Search

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has emerged as an alternative therapeutic modality to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) for the management of patients with carotid artery stenosis. However, certain issues regarding the indications and contraindications of TCAR remain unanswered or unresolved. The aim of this international, expert-based Delphi consensus document was to attempt to provide some guidance on these topics.

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.

Background: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) in the treatment of significant stenosis is a cause of stroke due to both plaque prolapse and cerebral embolization. New types of stents with a double-layer structure have been designed to minimize plaque prolapse and embolization; these double-layer stents (DLSs) should be able to reduce the stroke risk; however, definite data on their performance are scarce in the literature.Methods: A systematic search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, according to PRISMA guidelines; all studies on CAS with DLS (Roadsaver/Casper or CGuard) up to January 1, 2022, with a cohort of at least 20 patients were considered eligible. The present meta-analysis was approved and registered on PROSPERO register (CRD42022297512). Patients with tandem lesions or complete carotid occlusion were excluded from the study. The 30-day stroke rate after CAS was analyzed evaluating the preoperative symptomatic status and DLS occlusion. The estimated pooled rate of events was calculated by random effect model and moderators were evaluated.Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis for a total of 1955 patients. The estimated overall (95% confidence interval [CI]) stroke rate was 1.4% (0.9%–2.2%, I2= 0%), which was not influenced by the type of DLS used: CGuard 0.8% (0.4%–1.8%, I2= 0%) versus Roadsaver/Casper 1.5% (0.7%–3.2%, I2= 0%), p=0.30. The 30-day estimated stroke rate was 1.5% (0.8%–2.9%, I2= 0%) in asymptomatic and 1.9% (1.0%–3.6%, I2= 0%) in symptomatic patients, with no influence by moderators. The 30-day DLS occlusion rate was 0.8% (0.4%–1.8%, I2= 0%). The publication bias assessment identified asymmetry in the asymptomatic populations.Conclusion: The overall 30-day stroke rate in CAS with DLS is low (1.4%), with similar results in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Acute occlusion of DLS is rare (0.8%). Further studies are necessary to reduce the publication bias for asymptomatic patients.Clinical Impact CAS with DLS is associated to a low rate of 30-day stroke in both symptomatic (1.9%) and asymptomatic (1.5%) patients. The type of DLS (CGuard or Roadsaver/Casper) did not affect the 30-day stroke rate.

Introduction: The aim of the study is to report a single-center experience with the Gore Excluder conformable endograft with active control system (CEXC Device, W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with severe infrarenal neck angulation.Methods: All patients underwent EVAR with CEXC Device between September 2018 and 2020, were prospectively enrolled, and retrospectively analyzed. Anatomical details of the proximal aortic neck were evaluated. Early endpoints were the use of repositionability and angulation system, intraoperative unplanned cuff, technical success (TS), 30-day morbidity/mortality, and reintervention. Follow-up endpoints were type-I endoleaks, endograft migration, aortic neck dilatation, aneurismal sac shrinkage, survival (S), and freedom from reintervention (FFR).Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled (median age: 80 [range = 60-90] years, median AAA diameter: 60 [range = 52-90] mm). All patients had severe infrarenal neck angulation (beta angle ≧ 60°), and 11 (44%) of those had neck beta angle ≧ 90°. Median infrarenal neck angle, length, and diameter were 70° (range = 60°-90°), 22 (range = 13-42) mm and 22 (range = 18-31) mm, respectively. Endograft repositioning system was employed in 15 (60%) cases and the median number of repositioning maneuvers was 1 (range:0-4). Active angulation system was used in 17 (68%) patients. The median proximal diameter of the main-body and oversize were 28 (range = 23-36) mm and 28% (range = 21%-38%), respectively. Proximal cuff was positioned in 1 (4%) patient. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Intraoperative and perioperative morbidity and mortality were 12% and 0%, respectively. Perioperative type-I/III and II endoleaks were observed in 0 and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. The median follow-up was 12 months (range: 3-30). One patient died at 12-month for AAA-unrelated causes. Abdominal aortic aneurysm-sac shrinkage and stability were observed in 9 (36%) and 15 (60%) cases, respectively. No type-I/III endoleak and reintervention occurred during the follow-up. One persistent type-II endoleak was observed. Estimated survival at 24 months was 92%.Conclusion: According to the present data, the CEXC Device allows an excellent rate of TS in severe angulated aortic neck. This preliminary data, could increase the rate of patients eligible for EVAR.

