Invasiveness of previous treatment for peripheral arterial disease and risk of adverse cardiac events after coronary stenting

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PADs), undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), have higher adverse event risks. The effect of invasiveness of PADs treatment on PCI outcome is unknown. This study assessed the impact of the invasiveness of previous PADs treatment (invasive or non-invasive) on event risks after PCI with contemporary drug-eluting stents. This post-hoc analysis pooled 3-year patient-level data of PCI all-comer patients living in the eastern Netherlands, previously treated for PADs. PADs included symptomatic atherosclerotic lesion in the lower or upper extremities; carotid or vertebral arteries; mesenteric arteries or aorta. Invasive PADs treatment comprised endarterectomy, bypass surgery, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stenting or amputation; non-invasive treatment consisted of medication and participation in exercise programs. Primary endpoint was (coronary) target vessel failure: composite of cardiac mortality, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, or clinically indicated target vessel revascularization. Of 461 PCI patients with PADs, information on PADs treatment was available in 357 (77.4%) patients; 249 (69.7%) were treated invasively and 108 (30.3%) non-invasively. Baseline and PCI procedural characteristics showed no between-group difference. Invasiveness of PADs treatment was not associated with adverse event risks, including target vessel failure (20.5% vs. 16.0%; HR: 1.30, 95%-CI 0.75-2.26, p = 0.35), major adverse cardiac events (23.3% vs. 20.4%; HR: 1.16, 95%-CI 0.71-1.90, p = 0.55), and all-cause mortality (12.1% vs. 8.3%; HR: 1.48, 95%-CI 0.70-3.13, p = 0.30). In PADs patients participating in PCI trials, we found no significant relation between the invasiveness of previous PADs treatment and 3-year outcome after PCI. Consequently, high-risk PCI patients can be identified by consulting medical records, searching for PADs, irrespective of the invasiveness of PADs treatment.

The Diagnostic Value of Biomarkers in Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia Is Insufficiently Substantiated: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

There is an urgent need for accurate biomarkers to support timely diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) and thereby improve clinical outcomes. With this systematic review, the aim was to substantiate the potential diagnostic value of biomarkers for arterial occlusive AMI.

DATA SOURCES

The Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of the literature has been conducted to define the potential diagnostic value of biomarkers for arterial occlusive AMI. All studies including ≥ 10 patients describing biomarkers for macrovascular occlusive AMI between 1950 and 17 February 2023 were identified within the Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library electronic databases. There were no restrictions to any particular study design, but letters and editorials were excluded. The QUADAS-2 tool was used for the critical appraisal of quality. The study protocol was registered on Prospero (CRD42021254970).

RESULTS

Fifty of 4334 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Ninety per cent of studies were of low quality. A total of 60 biomarkers were identified, with 24 in two or more studies and 15 in five or more studies. There was variation in reported units, normal range, and cut off values. Meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Biomarkers currently recommended by the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery 2016, and World Society of Emergency Surgery 2017 guidelines also had heterogeneous low quality data for use in the diagnosis of AMI.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrates high heterogeneity and low quality of the available evidence on biomarkers for arterial occlusive AMI. No clinical conclusions can be drawn on a biomarker or combination of biomarkers for patients suspected of arterial occlusive AMI. Restraint is advised when rejecting or determining AMI solely based on biomarkers.

Covered versus bare-metal stenting of the mesenteric arteries in patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia (CoBaGI): a multicentre, patient-blinded and investigator-blinded, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric artery stenting with a bare-metal stent is the current treatment for atherosclerotic chronic mesenteric ischaemia. Long-term patency of bare-metal stents is unsatisfactory due to in-stent intimal hyperplasia. Use of covered stents might improve long-term patency. We aimed to compare the patency of covered stents and bare-metal stents in patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

METHODS

We conducted a multicentre, patient-blinded and investigator-blinded, randomised controlled trial including patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia undergoing mesenteric artery stenting. Six centres in the Netherlands participated in this study, including two national chronic mesenteric ischaemia expert centres. Patients aged 18 years or older were eligible for inclusion when an endovascular mesenteric artery revascularisation was scheduled and a consensus diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischaemia was made by a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons. Exclusion criteria were stenosis length of 25 mm or greater, stenosis caused by median arcuate ligament syndrome or vasculitis, contraindication for CT angiography, or previous target vessel revascularisation. Digital 1:1 block randomisation with block sizes of four or six and stratification by inclusion centre was used to allocate patients to undergo stenting with bare-metal stents or covered stents at the start of the procedure. Patients, physicians performing follow-up, investigators, and radiologists were masked to treatment allocation. Interventionalists performing the procedure were not masked. The primary study outcome was the primary patency of covered stents and bare-metal stents at 24 months of follow-up, evaluated in the modified intention-to-treat population, in which stents with missing data for the outcome were excluded. Loss of primary patency was defined as the performance of a re-intervention to preserve patency, or 75% or greater luminal surface area reduction of the target vessel. CT angiography was performed at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post intervention to assess patency. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02428582) and is complete.

FINDINGS

Between April 6, 2015, and March 11, 2019, 158 eligible patients underwent mesenteric artery stenting procedures, of whom 94 patients (with 128 stents) provided consent and were included in the study. 47 patients (62 stents) were assigned to the covered stents group (median age 69·0 years [IQR 63·0-76·5], 28 [60%] female) and 47 patients (66 stents) were assigned to the bare-metal stents group (median age 70·0 years [63·5-76·5], 33 [70%] female). At 24 months, the primary patency of covered stents (42 [81%] of 52 stents) was superior to that of bare-metal stents (26 [49%] of 53; odds ratio [OR] 4·4 [95% CI 1·8-10·5]; p<0·0001). A procedure-related adverse event occurred in 17 (36%) of 47 patients in the covered stents group versus nine (19%) of 47 in the bare-metal stent group (OR 2·4 [95% CI 0·9-6·3]; p=0·065). Most adverse events were related to the access site, including haematoma (five [11%] in the covered stents group vs six [13%] in the bare-metal stents group), pseudoaneurysm (five [11%] vs two [4%]), radial artery thrombosis (one [2%] vs none), and intravascular closure device (none vs one [2%]). Six (13%) patients in the covered stent group versus one (2%) in the bare-metal stent group had procedure-related adverse events not related to the access site, including stent luxation (three [6%] vs none), major bleeding (two (4%) vs none), mesenteric artery perforation (one [2%] vs one [2%]), mesenteric artery dissection (one [2%] vs one [2%]), and death (one [2%] vs none).

INTERPRETATION

The findings of this trial support the use of covered stents for mesenteric artery stenting in patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

FUNDING

Atrium Maquet Getinge Group.

Position- and posture-dependent vascular imaging-a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Position- and posture-dependent deformation of the vascular system is a relatively unexplored field. The goal of this scoping review was to create an overview of existing vascular imaging modalities in different body positions and postures and address the subsequent changes in vascular anatomy.

METHODS

Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane were searched for literature published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2022, incorporating the following categories: image modality, anatomy, orientation, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of 2446 screened articles, we included 108. The majority of papers used ultrasound (US, n = 74) in different body positions and postures with diameter and cross-sectional area (CSA) as outcome measures. Magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22) and computed tomography (n = 8) were less frequently used but allowed for investigation of other geometrical measures such as vessel curvature and length. The venous system proved more sensitive to postural changes than the arterial system, which was seen as increasing diameters of veins below the level of the heart when going from supine to prone to standing positions, and vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of body positions and postures on vasculature was predominantly explored with US for vessel diameter and CSA. Posture-induced deformation and additional geometrical features that may be of interest for the (endovascular) treatment of vascular pathologies have been limitedly reported, such as length and curvature of an atherosclerotic popliteal artery during bending of the knee after stent placement. The most important clinical implications of positional changes are found in diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up after stent placement.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

This scoping review presents the current state and opportunities of position- and posture-dependent imaging of vascular structures using various imaging modalities that are relevant in the fields of clinical diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up after stent placement.

KEY POINTS

• The influence of body positions and postures on the vasculature was predominantly investigated with US for vessel diameter and cross-sectional area. • Research into geometrical deformation, such as vessel length and curvature adaptation, that may be of interest for the (endovascular) treatment of vascular pathologies is limited in different positions and postures. • The most important clinical implications of postural changes are found in diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up after stent placement.

Ten-year mortality after treating obstructive coronary atherosclerosis with contemporary stents in patients with or without concomitant peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous studies in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients showed a higher 3-year adverse event risk, including all-cause mortality, in those with concomitant peripheral arterial disease (PADs). Ten-year data of mortality and causes of death are scarce. This analysis assessed PCI patients, treated with contemporary drug-eluting stents, the impact of concomitant PADs on very long-term mortality, and causes of death.

