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Carotid atherosclerosis is responsible for a great proportion of ischemic strokes. Early identification of unstable or vulnerable carotid plaques, and therefore, of patients at high risk for stroke, is of significant medical and socioeconomical value. We reviewed the current literature and discussed the potential role of the most important serum biomarkers in identifying patients with carotid atherosclerosis who are at high risk for atheroembolic stroke.

Objective To evaluate early and follow-up outcomes following bilateral use of iliac branch devices (IBD) for aortoiliac endografting and assess the impact of center volume. We used data from the pELVIS international multicentric registry. Methods For the purpose of this study, only those patients receiving concomitant bilateral IBD implantation were analyzed. To assess the impact that procedural volume of bilateral IBD implantation could have on early and follow-up outcomes, participating institutions were classified as Site(s) A if they had performed >10 and/or >20% concomitant bilateral IBD procedure, otherwise they were classified as Site(s) B. Endpoints of the analysis included early (ie, 30-day) mortality and morbidity, as well as all-cause and aneurysm-related mortality during follow-up. Additional endpoints that were evaluated included IBD-related reinterventions, IBD occlusion or stenosis requiring reintervention (ie, loss of primary patency), and IBD-related type I endoleak. Results Overall, 96 patients received bilateral IBD implantation (out of 910 procedures collected in the whole pELVIS cohort), of whom 65 were treated at Site A (ie, Group A) and 31 were treated at Site(s) B (ie, Group B). In total, only 1 death occurred within 30 days from bilateral IBD implantation, and 9 patients experienced at least 1 major complication without any significant difference between subjects in Group A versus those in Group B (10.8% vs 6.5%, p=0.714). In the overall cohort, the 2-year freedom from IBD-related type I endoleaks and IBD primary patency were 96% and 92%, respectively; no significant differences were seen in those rates between Group A or Group B (95% vs 100%, p=0.335; 93% vs 88%, p=0.470). Freedom from any IBD-related reinterventions was 83% at 2 years, with similar rates between study groups (85% vs 83%, p=0.904). Conclusions Within the pELVIS registry, concomitant bilateral IBD implantation is a safe and feasible technique for management of aortoiliac aneurysms in patients with suitable anatomy. Despite increased technical complexity, effectiveness of the repair is satisfactory with low rates of IBD-related adverse events at mid-term follow-up. Procedural volume does not seem to affect technical or clinical outcomes after bilateral use of IBD, which remains a favorable treatment option in selected patients.

INTRODUCTION To evaluate the current role of atherectomy techniques (ATH) in treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at below the knee (BTK) arteries. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The PubMed and Embase were searched (last search on 11 September 2021) for studies reporting on the early and mid-term outcomes of ATH in BTK vessels. Analysis included the data from six studies, with a total of 1062 PAD patients treated with various ATH techniques. We compared them the ATH outcomes with the contemporaneous outcomes of plain balloon angioplasty alone or with bailout stenting. Early safety and efficacy were accessed with perioperative and 30-day technical success rate, which included the primary patency of the treated BTK arterial segment. Evaluation of clinical performance was based on target limb revascularization (TLR) and on major limb adverse events (MALEs) rates. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The current body of literature mainly includes retrospective observational studies, and the level of derived evidence is low. The mean perioperative and 30-day technical success rate was 87.3%. The mean reported TLR and MALEs rates at 12 months were 6.6% and 4.7% respectively. The relevant rates in studies reporting at 24 months were 24.3% and 31.7% while in studies reporting at 36 months the rates were 37.0% and 23.0% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Based in low-quality evidence, it seems that ATH in BTK vessels has a high safety, high efficacy profile and durable outcomes at 12 months. In the midterm, the clinical success of ATH is compromised by increased TLR and MALEs rates. Comparison of ATH with other endovascular techniques in BTK treatment of PAD shows a slight lead of ATH at 1-year and equivalent clinical performance in the mid-term. Overall, ATH has a significant and potentially predominant role in treatment of BTK vessels.

Purpose Chimney endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (CHEVAR) has predominantly been described as an alternative technique for the management of urgent presentations of degenerative pararenal aortic aneurysms (dPAAs). However, the role of CHEVAR in the treatment of asymptomatic patients remains unknown. The aim of current multinational study was to evaluate the outcomes of elective CHEVAR of dPAAs. Material and Methods Retrospective analysis of 267 consecutive dPAA patients treated with elective CHEVAR at 13 European and US centers from 2008 to 2014. Primary endpoints were 30 days and out of hospital CHEVAR-related mortality. Secondary endpoints included persistent type Ia endoleak or endotension, angiographically confirmed occlusion and/or high-grade chimney graft (CG) or involved splanchnic vessel stenosis identified at index procedure and/or during follow-up, as well as CHEVAR-related re-intervention. Results Mean follow-up time was 25.5±13.3 months. The 442 visceral vessels were involved and mean number of CGs per patient was 1.63±0.7. 436 targeted vessels were successfully cannulated. The aortic graft intentionally covered 6 renal arteries and immediate technical success was 98.6%. The 30 days mortality was 1.9% (n=5), while the in-hospital complication rate was 10.1% (n=27) including 3 strokes, 1 permanent dialysis, and 1 intestinal ischemia. No 30 day type Ia endoleaks were detected and 3.2% of CGs (n=14, including the intentionally covered) had evidence of occlusion and/or stenosis. The overall CHEVAR-related mortality was 2.2% (n=6). Freedom from primary and secondary type Ia endoleak/endotension rates at 3 years was 93.0% and 98.0%, respectively. Primary and secondary CG patency was 87.0% and 89.0%. Primary and secondary endovascular freedom from any endpoint at 3 years was 81.0% and 94.0% respectively. Conclusion Elective use of CHEVAR in the management of dPAAs seems to be durable. These results are comparable to published outcomes with other total endovascular strategies, which justifies an expanded role for CHEVAR in the treatment of asymptomatic patients presenting with dPAAs.

BACKGROUND Primary varicose veins (PVV) represent the most prominent clinical manifestation of chronic venous disease (CVD) and has a complex pathophysiological background. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of sonographic hemodynamical and contemporary epidemiological factors on the clinical severity of PVV. METHODS We analyzed the sonographic hemodynamical and clinical parameters from 159 consecutive CVD patients and 233 lower limbs with PVV of clinical stages C2, C3 and C4. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was performed between patients of C2 (N.=70 - 30.0%) and C3 - 4 stages and between subgroups C3 (N.=101 - 43.3%) and C4 (N.=62 - 26.6%). RESULTS Reflux of common femoral vein and saphenofemoral junction was detected in 43.3% and 65.7%. High venous reflux rates were found at the great saphenous above and below knee (90.1% - 53.2%) and in Cockett perforators (80.5%). Logistic regression revealed that factors associated with the symptomatic C3; 4 stages were the duration of disease >10 years (P=0.015, insufficiency in two or more perforators (P

