The Use of Intact Fish Skin Grafts in the Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Leg: Early Clinical Experience and Literature Review on Indications for Intact Fish Skin Grafts

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious infectious disease that can initially place the patient's life in danger and, after successful surgical and antibiotic treatment, leaves extensive wounds with sometimes even exposed bones and tendons. Autologous skin grafts are not always possible or require adequate wound bed preparation. Novel intact fish skin grafts (iFSGs; Kerecis® Omega3 Wound, Kerecis hf, Isafjördur, Iceland) have already shown their potential to promote granulation in many other wound situations. Faster wound healing rates and better functional and cosmetic outcomes were observed due to their additionally postulated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Therefore, iFSGs may also be essential in treating NF. We present our initial experience with iFSGs in treating leg wounds after NF and review the literature for the current spectrum of clinical use of iFSGs.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

We present two male patients (aged 60 and 69 years) with chronic or acute postsurgical extensive leg ulcers six weeks and six days after necrotizing fasciitis, respectively. Both suffered from diabetes mellitus without vascular pathologies of the lower limbs. A single application of one pre-meshed (Kerecis® Graftguide) and one self-meshed 300 cm2 iFSG (Kerecis® Surgiclose) was performed in our operation room after extensive surgical debridement and single circles of negative wound pressure therapy. Application and handling were easy. An excellent wound granulation was observed, even in uncovered tibia bone and tendons, accompanied by pain relief in both patients. Neither complications nor allergic reactions occurred. The patients received autologous skin grafting with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

iFSGs have the potential to play a significant role in the future treatment of NF due to the fast promotion of wound granulation and pain relief. Our experience may encourage surgeons to use iFSGs in NF patients, although high-quality, large-sized studies are still required to confirm these results. The observed effects of iFSGs on wounds associated with NF may be transferred to other wound etiologies as well.

International Multi-Institutional Experience with Presentation and Management of Aortic Arch Laterality in Aberrant Subclavian Artery and Kommerell's Diverticulum

BACKGROUND

Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) with or without Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare anatomic aortic arch anomaly that can cause dysphagia and/or life-threatening rupture. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of ASA/KD repair in patients with a left versus right aortic arch.

METHODS

Using the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium methodology, a retrospective review was performed of patients ≥18 years old with surgical treatment of ASA/KD from 2000 to 2020 at 20 institutions.

RESULTS

288 patients with ASA with or without KD were identified; 222 left-sided aortic arch (LAA), and 66 right-sided aortic arch (RAA). Mean age at repair was younger in LAA 54 vs. 58 years (P = 0.06). Patients in RAA were more likely to undergo repair due to symptoms (72.7% vs. 55.9%, P = 0.01), and more likely to present with dysphagia (57.6% vs. 39.1%, P < 0.01). The hybrid open/endovascular approach was the most common repair type in both groups. Rates of intraoperative complications, death within 30 days, return to the operating room, symptom relief and endoleaks were not significantly different. For patients with symptom status follow-up data, in LAA, 61.7% had complete relief, 34.0% had partial relief and 4.3% had no change. In RAA, 60.7% had complete relief, 34.4% had partial relief and 4.9% had no change.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ASA/KD, RAA patients were less common than LAA, presented more frequently with dysphagia, had symptoms as an indication for intervention, and underwent treatment at a younger age. Open, endovascular and hybrid repair approaches appear equally effective, regardless of arch laterality.

Long-Term Outcomes in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection or Intramural Hematoma Depending on Proximal Landing Zone

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the preferred treatment for complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) or intramural hematoma (IMH). This study aimed to investigate the association of the proximal landing zone and its morphology with long-term outcomes in patients with TBAD or IMH. A total of 94 patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD or IMH between 10/2003 and 01/2020 were included. The cohort was divided according to the proximal landing in Ishimaru zone 2 or 3 and the presence of a healthy landing zone (HLZ; non-dissected or aneurysmatic, ≥2 cm length). Primary outcome was freedom from aortic reintervention. Secondary endpoints were freedom from aortic growth, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, retrograde dissection, proximal stent-graft induced new entry (pSINE), debranching failure, and mortality. Outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models with mortality as a competing risk. A proximal TEVAR landing in zone 2 was associated with higher rates of reinterventions compared to zone 3 (33% vs. 15%, p = 0.031), spinal cord ischemia (8% vs. 0%, p = 0.037), and pSINE (13% vs. 2%, p = 0.032). No difference was found for the other outcomes, including mortality. Landing in dissected segments was not associated with impaired results. Proximal TEVAR landing in zone 3 may be preferable with regard to long-term aortic reintervention in patients with TBAD or IMH.