METHODS

We assessed PCI all-comers from our center who participated in the TWENTE and DUTCH PEERS trials (clinicaltrials.gov:NCT01066650, NCT01331707), comparing patients with versus without PADs. Life status was checked in the Dutch Personal Records Database; causes of death were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

Of 2705 study patients, 668 (24.7%) died during follow-up: 88/212 (41.5%) patients with PADs and 580/2493 (23.1%) without PADs. In PADs patients, the 10-year rate of all-cause mortality was about twice as high as in patients without PADs (41.5% vs.23.1%, HR: 2.05, 95%-CI: 1.64-2.57, p<0.001). For both groups, the rates of patients dying from various causes of death were: cardiac (14.1% vs.6.8%), vascular (2.8% vs. 1.1%), non-cardiovascular (17.4% vs. 9.8%), and unclear causes (7.1% vs. 5.3%), without a statistically significant between-group difference. When multivariate analysis was adjusted for between-group differences in cardiovascular risk profile, PADs remained predictor of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 1.38, 95%-CI: 1.08-1.75, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The 10-year all-cause mortality rate in PCI patients with concomitant PADs was almost twice as high as in those without PADs. Age and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors were higher in patients with PADs, but after correction for these confounders PADs still accounted for almost 40% increase in mortality.

Ultrasound Particle Image Velocimetry to Investigate Potential Hemodynamic Causes of Limb Thrombosis After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair With the Anaconda Device

PURPOSE

To identify potential hemodynamic predictors for limb thrombosis (LT) following endovascular aneurysm repair with the Anaconda endograft in a patient-specific phantom.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thin-walled flow phantom, based on a patient's aortic anatomy and treated with an Anaconda endograft, that presented with a left-sided LT was fabricated. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound particle image velocimetry was performed to quantify time-resolved velocity fields. Measurements were performed in the same phantom with and without the Anaconda endograft, to investigate the impact of the endograft on the local flow fields. Hemodynamic parameters, namely vector complexity (VC) and residence time (RT), were calculated for both iliac arteries.

RESULTS

In both limbs, the vector fields were mostly unidirectional during the peak systolic and end-systolic velocity phases before and after endograft placement. Local vortical structures and complex flow fields were observed at the diastolic and transitional flow phases. The average VC was higher (0.11) in the phantom with endograft, compared to the phantom without endograft (0.05). Notably, in both left and right iliac arteries, the anterior wall regions corresponded to a 2- and 4-fold increase in VC in the phantom with endograft, respectively. RT simulations showed values of 1.3 to 6 seconds in the phantom without endograft. A higher RT (up to 25 seconds) was observed in the phantom with endograft, in which the left iliac artery, with LT in follow-up, showed 2 fluid stasis regions.

CONCLUSION

This in vitro study shows that unfavorable hemodynamics were present mostly in the limb that thrombosed during follow-up, with the highest VC and longest RT. These parameters might be valuable in predicting the occurrence of LT in the future.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This in-vitro study aimed to identify potential hemodynamic predictors for limb thrombosis following EVAR using ultrasound particle image velocimetry (echoPIV) technique. It was shown that unfavorable hemodynamic norms were present mostly in the thrombosed limb. Owing to the in-vivo feasibility of the echoPIV, future efforts should focus on the evaluation of these hemodynamic norms in clinical trials. Thereafter, using echoPIV as a bedside technique in hospitals becomes more promising. Performing echoPIV in pre-op phase may provide valuable insights for surgeons to enhance treatment planning. EchoPIV is also applicable for follow-up sessions to evaluate treatment progress and avoid/predict complications.

Endograft position and endoleak detection after endovascular abdominal aortic repair with low-field tiltable MRI: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair might be position-dependent, therefore undetectable using supine imaging. We aimed to determine the feasibility and benefit of using a low-field tiltable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner allowing to study patients who can be imaged in both supine and upright positions of endoleaks.

METHODS

Ten EVAR patients suspected of endoleak based on ultrasound examination were prospectively included. MRI in upright and supine positions was compared with routine supine computed tomography angiography (CTA). Analysis was performed through (1) subjective image quality assessment by three observers, (2) landmark registration between MRI and CTA scans, (3) Euclidean distances between renal and endograft landmarks, and (4) evaluation of endoleak detection on MRI by a consensus panel. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The image quality of upright/supine MRI was inferior compared to CTA. Median differences in both renal and endograft landmarks were approximately 6-7 mm between upright and supine MRI and 5-6 mm between supine MRI and CTA. In the proximal sealing zone of the endograft, no differences were found among all three scan types (p = 0.264). Endoleak detection showed agreement between MRI and CTA in 50% of the cases, with potential added value in only one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefit of low-field upright MRI for endoleak detection was limited. While MRI assessment was non-inferior to standard CTA in detecting endoleaks in selected cases, improved hardware and sequences are needed to explore the potential of upright MRI in patients with endoleaks.

RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Upright low-field MRI has limited clinical value in detecting position-dependent endoleaks; improvements are required to fulfil its potential as a complementary modality in this clinical setting.

KEY POINTS

• Upright MRI shows potential for imaging endoleaks in aortic aneurysm patients in different positions. • The image quality of upright MRI is inferior to current techniques. • Upright MRI complements CTA, but lacks accurate deformation measurements for clinical use. • Advancements in hardware and imaging sequences are needed to fully utilise upright MRI capabilities.

Geometrical Changes of the Aorta as Predictors for Thromboembolic Events After EVAR With the Anaconda Stent-Graft

PURPOSE

Thromboembolic events (TE), including limb graft occlusion (LGO) and distal limb embolization (DLE), are common complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to find predictors for TE in patients treated with the Anaconda stent-graft for infrarenal aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Geometrical and anatomical variables were retrospectively analyzed in a consecutive Anaconda cohort. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were used to derive geometrical parameters length, curvature, torsion, and tortuosity index (TI) from the center lumen lines (CLLs). Limb characteristics, pre-to-post EVAR and mid-term-follow-up changes in the parameters were evaluated for their predictive value for TE.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (mean age 74±8.3 years, 74 men) were enrolled. The risk of TE was lowered with pre-to-post implant decreasing TI (steps of 0.05: OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01-1.66, p=0.04), pre-to-post implant decreasing mean curvature (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16, p=0.03), and a larger degree of circumferential common iliac artery (CIA) calcification (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00, p=0.03). The only LGO predictor was the caudal relocation of maximal curvature after EVAR (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, p=0.04). Preventors of DLE were CIA diameter (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.99, p=0.04), circumferential CIA calcification (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-1.00, p=0.03), mean and maximal curvature of the preoperative aortoiliac trajectory (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.94, p<0.01 and OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-1.00, p=0.03, respectively) and pre-to-postoperative decrease in mean curvature (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.21, p=0.02). Midterm TE predictors were length (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89-1.01, p=0.08) and torsion maximum location (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01, p=0.10).

CONCLUSION

The present study confirms that treatment of infrarenal AAA with an Anaconda stent-graft is related to a relatively high TE rate which decreases with a pre-to-postoperative reduction in curvature and TI, and a larger degree of circumferential CIA calcification. In other words, more aortoiliac straightening and more circumferential CIA calcification may prevent TE development after EVAR with this stent-graft.

Renal and Visceral Artery Configuration During the First Year of Follow-Up After Fenestrated Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the Anaconda Stent-graft: A Prospective Longitudinal Multicenter Study With ECG-Gated CTA Scans

OBJECTIVE

The performance of fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) may be compromised by complications related to the dynamic vascular environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of FEVAR bridging stent configurations during the cardiac cycle and during follow-up to improve our understanding on treatment durability.

DESIGN

Twenty-one patients presenting with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs; 9 juxtarenal/6 pararenal/3 paravisceral/1 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm type IV), treated with a fenestrated Anaconda (Terumo Aortic, Inchinnan, Scotland, UK) with Advanta V12 bridging stents (Getinge, Merrimack, NH, USA), were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter observational cohort study and underwent electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomographic angiography (CTA) preoperatively, at discharge, 7-week, and 12-month follow-ups.

METHODS

Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair stability was assessed considering the following variables: branch angle as the angle between the aorta and the target artery, end-stent angle as the angle between the end of the bridging stent and the native artery downstream from it, curvature and tortuosity index (TI) to describe the bending of the target artery. Body-bridging stent stability was assessed considering bridging stent flare lengths, the distances between the proximal sealing stent-ring and fenestrations and the distance between the fenestration and first apposition in the target artery.

RESULTS

Renal branch angles significantly increased after FEVAR toward a perpendicular position (right renal artery from median 60.9°, inter quartile range [IQR]=44.2-84.9° preoperatively to 94.4°, IQR=72.6-99.8°, p=0.001 at 12-month follow-up; left renal artery [LRA], from 63.7°, IQR=55.0-73.0° to 94.3°, IQR=68.2-105.6°, p<0.001), while visceral branch angles did not. The mean dynamic curvature only decreased for the LRA from preoperative (3.0, IQR=2.2-3.8 m-1) to 12-month follow-up (1.9, IQR=1.4-2.6 m-1, p=0.027). The remaining investigated variables did not seem to show any changes over time in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair for complex AAAs using the Anaconda fenestrated stent-graft and balloon-expandable Advanta V12 bridging stents demonstrated stable configurations up to 12-month follow-up, except for increasing renal branch angles toward perpendicular orientation to the aorta, yet without apparent clinical consequences in this cohort.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This study provides detailed information on the cardiac-pulsatility-induced (dynamic) and longitudinal geometry deformations of the target arteries and bridging stents after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) up to 12-month follow-up. The configuration demonstrated limited dynamic and longitudinal deformations in terms of branch angle, end-stent angle, curvature, and tortuosity index (TI), except for the increasing renal branch angles that go toward a perpendicular orientation to the aorta. Overall, the results suggest that the investigated FEVAR configurations are stable and durable, though careful consideration of increasing renal branch angles and significant geometry alterations is advised.

