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Purpose: To describe a novel technique to repair a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) after failed endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) with severely kinked anatomy.Technique: We present a patient who underwent an EVAR with a Medtronic Talent device 15 years ago and a proximal cuff extension 3 years earlier for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography (CT) done for a known gastritis showed a 12 cm JAAA, with a migrated endograft and a type Ia endoleak (EL). Endovascular repair was performed, accessing and navigating the aneurysmal sac outside the previous graft. The type I EL was reached and the suprarenal aorta catheterized. A 4-vessel inner-branched EVAR device was deployed in the distal thoracic aorta and their target vessels bridged through femoral access. A distal bifurcated component was deployed and both iliac limbs were extended to the native distal iliac arteries. Completion angiogram as well as early and 12-month CT showed a fully patent straight course branched EVAR with no ELs.Conclusion: Complex aortic reinterventions in the presence of previous EVAR can be performed by choosing a straighter course along and parallel to the previous endograft. Several technical aspects must be considered to successfully perform this type of reinterventions.Clinical Impact We present a technique of a complex endovascular aortic repair in a failed EVAR with kinked anatomy, navigating through the thrombosed aneurysmal sac, outside the previously placed endograft and thus obtaining a straighter path for a new branched endograft. The novelty lies in a different approach to repair a failed EVAR with a branched graft through an uncommon access on the side of the previous endograft, avoiding repeated displacement or occlusion of the new endograft. We exemplify the feasibility of such a complex procedure and highlight important steps to perform it, whether in the abdominal or even thoracic Aorta.

Female sex has been characterized as a risk factor of increased mortality in patients managed for complex aortic aneurysm using endovascular means. This study aimed to present the perioperative and follow-up outcomes of females managed electively or urgently with the t-Branch device and investigate factors affecting the early outcomes.

IMPORTANCE: Endovascular treatment is not recommended for aortic pathologies in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) other than in redo operations and as bridging procedures in emergencies. However, recent developments in endovascular technology may challenge this dogma. OBJECTIVE: To assess the midterm outcomes of endovascular aortic repair in patients with CTD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: For this descriptive retrospective study, data on demographics, interventions, and short-term and midterm outcomes were collected from 18 aortic centers in Europe, Asia, North America, and New Zealand. Patients with CTD who had undergone endovascular aortic repair from 2005 to 2020 were included. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to November 2022. EXPOSURE: All principal endovascular aortic repairs, including redo surgery and complex repairs of the aortic arch and visceral aorta. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Short-term and midterm survival, rates of secondary procedures, and conversion to open repair. RESULTS: In total, 171 patients were included: 142 with Marfan syndrome, 17 with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and 12 with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS). Median (IQR) age was 49.9 years (37.9-59.0), and 107 patients (62.6%) were male. One hundred fifty-two (88.9%) were treated for aortic dissections and 19 (11.1%) for degenerative aneurysms. One hundred thirty-six patients (79.5%) had undergone open aortic surgery before the index endovascular repair. In 74 patients (43.3%), arch and/or visceral branches were included in the repair. Primary technical success was achieved in 168 patients (98.2%), and 30-day mortality was 2.9% (5 patients). Survival at 1 and 5 years was 96.2% and 80.6% for Marfan syndrome, 93.8% and 85.2% for Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and 75.0% and 43.8% for vEDS, respectively. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 4.7 years (1.9-9.2), 91 patients (53.2%) had undergone secondary procedures, of which 14 (8.2%) were open conversions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study found that endovascular aortic interventions, including redo procedures and complex repairs of the aortic arch and visceral aorta, in patients with CTD had a high rate of early technical success, low perioperative mortality, and a midterm survival rate comparable with reports of open aortic surgery in patients with CTD. The rate of secondary procedures was high, but few patients required conversion to open repair. Improvements in devices and techniques, as well as ongoing follow-up, may result in endovascular treatment for patients with CTD being included in guideline recommendations.

Purpose: To describe the technical aspects and early results of a new endovascular fenestration method for false lumen occlusion in chronic aortic dissection: the Knickerbocker Technique.Methods: A retrospective observational study including all consecutively treated patients between November 1, 2012, through May 31, 2016, who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair with false lumen occlusion using the Knickerbocker Technique for thoracic false lumen aneurysm in chronic aortic dissection in a tertiary care center. Primary endpoints consisted of technical (correct deployment of the stent-graft) and clinical (false lumen occlusion) success. Secondary endpoints included overall survival and morbidity after 30 days. In 12 patients, follow-up computed tomography angiogram (CTA) was available and aortic remodeling was evaluated.Results: We identified 16 eligible patients (75% men, mean age: 69 years, range: 52–80 years). Technical success was 94%. Overall survival after 30 days was 100%; there was 1 aortic reintervention (additional false lumen embolization due to endoleak type 1a in 1 patient). Median total follow-up was 31.5 months (range: 3–66 months). Four (25%) of 16 patients died during follow-up, in 3 of those patients the cause of death is unknown, and 1 patient developed cardiac tamponade after being treated by fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Imaging follow-up with CTA was available in 12 patients (median imaging follow-up: 27.5 months, range: 1–57 months). Nine (75%) of 12 patients showed thoracic aortic remodeling, and in 3 patients aneurysm size was stable. No patient showed aneurysm growth.Conclusion: The Knickerbocker Technique is a feasible endovascular fenestration method to achieve false lumen occlusion and aortic remodeling in chronic aortic dissection with low invasiveness.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the use of a wire and catheters embedded with optical fiber (Fiber Optic RealShape [FORS]) to catheterize tortuous target vessels avoiding radiation.Technique: A virtual biplane vies was simulated coupling traditional x-ray system, preoperative CT scan, and FORS system to treat an isolated hypogastric aneurysm. Despite the complex anatomy, catheterization of all target vessels was possible in 12 minutes with 19 seconds of fluoroscopy time (Radiation Exposure 3.8 mGy×cm2). A minimal invasive endovascular exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved through selective coil-embolization of the iliolumbar artery and implantation of balloon expandable covered stents, thus preserving the perfusion of the superior gluteal artery.Conclusion: FORS guidance allowed catheterization of a target vessel with challenging anatomy with a low radiation exposure.

Background: Ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases have an increasing interest among cardiovascular specialists regarding diagnosis and management. Innovations in endovascular surgery and evolution of open surgery have extended the indications for treatment in patients previously considered unfit for surgery. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to present and analyze current cardiovascular guidelines for overlap and differences in their recommendations regarding ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases and the assessment of evidence.Methods: The English medical literature was searched using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from January 2009 to December 2020. Recommendations on selected topics were analyzed, including issues from definitions and diagnosis (imaging and biomarkers) and indications for treatment to management, including surgical techniques, of the most important ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases.Results: The initial search identified 2414 articles. After exclusion of duplicate or inappropriate articles, the final analysis included 5 articles from multidisciplinary, cardiovascular societies published between 2010 and 2019. The definition of non-A-non-B aortic dissection is lacking from most of the guidelines. There is a disagreement regarding the class of recommendation and level of evidence for the diameter of ascending aorta as an indication. The indication for treatment of aortic disease may be individualized in specific cases while the growth rate may also affect the decision making. The role of endovascular techniques has not been established in current guidelines except by 1 society. Supportive evidence level in the management of aortic arch diseases remains limited.Conclusion: In current recommendations of cardiovascular societies, the ascending aorta and aortic arch remain a domain of open surgery despite the introduction of endovascular techniques. Recommendations of the included societies are mostly based on expert opinion, and the role of endovascular techniques has been highlighted only from 1 society. The chronological heterogeneity apparent among guidelines and the inconsistency in evidence level should be also acknowledged. More data are needed to develop more solid recommendations for the ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases.

