Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy.

METHODS

The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

Outcome of different endovascular modalities to treat common iliac artery aneurysms, single center study

INTRODUCTION

Iliac aneurysms occur in 10% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). There are three different endovascular approaches to their treatment in the context of infrarenal Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): occlusion by coiling the internal iliac, incorporation using an iliac branch device, and delaying repair using a bell bottom limb. We sought to determine outcomes associated with these three strategies in our practice.

METHODOLOGY

The study was a combined prospective cohort study with a retrospective arm: prospective patient recruitment was done for 1 year from September 2019 and ended by September 2020, and retrospective data was collected from 2017 to 2019. Demographic, procedural, and imaging data was collected. SPSS was used to analyze data as patients were classified by limbs in four groups: iliac branched, bell bottom, coil and cover technique, and standard treated limbs.

RESULTS

There were 65 male and 4 female patients included in this study incorporating 137 limbs with a mean age of 78 years (SD ± 8 years). Two patients died after discharge (at 3 and 21 months postoperatively, without hospital admission) and five patients were lost to long-term follow-up. Three patients had operations that deviated from the plan: one was an IBD converted to bell bottom, one was an IBD that was converted to coil and cover, and one was a bell bottom that did not seal. Follow-up revealed late type IB endoleak in three bell bottom limbs and one limb treated with coil and cover. Common iliac occlusion occurred in one IBD, three bell bottom limbs, and two limbs treated with coil/cover technique. There were four additional ischemic events (buttock claudication in three and intestinal ischemia in one): all ischemic events occurred in the coil and cover group (p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the small population size examined in this study, there is no statistical difference between treatment groups; however, there was a trend toward bell bottom technique being associated with higher incidence of type IB endoleak. Coil and cover technique was associated with decreased IB endoleak; however, Buttock claudication and intestinal ischemia occurred more significantly in this group. Using IBD may be the best strategy to improve short- and long-term outcomes in patients with iliac aneurysms.

A patient-specific multi-modality abdominal aortic aneurysm imaging phantom

Purpose

Multimodality imaging of the vascular system is a rapidly growing area of innovation and research, which is increasing with awareness of the dangers of ionizing radiation. Phantom models that are applicable across multiple imaging modalities facilitate testing and comparisons in pre-clinical studies of new devices. Additionally, phantom models are of benefit to surgical trainees for gaining experience with new techniques. We propose a temperature-stable, high-fidelity method for creating complex abdominal aortic aneurysm phantoms that are compatible with both radiation-based, and ultrasound-based imaging modalities, using low cost materials.

Methods

Volumetric CT data of an abdominal aortic aneurysm were acquired. Regions of interest were segmented to form a model compatible with 3D printing. The novel phantom fabrication method comprised a hybrid approach of using 3D printing of water-soluble materials to create wall-less, patient-derived vascular structures embedded within tailored tissue-mimicking materials to create realistic surrounding tissues. A non-soluble 3-D printed spine was included to provide a radiological landmark.

Results

The phantom was found to provide realistic appearances with intravascular ultrasound, computed tomography and transcutaneous ultrasound. Furthermore, the utility of this phantom as a training model was demonstrated during a simulated endovascular aneurysm repair procedure with image fusion.

Conclusion

With the hybrid fabrication method demonstrated here, complex multimodality imaging patient-derived vascular phantoms can be successfully fabricated. These have potential roles in the benchtop development of emerging imaging technologies, refinement of novel minimally invasive surgical techniques and as clinical training tools.

Survival and durability after endovascular aneurysm repair reflect era-related surgical judgement

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal aortic aneurysm management guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in 2020, based heavily on randomized controlled trials in an early era of infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), suggested that the long-term outcomes after EVAR jeopardize its use in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We hypothesized that, in a rapidly evolving surgical field, the era of aneurysm repair may have a significant influence on long-term patient outcomes.