Background: Current guidelines recommend radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) as a first choice access for hemodialysis, without specific indication for octogenarians .This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of RCAVF in octogenarians compared with younger patients.Material and methods: All patients treated by RCAVF from January 2013 to December 2017 were included in a prospective database for a retrospective analysis. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and dialytic treatment data were collected prospectively and compared in patients <80 year-old and ⩾80 years-old. Clinical surveillance was performed during each dialysis session. The main endpoints were primary (PP) and assisted patency (AP).Results: Within the study period, a total of 294 RCAVF were analyzed: 245 (83.3%) RCAVF were performed in <80 year-old and 49 (16.7%) ⩾80 years old. The overall PP and AP at 2-year was 69% ± 2% and 73% ± 3%, respectively. Patients ⩾ 80 years-old had a significantly reduced 2-year PP, AP of RCAVF compared with the younger patients: 50% ± 8% and 62% ± 7% versus 73% ± 3% and 75% ± 3%, p= 0.01 and p= 0.03, respectively. The analysis for possible risk factors for reduction of PP in patients ⩾80 years identified in the central venous catheter(CVC) a predictor of earlier RCAVF failure: HR 3.03(95% CI 1.29–7.13), p= 0.01.Kaplan–Meier curve confirms the reduction of PP in ⩾80 years old patients at 2-year follow-up with previous CVC compared patients without history of CVC: 59% ± 10% versus 24% ± 11%, p= 0.01. A comparison between the two groups was made in order to evaluate the impact of previous history of CVC .In absence of a history of CVC use older patients had a similar 2-year PP compared with younger patients: 59% ± 10% versus 72% ± 4%, p= 0.46. Otherwise, the history of a previous CVC reduced significantly the 2-year PP in ⩾80 years old patients compared the younger: 24% ± 12% versus 75% ± 5%, p= 0.0001.Conclusions: Despite lower overall primary and primary assisted patency, RCAVF are associated with satisfactory results also in octogenarians if performed in absence of history of CVC. Under these circumstances RCAVF can be considered a first choice treatment.

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).

Background Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a rare but devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair with fenestrated/branched endograft (f/bEVAR). The cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) is considered one of the leading causes; however, other possible concomitant factors have not been individualized yet. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the pattern of ICH events after f/bEVAR for TAAA and to identify possible associated factors.Materials and Methods All f/bEVAR procedures for TAAA performed in a single academic center from 2012 to 2020 were evaluated. ICH was assessed by cerebral computed tomography if neurological symptoms arose. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics were analyzed in order to identify possible factors associated.Results A total of 135 f/bEVAR were performed for 72 (53%) type I, II, III and 63 (47%) type IV TAAA; 74 (55%) were staged procedures, 101 (73%) required CSFD, and 24 (18%) were performed urgently. The overall 30-day mortality was 8% (5% in elective cases); spinal-cord ischemia occurred in 11(8%) and ICH in 8 (6%) patients. All ICH occurred in patients with CSFD. ICH occurred intraoperatively in 1 case, inter-stage in 4 and after F/BEVAR completion in 3, after a median of 6 days the completion stage. Three (38%) of 8 patients with ICH died at 30 days and ICH was associated with 30-day mortality: odds ratio (OR) 13.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3–76, p=0.01. The analysis of the perioperative characteristics identified platelet reduction >60% (OR 11, 95% CI 1.6–77, p=0.03), chronic kidney disease (16% vs 0%, p=0.002), and total volume of liquor drained >50 mL (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.1–69, p=0.03) as associated with ICH.Conclusions Current findings may suggest that ICH is a potential lethal complication of the endovascular treatment for TAAAs and it mainly occurs in patients with CSFD. High-volume liquor drainage, platelet reduction, and chronic kidney disease seems increase significantly the risk of ICH and should be considered during the perioperative period and for further studies.