Purpose To describe the use of physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with the exclusive use of inner branches or in combination with fenestrations for the urgent treatment of complex aortic aneurysms.Technique We present two urgent cases. A patient with a 6.8 cm saccular juxtarenal aneurysm and another patient with a contained rupture of the thoracoabdominal aorta right above the celiac trunk (CT). In both cases, a Cook Zenith TX2 thoracic endograft was back-table modified, in the first case by adding three fenestrations and one inner branch for the left renal artery to improve sealing due to its partial involvement in the aneurysm and, in the second case, with the use of two inner branches for the CT and superior mesenteric artery. Both procedures were successful, with uneventful postoperative courses and complete aneurysm exclusion on postoperative CT angiography.Conclusion Use of PMEGs with inner branches is feasible for urgent repair in complex aortic anatomy.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to study 1-year results of Zenith branch iliac endovascular graft (ZBIS) with the off-label use of a 13 mm spiral Z limb to connect to the aortic main body.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review from 2015 to 2019 of all iliac branch devices (IBDs) was performed at 1 institution that were connected to an aortic main body with a 13 mm spiral Z limb and had at least 1-year follow-up with computed tomography (CT). Primary endpoints are freedom from ZBIS separation from the connection limb, endoleak (EL), or reintervention at 1 year. Secondary endpoints are primary and secondary ZBIS patency, presence of any EL, and aortic reinterventions.Results: Of 149 IBDs implanted in this period, 45 ZBIS in 35 patients were connected with a 13 mm limb and had a 1-year CT; 97% of patients had common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms, 7% of patients had hypogastric artery (HA) aneurysms, and 30% of patients had bilateral ZBIS implantation. Technical success was 98%. In 84% of cases, the Advanta V12 was used as the HA mating stent; 56% of patients had an EL, mostly type II, which resolved spontaneously in 70% at 1 year, and 9% of ZBIS required reinterventions at 1 year (2 for thrombosis, 2 for type Ic EL from HA mating stent). One-year ZBIS primary patency and secondary patency were 96% and 100%, respectively. No EL was noted to be related to the 13 mm connection limb. No migration or separation of the devices occurred.Conclusions: The use of 13 mm spiral Z limb to connect a ZBIS with the main body in our series yields a high technical success rate and good 12-month outcomes without device separation or migration.

Purpose: To report a single-center experience with the use of a custom-made Candy-Plug (CP) for distal false-lumen (FL) occlusion in subacute and chronic aortic dissection (AD).Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted on consecutive patients with subacute and chronic AD who were treated with a custom-made CP for distal FL occlusion using 3 design generations (CP I to CP III) from October 2013 to September 2019.Results: A custom-made CP was used in 57 patients. Of these, 34 patients (29 males, mean age 62±10 years) were treated with a CP I vs 23 patients (16 males, mean age 59±17 years) with CP II/III. Technical success was achieved in 57 (100%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 54 (95%) patients; 33 (97%) in CP I group vs 21 (91%) patients in CP II/III group, p=0.116. The mean hospital stay was 10±8 days (9±5 days in CP I group vs 13±9 days in CP II/III, p=0.102). The 30-day computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed successful CP placement at the intended level in all patients within both groups. Early complete FL occlusion was achieved in 50 (88%) patients; 30 (88%) patients in CP I group vs 20 (87%) in CP II/III group, p=0.894. Follow up CTA was available in 44 (77%) patients. Of these; 30/34 (88%) patients in CP I group with mean follow-up 29±17 months) vs. 14/23 (61%) patients with mean follow-up 14±5 months in CP II/III group. Thoracic aortic remodeling was achieved in 34/44 (77%) patients; 25/30 (83%) patients in CP I group vs 9/14 (64%) patients in CP II/III group, p=0.197. The aneurysm size remained stable in 9/44 (20%) patients; 5/30 (17%) patients in CP I group vs 4/14 (29%) patients in CP II/III group, p=0.741. The thoracic aneurysm increased size was seen in 1/44 (2%) patient. This patient was in CPII/III group.Conclusion: CP technique using custom-made devices is technically feasible with a low mortality and morbidity, and a high rate of aortic remodeling. Both, the original design (CP I) and newer designs with a self-closing central sleeve (CP II and CP III) showed similar excellent outcomes.

Purpose: To analyze aortic arch anatomy of patients who were already treated with a 2-inner-branch arch endograft (2-IBAE) in order to assess the anatomical suitability of the supra-aortic arteries as target vessels for a 3-IBAE.Materials and Methods: Three different configurations of the Cook Zenith Arch endograft were designed with distances of 110 mm (model 1), 90 mm (model 2), and 70 mm (model 3) between the orifices of the first and third inner branches. Preoperative measurements of the aortic arch anatomy from 104 consecutive patients treated electively with custom-made 2-IBAEs at 2 European centers between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. A previously described standard methodology with a planning sheet was used. Data and measurements included the treatment indication for the aortic arch pathology, the type of landing zone, the type of arch, and the inner and outer lengths of the ascending aorta from the sinotubular junction to the innominate artery (IA). Additionally, the diameters and clock positions of the IA, left common carotid artery (LCCA), and left subclavian artery (LSA) were assessed, along with the distances between the IA and the LCCA, the IA and the LSA, and the distal landing zone.Results: Type I was the most common arch configuration (75/104, 72%). The mean clock positions were 12:30±00:28 for the IA, 12:00±00:23 for the LCCA, and 12:15±00:29 for the LSA. The mean diameters were 14.2±2.2 mm for the IA, 8.8±1.8 mm for the LCCA, and 10.5±2 mm for the LSA. The mean distances between the IA and LCCA and between the IA and LSA were 14.7±5.8 mm and 33±9.4 mm, respectively. Model 2 (branch distance 90 mm) had the highest suitability (79%), while models 1 and 3 showed suitability rates of 73% and 68%, respectively. The most frequent exclusion criterion in all models was the diameter of the LSA, followed by the IA to LSA distance.Conclusion: The suitability for a 3-IBAE among patients who had a 2-IBAE implanted is high, favoring a 90-mm distance between the retrograde LSA branch and baseline.

Purpose:To describe the use of a steerable sheath from a femoral access for antegrade catheterization of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) in an inner-branched arch endograft. Technique:This technique is demonstrated in a patient with residual aortic dissection after replacement of the ascending aorta for acute type A aortic dissection. He presented 4 years later with aneurysmal degeneration of the thoracoabdominal aorta and a proximal tear located in the aortic arch. A 2-stage hybrid approach was devised to treat the patient. An axilloaxillary crossover graft (left to right) with plug occlusion of the innominate artery was performed initially. Later, a dual-branched custom-made device was implanted. To avoid an additional LCCA cutdown for retrograde branch access, an 18-F steerable sheath was used through a percutaneous femoral access. Two wires were delivered within the steerable sheath: the first one was directed into the left subclavian artery to stabilize the sheath position in the ascending aorta; the second wire was used to catheterize the first inner branch and the LCCA to deploy the covered bridging stent. Conclusion:Transfemoral access to catheterize antegrade branches for supra-aortic vessels is feasible using a large steerable sheath in branched endovascular arch repair.