METHODS

Using a single-center retrospective cohort design, we identified two EVAR cohorts, the early cohort (n = 166) who underwent EVAR from 2008 to 2010, and a contemporary late cohort (n = 129) from 2015 to 2017. We assessed patient preoperative demographics and era of repair against the primary outcomes of reinterventions, reintervention-free survival, and mortality, addressing their relationships to anatomic selection criteria, graft durability, endoleak, and aneurysm diameter to 5 years after the procedure.

RESULTS

Early cohort patients had decreased reintervention-free survival (early 80.1% vs late 93.3%) and decreased overall survival (early 71.3% vs late 81%) at 3 years and throughout follow-up. The preoperative anatomy judged suitable for EVAR in early cohort patients was more variable than for late cohort patients, including 104% larger proximal and 106% larger distal landing zone diameters, with a mean 11.6-mm shorter length infrarenal aortic and 13.3-mm shorter length iliac sealing zones in the early group. Early cohort patients had more complications during follow-up, including graft kinking and endoleaks, and 24.4% of early vs 8.5% of late patients underwent one or more reinterventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although technical skill in EVAR implantation may not evolve significantly after a threshold of cases, surgical judgement, relating to anatomic selection and device sizing, requires feedback from long-term sequalae and significantly impacted EVAR outcomes by era. EVAR patients from an early repair era had significantly worse outcomes, with more complications, reinterventions, and a decrease in survival.

ERA OF ENDOVASCULAR AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR IS LINKED TO PREOPERATIVE ANATOMIC SEVERITY AND PERIOPERATIVE PATIENT OUTCOMES

OBJECTIVE

Varying opinions on optimal elective and emergent surgical management of infrarenal AAAs are expressed by the most recent Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS), versus NICE (National Institutes for Health and Care Excellence, UK) guidelines. The NICE guidelines propose that open surgical repair (OSR) serve as the default treatment for infrarenal AAA. The rationale for this approach relied on data from the early era of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), and are in contrast to the more balanced approaches of the SVS and ESVS. We hypothesize that significant differences in patient selection, management, and postoperative outcome are related to the era in which treatment was undertaken, contextualizing the outcomes reported in early era EVAR RCTs.

METHODS

Retrospectively, two cohorts representing all EVAR patients from "early", n= 167 (2008-2010) and "late" n=129 (2015-2017) periods at a single treating institution, were assembled. Primary outcomes of era-related changes in preoperative demographics, anatomy, and intraoperative events were assessed; anatomy was compared using the Society for Vascular Surgery Anatomic Severity Grading (ASG) system. These era-related differences were then placed in the context of early perioperative outcomes and at follow-up to one year.

RESULTS

Choice of surgical strategy differed by era, despite the same patient preoperative comorbidities between EVAR groups. Preoperative anatomic severity was significantly worse in the early cohort (p<.001), with adverse proximal and distal seal zone features (p<·001). Technical success was 16·2% higher in the late cohort, with significantly fewer type 1A/B endoleaks perioperatively (p<.001). In-hospital complications, driven by higher acute kidney injury and surgical site complications in the early cohort, resulted in a 16·5% difference between cohorts (p<0·05). At one year of follow-up, outcome differences persisted; late era patients had fewer 1A endoleaks, fewer graft complications, and better reintervention-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

From a granular dataset of EVAR patients, we found an impact of EVAR repair era on early clinical outcome; late cohort infrarenal (IR) EVAR patients had less severe preoperative anatomy, and improved perioperative and follow-up outcomes to one year, suggesting that the results of early EVAR RCTs may no longer be generalizable to modern practice.