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.

Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Purpose:To evaluate possible predictors of complications with flared iliac stent-graft limbs for ectatic common iliac arteries (CIAs) associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Materials and Methods:A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted of 533 EVAR patients (mean age 75 years; 442 men) treated between 2012 and 2017 who had complications associated with the stent-graft limbs (n=1066). Complications, including type Ib endoleak, type IIIa endoleak, and limb occlusion, were compared between patients with nondilated (<16 mm) CIAs treated with standard iliac limbs (SLs, n=808) vs patients with ectatic CIAs treated with flared limbs (FLs, n=258). Follow-up included a duplex scan at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter; computed tomography angiography was performed in case of iliac complications. Risk factors for iliac complications in FLs were investigated using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses; results of the regression analysis are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results:Overall, no iliac complications occurred at 30 days, but over a mean follow-up of 38±8 months, there were 10 (1%) events (4 limb occlusions, 6 type Ib endoleaks): 7 (3%) in FLs and 3 (0.4%) in SLs (p=0.20). Kaplan-Meier analysis found no differences at 5 years in SLs vs FLs for freedom from limb occlusion (99%±1% vs 98%±1%, respectively; p=0.30) or type Ib endoleak (96%±3% vs 97%±1%, respectively; p=0.44). Similarly, the overall 5-year iliac complication rates were similar in SLs vs FLs (96%±3% vs 95%±2%, p=0.21). Regression analysis found CIA length ≤30 mm (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.02 to 21.6, p=0.04) and a diameter ≥20 mm (HR 7.8, 95% CI 1.05 to 64.8, p=0.03) to be independent predictors of iliac complications in FLs. Kaplan-Meier estimates of iliac complication–free survival in FLs were significantly worse when the CIA length was ≤30 mm (79%±9% vs 98%±1%, p=0.003) or the diameter was ≥20 mm (85%±7% vs 99%±1%, p=0.02). The combination of both risk factors produced significantly poorer iliac complication–free survival compared with cases in which there was one or no risk factor (67%±19% vs 96%±2% vs 99%±1%, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion:Iliac limb complications are infrequent in EVAR, regardless of the type of iliac limb chosen; however, CIAs ≤30 mm in length or ≥20 mm in diameter significantly increased the risk of late iliac complications in FLs. If both characteristics were present, this risk was further elevated.

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.

Purpose: The purpose was to describe a technique to promote false lumen (FL) thrombosis in post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs) managed by fenestrated/branched endografting (F/B-EVAR).Technique: A 5/6Fr-90 cm length sheath is advanced from the true lumen (TL) to FL through the most distal entry tear of the infrarenal aorta or iliac arteries. It is parked in the most cranial portion of the FL in the thoracic aorta. Aortic endografts are deployed in the TL excluding all the para-visceral/distal entry tears and target visceral vessels bridging stenting is performed. A selective FL angiography is performed through the 5/6Fr sheath to detect the origin of all segmentary arteries. Embolization of FL is performed from above to below by M-reye pushable coils, obtaining the packaging of FL. After completion angiography, the 5/6Fr sheath is retrieved in external iliac artery and molding ballooning of the distal segment of the aortic/iliac endograft is performed. Between 2019 and 2023, this technique was applied in 11cases with a median number of 73 (interquartile range [IQR=12) coils. Out of 8 (72%) patients with available radiological follow-up at 1 year, 7 exhibited complete FL thrombosis.Conclusions: The FL coiling in PD-TAAAs managed by F/B-EVAR is feasible, safe, and effective to promote the complete FL thrombosis.Clinical Impact Preemptive false lumen embolization is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for preventing persistent type II endoleaks after fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. This technique may be routinely recommended to promote FL thrombosis and aortic remodeling after FB-EVAR in PD-TAAAs, thereby reducing the incidence of reinterventions during follow-up.