ORal anticoagulation risks Late Aortic intervention in Conservatively Managed Type B Aortic Dissection (ORCA-Study)

OBJECTIVE

Single-center retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of oral anticoagulation (OAC) on long-term outcomes of conservatively managed acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD).

METHODS

Clinical and morphological data of eligible patients from a high-volume vascular center from January 1st, 2003 through December 31st, 2020 were evaluated. Patients were excluded for: type A or non-A-non-B dissection, isolated abdominal dissection, intramural haematoma, connective tissue disease. The primary outcome was freedom from late aortic events (intervention, rupture, mortality). Secondary outcomes included spinal cord ischaemia, bleeding, reno-visceral artery occlusion, ilio-femoral intervention, dissection propagation, aortic growth, aortic remodelling, deterioration of false lumen thrombosis as well as 30-day and overall mortality. Time-to-event was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with OAC as time-varying covariate and mortality as a competing risk. The impact of OAC was adjusted for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

69 patients (50 males, median age 65 (IQR: 58 to 72) years) were enrolled. Median follow-up was 49.3 (28 to 92) months. 47 patients (68%) received OAC at any time throughout the follow-up for a median length of 26 (11 to 61) months. Late aortic events occurred in 28 patients (41%) including intervention (n = 27, 39%) and rupture (n = 1, 1%). OAC was associated with more late aortic events (HR 3.94, 95%-CI 1.06-14.6, p = 0.040). Secondary outcomes were not associated with OAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests a relation of OAC therapy with an increased risk for late aortic interventions. TBAD should not be the primary indication for OAC and patients with OAC for other indications require frequent follow-up imaging.

Relevance of Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is widely used as an alternative to open repair in elective and even in emergent cases of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). One of the most frequent complications after EVAR is type II endoleak (T2EL). In elective therapy, evidence-based therapeutic recommendations for T2EL are limited. Completely unclear is the role of T2EL after EVAR for rAAA (rEVAR). This study aims to investigate the significance of T2ELs after rEVAR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective single-center data analysis of all patients who underwent rEVAR between January 2010 and December 2020 with primary T2EL. The outcome criteria were overall and T2EL-related mortality and reintervention rate as well as development of aneurysm diameter over follow-up (FU).

RESULTS

During the study period between January 2010 and December 2020, 35 (25%) out of 138 patients with rEVAR presented a primary postoperative T2EL (age 74±11 years, 34 males). At rupture, mean aneurysm diameter was 73±12 mm. Follow-up was 26 (0-172) months. The reintervention-free survival was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55%-86%) at 30 days, 58% (95% CI: 43%-78%) at 1 year, and 52% (95% CI: 36%-75%) at 3 years. In 40% (n=14), T2ELs resolved spontaneously within a median time of 3.4 (0.03-85.6) months. The overall and T2EL reintervention rates were 43% (n=15) and 9% (n=3), respectively. Within 30 days, 11 patients (31%) required reintervention, of which 2 were T2EL related. Aneurysm sac growth by ≥5 mm was seen in 3 patients (9%), and aneurysm shrinkage rate was significantly higher in sealed T2EL group (86% vs 5%, p<0.0001). The overall survival was 85% (95% CI: 74%-98%) at 30 days, 75% (95% CI: 61%-92%) at 1 year, and 67% (95% CI: 51%-87%) at 3 years. Six deaths were aneurysm related, while 1 was T2EL related within the first 30 days due to persistent hemorrhage. During FU, one more patient died due to a T2EL-related secondary rupture (T2EL-related mortality, 5.7%, n=2). Multivariable analysis revealed that arterial hypertension was associated with an increased risk for reintervention (hazard ratio [HR]: 27.8, 95% CI: 1.48-521, p=0.026) and age was associated with an increased risk for mortality (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.26, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

T2ELs after rEVAR showed a benign course in most cases. In the short term, the possibility of persistent bleeding should be considered. In the mid term, a consequent FU protocol is required to detect known late complications after EVAR at an early stage and to prevent secondary rupture and death.