Accuracy of implementing principles of fusion imaging in the follow up and surveillance of complex aneurysm repair

Fusion imaging is standard for the endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms, but its role in follow up has not been explored. A critical issue is renal function deterioration over time. Renal volume has been used as a marker of renal impairment; however, it is not reproducible and remains a complex and resource-intensive procedure. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of a fusion-based software to automatically calculate the renal volume changes during follow up. In this study, computerized tomography (CT) scans of 16 patients who underwent complex aortic endovascular repair were analysed. Preoperative, 1-month and 1-year follow-up CT scans have been analysed using a conventional approach of semi-automatic segmentation, and a second approach with automatic segmentation. For each kidney and at each time point the percentage of change in renal volume was calculated using both techniques. After review, volume assessment was feasible for all CT scans. For the left kidney, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.794 and 0.877 at 1 month and 1 year, respectively. For the right side, the ICC was 0.817 at 1 month and 0.966 at 1 year. The automated technique reliably detected a decrease in renal volume for the eight patients with occluded renal arteries during follow up. This is the first report of a fusion-based algorithm to detect changes in renal volume during postoperative surveillance using an automated process. Using this technique, the standardized assessment of renal volume could be implemented with greater ease and reproducibility and serve as a warning of potential renal impairment.

A prospective observational trial of fusion imaging in infrarenal aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Use of three-dimensional fusion has been shown to significantly reduce radiation exposure and contrast material use in complex (fenestrated and branched) endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Cydar software (CYDAR Medical, Cambridge, United Kingdom) is a cloud-based technology that can provide imaging guidance by overlaying preoperative three-dimensional vessel anatomy from computed tomography scans onto live fluoroscopy images both in hybrid operating rooms and on mobile C-arms. The aim of this study was to determine whether radiation dose reduction would occur with the addition of fusion imaging to infrarenal repair in all imaging environments.

METHODS

All patients who consented to involvement in the trial and who were treated with EVAR in our center from March 2016 until April 2017 were included. A teaching session about radiation protection and Cydar fusion software use was provided to all operators before the start of the fusion group enrollment. This group was compared with a retrospective cohort of patients treated in the same center from March 2015 to March 2016, after a dedicated program of radiation awareness and reduction was introduced. Ruptured aneurysms and complex EVAR were excluded. Preoperative and perioperative characteristics were recorded, including parameters of radiation dose, such as air kerma and dose-area product. Results were expressed in median and interquartile range.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were prospectively enrolled and compared with 21 retrospective control patients. No significant differences were found in comparing sex, body mass index, and age at repair. The median operation time (wire to wire) and fluoroscopy time were 90 (75-105) minutes and 30 (22-34) minutes, respectively, without significant differences between groups (P = .56 and P = .36). Dose-area product was nonsignificantly higher in the control group, 21.7 (8.9-85.9) Gy cm², compared with the fusion group, 12.4 (7.5-23.4) Gy cm² (P = .10). Air kerma product was significantly higher in the control group, 142 (61-541) mGy, compared with 82 (51-115) mGy in the fusion group (P = .03). The number of digital subtraction angiography runs was significantly lower in the fusion group (8 [6-11]) compared with the control group (10 [9-14]); (P = .03). There were no significant differences in the frequency of adverse events, endoleaks, or additional procedures required.

CONCLUSIONS

When it is used in simple procedures such as infrarenal aneurysm repair, image-based fusion technology is feasible both in hybrid operating rooms and on mobile systems and leads to an overall 50% reduction in radiation dose. Fusion technology should become standard of care for centers attempting to maximize radiation dose reduction, even if capital investment of a hybrid operating room is not feasible.

Ten-year single-centre experience with type II endoleaks: Intervention versus observation