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.

The influence of electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography reconstruction into 8 or 10 cardiac phases on cardiac-pulsatility-induced motion quantification of stent grafts in the aorta

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine to what extent aortic stent graft motion quantification is comparable between electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT) scans with reconstructions into 8 and 10 cardiac phases on CT scanners from two different vendors.

Methods

An experimental setup that induces motion of an aortic stent graft, according to a predefined aortic blood pressure wave, was placed in two CT scanners of different vendors. The stent graft motion was captured using an ECG-gated CT technique and quantified using dedicated analysis algorithms. The calculated motion amplitudes and total traveled path lengths of stent segmentations were compared between scans reconstructed into 8 and 10 phases and between the scanners, after validation with sensor measurements and repeated measurements.

Results

No difference in motion amplitudes in z-direction (craniocaudal direction) was observed between the reconstructions into 8 and 10 phases (0.02 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.01 to 0.05 mm; P = .358). The z-amplitudes differed by 0.04 mm (95% CI, 0.01-0.07 mm; P = .003) between the different CT scanners. Path lengths differed 0.07 mm (95% CI, 0.01-to 0.13 mm; P = .013) between the reconstructions into 8 and 10 phases and 0.13 mm (95% CI, 0.06-0.17 mm; P < .001) between the different scanners.

Conclusions

The motion amplitudes can accurately be compared between 8 and 10 phases and between the two scanners, without differences larger than the voxel size of 0.3 × 0.3 × 0.5 mm. Clinical motion analysis results of different ECG-gated CT scans and CT scanners can be compared up to the accuracy of the CT scan.

Outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention using ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting versus thin-strut durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stents in patients with comorbid peripheral arterial disease: a post-hoc analysis from two randomized trials

Background

In patients with peripheral arterial disease (PADs), who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), little is known about the potential impact of using different new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) on outcome. In PCI all-comers, the results of most between-stent comparisons-stratified by strut thickness-suggested some advantage of coronary stents with ultrathin-struts. The current post-hoc analysis aimed to assess outcomes of PCI with ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES) vs. thin-strut durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stents (DP-ZES) in patients with PADs.

Methods

We pooled 3-year patient-level data from two large-scale randomized all-comer trials to compare Orsiro ultrathin-strut BP-SES vs. Resolute-type thin-strut DP-ZES in trial participants with concomitant PADs. BIO-RESORT (December 2012 to August 2015) and BIONYX (October 2015 to December 2016) included all-comer patients who were aged 18 years or older, capable of providing informed consent, and required a PCI. The trials had web-based randomization, with block sizes of 4 and 8, performed in a 1:1:1 or 1:1 fashion. Assessors, research staff, and patients were blinded to the type of stent used. We assessed the composite main clinical endpoint target vessel failure [TVF: cardiac death, target vessel related myocardial infarction (MI), or clinically indicated target vessel revascularization (TVR)], its components, and stent thrombosis.

Results

Of 4,830 trial participants, 360 had PADs: 177 (49.2%) were treated with BP-SES and 183 (50.8%) with DP-ZES. Baseline characteristics were similar. For BP-SES, the 3-year TVF rate was 11.0% and for DP-ZES 17.9% [hazard ratio (HR): 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-1.04; P=0.07]. For BP-SES, the TVR rate was lower than for DP-ZES (4.1% vs. 11.0%; HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.86; P=0.016), but this did not translate into between-group differences in cardiac death or MI. In small vessels (<2.75 mm), the TVR rate was also lower in BP-SES (5.6% vs. 13.9%; HR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.91; P=0.024). Definite-or-probable stent thrombosis rates were 1.2% and 2.3% (P=0.43).

Conclusions

In PCI patients with PADs, the 3-year TVF incidence was numerically lower in the ultrathin-strut BP-SES vs. the thin-strut DP-ZES group. Furthermore, TVR risk was significantly lower in ultrathin-strut BP-SES, mainly driven by a lower TVR rate in small vessels.

Trial Registration

BIO-RESORT trial: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01674803); BIONYX trial: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02508714).

Diagnostic potential of plasma biomarkers and exhaled volatile organic compounds in predicting the different stages of acute mesenteric ischaemia: protocol for a multicentre prospective observational study (TACTIC study)

INTRODUCTION

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition with short-term mortality of up to 80%. The diagnosis of AMI has remained troublesome due to the non-specific clinical presentation, symptoms and laboratory findings. Early unambiguous diagnosis of AMI is critical to prevent progression from reversible to irreversible transmural intestinal damage, thereby decreasing morbidity and improving survival. The present study aims to validate a panel of plasma biomarkers and investigate volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles in exhaled air as a tool to timely and accurately diagnose AMI.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this international multicentre prospective observational study, 120 patients (>18 years of age) will be recruited with clinical suspicion of AMI. Clinical suspicion is based on: (1) clinical manifestation, (2) physical examination, (3) laboratory measurements and (4) the physician's consideration to perform a CT scan. The patient's characteristics, repetitive blood samples and exhaled air will be prospectively collected. Plasma levels of mucosal damage markers intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and villin-1, as well as transmural damage marker smooth muscle protein 22-alpha, will be assessed by ELISA. Analysis of VOCs in exhaled air will be performed by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Diagnosis of AMI will be based on CT, endovascular and surgical reports, clinical findings, and (if applicable) verified by histopathological examination.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (METC) of Maastricht University Medical Centre+ and Maastricht University (METC azM/UM), the Netherlands (METC19-010) and the Ethics Committee Research UZ/KU Leuven, Belgium (S63500). Executive boards and local METCs of other Dutch participating centres Gelre Ziekenhuizen (Apeldoorn), Medisch Spectrum Twente (Enschede), and University Medical Centre Groningen have granted permission to carry out this study. Study results will be disseminated via open-access peer-reviewed scientific journals and national/international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05194527.

Robot-assisted and fluorescence-guided remnant-cholecystectomy: a prospective dual-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

Abdominal symptoms after cholecystectomy may be caused by gallstones in a remnant gallbladder or a long cystic duct stump. Resection of a remnant gallbladder or cystic duct stump is associated with an increased risk of conversion and bile duct or vascular injuries. We prospectively investigated the additional value of robotic assistance and fluorescent bile duct illumination in redo biliary surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective two-centre observational cohort study, 28 patients were included with an indication for redo biliary surgery because of remnant stones in a remnant gallbladder or long cystic duct stump. Surgery was performed with the da Vinci X® and Xi® robotic system. The biliary tract was visualised in the fluorescence Firefly® mode shortly after intravenous injection of indocyanine green.

RESULTS

There were no conversions or perioperative complications, especially no vascular or bile duct injuries. Fluorescence-based illumination of the extrahepatic bile ducts was successful in all cases. Symptoms were resolved in 27 of 28 patients. Ten patients were treated in day care and 13 patients were discharged the day after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted fluorescence-guided surgery for remnant gallbladder or cystic duct stump resection is safe, effective and can be done in day-care setting.

Risk of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention and its impact on further adverse events in clinical trial participants with comorbid peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

Both patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PADs) have an increased bleeding risk. Information is scarce on bleeding in CAD patients, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), who have comorbid PADs. We assessed whether PCI patients with PADs have a higher bleeding risk than PCI patients without PADs. Furthermore, in PCI patients with PADs we evaluated the extent by which bleeding increased the risk of further adverse events.

METHODS

Three-year pooled patient-level data of two randomized PCI trials (BIO-RESORT, BIONYX) with drug-eluting stents were analyzed to assess mortality and the composite endpoint major adverse cardiac events (MACE: all-cause mortality, any myocardial infarction, emergent coronary artery bypass surgery, or target lesion revascularization).

RESULTS

Among 5989 all-comer patients, followed for 3 years, bleeding occurred in 7.7% (34/440) with comorbid PADs and 5.0% (279/5549) without PADs (HR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.11-2.23, p = 0.010). Of all PADs patients, those with a bleeding had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality (HR: 4.70, 95%CI: 2.37-9.33, p < 0.001) and MACE (HR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.23-4.31, p = 0.003). Furthermore, PADs patients with a bleeding were older (74.4 ± 6.9 vs. 67.4 ± 9.5, p < 0.001). After correction for age and other potential confounders, bleeding remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (adj.HR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.37-6.43, p = 0.006) while the relation of bleeding with MACE became borderline non-significant (adj.HR: 1.85, 95%CI: 0.97-3.55, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

PCI patients with PADs had a higher bleeding risk than PCI patients without PADs. In PADs patients, bleeding was associated with all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for potential confounders.

