients treated with EVAR but showed no significant association with mortality (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.5-1.6; P = .69) or major complications (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.5; P = .74) after open repair. However, the association of female sex with higher perioperative mortality in patients undergoing complex EVAR was attenuated when diameter was replaced with aortic size index in the multivariable analysis (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9-3.9; P = .091).

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex is associated with higher perioperative mortality and more major complications than for male patients after complex EVAR but not after complex open repair. Continuous efforts are warranted to improve the sex discrepancies in patients undergoing endovascular repair of complex AAA.

LUCY results show females have equivalent outcomes to males following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair despite more complex aortic morphology

OBJECTIVE

Females remain underrepresented in studies of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) owing to anatomic ineligibility for EVAR devices. The aim of the LUCY study is to explore the comparative safety and effectiveness of EVAR using a low-profile stent graft (Ovation; Endologix, Inc, Irvine, Calif) in females as well as males.

METHODS

The LUCY registry was a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study where patient enrollment was stratified by sex in a two-to-one ratio (male-to-female). Main outcomes were procedural data, 30-day major adverse events, device-related adverse events confirmed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans, secondary interventions, and hospital readmissions. Adverse events were adjudicated by a clinical events committee. Patients were followed at their 1-month and 1-year follow-up visits.

RESULTS

A total of 225 patients (76 females, 149 males) were enrolled at 39 U.S. centers. No statistically significant sex differences were observed in demographics or medical history. Females presented with smaller access vessels (6.2 vs 7.7 mm; P < .001), statistically smaller neck diameter (22 mm vs 23 mm; P = .001), similar neck angulation (11% vs 9% angulation >45°; P = .81), and smaller maximum abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter (50 mm vs 53 mm; P = .01), however, these factors do not seem to be clinically significant. Technical success was 99%, and the median hospital stay was 1 day. The incidence of MAE through 30 days was 1.3% in females and 2.0% in males. There were no differences between sexes observed among the 30-day perioperative outcomes. The 30-day secondary intervention rate was 0.4%. The all-cause readmission rate through 30 days was 5.3% in females and 6.7% in males. There were no reports of limb occlusion or deaths within the first 30 days. At 1 year, there were no deaths in the female arm but nine deaths (6.0%) were observed in males, two of which were AAA related (1.3%). Through 1 year, there were eight type IA endoleaks (one female, seven males; P = .27) and three cases with limb occlusion (one female, two males). There were no reports of migration, AAA rupture, or surgical conversion through the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite more complex aortic morphology in females than males, EVAR with a low-profile stent graft was associated with comparable procedural and perioperative outcomes through 1 year between the sexes.

A Methodology to Quantify the Geometrical Complexity of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anatomy influences the technical success of the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), yet very few data regarding the aortic tree angles exist in the literature. This poses great limitations in the numerical analyses of endografts, constraining their design improvement as well as the identification of their operational limitations. In this study, a matrix Φ of 10 angles was constructed for the description of the pathological region and was implemented on a large dataset of anatomies. More specifically, computed tomography angiographies from 258 patients were analysed and 10 aortic angles were calculated per case, able to adequately describe the overall AAA shape. 9 dimensional variables (i.e. diameters and lengths) were also recorded. The median and extreme values of these variables were computed providing a detailed quantification of the geometrical landscape of the AAA. Moreover, statistical analysis showed that the identified angles presented no strong correlation with each other while no lateral or anterior/posterior symmetry of the AAA was identified. These findings suggest that endograft designers are free to construct any extreme case-studies with the values provided in a mix-and-match manner. This strategy can have a powerful effect in EVAR stent graft designing, as well as EVAR planning.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) more commonly affect men than women and are estimated to affect 4% to 8% of men older that age 60 years. Mortality because of a ruptured AAA is high, but elective repair is an effective and relatively safe intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 79-year-old man came to the Emergency Department because of worsening back pain. Workup revealed a previously unknown, 10-cm aneurysm that had ruptured. Unfortunately, the patient died during emergency surgery.