Purpose: To evaluate if the elderly could benefit from the implantation of iliac branch devices (IBDs) to preserve the patency of the internal iliac artery (IIA) in aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to April 2017, 804 patients enrolled in the pELVIS registry underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with 910 IBDs due to aneurysmal involvement of the iliac bifurcation. Among the 804 patients, 157 (19.5%) were octogenarians (mean age 82.9±2.5 years; 157 men) with 171 target IIAs for preservation. Outcomes at 30 days included technical success, death, conversion to open surgery, and major complications. Outcomes evaluated in follow-up were patency of the IBD and target vessels, type I and type III endoleaks, aneurysm-related reinterventions, aneurysm-related death, and overall patient survival. Kaplan-Meier analyses were employed to evaluate the late outcome measures; the estimates are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Technical success was 99.4% with no intraoperative conversions or deaths (1 bridging stent could not be implanted, and the IIA was sacrificed). Perioperative mortality was 1.9%. The overall perioperative aneurysm-related complication rate was 8.9% (14/157), with an early reintervention rate of 5.1% (8/157). Median postoperative radiological and clinical follow-up were 21.8 months (range 1–127) and 29.3 months (range 1–127), respectively. Estimated rates of freedom from occlusion of the IBD, the IIA, and the external iliac artery at 60 months were 97.7% (95% CI 96.1% to 99.3%), 97.3% (95% CI 95.7% to 98.9%), and 98.6% (95% CI 97% to 99.9%), respectively. Estimated rates of freedom from type I and type III endoleaks and device migration at 60 months were 90.9% (95% CI 87% to 94.3%), 98.7% (95% CI 97.5% to 99.8%), and 98% (95% CI 96.4% to 99.6%), respectively. Freedom from all cause reintervention at 60 months was 87.4% (95% CI 82.6% to 92.2%). The estimated overall survival rate at 60 months was 59% (95% CI 52.4% to 65.6%). Conclusion: IBD implantation in octogenarians provided acceptable perioperative mortality and morbidity rates, with satisfying long-term freedom from IBD-related complications and should be considered a feasible repair option for selected elderly patients affected by aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation.

Objectives We aim to describe real-world outcomes from multicenter data about the efficacy of adjunct Heli-FX EndoAnchor usage in preventing or repairing failures during infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), so-called EndoSutured-aneurysm-repair (ESAR). Methods The current study has been assigned an identifier (NCT04100499) at the US National Library of Medicine ( https://ClinicalTrials.gov ). It is an observational retrospective study of prospectively collected data from seven vascular surgery departments between June 2010 and December 2019. Patients included in the ANCHOR registry were excluded from this analysis. The decision for the use of EndoAnchors was made by the treating surgeon or multidisciplinary aortic committee according to each center’s practice. Follow-up imaging was scheduled according to each center’s protocol, which necessarily included either abdominal ultrasound or radiography or computed tomographic scan imaging. The main outcomes analyzed were technical success, freedom from type Ia endoleaks (IaEL), all-cause and aneurysm-related mortality, and sac variation and trends evaluated for those with at least six months imaging follow-up. Results Two hundred and seventy-five patients underwent ESAR in participating centers during the study period. After exclusions, 221 patients (184 males, 37 females, mean age 75 ± 8.3 years) were finally included for analysis. Median follow-up for the cohort was 27 (interquartile range 12–48) months. A median 6 (interquartile range 3) EndoAnchors were deployed at ESAR, 175 (79%) procedures were primary and 46 (21%) revision cases, 40 associated with type IaEL. Technical success at operation (initial), 30-day, and overall success were 89, 95.5, and 96.8%, respectively; the 30-day success was higher due to those with subsequent spontaneous proximal endoleak seal. At two years, freedom from type IaEL was 94% for the whole series; 96% and 86% for the primary and revision groups, respectively; whereas freedom from all-cause mortality, aneurysm-related mortality, and reintervention was 89%, 98%, and 87%, respectively. Sac evolution pre-ESAR was 66 ± 15.1 vs. post ESAR 61 ± 17.5 (p Conclusions This real-world registry demonstrates that adjunct EndoAnchor usage at EVAR achieves high rates of freedom from type IaEL at mid-term including in a high number of patients with hostile neck anatomy, with positive trends in sac-size evolution. Further data with longer follow-up may help to establish EndoAnchor usage as a routine adjunct to EVAR, especially in hostile necks.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Cardiovascular complications, such as sudden arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, coronary events, cardiomyopathies and heart failure, may present in about 10-20% of patients with COVID-19. Patients with CKD, dialysis patients and KTR are all at increased cardiovascular risk and present with more cardiovascular complications after COVID-19 compared to the general population. During the pandemic, health care giving has rapidly changed by reducing elective outpatient reviews, which may refrain these high-risk patients from the appropriate management of their medical conditions, further increasing cardiovascular risk. Importantly, acute kidney injury (AKI) is another common complication of severe COVID-19 and associates with increased mortality. A large proportion of the AKI patients need renal replacement treatment, while 30% of them may not present renal function recovery and remain dialysis-dependent after discharge, thereby having potentially increased future cardiovascular risk. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with CKD or undergoing hemodialysis and in KTR.

Objective In the treatment of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic pathologic processes, chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (CHEVAR) represents an alternative technique for urgent cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of CHEVAR in the elective setting. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected records of 165 consecutive asymptomatic CHEVAR patients who were treated between March 2009 and January 2018 with the Endurant stent graft (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, Calif). A total of 244 chimney grafts (CGs) were implanted. The primary end point was clinical success, defined as freedom from procedure-related mortality, persistent type IA endoleak, occlusion or high-grade stenosis (>70%) of CGs, and any chimney technique-related secondary procedure for the entire follow-up period. Secondary clinical success included patients with successful treatment of a primary end point with a secondary endovascular procedure. Results All 244 targeted chimney vessels were successfully cannulated. Total perioperative morbidity was 7.8% (n = 13), including 3 (1.8%) cases of bowel ischemia, 1 (0.6%) patient with renal ischemia, and 1 patient (0.6%) with stroke. Median follow-up was 25.5 ± 2.2 months. Both 30-day and follow-up procedure-related mortality rates were 1.8% (n = 3). Primary and secondary freedom from persistent type IA endoleak rates were 96.4% (n = 159) and 99.4% (n = 164), respectively. Primary and secondary CG patency rates were 92.2% (n = 225) and 95.9% (n = 234), respectively. The rate of reinterventions related to the chimney technique was 10.9% (n = 18), and 83.3% of them were performed by endovascular means. The estimated cumulative primary patency and freedom from persistent type IA endoleak were 87.5% and 95.3%, respectively, and the primary and secondary clinical successes rates at midterm were 80.3% and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions The elective use of CHEVAR with the Endurant stent graft in our series showed favorable midterm clinical results, which are similar to the published results of other total endovascular modalities. A prospective randomized trial of elective treatment of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic pathologic processes with current endovascular options is needed to assess the value of CHEVAR in the elective setting.