Purpose: To report outcomes of endovascular repair (EVAR) of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with currently-available endografts and identify predictors of technical/clinical failure.Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing EVAR between 2012 and 2020 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Technical success (TS: no type I–III endoleaks, renal/hypogastric arteries loss, iliac leg occlusion, conversion to open repair and mortality within 24 postoperative hour), proximal neck–related TS (nr-TS: no proximal type I endoleaks, unplanned renal arteries coverage), and 30-day mortality were assessed as early outcomes. Proximal type I endoleak (ELIa), survival and freedom from reinterventions (FFRs) were assessed during follow-up. Uni/multivariate analysis and Cox-regression were used to identified factors associated with early and follow-up outcomes; FFR and survival were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results: A total of 710 were included. Technical success and nr-TS were 692 (98%) and 700 (99%), respectively. The presence of ≥2 hostile anatomical infrarenal neck characteristics was associated with technical failure (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–4.1; p: 0.007). Infrarenal neck angle >90° (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 9.6–50.3; p: 0.004), barrel shape (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 11.1–100.3; p: 0.02) or presence of ≥2 hostile anatomical infrarenal neck characteristics (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 2.5–5.3; p: 0.03) were independent risk factors for neck-related technical failures. Six (0.8%) patients died within 30 postoperative days. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 16; 95% CI: 1.1–218.3; p: 0.04) and urgent repair (OR: 15; 95% CI: 1.8–119.6; p: 0.01) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. The mean follow-up was 53±13 months. There were 12 (1.7%) ELIa during follow-up. Infrarenal neck length <15 mm (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9–9.6; p: 0.005), diameter >28 mm (HR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.6–9.5; p: 0.006), angle ≥90° (HR: 2.7; 95% CI: 8.3–50.1; p: 0.007), and persistent type II endoleak (HR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6–10.1; p: 0.004) were independent risk factors for ELIa. Freedom from reintervention was 91% at 5 years. The ELIa was an independent risk factor for reinterventions during follow-up (HR: 29.5; 95% CI: 1.4–1.6; p<0.001). Survival was 74% at 5 years with 2 cases (0.3%) of late aortic-related mortality. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4–3.65; p: 0.03), aneurysm diameter ≥65 mm (HR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.26; p<0.001), and infrarenal neck length <15 mm (HR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.35; p: 0.04) were independent risk factors for mortality during follow-up.Conclusion: Endovascular repair with currently-available endografts has high TS and low 30-day mortality. Survival and FFRs were satisfactory at mid-term. Pre/postoperative risk factors for technical and clinical failure were identified and they should be considered in EVAR indication and postoperative management to reduce complications and improve mid-term outcome.Clinical Impact Pre and postoperative risk factors for technical and clinical EVAR failure can be identified and they should be considered in EVAR indication and postoperative management to reduce complications and improve mid-term outcome.