Our objective was to determine the relative merits of intervention or observation of type II endoleaks (T2Ls). A retrospective analysis was performed on 386 infra-renal endovascular aneurysm repair (IR-EVAR) patients from 2006 to 2015. Annual surveillance imaging of patients undergoing EVAR at our centre were analysed, and all endoleaks were subjected to a multidisciplinary team meeting for consideration and treatment. In the 10-year time frame, 386 patients (79.5±8.7 years) underwent an IR-EVAR. Eighty-one patients (21.0%) developed a T2L and intervention was undertaken in 28 (34.6%): 17 (60.7%) were treated via a transarterial approach (TA) and 11 (39.3%) using the translumbar approach (TL). Fifty-three patients (65.4%) with T2Ls were managed conservatively. Patients who received T2L treatment had a greater proportion of recurrent T2Ls than patients who were conservatively managed ( p=0.032). T2Ls associated with aneurysmal growth were more resistant to treatment than those where there was no change or a decrease in aneurysm size during follow-up (0.033). There was no significant difference in the TA and TL approach with respect to endoleak repair success ( p=0.525). Treatment of a T2L did not confer a survival advantage compared to conservative management ( p=0.449) nor did the choice of either the TA or TL approach ( p=0.148). Our study suggests the development of a T2L associated with aneurysm growth may represent an aggressive phenotype that is resistant to treatment. However, this did not lead to an increased risk of mortality over follow-up. Neither a transarterial nor a translumbar approach to treating a T2L conferred superiority.

Vertebral Tortuosity Index in Patients with Non-Connective Tissue Disorder-Related Aneurysm Disease

OBJECTIVE

The vertebral tortuosity index (VTI) predicts increased risk of acute aortic events in patients with known genetic aortopathies. This study describes the VTI in a cohort of patients with non-connective tissue disorder-related large aneurysms.

METHODS

Hospital imaging records from July 2012 to March 2016 were interrogated to identify patients with aneurysmal disease who had undergone computed tomographic angiography that included imaging of vertebral arteries. A control group of consecutive patients undergoing carotid and vertebral imaging was also assessed. VTI was calculated using the formula: [(centre-line distance) / (straight-line distance)-1] ×100 for all patients, and statistical analysis undertaken to determine whether measured VTI was statistically different in patients of younger age, with larger aneurysms, or an acute presentation. Comparison was made with patients who had no aneurysm disease.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were identified with adequate imaging to assess the entire aorta, including vertebral arteries. The majority of patients were male (71%, 46/65) and mean age at the time of the CT scan was 71 years (SD 11.1 years). There were 11 patients under the age of 60 years in this cohort. The mean VTI was 33.17 (SD 20.43). There was no statistically significant difference between different territories of presentation (proximal vs. distal aneurysm, p=.94), age of patient (>60 years vs. <60 years, p=.2), or size of aneurysm (>6 cm vs. <6 cm, p=.09). Acuity of presentation was not predicted by a higher VTI (p=.69). The VTI in patients with aneurysms was higher than in patients without aneurysm disease (VTI = 16.1, p<.005) CONCLUSIONS: An elevated VTI is consistently present in patients with degenerative aneurysms and has potential as a universally available predictive measurement. However, the increased VTI in the older cohort without connective tissue disease may not carry the same predictive value for acute presentations as has been demonstrated in younger patients with a known genetic basis for their aortopathy.

Learning curve in fenestrated and branched grafting

In surgical practice new technologies and techniques require a period of adjustment before the main operator becomes familiar with the new procedure, improving the results and the performances. This period, called learning curve, could be applied into the endovascular aortic treatment. The CUSUM technique had been used to define the learning curve in new procedures and through the literature some studies applied it to demonstrate the improving outcomes in complex endovascular aneurysm repair during increasing experience time. However, in the complex endovascular field this period included also other factors besides the proficiency in the deployment, as the improvement in patient selection and device design, making difficult to determine the level of experience needed to become an expert.

Branched and fenestrated options to treat aortic arch aneurysms

Conventional surgical repair of aortic arch aneurysms using cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest remains the gold standard, however it is associated with a substantial mortality and morbidity rate, especially in the elderly. Hybrid techniques avoid aortic cross-clamping and circulatory arrest, but are of limited use and are only applicable to selected patients. The development of new devices to treat aortic arch aneurysms endovascularly has the potential to offer a treatment modality to patients unfit for an open repair. We present the challenges specific to endovascular arch repair based on our experience and the literature available from the first experience in 1999 to the third generation graft currently commonly used. Following an initial learning curve associated with the use of the third generation arch branch device, along with careful patient selection and operator experience, early results are promising. Technical success was achieved in all cases, there was no early mortality and strokes were noted in 11%. As with branched and fenestrated technology for thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, the use of total endovascular repair for arch pathology will require an evolution in endovascular practice and device design. However, at present, the early use of the latest generation device offers a novel approach to patients who previously had no surgical options.