The development of endovascular techniques has improved abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management over the past 2 decades. Different cardiovascular societies worldwide have recommended the endovascular approach as the standard of care in their currently available guidelines. While endovascular treatment has established its role in daily clinical practice, a new debate has arisen regarding the indications, appropriateness, limitations, and role of open surgery. To inform this debate, the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from 2010 to May 2020; the systematic search identified 5 articles published between 2011 and 2020 by 4 cardiovascular societies and the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Four debatable domains were assessed and analyzed: diagnostic methods and screening, preoperative management, indications and treatment modalities, and postoperative follow-up and endoleak management. The review addresses controversial proposals as well as widely accepted recommendations and “gray zone” issues that need to be further investigated and analyzed, such as screening in women, medical management, and follow-up imaging. While the recommendations for AAA management have significant overlap and agreement among international cardiovascular societies, the NICE guidelines diverge regarding the role of open repair in aortic disease, recommending conventional surgery in most elective cases.

Purpose: To describe the implantation steps and tips and tricks for the Inner Branch Arch Endograft designed to treat aortic arch aneurysm and chronic type A aortic dissection.Technique: Anatomical suitability criteria should be met in order to use this device. The proximal segment of the graft lands in the ascending aorta distally to the sinotubular junction and the distal segment lands in the descending aorta. The device includes 2 inner branches; the proximal branch is used for a connection to the innominate artery (positioned slightly posterior at 12:30 o’clock), while the second branch is positioned slightly anterior at 11:30 o’clock and is used as a connection to the left common carotid artery. Access, implantation technique, deployment of the device, and catheterization of the branches are described thoroughly.Conclusion: This Inner Branch Arch Endograft is an appealing alternative to treat aortic arch pathology, especially in patients unsuitable for open repair. Nevertheless, complex aortic arch repair is associated with a learning curve. Meticulous preoperative planning and a high level of concentration intraoperatively are mandatory.

Purpose: To report a case of chronic intermittent spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and its successful treatment using hypogastric artery stenting.Case Report: A 79-year-old patient presented in May 2013 with a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and a contained rupture. He urgently underwent TEVAR that covered 274 mm of descending thoracic aorta without immediate postoperative signs of acute SCI. At 3-month follow-up, he reported repeating incidents of sudden lower extremity weakness leading to a fall with a humerus fracture. A neurological consultation revealed the tentative diagnosis of intermittent SCI caused by TEVAR and initially recommended a conservative approach. During the following year there was no clinical improvement of the symptoms. Computed tomography angiography showed a high-grade stenosis of the right hypogastric artery, which was stented in November 2014 to improve the collateral network of spinal cord perfusion. Following treatment, the patient had no further neurological symptoms; at 32 months after the reintervention, the imaging follow-up documented a patent stent and continued exclusion of the TAA.Conclusion: Intermittent neurological symptoms after TEVAR should be suspected as chronic intermittent SCI. The improvement of collateral networks of the spinal cord by revascularization of the hypogastric artery is a viable treatment option.

Purpose:To present a case of endovascular repair using a custom-made 7-branch stent-graft for a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) in a patient with variations in the renovisceral artery anatomy. Case Report:A 70-year-old asymptomatic man presented with a 60-mm-diameter type IV TAAA. Due to severe coronary artery disease, an endovascular approach was elected. In the preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans, variations in the renovisceral artery anatomy included the common hepatic and splenic arteries deriving separately from the aorta and bilateral double renal arteries (RAs). A custom-made 7-branch stent-graft was manufactured to preserve all renovisceral arteries. The 7 branches were catheterized and connected with a steerable sheath from a femoral access. All branches were bridged to the target vessel (TV) with a self-expanding covered stent; 4 TVs also had balloon-expandable covered stents implanted. Final angiography and predischarge CTA showed patency of all 7 target vessels and corresponding visceral organs, with no endoleak. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 without complications. Six-month follow-up CTA demonstrated exclusion of the TAAA and patency of all 7 target vessels. Conclusion:Successful treatment of a TAAA in a patient with multiple variant renovisceral arteries was feasible with a custom-made 7-branch stent-graft, achieving a good early outcome.

Purpose:To describe a bailout technique to stabilize target vessel catheterization in branched endovascular aortic repair. Technique:The technique is demonstrated in a 75-year-old patient with a 75-mm symptomatic type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm that was treated with a t-Branch endograft. If a catheter cannot be advanced for exchange to a more stable guidewire after target vessel catheterization, the balloon-anchoring technique can be applied to stabilize the through-the-branch hydrophilic guidewire. Through a femoral access a catheter and hydrophilic wire are passed outside the device into the target vessel and exchanged with a stiff wire; a semicompliant balloon is advanced over the Rosen wire and inflated in the target vessel, stabilizing the through-the-branch hydrophilic wire and facilitating its exchange with a stiff wire over a catheter or advancement of the bridging covered stent directly. Conclusion:The balloon-anchoring technique adds to the spectrum of bailout techniques that can be applied in cases of challenging target vessel access.

Purpose:To report a single-center experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for complicated acute type B aortic dissection (cATBAD) comparing patients with vs without end-organ ischemia. Materials and Methods:Between November 2010 and December 2017, 64 patients (mean age 64.8±12.5 years; 49 men) underwent TEVAR for cATBAD. Patients were grouped into 2 cohorts: nonischemic (39, 61%) patients with unrelenting pain, early progressive aortic dilatation, uncontrolled hypertension, or rupture, and ischemic (25, 39%) patients with visceral, renal, lower extremity, or spinal cord hypoperfusion. Results:Mean time from diagnosis to treatment was 7.5 days (range 1–32) in the nonischemic group vs 2.3 days (range 1–14) days in the ischemic group (p=0.007). Fourteen (56%) of 25 ischemic cATBAD patients had stents implanted in the renovascular branch vessels, while 4 (16%) patients had stents implanted in the iliac arteries. When branch vessel cannulation failed, fenestrations were made in the intimal flap to improve perfusion of the involved branch (n=5). In the nonischemic group, 3 arteries were stented owing to atherosclerotic stenosis. Technical success was achieved in 62 (97%) of 64 patients; despite stenting, 2 patients had low renal artery perfusion on final angiography. There were no statistically significant differences in early or late outcomes between the nonischemic vs ischemic cATBAD patients. Six (9%) patients died within 30 days: 2 (5%) in the nonischemic group vs 4 (16%) in the ischemic group. Major complications (1 stroke, 2 cases of paraplegia, 1 retrograde type A dissection, and 1 case of bowel ischemia) occurred only in the nonischemic group. The mean follow-up was 28 months. Late endoleaks were observed in 3 (8%) nonischemic patients and 1 (4%) ischemic patient. Reinterventions were required in 7 (18%) nonischemic patients and 4 (16%) ischemic patients. Conclusion:TEVAR is an effective and safe method of treating cATBAD. Early intervention in ischemic cATBAD may have played a significant role in the lack of significant difference between ischemic and nonischemic cATBAD outcomes. Direct visceral reperfusion through branch vessel stenting during TEVAR may be crucial in achieving good outcomes in ischemic cATBAD.

Purpose:To describe a technique to catheterize antegrade branches of a branched thoracoabdominal endograft from a femoral access with the help of standard sheaths and a vascular suture. Technique:The technique is demonstrated in a patient who underwent successful complex thoracoabdominal branched endovascular aortic repair. After the deployment of an aortic endograft with two antegrade branches for the targeted renovisceral vessels, a standard braided sheath was preloaded with a 3/0 polypropylene suture and introduced inside an additional sheath from the groin to the thoracic aorta. Simultaneous gentle traction on the suture as the preloaded sheath was advanced achieved a very stable 180° curve of the proximal end of the sheath. It was possible to selectively catheterize the antegrade branches and respective target vessels sequentially, as well as deploy the planned bridging stents for each branch. Conclusion:The through-and-through suture technique is a helpful tool in branched endovascular aortic repair. It saves time, radiation, and materials; no snare is needed, and it can be preloaded into a sheath.