Early and Mid-Term Outcomes of Open versus Endovascular Left Subclavian Artery Debranching for Thoracic Aortic Diseases

Purpose: To compare open versus endovascular left subclavian artery debranching for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of thoracic aortic pathologies.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients receiving left subclavian artery debranching in our institution from October 2009 to January 2020. The primary outcome was freedom from aortic reintervention. Secondary outcomes were type I endoleaks, left subclavian artery (LSA) debranching failure, stroke, technical or clinical success, procedure-related reintervention, as well as 30-day or overall all-cause and aorta-related mortality.

Results: Forty-eight patients received parallel graft-based (n = 24, ENDO; median age 75 years [70–80 years]) or open (n = 24, OPEN; median age 71 years [59–75 years]) debranching for type B aortic dissection (n = 25), degenerative aneurysm (n = 12), type IA endoleak (n = 6), suture-associated (n = 3) or ostial LSA aneurysm (n = 1), or penetrating aortic ulcer (n = 1). The median follow-up was 36 months (13–61 months). After 16 months, aortic reintervention-free survival in groups OPEN and ENDO was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79 to 100%) and 86% (73 to 100%) (p = 0.71), respectively. After 36 months, all-cause survival in groups OPEN and ENDO was 74% (95% CI: 55 to 99%) and 79% (95% CI: 64 to 97%) (p = 0.74), respectively; freedom from aorta-related mortality was 81% (95% CI: 62 to 100%) and 91% (95% CI: 80 to 100%) (p = 0.78), respectively. Group OPEN presented less type I endoleaks (OPEN/ENDO = 3/19, p <0.001) and higher technical (OPEN/ENDO = 81/36%, p = 0.003) and clinical success rates (OPEN/ENDO = 67/36%, p = 0.047). No statistical differences were found for other outcomes.

Conclusion: Both strategies achieved comparable reintervention and mortality rates, but open debranching should be preferred due to its higher technical and clinical success and less type I endoleaks.

Complex Multi-Stage Total Aortic and Subclavian Artery Replacement in a 9-year old boy with Loeys-Dietz-Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder that is associated with arterial pathologies such as aortic dissections, tortuosity and aneurysms.We present a child with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome type 2 that received total aortic and bilateral subclavian artery replacement.

CASE REPORT

A 9-year old boy with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome type 2 and acute type B aortic dissection received an urgent complete thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic repair within three days. First, the ascending aorta and aortic root were replaced in a Tirone David and Frozen Elephant Trunk procedure. Then, the descending and supramesenteric aorta was replaced by a Dacron interposition graft with direct implantation of the celiac trunk. During the 15 months follow-up, the patient required three more surgical interventions for rapid expanding aneurysms of both subclavian arteries and the infrarenal aorta. No major adverse event nor secondary interventions occurred. Ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up is continued at 6-months intervals.

CONCLUSION

Children with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome may require extensive aortic repair for aortic dissection and show rapidly expanding aneurysms. Referral to a center with pediatric vascular expertise and long-term follow-up examinations are crucial.

Influence of measurement and sizing techniques in thoracic endovascular aortic repair on outcome in acute complicated type B aortic dissections

OBJECTIVES

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the first-line therapy in acute complicated type B aortic dissections (cTBAD). Nevertheless, no evidence-based consensus on the optimal measurement technique and sizing for TEVAR in cTBAD exists. The aim was to evaluate how different measurement and sizing techniques for TEVAR affect long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis investigating the association between sizing and postoperative results after TEVAR in patients with cTBAD, treated between January 2003 and December 2020. Diameter measurements were performed perpendicular to a centreline in pre-interventional Computed tomography angiographies. Oversizing was determined by measuring aortic diameter in zone 2 of the aortic arch in relation to the implanted stent graft, and categorized into 2 sizing groups (≤10% and >10%). The primary outcome was freedom from aortic-related events. Secondary outcomes included mortality and a comparison of 3 alternative measurement techniques considering the estimated pre-dissection diameter.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients (median age 69, interquartile range 59.6-78.2 years) were included. Stent graft oversizing by ≤10% showed a trend towards fewer aortic-related events hazard ratio 0.455 (95% confidence interval 0.128-1.624, P = 0.225).The 3 measurement techniques using the pre-dissection aortic diameter differed by a mean of 1.7-4.0 mm with a variability of up to 8.4 mm. In none of the 57 patients, the same stent graft would have been chosen based on the different measurement techniques using an oversizing ≤10%.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR oversizing of ≤10% in patients with cTBAD might reduce aortic-related events up to 50%. Consensus on measurement techniques of the pre-dissection aortic diameter and stent graft sizing is of paramount importance.