Aim/Background: The New Preloaded System (NPS) for renal/visceral arteries (TVVs) is an emerging technology in fenestrated endografting (FEVAR) that allows TVVs cannulation and stenting through the same access of the endograft main body. However, only few preliminary experiences are currently available in the literature. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of NPS-FEVAR in juxta/para-renal (J/P-AAAs) and thoracoabdominal (TAAAs) aneurysms repair.Methods: This is a prospective (NCT05224219), single-center/observational study of patients submitted to NPS-FEVAR for J/PAAAs and TAAAs between 2019 and 2022 (July). Definitions and outcomes were evaluated according to the current SVS-reporting standard. Technical success (TS) and TS preloaded related, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 30-day mortality were assessed as early endpoints. Survival, freedom from reinterventions (FFRs), and freedom from TTVs-instability (FFTVVs-instability) were analyzed during follow-up.Results: Among 157 F/B-EVAR cases, 74 (47%) NPS-FEVAR were planned and enrolled in the study [48 (65%) J/P-AAAs; 26 (35%) TAAAs]. The main indication for NPS-FEVAR was the presence of a hostile iliac axis (54%–73%) or the necessity of expeditious pelvic/lower-limb reperfusion for SCI prevention in TAAAs (20%–27%). Overall, 292 TVVs were accommodated by 289 fenestrations and 3 branches; 188 of 289 (65%) fenestrations were preloaded. NPS-FEVAR configuration was from “below” and “from below to above” in 28 (38%) and 46 (62%) cases, respectively. TS and TS preloaded system-related was 96% (71/74) and 99% (73/74), respectively. Target visceral vessels patency at the completion angiography was 99% (290/292). Failures were 2 renal arteries loss and 1 massive bleeding from a percutaneous closure system breakage. The latter patient developed postoperative multiorgans failure and died on the fifth postoperative day, causing only 30-day/in-hospital mortality (1.3%). One (1.3%) patient with a JAAA and preoperative bilateral occlusion of the hypogastric arteries suffered SCI. The median follow-up was 14 (IQR: 8) months. The estimated 3-year survival was 91% with no aneurysm-related mortality during follow-up. The estimated 3-year FFR and FFTVVs-instability were 85 and 92%, respectively.Conclusion: New preloaded system FEVAR is a safe and effective option in the treatment of J/PAAAs and TAAAs in the presence of hostile iliac access or to guarantee an expeditious pelvic/lower limb reperfusion, leading to satisfactory results in terms of TS, early and mid-term clinical outcomes.Clinical Impact New preloaded system for fenestrated and branched endografting allows to increase the feasibility of the advanced endovascular aortic repair in challenging iliac access, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair and reduce difficulties in target visceral vessels cannulation.

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.

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.

Purpose Generally the steal syndrome occurs in proximal arterial-venous fistulas and only exceptionally with distal vascular access because of the high number of arteries supplying the hand. We describe a rare case of steal syndrome of a proximalized distal radio-cephalic fistula stealing from both the radial and ulnar artery through the palmar arch.Methods An 86 year old man was admitted because of a cyanotic, swollen left hand with trophic lesions at the third finger. He had a latero-terminal radio-cephalic fistula performed in 2006 with subsequent proximalization performed four years later after failure of the first one. Duplex ultrasound examination showed a high flow within the fistula (2080 mL/min) and a retrograde perfusion of the radial artery from the ulnar artery through the palmar arch and an angiography excluded stenosis along the radial artery.Results We treated the steal syndrome through a plication technique that was performed with careful flow variations measurement, under duplex evaluation, during the surgical procedure. That procedure was effective to maintain the fistula flow and obtain the symptoms relief. The patient was evaluated the day after the intervention and after 10 weeks. The clinical examination highlighted the resolution of hand ischemia. The Duplex Ultrasound examination showed a lower flow within the fistula (1060 mL/min) and a retrograde perfusion of the radial artery from the ulnar artery through the palmar arch with a three-phase flow. Dialysis access from the fistula was never interrupted from immediately after surgery to the present date.Conclusions Plication is an effective technique for treatment of steal syndrome requiring a short operative time and it is related to satisfying post-operative results

Type IIIb endoleak is a rare complication of endovascular aortic repair caused by endoprosthesis deterioration, leading to aneurysm pressurization and potential rupture. Because of its rarity, few cases are published. We report six cases of type IIIb endoleak in a 15-year period. Appropriate preoperative diagnosis was achieved in five cases; duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography angiography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were useful diagnostic tools in one case, and angiography led to the correct diagnosis in four cases. In the remaining case, only surgical exploration identified the type IIIb endoleak. Successful treatment was achieved by endovascular relining in five cases and by surgical conversion in one case.

