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To describe the outcomes of aortic endograft thrombosis (AET) as an indication for open conversion (OC) after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a multicenter experience.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), currently the preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), has been described also for penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU) of the infrarenal aorta. However, data on its performance in this particular setting are still sparse in the literature. Aim of this study is to compare patient clinical characteristics, aorto-iliac features, and post-operative outcomes between infrarenal PAU and AAA treated by standard EVAR.

To report outcomes of a multi-staged approach for endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) by fenestrated/branched endografting (F/B-EVAR).

Preserving pelvic circulation is crucial to minimize the risk of spinal cord and colonic ischemia, especially during the endovascular treatment of extended thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAAA) after previous open repair (OR).

Persistent type II endoleaks (ELIIp) occur in 8–23% of patients submitted to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and may lead to aneurysm progression and rupture. Intraoperative embolization of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac is effective to prevent their occurrence, however a method to achieve complete sac thrombosis has not been standardized yet. Aim of our study was to identify factors associated with prevention of ELIIp after intraoperative embolization, in order to optimize technical details.

The endovascular treatment of peripheral artery obstructive disease in Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society (TASC) C and D lesions involving the aortic bifurcation is a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical and clinical success of kissing stenting in this context and to analyze predictors of outcome.

To describe a dedicated technique used in fenestrated endografting (FEVAR) for juxtarenal aneurysm (JAAA) to avoid intraoperative bridging stentgraft crushing in case of adjacent origin of left renal (LRA) and superior mesenteric (SMA) artery.

We report the percutaneous endovascular management of an iatrogenic perforation of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) during an attempted trans-subclavian pacemaker (PM) placement.

To evaluate early/midterm outcomes of a specific configuration of a bridging stent graft—that is a distal self-expandable (SE) stent graft combined with proximal balloon-expandable (BE) one—in hostile renal artery (RA) anatomy in branched thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) repair.

The aim of this study was to compare early and long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) versus open surgical repair (OSR) in patients aged ≤ 65 years.

To report the use of the Oscor Destino steerable sheath in challenging target visceral vessel (TVV) cannulation/bridging stenting in fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (FB-EVAR).

Carotid blowout syndrome is a severe complication of head and neck cancer, associated with high mortality and morbidity.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive dilation of the aortic wall, determined by the unbalanced activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs). In vitro and in vivo studies support the pivotal role of MMP-9 to AAA pathogenesis. In our experience, we elucidated the expression of MMP-9 in an ex vivo model of human mesenchymal stem cells isolated from AAA specimen (AAA-MSCs). Thus, MMP-9 inhibition could be an attractive therapeutic strategy for inhibiting AAA degeneration and rupture. Our study was aimed at testing the effect of 3 different drugs (pioglitazone, doxycycline, simvastatin) on MMP-9 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression in AAA-MSCs.

Fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair endograft (f/bEVAR) allows the endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal and juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (T-J-P-AAAs); however, given their high cost and complexity, their use should be limited to patients with life expectancy >2 years. Nevertheless, the number of patients older than 80 years treated by f/bEVAR is growing, with no hard evidence of the real efficacy in this context. The aim of the present study is to analyze the survival of ≥80-year-old patients treated with f/bEVAR, and to identify possible predictors of late mortality.

The aim of this study was to report early and mid-term outcomes of fenestrated endografting (FEVAR) for juxtarenal aneurysm (J-AAAs).

The aim of the study was to report the endovascular repair of a ruptured superficial femoral artery (SFA) aneurysm in a young patient with Behcet's disease and review the literature.

Adventitial cystic disease is a rare nonatheromatous cause of popliteal artery disease. We report the case of a 49-year-old male patient who presented with left calf claudication caused by adventitial cystic disease. Popliteal artery resection followed by autologous vein graft interposition and Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) stenting led to recurrence. The patient was finally successfully treated by bypass with autologous vein. No postoperative complications occurred, and patency was preserved at 33-month follow-up. Several different treatment options are possible; however, a primary radical surgical treatment with extra-anatomical medial bypass with autologous vein seems preferable.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is currently accepted as an alternative to open repair for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Approximately 40–60% of AAA patients are not considered eligible for EVAR due to unfavorable anatomy. There is currently no consensus on the definition of “hostile” aortic neck for EVAR procedure.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the Gore® Viabahn® balloon-expandable endoprosthesis (VBX) as bridging stent for fenestrated/branched aortic endograft.