Purpose:To present the early results of false lumen (FL) occlusion in chronic aortic dissection using the Candy-Plug generation II (CP II), which has a self-closing fabric channel that obviates the need for separate occlusion of its center. Materials and Methods:Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 60±11 years; 10 men) with persistent FL backflow and aneurysm formation at the thoracic segment in chronic aortic dissection underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with FL occlusion using the refined CP II. Primary endpoints were technical success (successful deployment) and clinical success (no FL backflow at the CP II level). Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality and morbidity and aortic remodeling during follow-up. Results:Technical success was 100%. One patient required additional intraprocedural FL embolization at the CP II level due to persistent FL backflow on final angiography (clinical success 93%), though there was no flow through the CP II center. There were no intraprocedural complications. Immediate complete FL occlusion was achieved in 12 patients; the other 2 required reintervention. One had contrast enhancement in the distal FL proximal to the CP II and was treated with coil embolization. The other patient had persistent type I endoleak at the level of the left subclavian artery (LSA) and underwent left carotid–LSA bypass and proximal stent-graft extension. One patient died due to retrograde type A aortic dissection that was not related to CP II placement. Over a mean 8-month follow-up (range 3–12), 9 patients had computed tomography angiography; 8 patients had evidence of aortic remodeling, while 1 aneurysm sac was stable. Conclusion:The CP II reduces the number of procedural steps and offers good seal, with minimal morbidity and mortality and a high rate of aortic remodeling.

Presence of gas is a frequent finding on early postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with unclear clinical relevance. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the presence of gas within the aneurysm sac following EVAR on early postoperative CTA after the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) flushing technique with saline flushing alone.

Purpose:To report a case of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair treated with a multibranched stent-graft including a prophylactic branch for a large intercostal artery in a Marfan patient at risk for spinal cord ischemia (SCI). Case Report:A 43-year-old man with Marfan syndrome presented with a type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and history of multiple previous cardiac and aortic operations over the past 28 years. The maximum diameter of the aneurysm was 60 mm. The patient had 2 right renal arteries and 2 reimplanted segmental arteries (1 occluded). With the goal of preserving both right renal arteries and the large intercostal artery, a 6-branch, custom-made stent-graft was planned and manufactured. Bilateral femoral and right brachial artery access was used. The intercostal artery was catheterized and connected to the retrograde branch from a femoral access. Final angiography and predischarge computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed unimpeded flow to all 6 target vessels. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10 without clinical signs of SCI. Six-month follow-up CTA demonstrated exclusion of the TAAA and patency of all 6 branches. Conclusion:Multibranched endovascular aortic repair with a branch to a large intercostal artery was technically feasible and clinically successful.

Purpose:To present a methodology for aortic arch anatomy measurement to plan and size an arch endograft with 3 inner branches. Technique:The arch endograft is custom manufactured with 3 inner side branches. Computed tomography angiography should be used to measure the clock position, the distances between the supra-aortic vessels, and the length and diameter of the proximal and distal landing zones. On the planning sheet, the vertical axis on the grid represents the spiral stabilizing wire at the 12 o’clock position; the horizontal baseline at 0 mm represents the idealized proximal margin of the innominate artery (IA). The first inner branch for the IA would be at 12:30 clock position and −20 mm from the horizontal baseline, while the second inner branch would be at the 11:30 clock position and at 0 mm. The third inner branch would vary among the different potential positions. Conclusion:Preoperative measurements of aortic arch anatomy can be made using a standard methodology to plan the size and position of inner branches. Future studies will show the potential applicability of a standard 3-inner-branch arch endograft using the planning sheet.

Purpose: Repair of pararenal aneurysms poses a challenge, especially in an urgent setting. Despite the minimally invasive nature of the fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair, the technique may require extensive coverage of the aorta, increasing the risk of spinal cord ischemia.Technique: A 68-year-old man was admitted with a rapid enlargement of an asymptomatic juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. A minimally invasive treatment with an off-the-shelf branched endovascular graft was planned. Before completing the aneurysm exclusion, an angiography highlighted a large lumbar artery, potentially significant for the perfusion of the spinal cord collateral network. Owing to this finding and an unsuccessful placement of the cerebrospinal fluid drainage, the procedure was staged and completed 5 days later using a physician-modified iliac branch device (IBD) for the segmental artery. The device was shortened and reversely loaded to obtain a cranially-oriented branch. A balloon-expandable covered stent was used to connect the retrograde branch (8 mm) to the lumbar artery (4 mm). Pre-discharge computed tomography (CT)-angiography confirmed the vessel patency. No neurological symptoms occurred.Conclusion: The use of a reversely-loaded IBD for segmental artery preservation appears feasible and safe.Clinical Impact Intraoperative modification of an iliac branch device during an urgent branched endovascular aortic repair enabled preservation of a potentially critical segmental artery, thus reducing the risk of spinal cord ischemia. This adaptive interventional technique may also offer a strategy for preserving other anatomically significant vessels, such as accessory renal arteries, during complex aortic reconstructions in urgent settings.

Purpose: To describe the X-over reversed iliac extension technique in a patient with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) scheduled for inner branched endovascular aortic repair (iBEVAR).Technique: A multimorbid 62-year-old male patient was planned for iBEVAR due to a 58 mm suprarenal aortic aneurysm. The patient had a previous right femoropopliteal bypass and stenting of the left iliac axis. At admission, he presented with recent onset severe left limb claudication, which was attributed to left iliac stent occlusion. To avoid the postoperative compression of the right common femoral artery (CFA) and preserve the patency of the bypass, a single left CFA access, followed by left iliac artery recanalization, was decided. The right iliac axis was catheterized with a Lunderquist wire using X-over access from the left CFA. An iliac extension (ZISL, 24–59, Cook Medical, Bloomington, USA) was reversed and resheathed on back-table and implanted in the right common iliac artery using the X-over technique. The left CFA access was used to complete the remaining steps of the procedure. The predischarge computed tomography angiography confirmed bilateral iliac artery and femoropopliteal bypass patency.Conclusion: The X-over reversed iliac extension technique may be applied in selected PAD patients, when undergoing complex endovascular aortic repair.Clinical Impact As the number of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is expected to increase the upcoming decades, out of the box solutions may be needed to assist complex endovascular aortic management. The X over technique, which consist of the contralateral advancement of an on-table reversed iliac limb, was successfully applied in a patient with severe PAD and numerous previous peripheral interventions, who was managed with branched endovascular aortic repair . The X Over technique may provide an additional alternative in well-selected patients with demanding vascular access undergoing complex endovascular aortic procedures.

