Search

This online structured survey has demonstrated the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vascular services. The majority of centres have documented marked reductions in operating and services provided to vascular patients. In the months during recovery from the resource restrictions imposed during the pandemic peaks, there will be a significant vascular disease burden awaiting surgeons. One of the most affected specialties.

Objective: This study aims to develop and validate the Futile Recanalization Prediction Score (FRPS), a novel tool designed to predict the severity risk of FR and aid in pre- and post-EVT risk assessments. Methods: The FRPS was developed using a rigorous process involving the selection of predictor variables based on clinical relevance and potential impact. Initial equations were derived from previous meta-analyses and refined using various statistical techniques. We employed machine learning algorithms, specifically random forest regression, to capture nonlinear relationships and enhance model performance. Cross-validation with five folds was used to assess generalizability and model fit. Results: The final FRPS model included variables such as age, sex, atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, cognitive impairment, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), onset-to-puncture time, sICH, and NIHSS score. The random forest model achieved a mean R-squared value of approximately 0.992. Severity ranges for FRPS scores were defined as mild (FRPS < 66), moderate (FRPS 66–80), and severe (FRPS > 80). Conclusions: The FRPS provides valuable insights for treatment planning and patient management by predicting the severity risk of FR. This tool may improve the identification of candidates most likely to benefit from EVT and enhance prognostic accuracy post-EVT. Further clinical validation in diverse settings is warranted to assess its effectiveness and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This UK multicenter study aims to report early- and medium-term results following covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation (CERAB) for the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) or intermittent claudication (IC). Materials and Methods: Retrospective case analysis was performed of patients who underwent CERAB between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2020 in 6 centers across the United Kingdom. Anatomical data, including degree of plaque calcification, were assessed using preoperative imaging. Outcome measures included mortality, perioperative complications, target lesion reintervention (TLR), and major limb amputation. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patencies were calculated at set intervals. Results: A total of 116 patients underwent CERAB over the study period for the following reasons [48% presenting with CLTI (Rutherford 4–6) and 52% with IC (Rutherford 1–3)]; 82% presented had Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) D AIOD disease. Median age was 65 years (range 42–90 years); 76% of the cohort were male. Severely calcified aortic and iliac lesions were noted in 90% and 80% of patients, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 18 months (range 1–91 months), 2 (1.7%) patients were lost to follow up. In total 5, (4.3%) patients died and 2 (1.7%) had a major amputation. Endovascular TLR was required in 14 (12.1%) patients at last follow up. Surgical TLR was performed in 4 (3.4%) patients at last follow-up. Seven (6%) patients developed an aortic/iliac stent occlusion at last follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) freedom from TLR at 1 year was 94% and KM 1-year primary patency, assisted primary patency, and secondary patency were 88%, 94%, and 98% respectively. Subanalysis found the following features were associated with need for TLR; TASC D disease (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.71), severe aortic calcification (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.20), and presence of tissue loss at baseline (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.63). Conclusion: Perioperative (<30 days) and medium-term morbidity, mortality, and patency rates in this pragmatic cohort of patients with severe AIOD lesions show that CERAB is a valid revascularization option. A direct comparison with surgical treatments for AIOD in a randomized controlled trial is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The number of female medical students has increased significantly in the last decade due to increased gender diversity. However, the number of female doctors going into interventional radiology (IR) does not reflect this trend on an international scale.Methods: A standardized set of questions was created looking into medical students' demographics, awareness of IR, their general opinion, and whether they would consider IR as a potential career path. One-hundred female medical students from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Spain, and New Zealand were approached either directly or via an online survey platform. The students ranged from first to final year study of Medicine and were between 18 and 30 years of age.Results: The majority of medical students (68%) were unaware of what IR is and 98% denied having teaching about IR in their university. Influential factors to choosing IR were more exposure to IR in medical school (15%), more options to allow family life (15%), direct training pathway to IR rather than via diagnostic radiology (13%), options of private practice (13%), and understanding more about radiation protection during pregnancy (12%).Conclusion: A lack of awareness about what IR is and misconceptions, particularly regarding radiation exposure during pregnancy, play an important role in discouraging entry into IR. Additionally, some of the concerns raised were directed at IR training pathway. Female IR consultants should also take