Factors associated with successful median arcuate ligament release in an international, multi-institutional cohort

OBJECTIVE

Prior research on median arcuate ligament syndrome has been limited to institutional case series, making the optimal approach to median arcuate ligament release (MALR) and resulting outcomes unclear. In the present study, we compared the outcomes of different approaches to MALR and determined the predictors of long-term treatment failure.

METHODS

The Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium is an international, multi-institutional research consortium. Data on open, laparoscopic, and robotic MALR performed from 2000 to 2020 were gathered. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as no improvement in median arcuate ligament syndrome symptoms after MALR or symptom recurrence between MALR and the last clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

For 516 patients treated at 24 institutions, open, laparoscopic, and robotic MALR had been performed in 227 (44.0%), 235 (45.5%), and 54 (10.5%) patients, respectively. Perioperative complications (ileus, cardiac, and wound complications; readmissions; unplanned procedures) occurred in 19.2% (open, 30.0%; laparoscopic, 8.9%; robotic, 18.5%; P < .001). The median follow-up was 1.59 years (interquartile range, 0.38-4.35 years). For the 488 patients with follow-up data available, 287 (58.8%) had had full relief, 119 (24.4%) had had partial relief, and 82 (16.8%) had derived no benefit from MALR. The 1- and 3-year freedom from treatment failure for the overall cohort was 63.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.0%-68.3%) and 51.9% (95% CI, 46.1%-57.3%), respectively. The factors associated with an increased hazard of treatment failure on multivariable analysis included robotic MALR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.73; 95% CI, 1.16-2.59; P = .007), a history of gastroparesis (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.09-3.09; P = .023), abdominal cancer (HR, 10.3; 95% CI, 3.06-34.6; P < .001), dysphagia and/or odynophagia (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.27-4.69; P = .008), no relief from a celiac plexus block (HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.00-4.72; P = .049), and an increasing number of preoperative pain locations (HR, 1.12 per location; 95% CI, 1.00-1.25; P = .042). The factors associated with a lower hazard included increasing age (HR, 0.99 per increasing year; 95% CI, 0.98-1.0; P = .012) and an increasing number of preoperative diagnostic gastrointestinal studies (HR, 0.84 per study; 95% CI, 0.74-0.96; P = .012) Open and laparoscopic MALR resulted in similar long-term freedom from treatment failure. No radiographic parameters were associated with differences in treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

No difference was found in long-term failure after open vs laparoscopic MALR; however, open release was associated with higher perioperative morbidity. These results support the use of a preoperative celiac plexus block to aid in patient selection. Operative candidates for MALR should be counseled regarding the factors associated with treatment failure and the relatively high overall rate of treatment failure.

Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Treatment for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Since the first description of the median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), the existence for the syndrome and the efficacy of treatment for it have been questioned.

METHODS

A systematic review conforming to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement was conducted, with a broader view on treatment for MALS including any kind of coeliac artery release, coeliac plexus resection, and coeliac plexus blockage, irrespective of age. Online databases were used to identify papers published between 1963 and July 2021. The inclusion criteria were abdominal symptoms, proof of MALS on imaging, and articles reporting at least three patients. Primary outcomes were symptom relief and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies describing 880 adult patients and six studies describing 195 paediatric patients were included. The majority of the adult studies reported symptom relief of more than 70% from three to 228 months after treatment. Two adult studies showed an improved QoL after treatment. Half of the paediatric studies reported symptom relief of more than 70% from six to 62 months after laparoscopic coeliac artery release, and four studies reported an improved QoL. Thirty-five (92%) adult studies and five (83%) paediatric studies scored a high or unclear risk of bias for the majority of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) items. The meaning of coeliac plexus resection or blockage could not be substantiated.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review suggests a sustainable symptom relief of more than 70% after treatment for MALS in the majority of adult and paediatric studies; however, owing to the heterogeneity of the inclusion criteria and outcome parameters, the risk of bias was high and a formal meta-analysis could not be performed. To improve care for patients with MALS the next steps would be to deal with reporting standards, outcome definitions, and consensus descriptions of the intervention(s), after which an appropriate randomised controlled trial should be performed.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical care in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption of regular healthcare leading to reduced hospital attendances, repurposing of surgical facilities, and cancellation of cancer screening programmes. This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on surgical care in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A nationwide study was conducted in collaboration with the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing. Eight surgical audits were expanded with items regarding alterations in scheduling and treatment plans. Data on procedures performed in 2020 were compared with those from a historical cohort (2018-2019). Endpoints included total numbers of procedures performed and altered treatment plans. Secondary endpoints included complication, readmission, and mortality rates.

RESULTS

Some 12 154 procedures were performed in participating hospitals in 2020, representing a decrease of 13.6 per cent compared with 2018-2019. The largest reduction (29.2 per cent) was for non-cancer procedures during the first COVID-19 wave. Surgical treatment was postponed for 9.6 per cent of patients. Alterations in surgical treatment plans were observed in 1.7 per cent. Time from diagnosis to surgery decreased (to 28 days in 2020, from 34 days in 2019 and 36 days in 2018; P < 0.001). For cancer-related procedures, duration of hospital stay decreased (5 versus 6 days; P < 0.001). Audit-specific complications, readmission, and mortality rates were unchanged, but ICU admissions decreased (16.5 versus 16.8 per cent; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The reduction in the number of surgical operations was greatest for those without cancer. Where surgery was undertaken, it appeared to be delivered safely, with similar complication and mortality rates, fewer admissions to ICU, and a shorter hospital stay.

Clinical outcome up to 2 years after percutaneous coronary intervention in all-comers with concomitant symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: a pooled analysis in 9,204 randomized trial participants

Background

An increasing number of patients with coronary artery disease, who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention, also have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. These patients have a worse long-term prognosis, but it is unclear whether the inferior outcome can be seen as early as during the first 2 years from coronary stenting.

Purpose

The aim of this study in all-comers was to evaluate the impact of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease on 1- and 2-year clinical outcome after coronary stenting.

Methods

Patient-level data from four large-scale randomised coronary drug-eluting stent trials in all-comers (TWENTE (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01066650), DUTCH PEERS (NCT01331707), BIO-RESORT (NCT01674803), and BIONYX (NCT02508714)) were pooled to evaluate the impact of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease on clinical outcome after coronary stenting. Peripheral arterial disease was defined as a history (by anamnesis or medical record) of an obstructive arterial lesion, resulting from atherosclerosis in peripheral locations including the lower and upper extremities, carotid or vertebral arteries, and mesenteric or renal arteries. Main clinical endpoint was target vessel failure, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel related myocardial infarction, or clinically indicated target vessel revascularisation.

Results

Of all 9,204 trial participants, 695 (7.6%) had symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. These patients were older and had a higher cardiovascular risk profile, including a higher prevalence of diabetes, renal failure, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and prior stroke. At 1-year follow-up, patients with peripheral arterial disease showed significantly higher event rates of some endpoints. At 2-year follow-up, patients with peripheral arterial disease showed significantly higher rates of various clinical endpoints, including mortality (7.1% vs. 3.0%, p&lt;0.001), myocardial infarction (4.8% vs. 3.4%, p0.04), repeated revascularisation (6.7% vs 4.5%, p&lt;0.04), and major adverse cardiac events (14.6% vs. 8.3%, p&lt;0.001, Figure 1). After multivariate adjustment for confounders, symptomatic peripheral arterial disease was found to be independently associated with the 2-year risks of target vessel and lesion failure, major adverse cardiac events, and all-cause death (p&lt;0.02, for all, Table 1).

Conclusion

Obstructive coronary artery disease with concomitant symptomatic peripheral arterial disease resulted in higher cardiovascular risk profiles and higher rates of all-cause mortality and various composite clinical endpoints during the first two years of follow-up after coronary stenting. Knowledge of these findings allows to identify patients with an increased short- and medium-term adverse event risk after percutaneous coronary intervention, which is useful for both Heart Team and informed consent discussions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): The original trials were funded by Abbott Vascular, Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Biotronik.

Evaluation of electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography to quantify changes in geometry and dynamic behavior of the iliac artery after placement of the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis

BACKGROUND

The GORE^® EXCLUDER^® Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) is designed to treat iliac aneurysms with preservation of blood flow through the internal iliac artery (IIA). Little is known about the influence of IBE placement on the IIA geometry. This study aimed to provide detailed insights in the dynamic behavior and geometry of the common iliac artery (CIA) and IIA trajectory and how these are influenced after treatment with an IBE.

METHODS

Pre- and postoperative electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography (ECG-gated CTA) scans were acquired in a prospective study design and analyzed with in-house written algorithms designed for aorto-iliac and endoprosthesis deformation evaluation. Cardiac pulsatility-induced motion patterns and pathlengths were computed by tracking predefined locations on the aorto-iliac tract. Centerlines through the CIA-IIA trajectory were used to investigate the static and dynamic geometry, including curvature, torsion, length and Tortuosity Index (TI).