Background The total endovascular approach is in current evolution, and many series have described variable outcomes for branched technology, chimney techniques, or fenestrated repair; and even a combination of some of them. We aim to describe the current outcomes on physician-modified endograft for the treatment of arch diseases. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for this systematic review. The search was applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We used the following search terms in all possible combinations: home-made, physician-modified, surgeon-modified, on-table modification, hand-made, endograft, endovascular, aortic arch, and TEVAR: a thorough search of the English-language literature published until March 2020 was performed to identify studies using physician-modified endograft for the treatment of arch diseases. Only studies with treatment of 3 patients or more and with a minimum of 6-month follow-up were enrolled in the systematic review, whereas case reports were excluded from the analysis. Results Six articles participated in the systematic review after the exclusions, including a total of 239 patients for analysis. Four high-volume centers provided data including a high rate of single fenestrations in zone 2, accounting for nearly 70% of the cases. About 80.3% were males, and 67.4% received urgent treatment mainly for acute/subacute dissection (64.4%). Thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or postdissection arch aneurysm was the second leading cause of treatment with 25.9%. There was a technical success of 93.7% reaching up to 98.3% when additional procedures were performed. The 30-day mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack, paraplegia, and stent-induced new entry rates were 2.9%, 2.1%, 0.4%, and 0.4%, respectively; whereas, overall mortality of the study was 4.6% at a mean follow-up of 33.2 ± 14.8 months. Conclusions Endograft modification for aortic arch diseases' treatment demonstrates to be safe and highly effective, especially for aortic dissections needing single zone 2 fenestrations. Although outcomes achieved in the study seem encouraging, these are achieved at high-volume experienced centers, thus, they need to be judiciously evaluated, whereas proctoring may be a good alternative if one patient may benefit from the technique in an unexperienced center.

Objectives Leriche syndrome, defined as a chronic obliteration of a segment of the infrarenal aorta and the iliac arteries, represents a challenging pathology. Surgical reconstruction represents the standard treatment option. However, the endovascular therapy is gaining ever greater applicability in several vascular territories comparable with the open repair results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of endovascular repair in patients with chronic Leriche syndrome. Methods Between January 2008 and September 2016, 82 patients with Leriche syndrome underwent surgical and endovascular repair at two European vascular centers. After risk stratification, 40 patients were matched based on chronic TASC D obstructive arterial disease with involvement of the aortic bifurcation and bilateral iliac arteries, the age, and the cardiovascular risk factors identifying finally 20 patients who underwent surgical repair (open group) and 20 patients who were treated by deployment of stents/stent-grafts in the aortic and iliac segment (endo group). Kaplan–Meier estimation for patency and freedom from reintervention were calculated and univariate analyses were performed. Results Estimated primary patency rate was 100% vs. 84% at one year for the open group vs. endovascular group, respectively ( p = .05). Freedom from reintervention was 100% vs. 89% at one year for the open group vs. endo group ( p = .09). During the entire follow-up of 34.9 ± 23.1 months, five reinterventions were performed for the endo group vs. two for the open group ( p = .212). Additionally, the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were 5/20 vs. 2/20 for the endovascular vs. open group, respectively ( p = .212). The postoperative ankle–brachial index improved in 0.66 in the endo group vs. 0.71 in the open group ( p = .624). Conclusions Endovascular techniques for the treatment of complex chronic Leriche lesions seem not to be associated with better early or mid-term outcomes compared to surgical repair.

Purpose Bridging stent stability is crucial for efficacy and safety of branched aortic endovascular repair (bEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). In this study, we assess the performance of the new Viabahn Balloon-Expandable endoprosthesis (VBX) in bEVAR. Based on our learning curve we give recommendations for a safe and effective use of the device. Materials and Methods We prospectively collected the data of patients with TAAAs undergoing bEVAR between December 2017 and December 2019. All patients with implantation of at least 1 VBX stent-graft as bridging stent were included in our single-center analysis. Demographic, comorbidity, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) data of 112 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Primary endpoint was a composite of branch-related technical success and freedom from target vessel instability. Secondary endpoints were clinical and ongoing clinical success. Results Primary endpoint: technical success was achieved in all patients (100%) with a freedom from target vessel instability of 96.3% after a median follow-up of 18 months. Overall mortality was 13.4% (n=15) and 13 patients underwent secondary interventions, 12 of them are still alive and 1 suffered from aneurysm sac expansion, consequently an ongoing clinical success of 75.9% was reached. After modification of the implantation technique during the course of the study by selecting longer stent lengths after accurate estimation of vessel curvature and expected adaptation of the flexible endoskeleton to the specific anatomical conditions, no type Ic endoleaks were observed in the last 70 cases. Conclusions The VBX stent-graft can be safely used as bridging stent for branched thoracoabdominal repair. However, learning curve should be considered to avoid type Ic endoleak and edge stenosis. Based on this experience longer landing zones and 2-step deployment of VBX are useful for successful bridging also of challenging target vessels.

Cutaneous invasive squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) most commonly presents as a typically indolent tumour with five-year cure rates of >90%. Advanced cSCC has been defined as locally advanced or metastatic (locoregional or distant) cSCC. The epidemiological data on advanced cSCC are rare due to underreporting or exclusion of cSCC from national cancer registries. Although the frequency of local recurrence has been reported, there is no clear evidence on the incidence or mortality of locally advanced cSCCs, e.g. locally infiltrating or locally recurrent cSCCs that are not further amenable to curative surgery or radiotherapy. This gap of knowledge on the epidemiology of locally advanced cSCC, highlights the need for standardisation in defining and reporting both locally advanced and metastatic cSCC. Even though metastatic cSCCs are a small part of cSCCs (3%-5%), their aggressive characteristics contribute to significant morbidity, higher mortality and are those likely to require systemic treatments. Locally recurrent and metastatic cSCC may occur more frequently in high-risk cSCCs (up to 35%). The site of metastasis involves in the vast majority the regional lymph nodes, with the head and neck lymph nodes or parotid most commonly affected. Metastasis occurs mostly within 2-3 years of the primary cSCC diagnosis. The knowledge of the incidence and prognosis of advanced cSCC and the risk stratification of patients, who may progress to advanced cSCC, emerge as pressing research areas with important implications for cost-efficiency planning and optimisation of patient care.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury due to the use of iodinated contrast media in various interventional procedures like endovascular aneurysm repair. Its pathophysiology remains mostly unclear. The purpose of the present study was to comparatively study the possible protective role of direct intra-arterial administration of mannitol and acetylcysteine and per os administration of simvastatin in a histopathological level. In the present study, we administered iopromide directly in the infrarenal aorta of 24 New Zealand white rabbits after laparotomy. Animals were divided in four groups of six: G1 received iopromide with no protection, G2 iopromide with mannitol, G3 iopromide with acetylcysteine, and G4 iopromide with simvastatin. Renal function blood parameters were assessed prior to the administration, and in 48 h; histopathological evaluation of the kidneys was performed. CIN was evident only in the no protection group G1. Moreover, G1 demonstrated significantly more severe lesions than groups G2, G3, and G4 regarding histopathological findings in glomeruli, vacuolization of tubular epithelial cells, tubular proteinaceous casts, and tubular necrosis. According to our results, intra-arterial administration of mannitol seems to be effective in protection against tubular necrosis. In general, all three agents demonstrated a protective role in preventing the development of CIN, although it seems that there are various pathways that remain to be investigated further.