Introduction: Left subclavian artery (LSA) preservation during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been related to low morbidity. This study investigated the incidence of LSA stent compression in patients managed with fenestrated endovascular arch repair (f-Arch) and evaluated the impact of anatomic and technical factors on LSA stent outcomes.Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of patients managed with single-fenestration devices (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) for LSA preservation, between January 1, 2012 and November 30, 2023, was conducted. Anatomic (arch type, bovine arch, distance between the LSA and most proximal bone structure, left common carotid artery and aortic lesion, take-off angle, diameter, thrombus, calcification, dissection, tortuosity) and technical parameters (stent type, diameter, length, relining, post-dilation) were evaluated. Stent compression was any ≥50% stenosis (using center luminal line) of the stent compared with its initial diameter. Clinical outcomes included stroke and upper limb ischemia at 30 days and follow-up. Technical outcomes included stent compression and need for reintervention.Results: Fifty-four cases were included. Only balloon-expandable covered stents were used, and relining during the index procedure was performed in 18%. No stroke or arm ischemia was recorded. One stent compression was detected at 30 days. During follow-up, no stroke or arm ischemia was diagnosed. Nine cases (18%) presented stent compression, with a mean time of stent-compression diagnosis at 18 months (interquartile range [IQR]=37, range=1–58 months) after the index procedure. Five (56%) underwent secondary relining. Follow-up after reintervention was uneventful. Lower distance to the nearest bone structure (compression group [CG]: 11.7±8.9 mm vs non-compression group [NCG]: 23.0±7.8 mm, p=0.003) and higher tortuosity index (CG: 1.3±0.4 vs NCG: 1.2±0.1, p=0.03) were associated with LSA stent compression.Conclusion: LSA stent compression in patients managed with f-Arch affected 1 in 5 cases, without clinical consequences. Distance to the nearest bone structure and higher tortuosity were associated with LSA stent compression.Clinical Impact Fenestrated endovascular arch repair for the preservation of the left subclavian artery (LSA) in patients needing landing within the aortic arch has been performed with encouraging outcomes. This analysis showed that LSA stent compression is met in 18% of patients, without though any clinical consequence. Pre-operative anatomic parameters, as lower distance to the nearest bone structure and higher tortuosity index affect negatively LSA stent performance while stent parameters seem to have no impact.

Purpose: Sarcopenia has been identified as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and may also affect outcomes in patients with complex aortic pathologies. The aim of this study was to assess sarcopenia, combined with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, as predictors for spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in patients treated with the t-Branch off-the-shelf device.Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted including elective and urgent patients managed with the t-Branch device (Cook Medical, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2020. Data were collected according to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The psoas muscle area (cm2) and attenuation (Hounsfield units, HU) were measured in the arterial phase of the pre-operative computed tomography angiography for each patient. The lean psoas muscle area (LPMA) was used to stratify patients into 3 groups, and further stratification was performed with a combination of the ASA score and LPMA.Results: Eighty patients were included (mean age at 71±9 years; 62.5% males). Thoracoabdominal aneurysms were managed in 72.5% of cases (42.5% for type I-III). Thirty-seven (46%) were treated urgently. Eleven patients died within 30 days (14%). Twelve patients (15%) presented SCI of any severity. Among the LPMA groups, the only statistically significant difference was recorded in age; group 3 was older compared with groups 1 and 2 (67.1 years vs 72.1 years vs 73.5 years, p=0.004). After ASA combined LPMA categorization, 28 patients were considered as low risk, 16 as moderate risk, and 36 as high risk. A statistically significant difference was recorded in terms of SCI (3.5% [1/28] in low risk vs 12.5% [2/16] in moderate risk vs 25% [9/36] in high risk, p=0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that moderate-risk patients were at risk to evolve to SCI (p=0.04).Conclusions: Low-risk patients, with ASA score I-II or LPMA>350cm2HU, are at lower risk for developing SCI after BEVAR using the t-Branch device. Patients’ stratification according to the combination of ASA score and psoas muscle area and attenuation may identify a group at higher risk of SCI after branched endovascular aneurysm repair.Clinical Impact Sarcopenia has been identified as a factor of increased mortality in patients managed for aortic aneurysm repair. However, significant heterogeneity has been recorded in the tools assessing its presence. In this analysis, an already used method, combining the ASA score and psoas muscle area and attenuation, has been used to assess the impact of sarcopenia in patients managed with the t-branch device. This analysis showed that patients at low risk, with an ASA score I-II or LPMA>350cm2HU were at lower risk to evolve spinal cord ischemia. Along this line, sarcopenia may be a valuable marker for the prediction of perioperative adverse events , other than mortality, in patients managed using complex endovascular repair.

Purpose: To describe the technique of transvenous access for emergent endovascular repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms exemplified with 2 cases.Technique: Transvenous access to the aorta is described as an alternative access method to deliver aortic endografts in emergency situations. A 68-year-old female patient with severely compromised iliac and subclavian artery access was treated for a ruptured extent V thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm with a t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) delivered through a transcaval access. To avoid severe aortocaval shunting a balloon-expandable covered stent was deployed through a carotid access due to severe bilateral subclavian ostial stenosis. A 71-year-old man with an acute type B aortic dissection and bilateral narrow long-segment stenting of the iliac arteries was treated with a physician-modified thoracic endovascular aortic repair using an arteriovenous fenestration created at the level of the common iliac artery. We describe the access creation by fenestration using a transseptal needle.Conclusion: Transvenous access for thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is safe and feasible in selected emergent cases.Clinical Impact A transvenous approach may be helpful in selected patients when an endovascular repair needs to be performed but no arterial femoral access is available. This approach proved to be feasible even with large-bore introducer sheaths, taking its place in the armamentarium of the vascular surgeon for emergent complex endovascular aortic repairs.

Purpose: To describe a right carotid-femoral through-and-through (T&T) guidewire technique during branched thoracic endovascular aortic arch repair (B-TEVAR) to facilitate endograft delivery in a very tortuous aortic anatomy for a type Ia endoleak (EL) of a previous aortic endograft implantation.Technique: AT&T guidewire was established between the right common carotid artery and the right common femoral artery to facilitate a difficult endograft delivery. Once in the aortic arch, a loop in the ascending aorta was formed to allow the endograft to reach the desired position without losing tension on the guidewire. This maneuver allowed the T&T guidewire to be kept in place until the desired position was reached. The nose-tip of the endograft was curved over the looped guidewire pointing toward the innominate artery without crossing the valve. After endograft deployment, the T&T guidewire was released, and the branches were bridged in a standard fashion. Completion angiography documented correct deployment of the endograft and no sign of type I/III EL. The 1-month computed tomography angiography confirmed the correct deployment.Conclusion: Carotid-femoral T&T guidewire to facilitate endograft delivery in difficult anatomies can be feasible even in B-TEVAR. Possible bailout maneuvers are available if the aortic valve needs to be crossed after endograft delivery.Clinical Impact Endovascular arch repair gains popularity as a valuable alternative, especially in patients considered unfit for open repair. A through-and-through (T&T) guidewire for endovascular arch repair with a landing zone in zone 0 according to Ishimaru is usually performed through the externalization of the femoral guidewire through a transapical access, but this may not always be feasible in frail patients. A right carotid-femoral though-and-through guidewire with a loop formation in the ascending aorta is proposed to achieve the support of a T&T wire to pass tortuous aortoiliac anatomies and access the ascending aorta without the need for aortic valve crossing.