RESULTS

Fourteen CIA-IIA trajectories were analyzed before and after IBE placement. Cardiac pulsatility-induced motion and pathlengths increased after IBE placement, especially at mid IIA and the first IIA bifurcation (P≤0.04). After IBE placement, static and dynamic curvature, length and TI decreased significantly (P<0.05). Furthermore, the average dynamic torsion increased significantly (P=0.030). The remaining geometrical outcomes were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The placement of an IBE device stiffens and straightens the CIA-IIA trajectory. Its relation with clinical outcome is yet to be investigated, which can be done thoroughly with the ECG-gated CTA algorithms used in this study.

In Vivo Quantification of Cardiac-Pulsatility-Induced Motion Before and After Double-Branched Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair

The Relay^®Branch stent-graft (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, FL, USA) offers a custom-made endovascular solution for complex aortic arch pathologies. In this technical note, a modified electrocardiography (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT)-based algorithm was applied to quantify cardiac-pulsatility-induced changes of the aortic arch geometry and motion before and after double-branched endovascular repair (bTEVAR) of an aortic arch aneurysm. This software algorithm has the potential to provide novel and clinically relevant insights in the influence of bTEVAR on aortic anatomy, arterial compliance, and stent-graft dynamics.

Treatment Outcome Trends for Non-Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) initiative was established in 2013 to monitor and improve nationwide outcomes of aortic aneurysm surgery. The objective of this study was to examine whether outcomes of surgery for intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAA) have improved over time.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary repair of an iAAA by standard endovascular (EVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) between 2014 and 2019 were selected from the DSAA for inclusion. The primary outcome was peri-operative mortality trend per year, stratified by OSR and EVAR. Secondary outcomes were trends per year in major complications, textbook outcome (TbO), and characteristics of treated patients. The trends per year were evaluated and reported in odds ratios per year.

RESULTS

In this study, 11 624 patients (74.8%) underwent EVAR and 3 908 patients (25.2%) underwent OSR. For EVAR, after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no improvement in peri-operative mortality (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] 1.06, 95% CI 0.94 - 1.20), while major complications decreased (2014: 10.1%, 2019: 7.0%; aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88 - 0.95) and the TbO rate increased (2014: 68.1%, 2019: 80.9%; aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10 - 1.16). For OSR, the peri-operative mortality decreased (2014: 6.1%, 2019: 4.6%; aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 - 0.98), as well as major complications (2014: 28.6%, 2019: 23.3%; aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 - 0.99). Furthermore, the proportion of TbO increased (2014: 49.1%, 2019: 58.3%; aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.10). In both the EVAR and OSR group, the proportion of patients with cardiac comorbidity increased.

CONCLUSION

Since the establishment of this nationwide quality improvement initiative (DSAA), all outcomes of iAAA repair following EVAR and OSR have improved, except for peri-operative mortality following EVAR which remained unchanged.

Incidence and predictive factors for endograft limb patency of the Fenestrated Anaconda™ endograft used for complex endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of treatment for limb occlusion in patients treated for complex (thoraco-)abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with the Fenestrated Anaconda™.

METHODS

Between June 2010 and May 2018, 335 patients underwent elective fenestrated aortic aneurysm repair in 11 participating centers using the Fenestrated Anaconda™ with a median follow-up of 14.3 months (IQR 27.4). The primary outcome measure was freedom-from-limb-occlusion. Secondary outcome measures were freedom-from-limb-related-reintervention, secondary patency, and risk factors associated with limb occlusion.

RESULTS

Thirty (9.0%) patients presented with limb occlusion during follow-up with freedom-from-limb-occlusion of 98.5%, 91.2%, and 81.7% at 30-days, 1 and 5 years, respectively. In 87% of cases, no obvious cause for limb occlusion was documented. Primary occlusion occurred within 30-days in 36.7% and within 1 year in 80.0%. Twenty-three (6.9%) patients underwent an occlusion-related reintervention; seven (23.3%) patients were treated conservatively. Freedom-from-limb-occlusion-related-reintervention at 30-days, one and five years was 97.8%, 93.2% and 88.6%, respectively. Secondary patency was 91.3% after 1-month and 86.2% after 1 and 5 years, respectively. Female sex (OR 3.27 - 95% CI 1.28 to 8.34, P = .01) was a statistically significant predictor for limb occlusion. A higher percentage of thrombus in the aneurysm sac appeared to be protective for limb occlusion (0% compared to <25%: OR 0.22 - 95% CI 0.07 to 0.63, P = .01; 0% compared to 25-50%: OR 0.20 - 95% CI 0.07 to 0.57, P = .00 and 0% compared to >50%: OR 0.08 - 95% CI 0.02 to 0.38, P = .00), as did iliac angulation (OR 0.99 - 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Limb occlusion remains a significant impediment of endograft durability in patients treated with the Fenestrated Anaconda™, especially in female patients. Controversially, a high aneurysmal thrombus load and a high degree of iliac angulation appeared to be protective for limb occlusion, for which no obvious cause could be identified.

A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Peri-Procedural Tissue Perfusion Techniques and their Clinical Value in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

OBJECTIVE

Many techniques have been introduced to enable quantification of tissue perfusion in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Currently, none of these techniques is widely used to analyse real time tissue perfusion changes during endovascular or surgical revascularisation procedures. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an up to date overview of the peri-procedural applicability of currently available techniques, diagnostic accuracy of assessing tissue perfusion and the relationship with clinical outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

REVIEW METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched up to 31 12 2020 for eligible articles: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible articles describing a perfusion measurement technique, used in a peri-procedural setting before and within 24 hours after the revascularisation procedure, with the aim of determining the effect of intervention in patients with PAD, were assessed for inclusion. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability of the studies.

RESULTS

An overview of 10 techniques found in 26 eligible articles focused on study protocols, research goals, and clinical outcomes is provided. Non-invasive techniques included laser speckle contrast imaging, micro-lightguide spectrophotometry, magnetic resonance imaging perfusion, near infrared spectroscopy, skin perfusion pressure, and plantar thermography. Invasive techniques included two dimensional perfusion angiography, contrast enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography perfusion imaging, and indocyanine green angiography. The results of the 26 eligible studies, which were mostly of poor quality according to QUADAS-2, were without exception, not sufficient to substantiate implementation in daily clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides an overview of 10 tissue perfusion assessment techniques for patients with PAD. It seems too early to appoint one of them as a reference standard. The scope of future research in this domain should therefore focus on clinical accuracy, reliability, and validation of the techniques.

Comparing the signal enhancement of a gadolinium based and an iron-oxide based contrast agent in low-field MRI

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in low-field MRI. Contrast agents (CA) in MRI have magnetic behavior dependent on magnetic field strength. Therefore, the optimal contrast agent for low-field MRI might be different from what is used at higher fields. Ultra-small superparamagnetic iron-oxides (USPIOs), commonly used as negative CA, might also be used for generating positive contrast in low-field MRI. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an USPIO or a gadolinium based contrast agent is more appropriate at low field strengths. Relaxivity values of ferumoxytol (USPIO) and gadoterate (gadolinium based) were used in this research to simulate normalized signal intensity (SI) curves within a concentration range of 0–15 mM. Simulations were experimentally validated on a 0.25T MRI scanner. Simulations and experiments were performed using spin echo (SE), spoiled gradient echo (SGE), and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences. Maximum achievable SIs were assessed for both CAs in a range of concentrations on all sequences. Simulations at 0.25T showed a peak in SIs at low concentrations ferumoxytol versus a wide top at higher concentrations for gadoterate in SE and SGE. Experiments agreed well with the simulations in SE and SGE, but less in the bSSFP sequence due to overestimated relaxivities in simulations. At low magnetic field strengths, ferumoxytol generates similar signal enhancement at lower concentrations than gadoterate.

Real World Practice Deviation from Nationwide Guidelines in Patients with Intermittent Claudication

OBJECTIVE

Patients with intermittent claudication (IC) are initially treated with supervised exercise therapy (SET), as advised by national and international guidelines. Dutch health insurance companies and the Dutch National Health Care Institute suggested an 87% compliance rate with these guidelines in the Netherlands in 2017 and judged this to be undesirably low. The aim of this study was to evaluate compliance with IC guidelines and to elaborate on the reasons for deviating from them (practice variation) in a large teaching hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective single centre cohort study was conducted at a large teaching hospital in the Netherlands. In total, 420 patients with newly diagnosed IC between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018 were analysed. Data included risk profiles and prescribed therapies.

RESULTS

For all 420 included patients, the compliance rate with the guidelines for SET was 80.5%. The rate of adequately motivated and defensible practice variation was 15.7%; the rate of unjustified practice variation was 3.8%. Meaningful care was seen in 96.2% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Deviation from IC guidelines was found in 19.5% of patients. Almost three quarters of this deviation can be explained by the decision to provide personalised, meaningful care.