Few data are reported in literature about visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) management. The aim of the present study was to analyze VAAs management in a single institution, with a dedicated algorithm for endovascular approach as the first line treatment.

The cumulative amount of iodinated contrast medium necessary for endovascular repair (EVAR) planning, operative procedure, and subsequent follow-up is a threat for the onset of end-stage renal disease in patients with preoperative impaired kidney function. The purpose of this study was to describe a mini-invasive approach aimed to minimize the exposure of these patients to iodinated contrast medium and the subsequent risk of renal function worsening.

Fenestrated/branched endografts for aortic repair (FB-EVAR) are valid options to treat thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Successful repair requires manipulation of target visceral vessels (TVVs) with possible splanchnic ischemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical impact of splanchnic ischemia occurring in FB-EVAR for TAAA.

To report perioperative and 1-year results of total endovascular repair of contained ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).

Technical intraoperative complications (TICs) may occur during standard endovascular repair (EVAR) with possible effects on the outcome. This study evaluates the early and midterm effects of TICs on EVARs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of duplex ultrasonography (DUS)–guided autologous vein bypass to paramalleolar (distal third of tibial arteries and peroneal artery) and inframalleolar arteries (dorsalis pedis, common plantar, medial, and lateral plantar arteries) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and extensive tibial artery disease Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is presently the preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm; however, it requires the injection of a contrast medium, which can hamper the renal function. Other nontoxic agents such as carbon dioxide (CO2) have been sporadically tested in this setting with uncertain results. The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of a new standardized CO2injection method in standard EVAR procedures.

To describe an endovascular technique to close a renal artery fenestration during fenestrated endograft implant for a pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (p-AAA) without interfering with other visceral vessels.

To report the endovascular treatment of a spontaneous iliac artery dissection (IAD) involving iliac bifurcation, complicated by a type B intramural aortic hematoma (IMH).

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) intervention needs a specific training and a sufficient learning curve to obtain optimal results in terms of outcome. A formative program was settled up in a single academic center to optimize training of standard CEA procedures. This study aims to evaluate the 11-year results of the teaching CEA program.

The aim of the study is to report early and follow-up outcomes of the endovascular treatment with iliac endografts for isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs).

Carotid plaques with a high degree of calcification are usually considered at low embolic risk. However, since a precise evaluation of the extent of calcification is not possible preoperatively through duplex ultrasound and postoperatively by conventional histological examination due to the decalcification process, the relationship between the amount of calcium involvement and plaque vulnerability has not been evaluated yet. This study aims to correlate the extent of carotid plaque calcification with clinical, radiological, and histological complications.

To report early and mid-term results of endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) by using Cook Zenith fenestrated/branched endografts (FB-EVAR) in high surgical risk patients unfit for open repair (OR).

Para-anastomotic aneurysms (P-AAA) and proximal aortic aneurysmal degeneration after previous aortic open repair (OR) or endovascular repair (EVAR) are challenging clinical scenarios. OR is technically demanding, and standard EVAR could be impossible due to the absence of proximal landing zone. The aim of the study is to report midterm results of fenestrated and branched endografts (FB-EVAR) to treat proximal aortic lesions after previous aortic repair.

Endovascular repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is widely adopted; however, the procedure may be jeopardized by type 2 endoleak (T2E). Most T2Es regress over time, but their evolution is unpredictable. There is some evidence about the pleiotropic statin effect on AAA and thrombus stabilization, but there are no data on the influence of statins on T2E. The study’s aim is therefore to evaluate a possible effect of statins on T2E evolution.

Arteriovenous prosthetic graft (AVG) is an alternative hemodialysis vascular access choice; however, its performance is limited by a high rate of thrombosis. The aim of the study was to compare the long-term secondary patency of AVG in patients undergoing a surveillance program and the long-term secondary patency of AVG in patients with clinical assessment of AVG malfunction.