A Comparison of Accuracy of Image- versus Hardware-based Tracking Technologies in 3D Fusion in Aortic Endografting

OBJECTIVES

Fusion of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography and intraoperative two-dimensional imaging in endovascular surgery relies on manual rigid co-registration of bony landmarks and tracking of hardware to provide a 3D overlay (hardware-based tracking, HWT). An alternative technique (image-based tracking, IMT) uses image recognition to register and place the fusion mask. We present preliminary experience with an agnostic fusion technology that uses IMT, with the aim of comparing the accuracy of overlay for this technology with HWT.

METHOD

Data were collected prospectively for 12 patients. All devices were deployed using both IMT and HWT fusion assistance concurrently. Postoperative analysis of both systems was performed by three blinded expert observers, from selected time-points during the procedures, using the displacement of fusion rings, the overlay of vascular markings and the true ostia of renal arteries. The Mean overlay error and the deviation from mean error was derived using image analysis software. Comparison of the mean overlay error was made between IMT and HWT. The validity of the point-picking technique was assessed.

RESULTS

IMT was successful in all of the first 12 cases, whereas technical learning curve challenges thwarted HWT in four cases. When independent operators assessed the degree of accuracy of the overlay, the median error for IMT was 3.9 mm (IQR 2.89-6.24, max 9.5) versus 8.64 mm (IQR 6.1-16.8, max 24.5) for HWT (p = .001). Variance per observer was 0.69 mm(2) and 95% limit of agreement ±1.63.

CONCLUSION

In this preliminary study, the error of magnitude of displacement from the "true anatomy" during image overlay in IMT was less than for HWT. This confirms that ongoing manual re-registration, as recommended by the manufacturer, should be performed for HWT systems to maintain accuracy. The error in position of the fusion markers for IMT was consistent, thus may be considered predictable.

The progression of aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysm is a progressive disease that can involve any territory of the aorta. This has ramifications on endovascular repair, because progressive dilation of sealing zones can compromise the integrity of the repair and lead to long term failure. This article describes the evidence behind and some of the predictors of progressive disease of the aorta. Knowledge of predictors of progressive disease may help prevent it from causing failure in the longterm by helping to tailor surveillance routines or have influence on initial graft design.

Radiation exposure to operating room personnel and patients during endovascular procedures

OBJECTIVE

To characterize radiation exposure to patients and operating room personnel during fluoroscopic procedures.

METHODS

Patient dose information was collected from the imaging equipment. Real-time dosimetry was used to measure doses to the operators, scrub nurse, radiologic technologist (RT), and anesthesiologist in 39 cases of endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair using fenestrated endografts. Overall equivalent doses and dose rates at time points of interest were noted and compared with the corresponding patient doses.

RESULTS

The dosimeter on the anesthesia equipment received 143 μSv (38-247) more radiation per case than the average operator, and the scrub nurse and RT received 106 μSv (66-146) and 100 μSv (55-145) less, respectively. Adjusting for protective lead aprons by the Webster methodology, the average operator received an effective dose of 38 μSv. Except for the RT, personnel doses were well correlated with patient dose as measured by kerma area product (KAP) (r = .82 for average operator, r = .85 for scrub nurse, and r = .86 for anesthesia; all P < .001) but less well correlated with fluoroscopy time or cumulative air kerma (CAK). When preoperative cone beam computed tomography was performed, the equivalent dose to the RT was 1.1 μSv (0.6-1.5) when using shielding and 37 μSv (22-53) when unshielded. Digital subtraction acquisitions accounted for a large fraction of all individuals' doses. Decreasing field size (and thus, increasing magnification) was associated with decreased KAP (r = .47; P < .001) and increased CAK (r = -.56; P < .001). The square of the field size correlated strongly with the KAP/CAK ratio (r = .99; P < .001). Increased lateral angulation of the C-arm increased both CAK and KAP (at field size, 22 cm; r = .54 and r = .44; both P < .001) and the average dose rate to an operator was 1.78 (1.37-2.31) times as high in a lateral projection as in a posterior-anterior projection.