Fluorescence-Based Quantification of Gastrointestinal Perfusion: A Step Towards an Automated Approach

Background: Qualitative fluorescence angiography (FA) provides insights into intestinal tissue perfusion, but today it is not yet accurate in predicting anastomotic leakage. To improve peroperative detection of impaired perfusion, quantified parameters should be investigated using a standardized method. The aim of this study was to develop a (semi)automated algorithm for comprehensive and convenient analysis of FA parameters. Materials and Methods: An analysis tool was developed for the extraction of quantified FA parameters. The start- and endpoint of intensity increase (T₀ and Tmax) were automatically detected in the intensity-time curves. Algorithm performance was measured against manual assignment of T₀ and Tmax by 9 independent observers in 18 in vivo generated test signals, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Characteristics of parameter T1∕2 (time to 50% of maximal intensity) were analyzed in normally perfused small intestine of 32 subjects who underwent robotic laparoscopic surgery. Since ethical approval was not required under the Dutch law, the need for informed consent was waived. Results: Automated detection of T₀ and Tmax was successful in all subjects. Output of the algorithm had an excellent agreement with the median of the human observations: ICC = 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.96). Overall, T1∕2 had a median value of 5.1 (interquartile range = 2.4) seconds and a minimal and maximal value of 1.3 and 9.9 seconds, respectively. Conclusions: The presented method provided convenient data analysis in the search for effective FA quantification. Future research should expand the data to find adequate threshold values for peroperatively identifying insufficient perfusion and investigate the influence of physiological conditions.

The Incidence of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia in the Well-Defined Region of a Dutch Mesenteric Ischemia Expert Center

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the incidence of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) and to examine the influence of the etiological cause, location, and severity of a mesenteric artery stenosis on the probability of having CMI.

METHODS

A prospective database, containing the details of all patients with suspected CMI referred to a renowned CMI expert center, was used. Patients residing within the expert centers' well-defined region, between January 2014 and October 2019, were included. CMI was diagnosed when patients experienced sustained symptom improvement after treatment.

RESULTS

This study included 358 patients, 75 had a ≥50% atherosclerotic stenosis of 1 vessel (CMI 16%), 96 of 2 or 3 vessels (CMI 81%), 81 celiac artery compression (CMI 25%), and 84 no stenosis (CMI 12%). In total, 138 patients were diagnosed with CMI, rendering a mean incidence of 9.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.2-13.7) per 100,000 inhabitants. Atherosclerotic CMI was most common, with a mean incidence of 7.2 (95% CI 4.6-11.3), followed by median arcuate ligament syndrome 1.3 (95% CI 0.5-3.6) and chronic nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia 0.6 (95% CI 0.2-2.6). The incidence of CMI was highest in female patients (female patients 12.0 [95% CI 7.3-19.6] vs male patients 6.5 [95% CI 3.4-12.5]) and increased with age. CMI was more prevalent in the presence of a ≥70% atherosclerotic single-vessel stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (40.6%) than the celiac artery (5.6%).

DISCUSSION

The incidence of CMI is higher than previously believed and increases with age. Probability of CMI seems highest in suspected CMI patients with multivessel disease or a ≥70% atherosclerotic single-vessel superior mesenteric artery stenosis.

Geometrical changes in Anaconda endograft limbs after endovascular aneurysm repair: A potential predictor for limb occlusion

The emergence of limb occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair may be related to the conformational changes between the endograft structure and the patient's anatomy. This study analyzed detailed geometric changes of Anaconda endograft (Terumo Aortic, Inchinnan, Scotland, UK) limbs during the cardiac cycle-based computed tomography on serial imaging after graft implantation. Fifteen patients (mean age 72.8 ± 3.7 years; 14 men) underwent postoperative electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography scans according to a prospective study design between April 2014 and May 2017. Changes in curvature, length of the limbs, and distances between successive stent rings (inter-ring distance) of the endograft limbs during a 2-year follow-up period were quantified using meticulous image processing methods involving image registration, centerline extraction, and model-based stent-ring segmentation. From discharge to 24 months, mean curvature increased significantly by 9.6 m^-1 (standard deviation [SD], 11.1 m^-1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4 to 15.8 m^-1; P = .002) for the right limbs and by 6.1 m^-1 (SD 9.4 m^-1; 95% CI, 0.8 to 11.5 m^-1; P = .21) for the left limbs. The length of the right limbs decreased significantly, by 9.5 mm (SD 7.6 mm; 95% CI, 3.5 to 15.6 mm; P = .002); the length of the left limbs decreased by 10.1 mm (SD 5.1 mm; 95% CI, 5.9 to 14.2 mm; P < .001). The minimal inter-ring distance decreased by 0.36 mm (SD 0.26 mm; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.55 mm; P < .001) for the right limbs and 0.35 mm (SD 0.19 mm; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.49 mm; P < .001) for the left limbs. Cardiac pulsatility-induced changes in curvature, limb length, and inter-ring distance were negligible (2%, 0.3% and 0.3%, respectively). Changes in the geometry of the Anaconda endograft limbs after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair were observed during a 2-year follow-up manifest as an increase in curvature, shortening of the stent-graft limbs, and a corresponding decrease in inter-ring distance. These stent-graft conformational changes could result in inward folding of the graft fabric, which may relate to the emergence of limb occlusion. Further investigation of these metrics in a larger cohort involving patients with and without occlusions may allow determination of their predictive value.

Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously. The current study assessed diameters at time of eIAA repair and ruptured IAA (rIAA) repair and compared clinical outcomes after open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study used the nationwide Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) registry that includes all patients who undergo aorto-iliac aneurysm repair in the Netherlands. All patients who underwent primary IAA repair between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2018 were included. Diameters at time of eIAA and rIAA repair were compared in a descriptive fashion. The anatomical location of the IAA was not registered in the registry. Patient characteristics and outcomes of OSR and EVAR were compared with appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

The DSAA registry comprised 974 patients who underwent IAA repair. A total of 851 patients were included after exclusion of patients undergoing revision surgery and patients with missing essential variables. eIAA repair was carried out in 713 patients, rIAA repair in 102, and symptomatic IAA repair in 36. OSR was performed in 205, EVAR in 618, and hybrid repairs and conversions in 28. The median maximum IAA diameter at the time of eIAA and rIAA repair was 43 (IQR 38-50) mm and 68 (IQR 58-85) mm, respectively. Mortality was 1.3% (95% CI 0.7-2.4) after eIAA repair and 25.5% (95% CI 18.0-34.7) after rIAA repair. Mortality was not significantly different between the OSR and EVAR subgroups. Elective OSR was associated with significantly more complications than EVAR (intra-operative: 9.8% vs. 3.6%, post-operative: 34.0% vs. 13.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In the Netherlands, most eIAA repairs are performed at diameters larger than recommended by the ESVS guideline. These findings appear to support the recent increase in the threshold diameter for eIAA repair.

European guidelines on chronic mesenteric ischaemia - joint United European Gastroenterology, European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, Netherlands Association of Hepatogastroenterologists, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, and Dutch Mesenteric Ischemia Study group clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia

Chronic mesenteric ischaemia is a severe and incapacitating disease, causing complaints of post-prandial pain, fear of eating and weight loss. Even though chronic mesenteric ischaemia may progress to acute mesenteric ischaemia, chronic mesenteric ischaemia remains an underappreciated and undertreated disease entity. Probable explanations are the lack of knowledge and awareness among physicians and the lack of a gold standard diagnostic test. The underappreciation of this disease results in diagnostic delays, underdiagnosis and undertreating of patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia, potentially resulting in fatal acute mesenteric ischaemia. This guideline provides a comprehensive overview and repository of the current evidence and multidisciplinary expert agreement on pertinent issues regarding diagnosis and treatment, and provides guidance in the multidisciplinary field of chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

Geometric Remodeling of the Perirenal Aortic Neck at and Adjacent to the Double Sealing Ring of the Anaconda Stent-Graft After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: To evaluate if the radial force of the double sealing ring of the Anaconda stent-graft induces dilatation in the perirenal aortic neck adjacent to the rings. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the serial electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography scans of 15 abdominal aortic aneurysm patients (mean age 72.8±3.7 years; 14 men) who were treated electively using an Anaconda stent-graft. Follow-up scans were conducted before discharge and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after endovascular repair. Diameter and area were assessed perpendicular to the aortic centerline along the perirenal aortic neck, which was subdivided into 3 zones: the suprastent, the stent, and the infrastent zones. Measurements were performed independently by 2 experienced observers using dedicated 3-dimensional image processing software. Results: Between discharge and the 2-year follow-up the diameter and area remained stable in the suprastent zone [average diameter change: −0.1±0.4 mm (−0.4%±1.7%), p=0.893; average area change: −2.9±17.2 mm² (−0.7%±3.4%), p=0.946], increased in the stent zone [average diameter change: +1.9±1.0 mm (+7.3%±4.0%), p<0.001; average area change: +84.3±48.3 mm² (+15.5%±8.7%), p<0.001], and diverged in the infrastent zone [average diameter change: −0.8±2.2 mm (−2.3%±7.4%), p>0.99; average area change: −34.6±102.3 mm² (−4.1%±14.8%), p>0.99; increased in 4 patients, decreased in 9 patients]. Conclusion: After Anaconda implantation the infrarenal aortic neck accommodated to the expansion of the sealing rings at the stent zone. Below the stent zone the neck diameter decreased in the majority of patients, while an increase was related to downstream displacement of the main body. A decrease in size in the infrastent zone may contribute to durable sealing and fixation. A personalized follow-up scheme based on geometric neck remodeling should be feasible if our observations are confirmed in larger, long-term studies.