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.

Purpose To investigate serological predictors of risk for cerebral embolism after carotid artery stenting (CAS).Methods Twenty consecutive symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (13 men; mean age 74 years) with carotid artery stenosis undergoing standardized filter-protected CAS (Wallstent) were preoperatively evaluated to identify unstable plaque (duplex ultrasound), complicated aortic plaque (transesophageal echocardiography), and inflammatory status [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum amyloid-A protein (SAA) serum levels]. Aortic arch type, carotid tortuosity, and complexity of the procedure were considered. Cerebral embolism was evaluated by comparing the number, volume, and side (ipsilateral and non-ipsilateral) of preoperative and postoperative cerebral lesions detected on diffusion-weighted resonance magnetic imaging (DW-MRI) and through light and scanning electron microscopy analysis of cerebral protection filters obtained from CAS.Results All CAS procedures were completed with no complications. All patients had a negative preoperative DW-MRI, but at least 1 asymptomatic cerebral lesion appeared on DW-MRI after the procedure in 18 (90%) patients. Female gender was associated with a higher number of cerebral lesions (18.2±10.9 vs. 8.3±8.8 for men, p=0.03). Carotid plaque morphology, supra-aortic vessel anatomy, and procedure complexity did not correlate with number or volume of new cerebral lesions. Complicated aortic plaque was associated with a higher volume of non-ipsilateral cerebral lesions than uncomplicated plaque (235.0±259.3 vs. 63.6±63.2 mm3, respectively; p=0.02). Hs-CRP ≥5 mg/L and SAA ≥10 mg/L were significantly associated with a higher number of new cerebral lesions [16.2±10.7 vs. 4.3±3.4 for hs-CRP <5 mg/L (p=0.02) and 14.8±10.3 vs. 2.8±3.4 for SAA <10 mg/L (p=0.006), respectively]. Hs-CRP ≥5 mg/L and SAA ≥10 mg/L also correlated with greater surface involvement by embolic materials in the protection filters at microscopic analysis [37.0% (5.1%) vs. 26.9% (2.5%) for hs-CRP <5 mg/L, p=0.004; 35.9% (13.5%) vs. 22.2% (6.9%) for SAA <10 mg/L, p=0.02].Conclusion In addition to female gender and the presence of complicated aortic plaque, inflammatory status can be a predictor of cerebral embolism in CAS.

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.

Purpose: Anastomotic pseudoaneurysms of transplanted kidneys are a very rare complication encountered in less than 1% of cases. They may be devastating, leading to functional impairment, kidney transplantectomy, or death. Treatment has not been standardized, with open surgical repair considered the safest procedure even if it is often complicated by bleeding and graft loss. The purpose of this case report is to describe an endovascular treatment of this condition, consisting of the combination of coil embolization and arterial stenting.Case report: A 61-year-old woman developed an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm 2 months after kidney transplantation, causing acute kidney injury related to ab-extrinsic stenosis of the transplant renal artery (TRA) and external iliac artery. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated by coil embolization, and the arterial patency was restored by the stenting of TRA and external iliac artery. The patient completely recovered kidney function, and after a 6-month-follow-up, creatinine values were stable with normal renal perfusion.Conclusion: Endovascular repair through coil embolization and TRA stenting can be a safe and effective option to treat anastomotic pseudoaneurysm in kidney transplant.

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.

: thoraco-abdominal endovascular aortic repair (TA-EVAR) can be associated with platelet depletion (PD); the present study aims to evaluate PD incidence after TA-EVAR and to investigate its possible predictors and its influence on hemorrhagic complications and mortality.

•Carbon dioxide-endovascular aortic repair is safe and requires a lower amount of iodinated contrast medium (ICM).•The lower ICM leads to a benefit on patients’ postoperative renal function.•In specific anatomical situations, ICM can be completely unnecessary.