leadership initiative to act as role models. More lectures and direct clinical exposure are paramount to their understanding of IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Aorfix aortic stent graft is a modular device with greater compliance and flexibility. This systematic review aims to assess the evidence regarding the technical success and outcomes of the AorfixTM stent graft. Methods: Electronic bibliographic databases were searched. We conducted our review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. Results: This review of the 442 documented cases of AorfixTM EVAR demonstrates assisted technical success to be achieved in 97.7% of cases. The need for unplanned adjunct maneuvers was low at 9.8% and was most commonly required for resolving an intra-operative type I endoleak. The need for secondary intervention in the 1-year follow up period was even lower, at 1.3% in the same eight studies, while Malas et al reports a re-intervention rate of 7.8% at 1-year. Conclusion: The AorfixTM device has been used in AAA with highly angulated proximal necks with success, with acceptable short- and midterm results. But larger multi-center comparative studies, and registry data is needed to be to compare the safety of different stent grafts and for optimal graft selection. This will increase the likely number of patients considered suitable for EVAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of aortoenteric fistula 2 years following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for mycotic aneurysm presenting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Initial CT angiogram did not reveal the bleeding or connection to bowel, but endoscopy was suspicious of endograft in the duodenum. Management required a multidisciplinary approach. To stabilise the patient and to control bleeding, a ’bridging’ endograft extension was performed. This was followed by open surgical removal of the EVAR endograft and lower limb in situ revascularisation. During postoperative recovery, the patient developed atypical, staged multisystemic symptoms (cardiac, pulmonary and neurological). With increasing awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the patient was found SARS-CoV-2-positive, which explained the progression of his symptoms. This was also reflected on other case reports in literature later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the outcomes of surgical (ST), endovascular (ET), and hybrid (HT) treatment in cancer patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI). Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective registry collected 139 patients (mean age 72.3±12.4 years; 73 men) with ALI and active malignancy treated by ET (41, 29%), ST (70, 51%), or HT (28, 20%) in 7 European centers between July 2007 and February 2019. In 22 cases (16%) ALI was the first manifestation of the malignancy. Lung cancer was the most common diagnosis (38, 27%). The primary composite outcome was amputation-free survival (AFS). Overall survival, amputation-free time (AFT), and reintervention-free time (RFT) were also assessed. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: ET was associated with improved 12-month AFS compared with both ST (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.28, p=0.002) and HT (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.18, p=0.008). ST (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.53, p=0.003) and HT (HR 3.10, 95% CI 1.45 to 6.65, p<0.001) were related to an increased risk for mortality compared with ET. At 12 months, the AFT was similar between the 3 groups (ET vs ST: HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.51 to 4.53, p=0.45 and ET vs HT: HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.36 to 4.11, p=0.73). The 12-month RFT also did not differ significantly between the 3 treatment options (ET vs ST: HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.46, p=0.79 and ET vs HT: HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.17, p=0.19). ST and/or HT increased the risk for the major amputation and/or death (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.05, p=0.03), while Rutherford class I ischemia (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.90, p=0.04) and previous vascular interventions on the index limb (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.97, p=0.04) showed a protective effect. Conclusion: In patients with ALI and active malignant disease, ET was associated with increased AFS and overall survival compared with both ST and HT, while the limb salvage and reintervention rates were comparable among the 3 groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Venous thromboembolism is a potentially fatal complication of superficial endovenous treatment. Proper risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis could mitigate this hazard; however, there are currently no evidence-based or consensus guidelines. This study surveyed UK and Republic of Ireland vascular consultants to determine areas of consensus. Methods: A 32-item survey was sent to vascular consultants via the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (phase 1). These results generated 10 consensus statements which were redistributed (phase 2). 