Quantitative Stent Graft Motion in ECG Gated CT by Image Registration and Segmentation: In Vitro Validation and Preliminary Clinical Results

OBJECTIVES

The dynamic endovascular environment of stent grafts may influence long term outcome after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The sealing and fixation of a stent graft to the aortic wall is challenged at every heartbeat, yet knowledge of the cardiac induced dynamics of stent grafts is sparse. Understanding the stent-artery interaction is crucial for device development and may aid the prediction of failure in the individual patient. The aim of this work was to establish quantitative stent graft motion in multiphasic electrocardiogram (ECG) gated computed tomography (CT) by image registration and segmentation techniques.

METHODS

Experimental validation was performed by evaluating a series of ECG gated CT scans of a stent graft moving at different amplitudes of displacement at different virtual heart rates using a motion generating device with synchronised ECG triggering. The methodology was further tested on clinical data of patients treated with EVAR devices with different stent graft designs. Displacement during the cardiac cycle was analysed for points on the fixating stent rings, the branches or fenestrations, and the spine.

RESULTS

Errors for the amplitude of displacement measured in vitro at individual points on the wire frame were at most 0.3 mm. In situ cardiac induced displacement of the devices was found to differ per location and also depended on the type of stent graft. Displacement during the cardiac cycle was greatest in a fenestrated device and smallest in a chimney graft sac anchoring endosystem, with maximum displacement varying from 0.0 to 1.4 mm. There was no substantial displacement measurable in the spine.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel methodology to quantify and visualise stent graft motion in multiphasic ECG gated CT has been validated in vitro and tested in vivo. This methodology enables further exploration of in situ motion of different stent grafts and branch stents and their interaction with native vessels.

Covered stents versus Bare-metal stents in chronic atherosclerotic Gastrointestinal Ischemia (CoBaGI): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is the result of insufficient blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract and is caused by atherosclerotic stenosis of one or more mesenteric arteries in > 90% of cases. Revascularization therapy is indicated in patients with a diagnosis of atherosclerotic CMI to relieve symptoms and to prevent acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular therapy has rapidly evolved and has replaced surgery as the first choice of treatment in CMI. Bare-metal stents (BMS) are standard care currently, although retrospective studies suggested significantly higher patency rates for covered stents (CS). The Covered stents versus Bare-metal stents in chronic atherosclerotic Gastrointestinal Ischemia (CoBaGI) trial is designed to prospectively assess the patency of CS versus BMS in patients with atherosclerotic CMI.

Methods/design

The CoBaGI trial is a randomized controlled, parallel-group, patient- and investigator-blinded, superiority, multicenter trial conducted in six centers of the Dutch Mesenteric Ischemia Study group (DMIS). Eighty-four patients with a consensus diagnosis of atherosclerotic CMI are 1:1 randomized to either a balloon-expandable BMS (Palmaz Blue with rapid-exchange delivery system, Cordis Corporation, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) or a balloon-expandable CS (Advanta V12 over-the-wire, Atrium Maquet Getinge Group, Hudson, NH, USA). The primary endpoint is the primary stent-patency rate at 24 months assessed with CT angiography. Secondary endpoints are primary stent patency at 6 and 12 months and secondary patency rates, freedom from restenosis, freedom from symptom recurrence, freedom from re-intervention, quality of life according the EQ-5D-5 L and SF-36 and cost-effectiveness at 6, 12 and 24 months.

Discussion

The CoBaGI trial is designed to assess the patency rates of CS versus BMS in patients treated for CMI caused by atherosclerotic mesenteric stenosis. Furthermore, the CoBaGI trial should provide insights in the quality of life of these patients before and after stenting and its cost-effectiveness. The CoBaGI trial is the first randomized controlled trial performed in CMI caused by atherosclerotic mesenteric artery stenosis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02428582. Registered on 29 April 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3609-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Radiation exposure in an endovascular aortic aneurysm repair program after introduction of a hybrid operating theater

BACKGROUND

A hybrid operating theater (HOT) enables optimal image quality, improved ergonomics, and excellent sterility for complex endovascular and hybrid procedures. We hypothesize that the commissioning of a new HOT involves a learning curve. It is unclear how steep the learning curve of these advanced HOTs is. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate radiation exposure parameters in a new HOT for a team of vascular surgeons experienced with infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures in a conventional operating room with a mobile C-arm. In addition, a comparison of the dose-area product (DAP) achieved in this study and in the literature was made.

METHODS

Before commissioning of the HOT, four vascular surgeons completed a comprehensive HOT training program. From the commissioning of the HOT, clinical and procedural data for all consecutive acute and elective patients treated with EVAR were retrospectively collected for a period of 18 months (January 2016-June 2017). A literature review was conducted of the dose-area product in EVAR procedures performed with a dedicated fixed system or mobile C-arm to analyze how this study performed compared with the literature.

RESULTS

In the 18-month study period, 77 patients were treated with EVAR (59 electively and 18 acutely), from whom the data were obtained. There was no significant change in radiation exposure parameters over time. From the commissioning of the HOT, EVAR procedures were performed with radiation exposure parameters similar to those of studies found in experienced vascular centers using fixed systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Concerning radiation exposure parameters, the commissioning of a new HOT was not accompanied by a learning curve. Radiation exposure parameters achieved in this study were similar to those of studies from experienced and dedicated vascular centers.

Validation of a score chart to predict the risk of chronic mesenteric ischemia and development of an updated score chart

Background and objective

The objective of this article is to externally validate and update a recently published score chart for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

Methods

A multicenter prospective cohort analysis was conducted of 666 CMI-suspected patients referred to two Dutch specialized CMI centers. Multidisciplinary consultation resulted in expert-based consensus diagnosis after which CMI consensus patients were treated. A definitive diagnosis of CMI was established if successful treatment resulted in durable symptom relief. The absolute CMI risk was calculated and discriminative ability of the original chart was assessed by the c-statistic in the validation cohort. Thereafter the original score chart was updated based on the performance in the combined original and validation cohort with inclusion of celiac artery (CA) stenosis cause.

Results

In 8% of low-risk patients, 39% of intermediate-risk patients and 94% of high-risk patients of the validation cohort, CMI was diagnosed. Discriminative ability of the original model was acceptable (c-statistic 0.79). The total score of the updated chart ranged from 0 to 28 points (low risk 19% absolute CMI risk, intermediate risk 45%, and high risk 92%). The discriminative ability of the updated chart was slightly better (c-statistic 0.80).

Conclusion

The CMI prediction model performs and discriminates well in the validation cohort. The updated score chart has excellent discriminative ability and is useful in clinical decision making.

Incidence and Treatment of Limb Occlusion of the Anaconda Endograft After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and treatment of limb occlusions of the second- and third-generation Anaconda endografts. Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted involving 317 consecutive patients (mean age 76 years; 289 men) who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair for elective asymptomatic, symptomatic intact, and ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with 2 versions of the Anaconda device. From September 2003 to July 2011, the second-generation device was used in 189 patients (mean age 77 years; 169 men) and from July 2011 to September 2015, the third-generation device was implanted in 128 patients (mean age 75 years; 120 men). The rates of limb occlusion were compared between groups and according to compliance with the instructions for use (IFU); predictors were sought in multivariate analysis. The results of the latter are given as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Kaplan-Meier freedom of occlusion estimates for second- and third-generation devices, respectively, was 96.6% and 95.0% at 1 year, 89.9% and 95.0% at 2 years, and 86.5% and 88.6% at 5 years. There was no significant difference in overall occlusion rate between the second-generation devices (p=0.332) or with regard to use within the IFU (p=0.827); however, there was a clinically relevant decrease in the occlusion rate for elective patients treated with the third-generation device (6.4% vs 13.1%, p=0.077). There was an increase in the occlusion rate when the iliac limb diameter was ≤13 mm. In multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of limb occlusion was a small distal prosthesis diameter (HR 0.732, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.86, p<0.001). Symptomatic nonruptured and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) interventions had an almost 2-fold increased risk of occlusion (HR 1.95, 95% CI 0.93 to 4.11, p=0.078), though this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The Anaconda design has proven effectiveness in AAA exclusion in daily practice inside the IFU. However, efforts could be made to further reduce the limb occlusion rate.