Objectives: Electrosurgery has been long used in endovascular procedures, with only case reports in the aortic field. Our aim is to present a case series with the use of an electrified wire to perform catheter-based electrosurgery by applying external current through an electrocautery pen.Methods: Single-center retrospective case series of all patients undergoing complex aortic surgery from October 2020 to August 2023, in whom the electrified wire technique was used: (1) Perforation of a dissection flap or left subclavian artery (LSA) in situ endograft fenestration—a 0.014” polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulated guidewire is detached from the insulation with a scalpel at the end and a cautery pen is here attached with a clamp. A curved tip catheter or sheath is positioned against the aortic flap or the endograft (through a left brachial access in this case) and the wire pushed, crossing the flap by activating the electrocautery pen and (2) slicing a dissection flap (“powered cheese-wire technique”)—after same preparation as above, the middle section of the 0.014 guidewire is removed from the PTFE and bent into a V-shape. Once in the aorta, the guidewire crosses from the true lumen (TL) to the false lumen (FL) and a through-and-through access is obtained. Sheaths are positioned against the flap from both sides and moved up or down while the electricity is activated, slicing the flap and communicating both lumens. Technical success and technical-related complications were evaluated.Results: Eleven cases concerning aortic dissections and 1 case of aortic atresia were treated. Four patients presented urgently, whereas the rest were planned procedures. Seven cases underwent perforation of a dissection flap, 2 cases underwent the powered cheese-wire technique, in 2 cases for an LSA in situ fenestration, and in 1 case to cross an aortic atresia at the aortic isthmus. The technique was in all cases successfully applied. No complications related to the technique occurred.Conclusions: The “electrified wire” technique is a feasible and ready-available tool that can be safely used in complex aortic interventions, especially to perforate aortic tissue like dissection flaps or to perform in situ fenestrated repairs by perforation of the endograft fabric.Clinical Impact The electrified wire technique described herein is a straightforward technique that uses readily available tools to perform electrosurgery. We present its use in complex aortic procedures. However, it could be envisioned for any vascular procedure that requires crossing of the vessel or even prosthetic material. As we have described in this series, when used along with an adequate properative planning, it can be a safe tool of great utility, as has already been demonstarted in the field of the interventional cardiology.

Introduction: Data on target vessel (TV)-related outcomes in patients managed with branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (BTEVAR) are limited. This study aimed to present the TV-related outcomes of BTEVAR in patients managed for aortic arch pathologies at 30 days and during follow-up.Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients, managed between September 1, 2011, and June 30, 2022, with custom-made aortic arch endografts (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA), presenting at least one branch configuration, were eligible. Primary outcomes were technical success, TV-related patency, and reinterventions at 30 days.Results: In total, 255 TVs were revascularized using branches: 107 innominate arteries (IAs), 108 left common carotid arteries (LCCAs), and 40 left subclavian arteries (LSAs). Covered stents were used as bridging stents of which 10.2% were balloon expandable. Relining, using bare-metal stents (BMS), was performed in 14.0% of IAs, 35.2% of LCCAs, and 22.5% of LSAs. Technical success on case basis was 99.2%; no failure was related to unsuccessful TV bridging. At 30 day follow-up, no TV occlusion was detected. In 5.6% of cases, a type Ic or III endoleak, attributed to TVs, was recorded. Two patients needed early branch-related reintervention. The mean follow-up was 18.3±9.2 months. Freedom from TV instability was 94.6% (standard error [SE] 2.5%] at 12 months. No TV stenosis or occlusion was detected up to 48 months of follow-up. Freedom from TV-related reinterventions was 95.4% [SE 2.4%] at 12 months.Conclusion: TV stenosis or occlusion in BTEVAR cases is rare and TV-related reinterventions and instability events are mainly attributed to type Ic and III endoleak formation.Clinical Impact Previous studies focusing on target vessel (TV) outcomes after endovascular aortic arch repair are limited. In this study, including 255 TVs revascularized using branched arch devices, bridging was performed with covered stents, of which 90% were self-expanding. Relining was at the discretion of the operator and was 14% for the innominate, 35.2% for the left common carotid and 22.5% for the left subclavian artery branches. No 30-day occlusion was detected. The freedom from TV instability was almost 95% at 12 months. TV instability and reintervention were mainly attributed to endoleaks type Ic and IIIc.

Purpose: The treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) using branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR) is safe and effective. During deployment, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branch can unintentionally open into the celiac trunk (CT) ostium and switched catheterization of the SMA from the CT branch and the CT from the SMA branch can be used as an alternative technique in these cases. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of exchanging the intended target vessels (TVs) for the CT and SMA branches during BEVAR.Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of patients with TAAAs who underwent BEVAR, using off-the-shelf or custom-made devices (CMDs), with an unintended exchange of TVs for the CT and SMA branches was performed.Results: Between 2014 and 2023, 397 patients were treated with BEVAR for TAAA. Eighteen (4.5%) of those patients were treated with an exchange of TVs for the CT and SMA branches. T-branch was used in 9 cases (50%) and the remaining patients were treated with CMDs. Twelve patients were treated electively, 3 were symptomatic and 3 presented with rupture. Of 36 mesenteric TVs in those 18 patients, 34 (94%) were catheterized successfully, including all 18 SMAs and 16 of the 18 CTs. No branch stenosis or occlusion of the switched mesenteric TVs was detected during follow-up. During 30-day follow-up, 3 patients died and during a median follow-up of 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–15) months 3 more patients died. None of the deaths or the 2 unintended reinterventions was induced by the mesenteric TV exchange. The median hospital stay was 14 (IQR: 9–22) days with a median of 4 (IQR: 2–11) days at the intensive care unit.Conclusion: The exchange of the mesenteric TVs for the CT and SMA branches during BEVAR with off-the-shelf and CMD endografts is feasible with good TV patency and freedom from TV-related reinterventions. This alternative technique should be considered in selected cases when direct catheterization via the intended branch is deemed more time-consuming or not feasible.Clinical Impact This is the first description of using an exchange of target vessels for the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery branches in patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms undergoing BEVAR, using off-the-shelf or custom-made devices. The high success rate as well as the good clinical results without any branch stenosis or occlusion during follow-up highlight the feasibility of this alternative technique. It could help in challenging cases when catheterization of the intended target vessels is not possible or too time consuming, resulting in higher success rates of BEVAR and better clinical results.

Objective: To report on the outcomes of patients undergoing an iliac branch device implantation after previous open or endovascular aorto-biliac repair, using exclusively femoral access for catheterization and delivery of the covering stent to the hypogastric artery.Methods: Single-center retrospective study in which all patients in whom an iliac branch device was implanted after previous open or endovascular aorto-biliac repair were identified. Patients in whom the hypogastric artery catheterization and delivery of the bridging cover stent were achieved via exclusive femoral access were included. Different techniques were used based on surgeon preference. Technical success and access-related complications, as well as iliac branch device endoleak or occlusions during follow-up, were evaluated.Results: From 2015 to 2021, 28 patients with a prior open or endovascular aorto-biliac repair underwent 34 iliac branch device implantations. Most (71%) had juxtarenal or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, 82% had common iliac artery aneurysms, and 25% had hypogastric artery aneurysms. Bilateral iliac branch device implantations were performed in 21% of the patients, and in 26% of cases, landing in the superior gluteal artery was obtained. An “up-and-over” technique from the contralateral groin was used in 65% of the cases, and a steerable sheath in 35%. Technical success was 94%, with no complications related to access or technique to catheterize and deliver the stents in the hypogastric artery. The cohort had 20% of major complications, with 3 perioperative deaths. Kaplan–Meier estimated an iliac branch device freedom from occlusion and endoleak was 92% and 83% at 2 years.Conclusions: The implantation of an iliac branch device over previous aortic or open endografts involving the aortic bifurcation is feasible and safe. We suggest using a femoral approach as the primary access of choice.Clinical Impact In this study we present 28 patients with previous aortoiliac grafts in which iliac branch devices were performed as a subsequent step.We demonstrated the feasibility of the technique despite the difficulty of crossing a neobifurcation, with a steep angle, without complications associated with the technique. Based on our experience, we recommend transfemoral access as the first option for bypassing the hypogastric artery stent, preserving upper extremity access and its possible complications.