The best strategy in the treatment for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) is an ongoing matter of debate. Differently from several retrospective studies, recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to demonstrate the superiority of endovascular repair (EVAR) over open repair (OPEN). The aim of the present study was to compare 30-day mortality of EVAR and OPEN in RAAA according to different study designs through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAUs) are usually focal aortic lesions found in patients with significant comorbidities. They are ideal targets for an endovascular approach if localized in the descending thoracic or infrarenal aorta, but when an origin in the visceral vessels is involved, a standard endovascular approach might not be feasible or effective. We report 2 cases of endovascular treatment of PAUs involving the paraceliac abdominal aorta, using a custom-made tube fenestrated endograft with 4 fenestrations for the abdominal visceral vessels (i.e., celiac–trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries). There were no intra- or perioperative complications. At 1 year of follow-up, patients were asymptomatic and computed tomography angiography revealed total lesion exclusion and patency of the visceral vessels. The use of a fenestrated endograft is a safe and effective option to treat paraceliac PAUs.

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of endovascular treatment of the infrapopliteal arteries (IPA) in hemodialysis patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the early period after the onset of cerebral neurologic symptoms seems to be useful in the prevention of recurrent stroke while safety is still under debate. Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis could be associated with silent cerebral ischemic events (CIEs) detectable on cerebral computed tomographic (CT) scans, but is not clear if (or how) silent cerebral lesions could influence the outcome of CEA. The aim of our work was to analyze the outcome of CEA according to the timing and type of neurologic symptoms and to evaluate the outcome of CEA in asymptomatic patients with silent cerebral events detected with preoperative cerebral CT scans.

To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) associated with pregnancy in a contemporary patient series.

Composite sequential femoro-popliteal-distal bypass is a valuable option for treatment of critical limb ischemia when autogenous vein is limited and an isolated popliteal or distal arterial segment exists. We report a modified technique for composite sequential bypass and the results with its use over a 14-year period.

It has been well established that inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement at the time of open gastric bypass (OGB) surgery in patients with a body mass index of more than 55 kg/m2reduces both the pulmonary embolism rate and the perioperative mortality. However, little is known about the long-term effects of IVC filter placement in this particular group of patients.

Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) following kidney transplantation is a possible cause of graft failure. This review aimed to summarize the evidence about physiopathology, diagnosis and early and late effectiveness of the endovascular treatment (EVT), including angioplasty and stenting procedures.

Arterial lesions in patients with neurofibromatosis are rarely described and in most cases are stenotic. The aneurysmal changes reported in the literature are usually characterized by multiple microaneurysms due to the dysplastic lesions of the artery. We report a case of a single aneurysm of the inferior hilar branch of the left renal artery of a young female with neurofibromatosis. The patient showed hypoperfusion of the renal pole fed by this branch and was hypertensive. The aneurysm had a diameter of 4 cm and showed the histological findings typical of dysplastic lesions of neurofibromatosis. The hypertension and the renal pole hypoperfusion recovered after surgical excision of the aneurysm and end-to-end anastomosis of the hilar branch stumps.

Of 779 patients undergoing repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms over a 7-year period (1984–1990), 40 (5.1%) had gross features of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs). Twenty IAAAs were assessed by CT scan preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the outcome of the inflammatory layer of the aneurysm in 19 cases. Complete postoperative regression was observed in nine cases (47.3%), partial regression in four (21%), and stable lesions in six (31.7%). No roentgenographic progression was found. The comparison between the roentgenologic outcome and preoperative clinical features (age, sex, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and abdominal lumbar pain), pathologic findings, and follow-up time revealed a significant correlation (p<0.05) between the postoperative outcome and the histologic findings in the wall (cell density and cell/fibrosis ratio). Complete regression of inflammation was observed when high cell density (16±0.7 cells/2116 µm2) and a cell/fibrosis ratio >1 were found. On the contrary, little or no regression of inflammation occurred when a low cell density (3.4±0.3 cells/2116 µm2) and a cell/fibrosis ratio < 1 were found. Although it is generally thought that inflammation in IAAAs regresses after surgical repair, in our study, 31.7% of the postoperative CT scans showed no change. Histologically, the variability of morphologic aspects seemed to correlate with the relative proportions of cellular infiltrate and interstitial fibrosis in the aneurysmal wall. These proportions determine the postoperative course of the inflammation layer and, most likely, the response of the latter to steroid therapy as well.

Primary dissections of the abdominal aorta are rare (0.4–4% of aortic dissections) and in most cases are traumatic (accidental or iatrogenic) in origin. The authors describe a case of iatrogenic dissection of the abdominal aorta following arteriography. The macroscopic and histological appearance of the aortic wall was compatible with an inflammatory aneurysm. In this type of aneurysm and in the presence of aortoiliac atherosclerosis, aortic catheterization carries a risk of aortic wall dissection.