'Good' and 'very good' consensus were defined as endorsement/rejection of statements by >67% and >85% of respondents, respectively. Results: Forty-two consultants completed phase 1. This generated seven statements regarding risk factors mandating peri-procedural pharmacoprophylaxis and three statements regarding specific pharmacoprophylaxis regimes. Forty-seven consultants completed phase 2. Regarding venous thromboembolism risk factors mandating pharmacoprophylaxis, 'good' and 'very good' consensus was achieved for 5/7 and 2/7 statements, respectively. Regarding specific regimens, 'very good' consensus was achieved for 3/3 statements. Conclusions: The main findings from this study were that there was 'good' or 'very good' consensus that patients with any of the seven surveyed risk factors should be given pharmacoprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin. High-risk patients should receive one to two weeks of pharmacoprophylaxis rather than a single dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of acute neurological conditions, particularly acute ischemic stroke, in the context of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is of importance, considering the risk of infection to the healthcare workers and patients and emerging evidence of the neuroinvasive potential of the virus. There are variations in expert guidelines further complicating the picture for clinicians in acute settings. In this light, there is a compelling need for further formulation of recommendations that compile these variations seen in the numerous guidelines present. Health system protocols for managing ongoing acute neurological care and intervention need consideration of safety and well-being of the frontline healthcare workers and the patients. We examine existing pathways and their efficacy to mitigate viral exposure to the healthcare workers and patients and synthesize a systemic approach to manage patients with acute neurological conditions in the COVID-19 scenario. Early experiences with a COVID-19 positive stroke patient treated with endovascular thrombectomy is presented to highlight the urgent need for adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) during acute neuro-interventional procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Venous thoracic outlet syndrome, known by the eponym Paget–Schroetter syndrome, is seen in healthy, young individuals with "effort-induced thrombosis." Endovascular therapies, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, have been described in the acute management of the upper extremity deep venous thrombosis; however, we assessed the technical success of treating this entity using a mechanical aspiration thrombectomy system. Methods: This was a multi-center retrospective review of patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome with acute thrombosis treated with the Indigo continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy system. Charts from patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and acute deep venous thrombosis treated with this system at our institution along with three data sharing locations were reviewed for demographics, deep venous thrombosis risk factors, imaging modalities used for diagnosis, extent of axillosubclavian deep venous thrombosis, treatment details, adjunctive therapies, and complications. The primary outcome was technical success (resolution of >70% of thrombus). Results: There were 16 patients (50% male) with a mean age of 33 years (range 17–69 years). Six patients had underlying venous thromboembolism risk factors including use of contraceptives (n = 2), prior deep venous thrombosis (n = 3), and known thrombophilia (n = 1). Fifteen patients had complete venous occlusion, and the extent of venous involvement included subclavian (n = 14), axillary (n = 16), and brachial (n = 7). The majority (81.25%) of patients were treated in a single setting, and technical success was achieved in all cases with the use of adjunctive therapies. Only three patients required additional overnight thrombolytic therapy. Conclusions: The Penumbra Indigo system, often in combination with adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis and venoplasty, is a safe and effective device for the treatment of acute upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in the setting of Paget–Schroetter syndrome. No patients experienced central embolization or post-operative renal insufficiency. One-third of patients avoided any additional catheter-directed thrombolysis exposure, and technical success was achieved in all cases. A single bleeding complication was observed in a patient undergoing overnight adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis. All patients maintained patency until time of first rib resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction : The Aorfix aortic stent graft is a modular device with greater compliance and flexibility. This systematic review aims to assess the evidence regarding the technical success and outcomes of the Aorfix TM stent graft. Methods : Electronic bibliographic databases were searched. We conducted our review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. Results : This review of the 442 documented cases of Aorfix TM EVAR demonstrates assisted technical success to be achieved in 97.7% of cases. The need for unplanned adjunct maneuvers was low at 9.8% and was most commonly required for resolving an intra-operative type I endoleak. The need for secondary intervention in the 1-year follow up period was even lower, at 1.3% in the same eight studies, while Malas et al reports a re-intervention rate of 7.8% at 1-year. Conclusion : The Aorfix TM device has been used in AAA with highly angulated proximal necks with success, with acceptable short- and midterm results. But larger multi-center comparative studies, and registry data is needed to be to compare the safety of different stent grafts and for optimal graft selection. This will increase the likely number of patients considered suitable for EVAR.

Despite the continuous evolution of endovascular therapy, severe calcification remains a major issue for the minimally invasive treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. The presence of calcium might negatively affect both the crossing of peripheral lesions and outcomes of all available treatment modalities and is therefore associated with unfavorable acute and long-term results. This manuscript summarizes the challenges raised from severe calcified atherosclerotic lesions and presents the outcomes of the various endovascular modalities in the treatment of calcified SFA disease.