Objective: To report on the recommendations of an expert-based consensus on the indications, timing, and techniques of aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA).Methods: Eleven facilitators created appropriate statements regarding the study issues that were voted on using a 4-point Likert scale with open-comment fields, by a selected panel of international experts (vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists) using a 3-round modified Delphi consensus procedure (study period: January-April 2023). Based on the experts’ responses, only the statements reaching grade A (full agreement ≥75%) or B (overall agreement ≥80% and full disagreement <5%) were included in the final study report. The consistency of each round’s answers was also graded using Cohen’s kappa, the intraclass correlation coefficient, and, in case of double resubmission, Fleiss kappa.Results: Sixty-three experts were included in the final analysis and voted on 25 statements related to indication and timing (n=6), and techniques (n=19) of ABO in the setting of rAAA. Femoral sheath or ABO should be preferably placed in the operating room, via a percutaneous transfemoral access, on a stiff wire (grade B, consistency I), ABO placement should be suprarenal and last less than 30 minutes (grade B, consistency II), postoperative peripheral vascular status (grade A, consistency II) and laboratory testing every 6 to 12 hours (grade B, consistency) should be assessed to detect complications. Formal training for ABO should be implemented (grade B, consistency I). Most of the statements in this international expert-based Delphi consensus study might guide current choices for indications, timing, and techniques of ABO in the management of rAAA. Clinical practice guidelines should incorporate dedicated statements that can guide clinicians in decision-making.Conclusions: At arrival and during both open or endovascular procedures for rAAA, selective use of intra-aortic balloon occlusion is recommended, and it should be performed preferably by the treating physician in aortic pathology.Clinical Impact This is the first consensus study of international vascular experts aimed at defining the indications, timing, and techniques of optimal use of ABO in the clinical setting of rAAA. Aortic occlusion by endovascular means (or ABO) is a quick procedure in properly trained hands that may play an important role as a temporizing measure until the definitive aortic repair is achieved, whether by endovascular or open means. Since data on its use in hemodynamically unstable patients are limited in the literature, owing to practical challenges in the performance of well-conducted prospective studies, understanding real-world use by experts is of importance in addressing critical issues and identifying main gaps in knowledge.

Purpose: For aortic coarctation in adults endovascular repair is the treatment of choice with an acceptable safety profile. Aortic isthmus atresia is a related condition with a complete occlusion of the aorta not allowing catheterization across the isthmus. This technical note describes a recanalization of an aortic isthmus atresia using radiofrequency with an “electrified wire technique.”Technique: A guidewire was selectively denuded of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) at the distal end and was placed through a catheter distal to the aortic isthmus atresia. The denuded end of the wire was clamped to an electrosurgery pencil. By pushing the wire toward a tulip-snare, which was placed as a target proximal of the occlusion via left trans-brachial access, and shortly activating of the electrosurgery pencil the electrified wire recanalized the occlusion and was snared and used to guide implantation of a balloon-expandable covered stent.Conclusion: The electrified wire puncture technique can be used to recanalize adult aortic isthmus atresia after failed conventional attempts.Clinical Impact The electrified wire technique offers an off-the shelf option to modify standard guidewires for the use with radiofrequency to cross a complete aortic isthmus occlusion after failed conventional attempts. This new technique may be applied also in other situations like dissection flap fenestration, transcaval access and similar.

Purpose:To investigate the influence of the local diameter, the intraluminal thrombus (ILT) thickness, and wall stress on the local growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods:The infrarenal aortas of 90 asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients (mean age 70 years; 77 men) were retrospectively reconstructed from at least 2 computed tomography angiography scans (median follow-up of 1 year) and biomechanically analyzed with the finite element method. Each individual AAA model was automatically sliced orthogonally to the lumen centerline and represented by 100 cross sections with corresponding diameters, ILT thicknesses, and wall stresses. The data were grouped according to these parameters for comparison of differences among the variables. Results:Diameter growth was continuously distributed over the entire aneurysm sac, reaching absolute and relative median peaks of 3.06 mm/y and 7.3%/y, respectively. The local growth rate was dependent on the local baseline diameter, the local ILT thickness, and for wall segments not covered by ILT, also on the local wall stress level (all p<0.001). For wall segments that were covered by a thick ILT layer, wall stress did not affect the growth rate (p=0.08). Conclusion:Diameter is not only a strong global predictor but also a local predictor of aneurysm growth. In addition, and independent of the diameter, the ILT thickness and wall stress (for the ILT-free wall) also influence the local growth rate. The high stress sensitivity of nondilated aortic walls suggests that wall stress peaks could initiate AAA formation. In contrast, local diameters and ILT thicknesses determine AAA growth for dilated and ILT-covered aortic walls.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A large number of studies assessed the clinical impact of coronary revascularization in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), yet with heterogeneous results. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative comparison between myocardial revascularization (REVASC) and optimal medical treatment (OMT) alone.

The gold standard for aneurysmal repair of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch has been open surgery with an established track record of good results in suitable patients. In recent years, with innovations in the endovascular field alternative endovascular solutions for pathologies of the aortic arch and ascending aorta became available. At first reserved only for highly selected patients unfit for open surgery, endovascular aortic arch repair is now being offered to patients with suitable anatomy in high volume referral centers after discussion in an interdisciplinary team. The present scoping review aims at providing an overview on indications, available devices, technical aspects and feasibility studies of endovascular arch repair both in elective and emergent situations, including also experiences and considerations from our center.

Purpose:To assess safety and short-term efficacy of endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta with the new Zenith Alpha stent-graft. Methods:Between August 2010 and May 2014, 33 patients (21 men; mean age 73.2±9.0 years) were treated Zenith Alpha stent-graft (group ZA). Outcomes of this group were compared with those of 34 patients (25 men; mean age 70.3±8.5 years) treated contemporaneously with the Zenith TX-2 for the same pathologies (group TX). The primary outcome measure was technical success. Data on iliac tortuosity, minimum access vessel diameter, and previous unsuccessful treatment with other endografts was also recorded. Results:Technical success was 93.9% in group ZA and 91.2% in group TX (p=0.67). There was no case of surgical death or conversion to open repair in either group. Two (6%) type I endoleaks occurred in group ZA and 3 (9%) in group TX (p=0.67). Three patients died within 30 days in group ZA vs. none in group TX (p=0.07). Mean minimum access vessel diameter was significantly smaller (5.07 vs. 6.65 mm, p=0.002) and iliac tortuosity indices significantly higher in group ZA (1.34 vs. 1.25, p=0.02). Access vessel complications occurred in 1 (3%) patient in group ZA and 4 (12%) patients in group TX (p=0.17). Significantly more patients in group ZA (6, 18%) were unsuccessfully treated previously with other endografts vs. none in group TX (p=0.01). Conclusion:The new Zenith Alpha appears to be equally as safe and efficacious as the Zenith TX-2 while being used in patients with demanding access vessel morphology.