DISCUSSION

A literature review of proper screening, referral timeframe, the most common surgical techniques, potential complications, and postoperative surveillance was conducted. Early detection, referral to vascular surgery, and possible open or endovascular repair are key to limiting the morbidity and mortality associated with AAA.

Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair versus Snorkel Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Competing yet Complementary Strategies

Juxtarenal/pararenal aortic aneurysms and type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms pose particular technical challenges for endovascular repair as they involve the visceral segment in addition to insufficient infrarenal neck for the use of standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) devices. To overcome these challenges, complex EVAR techniques have been developed to extend the proximal landing zone cephalad with maintaining perfusion to vital aortic branches, thereby broadening the applicability of endografting from the infrarenal to the suprarenal aorta. Complex EVAR can be divided into two broad categories: fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and snorkel EVAR. FEVAR is a valid procedure with the standardized procedure, although it remains as a relatively complex procedure with a learning curve. Given time constraints for the custom fenestrated graft, snorkel EVAR may be an alternative for complex repairs in symptomatic or ruptured patients for whom custom-made endografts may not be immediately available. This article discusses these two most commonly used complex EVAR strategies.

Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments of Iliac Artery Tortuosity and Calcification

Introduction:

During endovascular aneurysm repair, the iliac artery typically serves as a conduit for device delivery. The degree of tortuosity and calcification in the iliac artery ultimately determines whether the device can successfully traverse the vessel. These 2 parameters can be assessed using qualitative approaches or calculated using quantitative methods based on the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) reporting standards. The objective of this study was to determine whether qualitative methods are sufficient to accurately assess iliac artery tortuosity and calcification by calculating interobserver variability and comparing them to the SVS Reporting Standards.

Methods:

Three vascular surgeons reviewed preoperative computed tomography scans for 50 patients who underwent fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and qualitatively assessed left and right iliac artery tortuosity and calcification. Iliac artery geometries were segmented from these image sets. Tortuosity index and calcification length ratio were calculated and categorized based on the SVS Reporting Standards.

Results:

Interobserver variability was calculated for the qualitative assessments using interclass correlation coefficients. For tortuosity index, among the 3 observers, good agreement was found for the left iliac artery and fair agreement was found for the right. For calcification length ratio, excellent agreement was found for both iliac arteries. When compared to the quantitative assessment, the qualitative assessments underpredicted tortuosity in 2.3% of cases, matched the quantitative values in 16.7% of cases, and overpredicted tortuosity in 81.0% of cases. The qualitative assessments underpredicted calcification in 46.3% of cases, matched the quantitative values in 49.3% of cases, and overpredicted calcification in 4.3% of cases.

Conclusion:

Qualitative assessment of iliac artery tortuosity showed fair-to-good interobserver agreement and poor agreement to SVS Reporting Standards. Qualitative assessment of iliac artery calcification showed excellent interobserver agreement and fair agreement to SVS Reporting Standards. These trends should be considered when qualitative reporting methodologies are used.

Type 2 Endoleak Incidence and Fate After Endovascular Aneurysms Repair in a Multicentric Series: Different Results with Different Devices?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work is describing incidence and fate of type 2 endoleaks (T2ELs) in a multicentric cohort of patients treated by endovascular aneurysms repair using the Ovation device (Endologix) and comparing them with a group treated using the Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted on 261 patients treated using the Ovation device and 203 using the Excluder. Outcomes were intraprocedural, 30-day, 12-month, and mean time follow-up T2EL incidence and related reinterventions. Patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), ≥3 lumbar arteries (LAs), intrasac thrombus volume, the mean diameter of common and external iliac arteries, external iliac artery stenosis (>70%), diameter ≤5 mm, iliac tortuosity ratio ≤0.5, thrombosis, and calcification were noted and considered as potentially influencing outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients of the Ovation group presented significantly more thrombosed, calcified, and tortuous iliac vessels than those in the Excluder group. No significant differences were noted in sac thrombosis, IMA, and LA patency. At completion angiography, T2EL was evident in 57 Ovation and 46 Excluder patients (P = 0.832). At 1 month, it was evident in 33 Ovation group and 28 Excluder group patients (P = 0.726). At 12-month and mean time (30.14 months) follow-up, no differences were evident between the 2 groups (P = 0.940 and 0.951, respectively). The log-rank test showed that the rate of T2EL-related reintervention was not different between the 2 groups (P = 0.46). Regarding anatomical characteristics, a statistically significant difference was not observed between patients presenting or not with T2EL (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Data showed no significant differences in terms of T2EL incidence between the 2 study groups. None of preoperative anatomical features were found to be significantly associated with the appearance of T2EL.