CONCLUSIONS

Personnel doses were best correlated with KAP and less well correlated with fluoroscopy time or CAK. The dosimeter on the anesthesia equipment recorded the highest doses attributable to ineffective shielding. Operators can reduce the effective dose to themselves, the patient, and other personnel by minimizing the use of digital subtraction acquisitions, avoiding lateral angulation, using higher magnification levels when possible, and being diligent about the use of shielding during fluoroscopy cases.

Endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysmal disease with the helical iliac bifurcation device and the bifurcated-bifurcated iliac bifurcation device

BACKGROUND

Iliac branch device (IBD) treatment of common and internal iliac artery (CIA and IIA) aneurysms has been controversial in the context of available embolization techniques or off-label adjunctive procedures. Two devices exist, a straight IBD (S-IBD) and a helical IBD (H-IBD). We report our midterm results with the latter and present outcomes with a third device intended to treat disease in the presence of short CIAs termed the bifurcated-bifurcated IBD (BB-IBD).

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected from IBD-treated patients with infrarenal aortoiliac or thoracoabdominal aortoiliac aneurysms. Preoperative aneurysmal characteristics were collected in accordance with the endovascular reporting standards document, including presence of IIA stenosis, CIA diameters, and the presence of an IIA aneurysm. Technical success was defined as IBD device placement, branch placement, and patency without type I or III endoleak at implantation in addition to 24 hours survival. Follow-up computed tomography scans at 1, 6 (optional), 12 months, and annually thereafter were performed and reinterventions, sac morphology changes, and endoleaks noted. Survival and patency were evaluated with life-table analyses, and differences among anatomic groups were compared with log-rank tests, whereas t-tests and Fisher exact tests were used to compare simple variables.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2012, 138 IBD devices were placed into 130 patients (98 H-IBD and 40 BB-IBD). Median follow-up was 20.3 months (range, 1-72 months) with 30- day, 12-month, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 99%, 90%, 79%, and 62%, respectively. Technical success was 94%, and branch patency was 94.6% at 30 days and 81.8% at 5 years. Thirty-five percent (35%) of branches were placed into patients with IIA aneurysms (in addition to their proximal disease), 20% into stenotic IIAs, and 46% into iliac systems with narrow (<16 mm) CIAs. Technical success was significantly lower in patients with IIA stenosis (81.5 vs 96.4%; Fisher exact test, P = .015) but not affected by the presence of an IIA aneurysm or narrow CIA. Branch patency was similar in all groups throughout follow-up. No stent fractures or component separations were noted in the IBDs or mating devices throughout the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The H-IBD and BB-IBD configurations have high technical success and acceptable long-term patency for the treatment of CIA and IIA aneurysms, including those with challenging anatomy difficult to treat with the straight branch design.

The role of mandatory lifelong annual surveillance after thoracic endovascular repair

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become an attractive and well-accepted option for the management of the various thoracic aortic pathologies that vascular surgeons are confronted with. As in the abdominal aorta, current management trends include the treatment of younger patients with longer life expectancies, raising the issue of postoperative surveillance. There are several relevant differences between these anatomic areas when it comes to surveillance, including the relative inaccessibility of the thoracic aorta to ultrasound interrogation and the increased variability of thoracic aortic pathologies and post-TEVAR complications. In addition, concerns regarding radiation-induced carcinogenesis and contrast-induced nephropathy reduce the enthusiasm of many surgeons for regular computed tomography surveillance. Most agree that surveillance is important after TEVAR, but the method, duration, and frequency of that surveillance is much less clear and is the topic of this debate.