A totally endovascular approach to complex aortic aneurysms using fenestrated and branched stent-grafts is a technically demanding alternative to open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal and pararenal aneurysms. Complications of these complex endovascular reconstructions are varied, from dislocation of the stent-graft to occlusion of the target vessels. Based on our growing experience with these procedures, we reviewed the causes leading to secondary procedures after ≥100 branched/fenestrated stent-graft repairs and now propose several alterations to the technique that could improve the results of this approach to complex aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives: To study the outcome of endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) at a single institution.Methods: Consecutive MFS patients who underwent endovascular repair or hybrid procedures for aortic pathologies from January 2010 to May 2020 were identified. Several endovascular and hybrid strategies have been used. Technical success, short- and mid-term survival, complications, and re-interventions were retrospectively analyzed.Results: During the study period, 24 patients with MFS (median age, 48 [13–78] years; 58% males) were treated. Indications for intervention were chronic aortic dissection with aneurysm degeneration in 16 patients (67%), acute type B aortic dissection in 4 patients (17%), aortic aneurysm without any dissection in 3 patients (13%), and aortic intramural hematoma in 1 patient (4%). Most patients were asymptomatic (83%), three (13%) were symptomatic and one (4%) had a contained rupture. The median aneurysm diameter was 56 (35–86) mm. Hybrid procedures were performed in 7 (29%) patients. Thoracic endovascular repair was performed in 12 (50%) patients, a fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair in 4 (17%) patients, and placement of an iliac artery stent-graft in 1 (4%) patient. Procedures were staged in 12 (50%) patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median intensive care unit stay was 6 (range, 1–30) days, and the median hospital stay was 23 (range, 3–112) days. Early mortality was reported in 1 (4%) patient. Wound infection was seen in 7 (29%) patients and gastrointestinal complications in 3 (13%) patients. The median follow-up was 42 (range, 1–127) months. The cumulative survival rate was 87% at 24 months. The cumulative freedom from re-intervention was 77% at 12 months.Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies in patients with MFS appears feasible with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes in terms of mortality and re-intervention rates. Endovascular therapy plays an increasing role in MFS patients with aortic pathology.

Purpose: To describe the implantation steps of the latest generation of candy-plug device (third CP generation [CP III]) and to illustrate its possible pitfalls by discussing a case in whom this device was employed to occlude the false lumen (FL) of a chronic type B aortic dissection.Technique: A 69 year-old male patient who underwent a frozen elephant trunk arch repair due to residual type A aortic dissection developed a FL aneurysmal degeneration limited to the descending thoracic aorta. Two thoracic stent-grafts were deployed into the true lumen up to the celiac trunk origin. Then, the FL was occluded with a self-occluding CP III device (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana), placed at the same level as the distal thoracic stent-graft. The distal un-stented sleeve was pushed upward to allow immediate occlusion of its central lumen, avoiding interference with reno-visceral arteries arising from the FL. Both intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and follow-up computed tomographic angiography scan demonstrated complete FL thrombosis.Conclusion: The introduction of CP III with its self-occluding mechanism helped to shorten and standardize the procedure. However, adjunctive steps may be needed to immediately obtain FL occlusion and avoid hampering the perfusion of vessels arising from the FL.

Purpose: Currently there is no robust evidence which type of bridging stent graft provides better outcomes after branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR). Self-expanding (SESG) and balloon-expandable (BESG) stent grafts are both commonly used to connect branches to their respective target vessels (TV). The aim of the current review was to evaluate the impact of the type of bridging stent grafts on TV outcomes during the mid-term follow-up after BEVAR.Materials and Methods: The study protocol was registered to the PROSPERO (CRD42021274766). A search of the English literature was conducted, using PubMed and EMBASE databases via Ovid and Cochrane database via CENTRAL, from inception to June 30, 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Only comparative studies on BEVAR reporting TV outcomes related to BESG vs SESG were considered eligible. Individual studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The Gradingof Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The primary outcomes were primary patency, freedom from endoleak, TV instability, and re-intervention between BESG and SESG, used as bridging stents in branches. The outcomes were summarized as odds ratio along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), through a paired meta-analysis.Results: Five out of 609 articles published from 2016 to 2020 were included in the analysis. In total, 1406 TV were revascularized, 547 (38.9 %) with BESGs and 859 with SESGs. The overall pooled primary patency (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–1.09; p=.256, I2=4.24%) and freedom from branch-related endoleak (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.17–1.48; p<.122, I2=0.18%) did not differ between the stent types during the available follow-up (17 months, range = 12–35 months). In 4 studies (619 TV), SESG required fewer secondary interventions (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.23–1.83; p=.009, I2=0%) and TV instability rate was lower (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.33–1.65; p=.003, I2=0%) compared with BESG during the available follow-up.Conclusion: BESG and SESG seem to perform similarly in terms of primary patency and branch-related endoleak during the mid-term follow-up. Current data from retrospective studies suggest that overall TV instability and re-intervention rates are favorable for SESG as bridging stent grafts in BEVAR.

A 53 years old male subject with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and history of perianal abscess was admitted to the local hospital for generalized maculopapular rash on his trunk and limbs, which was accompanied by intense itching, sweating, hypotension, and severe chest pain. The rash and the accompanying signs/symptoms appeared 10 min after the administration of ceftriaxone (2 g) as antibiotic therapy for the perianal abscess. The patient had no clinical history for any type of allergy. At the first medical contact, an urgent electrocardiogram was taken showing ST-segment elevation in the anterior–lateral leads. The patient was still then treated with methylprednisolone and adrenalin i.v. as an anaphylactic shock was suspected. Afterwards, the patient was admitted in the emergency department, where he showed flu-like symptoms, chills, and fever. An echo-fast showed left ventricular wall motion abnormalities with hypokinesia of the anterior and posterior wall and moderate mitral regurgitation with normal EF. Laboratory tests showed increased levels of high-sensitivity cTnT (32.8 ng/l; NV < 14), white blood cells (13.74 × 103/μl; NV 5.2–12.4 × 103), IL-6 (10.54 pg/ml; NV < 7), C-reactive protein (PCR) (29.3 mg/l; NV 0–3). As for the cutaneous manifestations, flu-like symptoms, and blood test results (elevation of IL-6 and PCR despite an increase of white cell count) a SARS COV-2 swab was done. As recently noted in several preliminary studies, COVID-19 patients indeed show erythematous rash, and localized or widespread urticaria as initial manifestations in acute severe cases along with the humoural acute-phase response. The latter made it complicated to distinguish viral infection vs. drug administration as the underlying cause of the event. In the meantime, the patient started the treatment for an acute coronary syndrome and acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg, clopidogrel 300 mg orally, and enoxaparin dose subcutaneously were administered. Chest pain disappeared 30 min later and the ECG returned to normal 40 min after drug administration. Subsequently, the swab test result turned to be negative for SARS-CoV-2 and the patient was transferred to our centre for an emergency coronary angiography that revealed proximal subocclusive thrombotic stenosis and middle 70–80% thrombotic stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and a 80% thrombotic stenosis of the distal portion of the circumflex. Both vessels’ respective stenoses were treated with PCIs. When considering all together the anamnestic, laboratory, and instrumental/invasive findings, a case of Kounis Syndrome (KS) was suspected. Kounis syndrome (KS) has been indeed defined as cardiovascular symptoms that occur secondary to allergic or hypersensitivity insults mainly elicited by specific medications in male patients. KS involves the following three recognized variants: Type 1: the acute coronary event is secondary to spasm; Type 2: coronary thrombosis is the main culprit, and Type 3: the coronary event occurs secondary to drug-eluting stent thrombosis. Therefore, the patient was finally discharged with the diagnosis of ST-elevated MI likely secondary to a type II KS.