We aimed to investigate whether the transfusion of 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) immediately post aneurysm exclusion has any effect on the perioperative fibrinogen levels and the outcome of patients undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Consecutive infrarenal AAA patients undergoing elective EVAR with the bifurcated Endurant-II stent-graft (Medtronic) were recruited from 2 vascular units. The first unit has a routine policy of administering 2 units of FFP immediately upon aneurysm exclusion (FFP group), whereas the second unit has no such policy (control group). Serum fibrinogen levels were measured on admission and 24 hr post-EVAR and the perioperative change in fibrinogen (Δfib) was calculated (24-hr postoperative minus preoperative fibrinogen). The 2 groups were compared with regards to the perioperative fibrinogen levels (preoperative, 24-hr postoperative, and Δfib) and the outcome (endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, death) during follow up.A total of 70 patients (41 in the FFP group, 29 controls) were examined. There were 68 men, the mean age was 70 ± 7 years and the maximum AAA diameter was 63.3 ± 13.8 mm. During the follow up (34 ± 19 months), a total of 6 endoleaks were recorded (2 type Ia, 2 type Ib and 1 type II). Mean preoperative fibrinogen, 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen and Δfib was 391.1 ± 92.8 mg/dL, 367.7 ± 97.8 mg/dL and -23.5 ± 51.02 mg/dL, respectively. There was a trend for the fibrinogen to fall 24 hr postprocedure, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). There was a weak negative association between Δfib and endoleaks (P = 0.007, r = -0.29). Compared to controls, the FFP group had a higher 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen (401.8 ± 112.9 mg/dL vs. 319.3 ± 34.9 mg/dL, P 0.0001) and a lower Δfib (-3.00 ± 56.01 mg/dL vs. -52.48 ± 21.15 mg/dL, P 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regards to endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, or deaths.Transfusion of 2 units of FFP postaneurysm exclusion prevents a significant drop in plasma fibrinogen 24 hr post-EVAR, but the impact on clinical outcome has yet to be defined.

Background The use of EndoAnchors is increasing; however, not much about appropriate use in terms of aortic wall penetration (AWP) is described. We aim to evaluate the procedural and anatomical conditions related with borderline (b) or absence (ab) of AWP when checked on first CT-scan after the Endosutured aortic repair (ESAR) for hostile neck anatomies (HNA). Methods This study with NCT04100499 is a single center prospective evaluation of patients receiving EndoAnchors for prevention or treatment of a proximal EVAR failure. AWP was evaluated on first CT-scan and findings correlated with neck anatomical features and procedural data. The sum of borderline and absence of AWP was considered as Inadequate - In-AWP (failure). Adjunctive procedures, reinterventions, all-cause mortality, absence of type Ia EL and aneurysm related mortality are also described. Results Forty-eight patients were treated during the study period and 43 high-surgical risk patients were finally included in the study for analysis with at least one HNA criteria (58%) and associating 2 in 21% or even 3 in 21%. A total of 250 EndoAnchors were deployed at a median 6 range, (4-10) per case. From those; 31 (12.5%) achieved b-AWP and 11 (4.4%) ab-AWP, meaning 42 (16.8%) EndoAnchors with In-AWP. Univariate-analysis showed being an occasional user and a therapeutic case as predictor for at least one and more failures. The only predictor on multivariate analysis for 2 or more EndoAnchors with In-AWP was being an occasional user. Cumulative-survival and freedom from type-Ia EL at 2-years was 84% and 95%; respectively. Conclusions Outcomes of the ESAR therapy should be validated according to their aortic wall penetration checked on first CT-scan. EndoAnchors use in HNA should not be considered an easy approach for the endovascular technique, especially for therapeutic cases. An individual and specific case analysis counterbalancing inadequate use of the device in unexperienced users should be evaluated against the increased risk of proximal failure as in standard EVAR alone during HNA treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and reasons for secondary procedures in patients treated with iliac branch devices (IBDs) for isolated iliac aneurysm or aortoiliac aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, 575 surgical-high-risk patients (mean age 72.0±8.4 years; 558 men) with isolated iliac aneurysms (n=79) or aortoiliac aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation (n=496) were treated with placement of 650 ZBIS or Gore IBDs (75 bilateral) in 6 European centers. The primary outcome was procedure-related reinterventions for occlusion or high-grade (>70%) stenosis of the bridging device, occlusion of the ipsilateral common or external iliac artery (EIA), type I/III endoleak, rupture, or infection following IBD implantation. Clinical and radiological data were analyzed based on preset definitions of comorbidities, aneurysm morphology, intraoperative variables, and follow-up strategies. Results: Nine (1.6%) reinterventions were performed within 30 days for occlusion or endoleak. Among 10 (1.5%) occluded EIAs ipsilateral to a deployed IBD, 6 underwent a reintervention with additional stent placement after thrombolysis (n=4) or a femorofemoral or iliofemoral crossover bypass (n=2). Three of 14 patients with early type I endoleak had a reintervention for an insufficient proximal sealing zone (stent-grafts in 2 common iliac arteries and 1 bifurcated endograft). Mean clinical and radiological follow-up were 32.6±9.9 and 29.8±21.1 months, respectively. Forty-two (7.3%) patients underwent reinterventions in the follow-up period. The overall postoperative reintervention rate was 8.9%. Both external and common iliac segments occluded in 30 (4.6%) IBDs; 2 patients had a crossover bypass and 14 were treated with endovascular techniques. In the other 14 patients, no specific treatment was performed. Seven (1.2%) patients with isolated EIA occlusion were treated during follow-up. Nineteen of the overall 28 patients with type I endoleak underwent endovascular repair. The other 9 were under radiological surveillance due to less significant (