Long-term results of total endovascular repair of arch-involving aortic pathologies using parallel grafts for supra-aortic debranching

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the long-term morphologic and clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with parallel grafts (PG-TEVAR) for arch-involving aortic pathologies.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of perioperative and follow-up data of patients who had undergone PG-TEVAR at a single vascular surgery center from November 2010 to April 2018. Patients with prior or simultaneous open chest or cervical debranching procedures or arch repair were excluded. The primary endpoint was freedom from overall PG-TEVAR-related reintervention. The secondary endpoints were parallel graft sealing zone failure (presence of gutter-related type I or Ic endoleak), PG failure (occlusion or reintervention), stroke, and 30-day and overall PG-TEVAR-related and all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the freedom from reintervention and survival. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to find the optimal cutoff to prevent type Ia endoleak-related reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients, including 8 women, with a median age of 74 years (interquartile range, 67-79 years) had undergone PG-TEVAR (chimney, periscope, and sandwich in 20, 15, and 13 patients, respectively) with proximal landing in Ishimaru zone 0, 1, or 2 in 4, 5, and 24 patients, respectively. The aortic pathologies included type B aortic dissection (acute and chronic, eight and six, respectively), degenerative aneurysm (n = 10), type Ia endoleak (n = 3), para-anastomotic/patch aneurysm (n = 4), left subclavian artery aneurysm (n = 1), and traumatic rupture (n = 1). The perioperative stroke rate and 30-day mortality was 6% and 9%, respectively. Direct postoperative computed tomography revealed 28 endoleaks (gutter-related type Ia, 12; gutter-related type Ib, 9; type Ia, 2; type Ic, 2; type III, 1; undetermined, 2) in 27 patients. The technical and clinical success rate was 37% and 30%, respectively. The mean follow-up for survival was 48 ± 31 months. The latest radiologic follow-up demonstrated 12 remaining and 1 new endoleak. The early and overall PG sealing zone failure and PG failure was 73% and 36% and 9% and 18%, respectively. The overall PG-TEVAR-related reintervention rate was 33% (n = 11). The estimated freedom from overall PG-TEVAR-related reintervention was 68% at 60 months. The main graft oversizing and length oversizing rates were not significantly associated statistically with the type Ia endoleak-related reintervention rate. The PG-TEVAR-related and all-cause mortality were 18% and 34%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PG-TEVAR for total endovascular repair of arch-involving aortic pathologies resulted in a high rate of type I endoleaks and the need for long-term reintervention. Gutter-related endoleaks might be more frequent than reported and should not be underestimated because they can lead to sac enlargement and reintervention. Frequent radiologic surveillance is mandatory. Further studies comparing PG-TEVAR to other total endovascular alternatives are required to confirm these findings.

E-nside Off-the-Shelf Inner Branch Stent Graft: Technical Aspects of Planning and Implantation

Purpose

This article aims to present all aspects regarding patient selection, planning, and implantation technique for a new off-the-shelf pre-cannulated multi-inner branch stent graft. The stent graft comes in 4 different versions with proximal diameters of 33 and 38 mm and distal diameters of 26 and 30 mm. The 4 inner branches are located in the middle segment, which has a diameter of 24 mm.

Technique

With inner branch technology, the field of application for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) has been further extended. In addition to routine use in elective cases the pre-cannulation of the inner branches predisposes especially for emergencies. Pre-cannulation is intended to reduce the time to cannulation and the radiation dose. All steps of planning, stent-graft deployment, and cannulation of the inner branches are described in detail.

Conclusion

The E-nside stent graft represents a promising new endovascular therapy in the treatment of acute and elective TAAA. By using inner branch technology, this endograft combines the advantages of fenestrated and branched stent grafts. Indication, planning, and implantation require experience in branched and fenestrated stent graft technology.

Outflow Through Aortic Side Branches Drives False Lumen Patency in Type B Aortic Dissection

Objective: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) aims to induce false lumen (FL) thrombosis by sealing intimal tears between the true (TL) and the FL, and blocking the inflow into the FL. Incomplete thrombosis of the FL is correlated with poor clinical outcome. We hypothesize that the number of major and minor branches arising from the FL affects FL patency and may negatively influence TEVAR induced FL thrombosis.

Methods: Computed tomography (CT)-scans from 89 patients diagnosed with TBAD [best medical treatment (BMT) n = 52, TEVAR n = 37] from two high-volume vascular surgery centers were analyzed retrospectively. Analysis included evaluation of the FL patency status, the number, location and size of intimal tears, and the presence of minor and major side branches originating from the FL. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate obtained parameters as predictors for FL thrombosis status.