Clinical management of chronic mesenteric ischemia

This

This Dutch Mesenteric Ischemia Study group consists of: Ron Balm, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Gert Jan de Borst, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht Juliette T Blauw, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede Marco J Bruno, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam Olaf J Bakker, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein Louisa JD van Dijk, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam Hessel CJL Buscher, Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn Bram Fioole, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam Robert H Geelkerken, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede Jaap F Hamming, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden Jihan Harki, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam Daniel AF van den Heuvel, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein Eline S van Hattum, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht Jan Willem Hinnen, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ‘s-Hertogenbosch Jeroen J Kolkman, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede Maarten J van der Laan, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Kaatje Lenaerts, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht Adriaan Moelker, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam Desirée van Noord, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam Maikel P Peppelenbosch, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam André S van Petersen, Bernhoven Hospital, Uden Pepijn Rijnja, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede Peter J van der Schaar, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein Luke G Terlouw, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam Hence JM Verhagen, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam Jean Paul PM de Vries, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Dammis Vroegindeweij, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam

review provides an overview on the clinical management of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). CMI is defined as insufficient blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract, most often caused by atherosclerotic stenosis of one or more mesenteric arteries. Patients classically present with postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. However, patients may present with, atypically, symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Early consideration and diagnosis of CMI is important to timely treat, to improve quality of life and to prevent acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia. The diagnosis of CMI is based on the triad of clinical symptoms, radiological evaluation of the mesenteric vasculature and if available, functional assessment of mucosal ischemia. Multidisciplinary consensus on the diagnosis of CMI is of paramount importance to adequately select patients for treatment. Patients with a consensus diagnosis of single-vessel or multi-vessel atherosclerotic CMI are preferably treated with endovascular revascularization.

The Dutch Audit of Carotid Interventions: Transparency in Quality of Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

The Dutch Audit for Carotid Interventions (DACI) registers all patients undergoing interventions for carotid artery stenosis in the Netherlands. This study describes the design of the DACI and results of patients with a symptomatic stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It aimed to evaluate variation between hospitals in process of care and (adjusted) outcomes, as well as predictors of major stroke/death after CEA.

METHODS

All patients with a symptomatic stenosis, who underwent CEA and were registered in the DACI between 2014 and 2016 were included in this cohort. Descriptive analyses of patient characteristics, process of care, and outcomes were performed. Casemix adjusted hospital procedural outcomes as (30 day/in hospital) mortality, stroke/death, and major stroke/death, were compared with the national mean. A multivariable logistic regression model (backward elimination at p > 0.10) was used to identify predictors of major stroke/death.

RESULTS

A total of 6459 patients, registered by 52 hospitals, were included. The majority (4,832, 75%) were treated <2 weeks after their first hospital consultation, varying from 40% to 93% between hospitals. Mortality, stroke/death, and major stroke/death were, respectively, 1.1%, 3.6%, and 1.8%. Adjusted major stroke/death rates for hospital comparison varied between 0 and 6.5%. Nine hospitals performed significantly better, none performed significantly worse. Predictors of major stroke/death were sex, age, pulmonary disease, presenting neurological symptoms, and peri-operative shunt.

CONCLUSION

CEA in The Netherlands is associated with an overall low mortality and (major) stroke/death rate. Whereas the indicator time to intervention varied between hospitals, mortality and (major) stroke/death were not significantly distinctive enough to identify worse practices and therefore were unsuitable for hospital comparison in the Dutch setting. Additionally, predictors of major stroke/death at population level could be identified.

Evolution of the Proximal Sealing Rings of the Anaconda Stent-Graft After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: To provide insight into the evolution of the saddle-shaped proximal sealing rings of the Anaconda stent-graft after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: Eighteen abdominal aortic aneurysm patients were consecutively enrolled in a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study (LSPEAS; Trialregister.nl identifier NTR4276). The patients were treated electively using an Anaconda stent-graft with a mean 31% oversizing (range 17–47). According to protocol, participants were to be followed for 2 years, during which 5 noncontrast electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography scans would be conducted. Three patients were eliminated within 30 days (1 withdrew, 1 died, and a third was converted before stent-graft deployment), leaving 15 patients (mean age 72.8±3.7 years; 14 men) for this analysis. Evolution in size and shape (symmetry) of both proximal infrarenal sealing rings were assessed from discharge to 24 months using dedicated postprocessing algorithms. Results: At 24 months, the mean diameters of the first and second ring stents had increased significantly (first ring: 2.2±1.0 mm, p<0.001; second ring: 2.7±1.1 mm, p<0.001). At 6 months, the first and second rings had expanded to a mean 96.6%±2.1% and 94.8%±2.7%, respectively, of their nominal diameter, after which the rings expanded slowly; ring diameters stabilized to near nominal size (first ring, 98.3%±1.1%; second ring, 97.2%±1.4%) at 24 months irrespective of initial oversizing. No type I or III endoleaks or aneurysm-, device-, or procedure-related adverse events were noted in follow-up. The difference in the diametric distances between the peaks and valleys of the saddle-shaped rings was marked at discharge but became smaller after 24 months for both rings (first ring: median 2.0 vs 1.2 mm, p=0.191; second ring: median 2.8 vs 0.8 mm; p=0.013). Conclusion: Irrespective of initial oversizing, the Anaconda proximal sealing rings radially expanded to near nominal size within 6 months after EVAR. Initial oval-shaped rings conformed symmetrically and became nearly circular through 24 months. These findings should be taken into account in planning and follow-up.

The Effect of Unenhanced MRI on the Surgeons' Decision-Making Process in Females with Suspected Appendicitis

Background

This prospective study evaluated the impact of the results of unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the surgeon’s diagnosis of acute appendicitis in potentially fertile females.

Methods

112 female patients, aged 12–55, with suspected appendicitis underwent MRI of the abdomen. At three defined intervals; admission and clinical re-evaluation before and after revealing the MRI results, the surgeon recorded the attendance of each patient in operative treatment, observation or discharge. Appendicitis was confirmed or declined by pathology or by telephone follow-up in case of non-intervention.

Findings

Appendicitis was confirmed in 29 of 112 patients. At admission the surgeon’s disposition had a sensitivity of 97 % and specificity of 29 %. After knowing the MRI results, sensitivity was 97 % and specificity 64 %. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI alone were 89 and 100 %, with a negative and positive predictive value of 96 and 100 %, respectively.

Conclusion

We believe that MRI should perhaps be standard in all female patients during their reproductive years with suspected appendicitis. It avoids an operation in 32 % of cases and allows earlier planning for patients with an equivocal clinical picture. Trial number: OND1292733 (Narcis.nl).

A phantom study for the comparison of different brands of computed tomography scanners and software packages for endovascular aneurysm repair sizing and planning

Objectives Correct sizing of endoprostheses used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms is important to prevent endoleaks and migration. Sizing requires several steps and each step introduces a possible sizing error. The goal of this study was to investigate the magnitude of these errors compared to the golden standard: a vessel phantom. This study focuses on the errors in sizing with three different brands of computed tomography angiography scanners in combination with three reconstruction software packages. Methods Three phantoms with a different diameter, altitude and azimuth were scanned with three computed tomography scanners: Toshiba Aquilion 64-slice, Philips Brilliance iCT 256-slice and Siemens Somatom Sensation 64-slice. The phantom diameters were determined in the stretched view after central lumen line reconstruction by three observers using Simbionix PROcedure Rehearsal Studio, 3mensio and TeraRecon planning software. The observers, all novices in sizing endoprostheses using planning software, measured 108 slices each. Two senior vascular surgeons set the tolerated error margin of sizing on ±1.0 mm. Results In total, 11.3% of the measurements (73/648) were outside the set margins of ±1.0 mm from the phantom diameter, with significant differences between the scanner types (14.8%, 12.1%, 6.9% for the Siemens scanner, Philips scanner and Toshiba scanner, respectively, p-value = 0.032), but not between the software packages (8.3%, 11.1%, 14.4%, p-value = 0.141) or the observers (10.6%, 9.7%, 13.4%, p-value = 0.448). Conclusions It can be concluded that the errors in sizing were independent of the used software packages, but the phantoms scanned with Siemens scanner were significantly more measured incorrectly than the phantoms scanned with the Toshiba scanner. Consequently, awareness on the type of computed tomography scanner and computed tomography scanner setting is necessary, especially in complex abdominal aortic aneurysms sizing for fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair if appropriate the sizing is of upmost importance.

In vivo geometry of the kissing stent and covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation configurations in aortoiliac occlusive disease

Objectives

Various configurations of kissing stent (KS) configurations exist and patency rates vary. In response the covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation configuration was designed to minimize mismatch and improve outcome. The aim of the current study is to compare geometrical mismatch of kissing stent with the covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation configuration in vivo.

Methods

Post-operative computed tomographic data and patient demographics from 11 covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation and 11 matched kissing stent patients were included. A free hand region of interest and ellipse fitting method were applied to determine mismatch areas and volumes. Conformation of the stents to the vessel wall was expressed using the D-ratio.

Results

Patients were mostly treated for Rutherford category 2 and 3 (64%) with a lesion classification of TASC C and D in 82%. Radial mismatch area and volume for the covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation group was significantly lower compared to the kissing stent configuration (P < 0.05). The D-ratio did not significantly differ between groups. Measurements were performed with good intra-class correlation. There were no significant differences in the post-procedural aortoiliac anatomy.

Conclusions

The present study shows that radial mismatch exists in vivo and that large differences in mismatch exist, in favour of the covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation configuration. Future research should determine if the decreased radial mismatch results in improved local flow profiles and subsequent clinical outcome.