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of iliac branch devices (IBD) used in combination with standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) vs with fenestrated/branched EVAR (f/bEVAR) to treat complex aortoiliac aneurysms. Materials and Methods: The pELVIS Registry database containing the outcomes of IBD use at 8 European centers was interrogated to identify all IBD procedures that were combined with either standard EVAR or f/bEVAR. Among 669 patients extracted from the database, 629 (mean age 72.1±8.8 years; 597 men) had received an IBD combined with standard EVAR vs 40 (mean age 71.1±8.0 years; 40 men) who underwent f/bEVAR with an IBD. The mean aortic aneurysm diameters were 46.4±13.3 mm in the f/bEVAR patients vs 45.0±15.5 mm in the standard EVAR cases. The groups were similar in terms of baseline clinical characteristics and aneurysm morphology. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare patient survival, IBD occlusion, type III endoleak, and aneurysm-related reinterventions in follow-up. The estimates are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Technical success was 100% in the f/bEVAR+IBD group and 99% in the EVAR+IBD group (p=0.85). The 30-day mortality was 0% vs 0.5%, respectively (p=0.66), while the 30-day reintervention rates were 7.5% vs 4.1% (p=0.31). The mean follow-up was 32.1±21.3 months for f/bEVAR+IBD patients (n=30) and 35.5±26.8 months for EVAR+IBD patients (n=571; p=0.41). The 12-month survival estimates were 93.4% (95% CI 93.2% to 93.6%) in the EVAR+IBD group vs 93.6% (95% CI 93.3% to 93.9%) for the f/bEVAR+IBD group (p=0.93). There were no occlusions or type III endoleaks in the f/bEVAR+IBD group at 12 months, while the estimates for freedom from occlusion and from type III endoleak in the EVAR+IBD group were 97% (95% CI 96.8% to 97.2%) and 98.5% (95% CI 98.4% to 98.6%), respectively. The 12-month estimates for freedom for aneurysm-related reintervention were 93% (95% CI 92.7% to 93.3%) in the EVAR+IBD group vs 86.4% (95% CI 85.9% to 86.9%) in the f/bEVAR+IBD patients (p=0.046). Conclusion: Treatment of complex aortoiliac disease with f/bEVAR+IBD can achieve equally good early and 1-year outcomes compared to treatment with IBDs and standard bifurcated stent-grafts, except for a somewhat higher reintervention rate in f/bEVAR patients.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of chimney (ch-EVAR) vs. fenestrated aneurysm repair (f-EVAR) for treatment of complex abdominal aortic pathologies. Endovascular repair of complex abdominal aortic pathologies with involvement of renal arteries includes use of f-EVAR as first line treatment. However, lack of availability and suitability has necessitated an alternative strategy employing parallel or snorkel/chimney grafts (ch-EVAR). METHODS Between January 2013 and January 2017, prospectively collected data of elective and symptomatic patients with complex aortic pathologies treated by single or double ch-EVAR (N.=111) or by f-EVAR with three fenestrations (N.=37) were evaluated. The primary endpoint was cost-effectiveness analysis defined as the summary of material costs, in-hospital costs and additional costs due to procedure-related reinterventions during a follow-up period averaging 37.2 months. RESULTS No differences between both groups were found in terms of demographics (P=0.32), age (P=0.058) and hospital stay at initial procedure (P=0.956). Index procedure and hospitalization median costs were € 22,171 for ch-EVAR and € 42,116 for f-EVAR, respectively (P

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term mortality of patients treated by the IN.PACT Admiral (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty (PCBA) compared with standard plain balloon angioplasty (POBA). Between January 2013 and January 2014, 238 patients met the inclusion criteria. A two-step analysis was performed. In step 1, the 5-year mortality of the whole patient population was evaluated regardless of possible differences in the patient demographics. In step 2, a matched paired analysis was performed using propensity scores. In addition, for those patients who were treated with PCBA, a possible correlation between dose of paclitaxel and mortality was evaluated. Univariate analysis for the whole group of patients (POBA group A, n = 84 and PCBA group B, n = 121) showed a 5-year mortality rate of 26.2% versus 14.0%, p = 0.02, respectively. Univariate analysis of 77 pairs of propensity score-matched patients resulted in mortality of 26.0% versus 20.8%, p = 0.4, of group A and B, respectively (median follow-up of 61.7 and 61.8 months, p = 0.8, respectively). Comparison of the patients of group B who died versus those who survived showed no correlation between the dose of paclitaxel with increased mortality (p = 0.4). The 5-year findings of the present real-world study showed no increased mortality for the matched patients who underwent PCBA versus POBA. In addition, there was no correlation between mortality and the dose of paclitaxel used.

Efforts to achieve optimal seal during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may produce partial coverage of the lowest renal artery and in some cases even occlusion. This coverage might alter the renal ostial flow, which could finally affect renal function. We sought to evaluate the incidence of renal ostium coverage and its possible effects on renal function.All patients undergoing elective EVAR with suprarenal fixation devices between January 2014, and December 2017, at our institution were identified. Patients with preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA), as well as the preoperative, postoperative, and one year postintervention creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were included in the present study. Patients in hemodialysis, with a preoperative eGFR30 mL/min, urgent EVAR, neck adjunctive procedures, excessive aortic thrombus, or procedure-related reintervention were excluded.A total of 127 patients received EVAR for aortoiliac aneurysmatic pathologies between January 2014, and December 2017. Forty-three of them met the inclusion criteria having a median follow-up of 18.8 months (range; 12.0-53.9). Twenty-six (60.5%) patients presented at least one criterion of hostile neck condition and 23 (53.5%) had a preoperative eGFR60 mL/min. The average distance from the proximal endograft fabric to the lower renal artery was 1.5 mm (range, 0.0-6.0) while a total of 15 renal ostia (34.9%) suffered unintended partial coverage (range, 20 to 75% of the renal ostium) in the postoperative CTA. Nine of these patients (60%) had a hostile neck condition. Eight patients (18.6%) suffered significant deterioration (20% of the eGFR), 27 patients (62.8%) maintained their renal function and 8 (18.6%) presented an improvement of the eGFR in the latest available blood sample. Renal function impairment showed no significant association with renal ostium coverage (P = 0.561), hostile neck condition (P = 0.973), or the diameter of the renal artery (P = 0.835). In the subgroup analysis, patients with the eGFR 60 mL/min did not show significantly greater renal function deterioration (P = 0.568).Partial renal coverage is not an uncommon phenomenon occurring in one-third of the treated patients. However, it was not associated with renal function impairment in the early term. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results in the long haul.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate our preliminary experience with the use of the Endurant II short form (IIs) stent-graft in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods Between November 2014 and November 2015, 79 patients were consecutively treated with the Endurant IIs stent-graft at three European vascular centers. Early (30-day) results in terms of technical success, limb occlusion, major morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. Estimated 1-year outcomes in terms of survival, freedom from type I endoleak, freedom from limb occlusion, and freedom from any device-related reinterventions were assessed with Kaplan-Meyer method. Factors affecting 1-year freedom from type I endoleak were analyzed by log-rank test and by Cox regression test for multivariate analysis. Results Intraoperative technical success was achieved in all cases. Thirty-day mortality was 1.3% (one death due to cardiac failure). Early type I endoleak was detected in three patients (3.8%). During the follow-up (mean duration 6.7 months; range 1-14), two type I endoleaks resolved spontaneously. No limb occlusions or aneurysm-related reinterventions were recorded. Estimated survival, freedom from type I endoleak, freedom from limb occlusions, and freedom from any device-related reinterventions rates at 1 year were 96%, 96.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Adoption of chimney technique significantly affected 1-year freedom from type I endoleak (P≤0.001). Conclusions Preliminary use of the new Endurant IIs stent-graft is safe and effective in endovascular repair of AAAs (EVAR) without early limb occlusions. Further studies with larger population sizes and longer follow-up are needed to evaluate mid- and long-term results.

Aim To evaluate the performance of two different flexible devices, the balloon-expandable BeGraft stent as on-label chEVAR use with the Endurant (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, USA) stent graft compared to the self-expandable off-label employment of Viabahn (Gore Flagstaff, Arizona, USA). Methods All patients treated for pararenal aortic pathologies between 2008 and 2017 using Endurant II (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) abdominal endograft in combination with Viabahn (Gore, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) or BeGraft (Bentley, Hechingen, Germany) at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the employed chimney graft, namely Viabahn (group A) and BeGraft (group B). The primary endpoint was the incidence of type IA endoleak at one month and last follow-up. Secondary endpoints included reintervention rates, primary patency of the chimney graft, and need for additional placement of bare metal stents also known as relining. Results A total of 27 patients (mean age: 76 years) were treated with overall 47 chimney grafts. In particular, 11 patients received 21 Viabahn and 16 patients underwent placement of 26 BeGraft stents. Mean follow-up was 14.3 ± 9.0 months for group A and 13.0 ± 13.7 for group B, p = .451. The mean chimney graft length was 85.1 ± 38.9 mm for group A and 34.9 ± 9.8mm for group B ( p Conclusions Both chEVAR combinations displayed similar patency rate, showing the BeGraft-Endurant composition less need for relining and fewer one-year type IA endoleak and reintervention rates in the subgroup analysis.