Results: In univariate analysis, the strongest correlation for FL patency was found for the number of major (R = 0.79) and minor (R = 0.86) side branches originating from the FL. When applying a multiple linear regression model, the number of major (normalized beta 0.37; P < 0.001) and minor (normalized beta 0.41; P < 0.01) side branches arising from the FL were valid predictors for the axial length of the patent and non-patent FL, and additionally determined the length of the patent FL at 12-month follow-up in patients that underwent TEVAR.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that the number of minor side branches that originate from the FL in TBAD is an important determinant of FL patency, to a greater degree than previously assumed.

Contemporary Surgical Management of Aberrant Right Subclavian Arteries (Arteria Lusoria)

BACKGROUND

An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is in most cases an asymptomatic aortic arch anomaly. However, dysphagia, aneurysm formation (ARSAA), associated Kommerell diverticulum, or cerebellar/arm malperfusion may require invasive therapy. Large-scale clinical trials do not exist in current literature. We report our patient's outcome of a single-center experience and delineate indications for treatment and surgical techniques.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was conducted between January 1, 2012 through March 1, 2018. Symptomatic or asymptomatic patients with ARSAA who received invasive treatment at the Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Germany were included.

RESULTS

Eight patients (4 men, 63 ± 14 (39-78) years) were treated with single-stage (n = 4) or multistage (n = 4) procedures. Treatment for ARSAA (n = 4) included ARSA revascularization (subclavian-carotid transposition (SCT) = 3; carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB) = 1), aortic arch debranching (left SCT = 2, bilateral aorto-carotid bypass + left CSB = 1, right-to-left CSB + left-carotid-to-bypass transposition = 1), and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR; n = 4). Other strategies included SCT for dysphagia (n = 2) or subclavian steal syndrome (n = 1) and balloon angioplasty for arm claudication (n = 1). Complications involved vascular access (n = 2) and each one partial common carotid artery overstenting without stroke during TEVAR and Horner syndrome after SCT. Mean follow-up was 23 ± 26 (9-67) months. After 7 months, 1 patient required vertebral artery coiling due to type II endoleak with ARSAA progression. Overall mortality was 0%. Technical and clinical success rates were 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical concepts for ARSA aim on preventing aneurysm rupture and alleviate dysphagia or ischemic symptoms. To generate satisfying patient outcomes, individualized therapy planning in specialized centers is vital.

Open surgery for iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis with temporary arteriovenous fistula remains valuable

Objective We assessed outcomes of open surgical venous thrombectomy with temporary arteriovenous fistula, and the procedure's effect on health-related quality of life. Method We retrospectively analyzed 48 (26 at long-term) patient medical records. Mortality rates, patency, and risk of post-thrombotic syndrome were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimation. The association between risk factors/coagulation disorders and patency/post-thrombotic syndrome along with patient health-related quality of life at long-term was analyzed employing various statistical methods. Results Patient one-year survival rate was 93 ± 4% and primary one-year patency rate was 89 ± 5% (secondary one-year patency rate 97 ± 3%). Freedom from post-thrombotic syndrome after eight years was 80 ± 12% (post-thrombotic syndrome rate 20 ± 12%). Health-related quality of life was impaired vs. normative data in the physical and social subscales, and in the mental component score ( p < .05). Conclusions Open surgical venous thrombectomy appears safe compared with literature-reported outcomes in similar patients using alternative approaches. Iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis impairs physical, social, and mental health-related quality of life.

Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: Patient Outcomes Using Open Surgical Revascularization

BACKGROUND

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a rare disease. Open treatment (OT) remains a valuable treatment option. We analyzed patient outcomes after OT and investigated health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

Data were analyzed retrospectively. The investigation period was from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2014. We investigated mortality and patency rates using Kaplan-Meier analysis. HRQoL was measured using a 36-item health survey. Various statistical methods were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients (celiac trunk [TC: n = 23], superior mesenteric artery [SMA: n = 26], or both [n = 51]) were included. Median follow-up was 5 ± 35 months. One-year survival rate for TC was 75 ± 11%, for SMA: 79 ± 10%, and for both: 96 ± 3%. TC 5-year survival was 75 ± 11% (SMA: 57 ± 16%: both: 80 ± 8%). Obesity and the length of hospital stay were independently associated with patient survival (p < 0.05). Primary 1-year patency rate was 60 ± 13% for TC (SMA: 86 ± 10%; both: 71 ± 8%) and secondary 1-year patency rate was 84 ± 9% for TC (SMA: 100%; both: 79 ± 7%). HRQoL was inferior compared to the German normative data (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CMI overlaps between gastrointestinal and vascular surgery. OT is safe, and simultaneous revascularization of the TC and the SMA does not affect mortality. Patients would not necessarily benefit from OT in terms of HRQoL.