Stent graft coverage of dual-stent strategy in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a stent graft (SG) and a multilayer stent (MS) is a key technology in isolating flow fields. Clinically, dual stents (an SG in the proximal and an MS in the distal of AAA) are used for treatment of AAA, but only a few studies have examined the relationship between SG coverage and treatment effects. Through numerical simulation of the hemodynamics after SG and MS implantation, the SG coverage and position were simulated at 0% (0 mm), 25% (13.75 mm), 50% (27.5 mm), and 75% (41.25 mm). With increasing SG coverage, the pressure on the aneurysm sac wall and the flow of branch vessels gradually decreased, and the lower wall shear stress (WSS) gradually increased. The changes in pressure, lower WSS, and the mass flow rate of the branch vessels did not change significantly. The coverage of the SG has a nonsignificant effect on hemodynamics in the treatment of AAA; the implantation position need not be very precise. This research can provide theoretic support for clinicians' decision-making.

Identifying and addressing the limitations of EVAR technology

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has improved over the last two decades. Approximately 80% of the patients presenting with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is nowadays primarily treated with EVAR.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the differences between endovascular and open repair, the clinical characteristics needed for EVAR, the role of clinical imaging and the developments in EVAR technology will be discussed. Early mortality is lower in EVAR as compared to open repair, whereas this benefit is lost after 3 years postoperatively. EVAR comes with a high reintervention rate, with endoleak being the most important predictive factor for reintervention. Expanding technical possibilities have allowed surgeons to choose from a palate of endovascular approaches in aneurysm patients with challenging anatomies.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Although EVAR has taken a giant leap forward in development, the new developments have seemed to surpass the long-term limitations with older devices. It is important to start focusing on the current limitations of EVAR, in particular the durability of devices in the human variable anatomic and dynamic environment.

Morphology-Related Limitations of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Applicability in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in West-Central Poland

BACKGROUND

Morphology is one of the most important factors influencing the long-term durability of endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The knowledge of morphological characteristics of AAA that may differ in various populations seems to be important for further development of a technology of endovascular repair as well as for planning of treatment strategies. To analyze the current applicability of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with an infrarenal AAA with an indication for elective treatment in west-central Poland.

METHODS

Computed tomography angiograms of 100 consecutive patients with infrarenal AAA deemed to require treatment were analyzed with an OsiriX DICOM viewer in 3D-multiplanar reconstruction mode. Proximal neck diameter, length, angulation, shape, the presence of thrombus and calcification, distal neck diameter, and morphology of the iliac arteries were determined. Three sets of morphological criteria were established. The optimal criteria consisted of a nonconical proximal neck without moderate or severe calcification or thrombus, with a diameter of 18-28 mm, length of ≥15 mm, and β angulation of <60%; a distal neck with a diameter of ≥20 mm; a landing zone in the common iliac arteries (CIAs) with a length of ≥10 mm and diameter of ≤20 mm; and external iliac arteries with diameters of ≥7 mm. The suboptimal criteria included proximal neck diameters of 18-32 mm, neck lengths ≥10 mm, infrarenal neck angulations of up to 75°, and CIA diameters of up to 25 mm. Finally, the extended suboptimal criteria included proximal neck diameters of 16-34 mm and infrarenal neck angulations ≤90°, without limits in the maximal diameter of the CIAs.