Introduction: Neck enlargement is well described in patients treated with self-expandable endografts for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Double endografting (ie, overlapping of stent grafts) occurs in patients with proximal cuffs or bifurcated to monoiliacal configuration conversions. When the aortic neck of patients receives 2 suprarenal fixation endografts, it may behave differently in terms of radial force and interaction of additional suprarenal stents extending to the visceral aorta. Methods: We performed a retrospective study comparing 2 groups. Group 1 included 18 patients treated with 2 proximal self-expandable endografts. Group 2 included 17 patients treated with 1 self-expandable endograft who were consecutively treated during the period of treatment in group 1. Neck measurements were analyzed in both groups preoperatively and in the last computed tomography scan during follow-up. Suprarenal, interrenal, juxtarenal, and infrarenal (at 5 and 10 mm) diameters, as well as interrenal and infrarenal (5 mm) areas, were measured. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics, initial neck measurements, and aneurysmal sac evolution including endoleaks between the groups. Both groups showed neck enlargement. Group comparisons of all parameters in posttreatment neck measurements showed no statistical change. Univariate analysis showed oversizing to be significant in interrenal diameter and area and infrarenal at 10 mm diameter; however, 2-way analysis of variance analysis showed that the interaction between oversizing and the number of stent grafts was not significant. Conclusion: Neck enlargement occurs in patients with self-expandable endografts with a tendency to reach the size of the endograft in the long term. Double endografting seems to interact in the same way as simple endografting in the aortic neck. Although the main limitation of our study lies in the small sample size, the presence of an additional “double” stent graft does not appear to result in any differences in aortic neck dilatation when compared to a single stent graft.

The use of and results with the Endurant stent-graft have been reported extensively. However, there has been little if any focus placed on performance and outcomes when a 36-mm-diameter device is used. Data were collected and retrospectively analyzed on EVAR patients treated with a 36-mm-diameter Endurant device at 3 European academic vascular centers between 2007 and 2015. Primary endpoints were the absence of type Ia endoleak in the early and mid-term follow-up period, and aneurysm sac stabilization or shrinkage. Secondary endpoints were 30-day mortality, overall survival and secondary interventions. Subgroup analysis of outcomes in the on-label (ONL) versus off-label (OFL) device use cohorts was also performed. Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 30.1 ± 16.2 months. Mean aortic neck diameter was 29.5 ± 1.9. Primary technical success was achieved in 69 patients (94.5%). Five patients (6.8%) were found to have developed a type Ia endoleak, 3 during the first month, and the other 2 at 2 years. Overall EVAR-related mortality was 4.1% (n = 3). Subgroup analysis focused on the OFL cohort (n = 44) versus the ONL patients (n = 29). Two of the OFL patients (4.5%) had a type Ia endoleak, and 3 (10.3%) in the ONL group. The use of the largest diameter Endurant stent-graft device emerges as a reasonable option for EVAR treatment of AAA featuring a large-diameter proximal neck. Assessment of a larger group of patients followed in the long term will be necessary for a more definitive statement on such strategy.

Purpose: To evaluate the totally endovascular techniques for treating complex pararenal aortic aneurysms after open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Methods: This retrospective study involved 34 men (mean age 74 years) with pararenal aortic aneurysms (22 pseudoaneurysms and 12 para-anastomotic aneurysms) that developed a median 11 years (range 4–22) after the primary surgical reconstruction. The median infrarenal neck length was 2 mm (range 0–9). Total endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) included the use of fenestrated (f-EVAR; n=17), branched (b-EVAR; n=11), combined f-EVAR/b-EVAR (n=1), and chimney (ch-EVAR; n=4) grafts and the “sandwich” technique (n=1). The primary outcome was aneurysm shrinkage >5 mm at latest follow-up. Secondary outcomes were target vessel patency, 30-day mortality, late survival, absence of type I and III endoleak, clinical success, and reintervention rate. Results: Technical success was 97% (n=33/34), while clinical success was achieved in 32 (94%) patients. The 30-day mortality was 3% (n=1/34). Mean follow-up was 23.2±16.6 months. One patient was lost to follow-up, and 1 patient underwent late open conversion for endograft infection. Six (18%) of the 33 surviving patients required a reintervention. Primary patency of the target aortic branches was 98% (109/111). Mean aneurysm diameter decreased from 64.1±10.2 to 56.7±16.9 mm (p

Objective We set out to present the late 3-year performance of total endovascular treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms in octogenarians by the chimney/snorkel technique. Methods At one center, between January 2009 and December 2014, chimney/snorkel technique-endovascular aortic aneurysm repair was performed in 35 high-risk unfit-for-open-repair octogenarian patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. Twenty-five patients were asymptomatic (71.4%), and 10 patients were treated in an urgent care setting. The median follow-up was 36 months (range, 1-69). The primary endpoint was the survival rate. Results Technical success was 100%. A single chimney-graft placement was performed in 22 patients (62.9%), double chimneys in 10 patients (28.6%), and triple chimneys were performed in 3 (8.5%) patients. Overall, 51 renovisceral vessels (22 right renal arteries, 23 left renal arteries, and 6 superior mesenteric arteries) were involved. The thirty-day mortality rate was 2.9% (n = 1). Early morbidity was 14.3%, predominantly due to access-related complications. Major adverse events were observed in 5.7% (n = 2) of the present cohort. No early reinterventions for endoleaks were registered. The midterm reintervention rate was 12.1% due to type Ib endoleak (n = 1), type II endoleak (n = 1), and high-grade chimney-graft stenosis (n = 2). Estimated survival was 91.9% at 1 year and 72.8% at 3 years. Freedom from reintervention at 1 and 3 years was 94% and 91%, respectively. Conclusions Juxtarenal aortic aneurysm treatment with chimney/snorkel technique-endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians is associated with low perioperative mortality and morbidity as well as acceptable midterm survival and secondary procedures.