Open Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Young Boy with Tuberous Sclerosis and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are very rare in pediatric patients and can rarely be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS). Open surgery is the first-line therapy. We report our experience added by a review on current literature.

CASE REPORT

A 9-year-old boy with TS and history of 2 earlier open repairs for AAA presented to our department with a recurrent juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. We performed a polytetraflourethylene patch plasty. Postoperative course was uneventful. After 8 months, reconstruction was stable, and no recurrent aneurysm developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent aneurysms may develop after open surgery for TS-associated AAA. However, open surgery is the recommended therapy but requires special techniques and experience in pediatric patients.

Surgical management of iliofemoral vein thrombosis during pregnancy and the puerperium

BACKGROUND

The risk of deep venous thrombosis is elevated during pregnancy and the puerperium. Therapy is usually limited to conservative measures as invasive thrombus removal is feared because of possible complications. However, leg- or life-threatening situations require fast thrombus removal, and the long-term rate of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) may be reduced by venous recanalization. Our center's experience may give support to surgical venous thrombectomy (VT).

METHODS

Between 1996 and 2016, all women who received VT for pregnancy-related deep venous thrombosis in our department were included. Retrospective data were combined with a current follow-up.

RESULTS

The study included 82 women with a mean age of 29 years (17-38 years). An additional arteriovenous fistula was performed in 79 and planned simultaneous cesarean section in 13 patients. Neither pulmonary emboli nor fetal complications occurred during surgery, and perioperative and postoperative mortality was 0%. Operative revision was required in 38% mainly for rethrombosis (24%) and bleeding (12%). One fetus died 2 months after VT of unrelated causes. After a mean of 83 months, complete venous recanalization was seen in 88%, venous valve sufficiency in 90%, and PTS in 31% without any ulcers. At 10 years, PTS incidence rose to reach 50% with limited statistical significance because of the number of patients reaching long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Iliofemoral venous recanalization during pregnancy can be performed safely in a specialized center, with lower PTS rates than in historical controls.

Long-term results of open repair of popliteal artery aneurysm

INTRODUCTION

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) are rare. Different surgical techniques for open surgical repair are possible. This study presents a single centre experience using open surgical repair with a medial approach (MA) and outlines differences between symptomatic (SLS) and asymptomatic (ALS) legs.

METHODS

Data collection was performed retrospectively. The investigation period was from 1 January 1996 to 1 January 2013. Patients presented in the Outpatient Department and received a questionnaire concerning their quality of life. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Mann-Whitney test and Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used for data analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate limb salvage rates. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We analyzed 16 ALS and 26 SLS with an average age of 63.5 ± 10 years. Preoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 1.0 ± 0.2 for ALS (on control examination: 1.12 ± 0.24) and 0.08 ± 0.18 for SLS (on control examination 0.94 ± 0.14) (p < 0.05). Limb salvage rate was 100% for ALS and 86.7% for SLS (overall 93.3%). Primary patency rate for SLS was 85%, for ALS rate of 100%, respectively (overall 92.5%). ALS reached an average of 13.1 ± 2.7 points (SLS 11.4 ± 2.8) on a numeric point scale.

CONCLUSION

Open surgery is therapy and prevention of acute ischaemia all in one, especially for asymptomatic patients and delivers good long-term results. Endovascular therapies offer an alternative but long-term results are pending. Open surgery should still be considered as a gold standard therapy.

Spontaneous rupture of an isolated iliac artery dissection in a young man because of cystic medial degeneration Erdheim-Gsell

BACKGROUND

Rupture of isolated iliac artery dissections is a life-threatening event and has not been associated with cystic medial degeneration (CMD) Erdheim-Gsell.

METHODS

A young man presented to our emergency unit in a critical hemodynamic condition. Computed tomography scan feigned the rupture of an internal iliac artery.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, we found a ruptured dissection of the common iliac artery during open surgery. Reconstruction was done by Dacron graft interposition between common and internal iliac artery and external iliac artery implantation into the graft. Histology revealed CMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous iliac artery dissection and rupture can be caused by CMD and requires immediate surgical intervention.