RESULTS

The median maximum aneurysm diameter was 61 mm. The optimal, suboptimal, and extended suboptimal criteria were met by 23%, 32%, and 53% of patients, respectively. The most common deviations were wide, conical, and angulated proximal necks and aneurysmal iliac arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with AAA deemed to be candidates for elective repair do not meet the most favorable criteria for EVAR. Availability of better endovascular solutions for conical, angulated, and wide necks and aneurysmal iliac arteries would likely expand EVAR applicability. Open repair remains a valid option.

Complications and Reinterventions After Fenestrated and Branched EVAR in Patients with Paravisceral and Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms

The application of endovascular strategies to treat aneurysms involving the abdominal and thoracoabdominal aorta has evolved significantly since the inception of endovascular aneurysm repair. Advances in endograft technology and operator experience have enabled the management of a wider spectrum of challenging aortic anatomy. Fenestrated endovascular and branched endovascular aneurysm repair represent two technical innovations, which have expanded endovascular treatment options to include patients with paravisceral and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Although similar in many ways to standard aortic endografts, fenestrated and branched endografts have specific short- and long-term complications due to their unique modular endograft design and their sophisticated deployment mechanisms. This article aims to examine the commonly encountered complications with these devices and the endovascular reintervention strategies.

Femorofemoral Crossover Bypass Graft Has Excellent Patency When Performed with EVAR for AAA with UIOD

OBJECTIVES

To compare the durability of the crossover femorofemoral bypass graft (CFFBG) in combination with aorto-uni-iliac stent graft (AUIS) for abdominal aortic aneurysm with the durability of CFFBG used in the treatment of unilateral iliac occlusive disease (UIOD).

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical records of 69 patients who underwent CFFBG from 1992 until 2010. Group I consisted of 34 patients who received CFFBGs in combination with AUIS. Group II consisted of 35 patients treated with CFFBG for UIOD. The mean period of follow up was 2.7 years. Outcomes analyzed included primary graft patency, secondary graft patency, and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

There was one death in each group. Wound infection complicated 11.4% of CFFBGs performed as a sole procedure for UIOD and 5.8% of cases in combination with AUIS (P = 0.673). Primary graft patency was 96.5% and 96.5% at 2 and 5 years in group I, compared with 76.6% and 53.7% in group II (P = 0.046, 0.009). Secondary graft patency at 5 years was 100% and 92.9% for groups I and II, respectively. No variables independently influenced primary graft patency. Patients in group I experienced complications that could be linked to the bypass graft in 20.5% of cases, after long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The CFFBG possesses superior long-term durability and patency when implemented in combination with aorto-uni-iliac stent grafts and does not seem to compromise the endpoint success of endovascular treatment.

Technique for Fenestrated Stent-Graft Implantation as a Proximal Extension to a Previous Fenestrated Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Purpose: To describe planning and a technique for fenestrated endovascular repair of a large Crawford type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm after previous 2-fenestration endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR). Technique: The first FEVAR procedure performed at another center implanted a standard Zenith device with 2 fenestrations and 1 scallop for a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The diameter of the Crawford type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm had progressed from 68 to 75 mm within a year after the FEVAR. Since the celiac trunk was already occluded, a 3-fenestration 22-×172-mm stent-graft was chosen to extend the existing stent-graft further proximally. A tapered 38/22-×179-mm Zenith custom-made device was designed for the thoracic component. The technique addresses several issues that arise during a FEVAR-in-FEVAR case, such as the orientation of the new stent-graft and its fenestrations, the absence of space between the 2 devices for maneuvers, and the difficulty in catheterizing target vessels with existing bridging stents, for which a bailout “snare-ride” maneuver is described. Conclusion: FEVAR after previous FEVAR is a feasible and efficient treatment option. The modified “snare-ride” technique can be used to catheterize target vessels in the absence of an Indy snare.