Background The durability of endovascular aortic aneurysms repair (EVAR) is highly related to several anatomical constraints. The term “hostile neck” describes several anatomical features that usually make EVAR treatment technically demanding despite having higher risk of failure. The aim of the study was to describe a multicenter experience with EVAR and an adjunctive use of EndoAnchors in hostile neck anatomies. Methods Data were prospectively collected from 4 academic vascular centers including 46 patients with a hostile neck treated by standard EVAR with the adjunctive use of EndoAnchors. Twenty-two of them (47.8%, group A) had an intraoperative type Ia endoleak, and 24 (52.2%) patients were treated in a preventive manner (group B). Primary endpoints were technical and procedural success. Secondary endpoints were regression of the aneurysm sac, freedom from type Ia endoleak, and reinterventions. Results Neck length and diameter showed no statistical difference in preoperative measures, 9.1 ± 6.9 mm and 8.6 ± 2.8 mm and 25.4 ± 4.7 mm and 27.3 ± 4.7 mm, in group A and B, respectively. Aneurysm sac diameter decreased from 58.2 ± 8 mm and 57.9 ± 9.8 mm to 55.7 ± 8.5 mm and 53.8 ± 10.4 mm in group A and B; respectively, at the last computed tomography scan. Technical and procedural success was 97.8% and 100%, respectively, for group B. Group A showed persistence of type Ia endoleak at completion angiogram in 9 (40.9%) patients. Five of them showed early spontaneous sealing at the first (30 days) computed tomography angiography (CTA), and in the remaining 4, a delayed spontaneous sealing was diagnosed at 12-month CTA. No neck-related secondary procedures were performed. Overall survival was 91%. Conclusions Our study shows that additional use of EndoAnchors can successfully improve the sealing of abdominal endografts in case of intraoperative type Ia endoleaks in hostile neck anatomies, representing a safe and effective endovascular alternative in our armamentarium. However, meticulous radiological follow-up is necessary because complete resolution of all observed intraoperative type Ia endoleaks was not observed until the 12-month CTA follow-up.

Objective Hypogastric aneurysms (HAs) frequently coexist with aortoiliac aneurysms (AIAs). However, the presence of an HA is a contraindication to endovascular aneurysm treatment by iliac branch devices (IBDs) because of the risk of distal sealing-related endoleaks. No robust evidence exists in the published literature, and therefore we sought to evaluate the performance of IBDs in the presence of HAs within a multicenter registry of nine vascular centers. Methods Clinical and radiographic information of 804 patients with AIAs treated by IBDs was retrospectively reviewed and analyzed using prearranged, defined, and documented protocols. The treatment period was between January 2005 and April 2017. Results HA was present in 315 (32.6%) of the overall 910 deployed IBDs. Mean radiologic follow-up was 32 months. The incidence of incomplete aneurysm exclusion and type I endoleak was 3% in the HA group vs 0.7% in the non-HA group (P = .019). The 5-year freedom from IBD-related type I endoleak was 93% vs 98% in the HA group vs the non-HA group, respectively (P = .006). Subgroup analysis of the HA group revealed that use of a single distal bridging stent graft vs multiple bridging devices led to higher rate of type I endoleak (9.6% vs 2.8%; P = .031), branch occlusions (8.3% vs 0.9%; P = .009), and buttock claudication (7.6% vs 1.9%; P = .038). Conclusions This series of AIAs with HAs is the largest reported. It shows that HAs coexisting with AIAs, when treated with IBDs, have significantly worse outcomes. Lengthening the distal landing zone with more than one bridging stent graft into the distal healthy hypogastric artery or one of its main branches improves outcomes.

Objective The chimney/snorkel endovascular aortic repair (ch-EVAR) is gaining ever-greater acceptance in the treatment of pararenal pathologic processes. However, the published experience includes mainly short-term clinical results with combinations of several abdominal devices and types of chimney grafts. The aim of this study was the midterm evaluation of the Endurant stent graft (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, Calif) as a standard abdominal device for ch-EVAR. Methods Between January 2009 and January 2013, prospectively collected data of high-risk patients with pararenal pathologic processes who underwent ch-EVAR with placement of the Endurant abdominal device were analyzed. The chimney graft intended for use was a balloon-expandable covered stent. Main outcome measures were aneurysm sac regression and chimney graft patency. Results A total of 187 snorkel/chimney grafts were successfully placed in 128 patients (mean age, 76.6 years). The technical success was 100%. The mean preoperative proximal neck length and aneurysm size were 4.7 mm and 64.8 mm (range, 48-135 mm), respectively. The postoperative new neck length after use of chimney grafts was 18.7 ± 6.3 mm. The mean aneurysm sac decreased significantly (60.8 mm; 95% confidence interval, 2.036-7.084; P = .001) after a mean radiologic follow up of 24.6 ± 17.4 months. Thirty-day mortality and midterm mortality were 0.8% and 17.2%, respectively. Two patients (1.6%) with single chimneys presented with late new onset of type Ia endoleak and underwent additional tube and multiple chimney placement. Primary chimney graft patency was 95.7%. Freedom from chimney graft-related reinterventions was 93.1%. Conclusions Standard use of the Endurant abdominal device for ch-EVAR in >120 patients is associated with high technical success, significant aneurysm sac regression, and low incidence of secondary procedures after 2-year radiologic follow-up. These results will give significant impetus to device selection, facilitating the standardization of technique.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotids has recently emerged as a complementary examination to conventional carotid Doppler ultrasonography. It is an examination providing improved visualization of the vascular lumen, more accurate and detailed delineation of the vascular wall, and identification of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has specific advantages over conventional ultrasonography and plays an important role in the diagnosis of the vulnerable carotid plaque, as it can identify intraplaque neovascularization and carotid plaque ulceration. Given the specific advantages and improved imaging of the carotids provided by this method, radiologists should be familiar with it. This pictorial essay illustrates the advantages of this technique and discusses its value in the imaging of carotid arteries.

We report 6 cases of critical limb ischemia in 4 patients due to symptomatic popliteal artery aneurysm and we present the AESA (asymmetric end-to-end spatulated anastomosis) technique for use in autologous vein bypasses in crural vessels. This is a modified technique of conventional end-to-end spatulated anastomosis, which results in an asymmetric configuration of the anastomotic lateral walls. Using this modified technique the anastomosis’ area is greater and the opposite lateral anastomotic sites are always at different inclined levels. Therefore, in cases of intimal hyperplasia formation this asymmetric configuration may avoid the marked stenosis of the anastomosis and consequently the procedure's failure. In all cases, the asymmetric end-to-end anastomosis was used for revascularization of a single patent crural vessel. All procedures were successful and all target vessels remain patent for a median follow up of 15 months so far.

Objective The aim of this study was the evaluation of the clinical and radiologic outcomes of parallel grafts in the treatment of patients with failed prior endovascular aneurysm repair and type Ia endoleak. Methods Prospectively collected clinical and radiologic data of consecutive patients with prior endovascular aneurysm repair and evidence of type Ia endoleak were analyzed. All patients were treated between January 2009 and November 2014 by use of parallel grafts, ie, chimney/snorkel or periscope grafts and abdominal endovascular devices. Primary outcome of the study was the technical success. Secondary outcomes were patency of the chimney grafts and shrinkage of aneurysm morphology. Results Technical success was 94.4% (17 of 18). One patient showed evidence of persistent type Ia endoleak after triple chimney graft placement and treated by Onyx embolization (Covidien, Plymouth, Minn) successfully. The mean preoperative and postoperative aneurysm diameters were 7.1 ± 1.7 and 7.0 ± 2 cm. Primary patency of the chimney grafts was 96.7% and assisted patency was 100% after successful retrograde recanalization of an acute occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery from the celiac trunk and the gastroduodenal artery. One patient who had undergone the sandwich technique with transfemoral placement of the flexible Viabahn (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) due to impossible catheterization of the target vessel from the upper extremity presented with contained rupture caused by gutter-associated endoleak and underwent urgent embolization with Onyx successfully. No procedure-related death or open conversion was observed in the entire follow-up period. Conclusions Use of parallel grafts showed midterm safety and feasibility with low incidence of persistent endoleaks requiring intervention or progression of aneurysm diameter. Reproducible results from other vascular centers will establish the chimney technique in the treatment of type I endoleaks as a viable endovascular modality.

Objective We evaluated the short- and long-term results of off-label use of iliac branch devices (IBDs) in isolated common iliac artery aneurysms compared with the manufacturer-recommended configuration with additional extension in the infrarenal aorta based on the pELVIS Registry (pErformance of iLiac branch deVIces for aneurysmS involving the iliac bifurcation). Methods Between January 2005 and April 2017, 804 patients underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with 910 IBDs owing to aneurysmal involvement of the iliac bifurcation in nine high-volume European vascular centers. Among this cohort, 231 IBDs were implanted in 207 patients to treat an isolated common iliac aneurysm; 91 IBDs (group 1) were implanted without proximal aortic extension in the infrarenal aorta, and in the remaining cases (n = 140; group 2) an aortic bifurcated stent graft was deployed proximally as stated in the instructions for use. Primary outcomes were IBD and target hypogastric artery occlusions, type I and III endoleaks, procedure-related reinterventions, and aneurysm-related deaths. Results Technical success was achieved in 90 cases (98.9%) in group 1 versus 137 cases (97.8%) in group 2 (P = .55). The overall aneurysm-related early reintervention rate for the two groups was 4.4% (4 of 91) and 2.1% (3 of 140), respectively (P = .33). The 30-day mortality was 1.1% in group 1 (n = 1), and 0% in group 2 (P = .21). The median postoperative follow-up in groups 1 and 2 were 34.1 months (range, 1-108 months) and 17.5 months (range, 1-90 months), respectively. The estimated rates of freedom from IBD occlusion at 60 months were 86% in group 1 and 83% in group 2 (P = .69). The estimated rates of freedom from target hypogastric artery occlusion at 60 months were 98.3% in group 1 and 91.3% in group 2 (P = .45). The estimated freedom from reintervention rates at 60 months for types I, types III, and IBD stenosis-occlusion were 78.2% in group 1 and 79.9% in group 2 (P = .79). The estimated freedom from all cause reintervention at 60 months was 64.5% in group 1 and 66.1% in group 2 (P = .44). The estimated freedom from aneurysm-related death at 60 months was 97.9% in group 1 and 100% in group 2 (P = .83). Conclusions Single IBD placement for isolated common iliac artery aneurysms seems to be a safe and effective treatment option, when a proper anatomic patient selection is provided. Major benefits are represented by the decrease in X ray exposure, overall procedural time, and use of contrast medium, without affecting perioperative and long-term results in comparison with more extensive procedures.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and performance of the Treovance stent-graft. Methods: The global, multicenter RATIONALE registry ( ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT03449875) prospectively enrolled 202 patients (mean age 73.0±7.8 years; 187 men) with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) suitable for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Treovance. The composite primary safety endpoint was site-reported all-cause mortality and major morbidity. The primary efficacy outcome was clinical success. Further outcomes evaluated included technical success; stent-graft migration, patency, and integrity; endoleak; and aneurysm size changes. Results: Technical success was 96% (194/202); 8 patients had unresolved type I endoleaks at the end of the procedure. There was no 30-day mortality and 1% major morbidity (1 myocardial infarction and 1 bowel ischemia). Clinical success at 1 year was confirmed in 194 (96%) patients; 6 of 8 patients had new/persistent endoleaks and 2 had aneurysm expansion without identified endoleak. A total of 8 (4%) reinterventions were required during the mean 13.7±3.1 months of follow-up (median 12.8). At 1 year, the Kaplan-Meier estimate for freedom from reintervention was 95.6% (95% CI 91.4% to 97.8%). Other estimates were 95.5% (95% CI 91.7% to 97.6%) for freedom from endoleak type I/III and 97.4% (95% CI 94.2% to 98.9%) for freedom from aneurysm expansion. Thirteen (6.4%) patients died; no death was aneurysm related. Conclusion: The RATIONALE registry showed favorable safety and clinical performance of the Treovance stent-graft for the treatment of infrarenal AAAs in a real-world setting.

Purpose To present early results with the Treovance aortic stent-graft in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods Between October 2013 and January 2016, 35 consecutive AAA patients (mean age 74±7.7 years; 32 men) were treated with Treovance. The maximum diameter of the treated AAA was 60±9 cm. Nine (25%) patients presented with concomitant iliac aneurysms. Seven (20%) AAAs had infrarenal neck angulation >60°. The infrarenal neck length and diameter were 21.6±12.6 mm and 25.7±4.6 mm, respectively. Sixteen (45%) AAAs had a reversed tapered neck contour. Six (17%) and 9 (25%) patients showed severe or moderate iliac tortuosity, respectively. Primary endpoints were endoleak, reintervention, and aneurysm-related death. Results Primary technical success was 94% due to 2 intraoperative type Ia endoleaks, which were successfully treated with a proximal aortic extension (100% assisted primary technical success). Local dissection was encountered in 5 (7%) of 70 femoral artery access sites in 4 patients. During a mean 12-month follow-up (range 6-24), clinical success was 97%. No type I or III endoleak, death, AAA rupture, open conversion, or device-related serious adverse events were documented. Four type II endoleaks were detected; one resolved spontaneously at 12 months and 2 remained stable, while one associated with AAA sac enlargement was treated successfully with embolization of the lumbar arteries (3% reintervention rate). Conclusion Treovance shows accurate deployment even through angulated and tortuous iliac vessels and presents satisfactory conformability in highly angulated necks with acceptable clinical results. Future development to lower the profile and increase the flexibility of its delivery system will enhance its applicability in cases of narrow access vessels.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of antegrade vs crossover femoral artery access in the endovascular treatment of isolated below-the-knee (BTK) lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2015, 224 high-risk patients (mean age 75.8±9.8 years; 151 men) with CLI underwent infragenicular interventions on 292 crural vessels in 3 European vascular centers. All patients had isolated TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C (n=26) or D (n=198) BTK lesions. Primary endpoints were freedom from access-related complications and technical success comparing the antegrade vs crossover access groups. Results: Balloon angioplasty was the most used treatment modality (169 vessels, 75.4%). The technical success rate was 88.4% in the entire cohort and 88.0% in the antegrade group vs 90.4% in the crossover group (p>0.99). In all patients, the technical success rate was higher for stenotic lesions (100%) vs occlusions (85.5%, p=0.002) and in patients with TASC C BTK lesions (100%) vs TASC D (86.9%, p=0.033). The overall freedom from access-related complications was 97.8%: 99% in the antegrade group and 90.6% in the crossover group (p=0.022). Larger sheath size (5/6-F vs 4-F) was associated with a significantly higher risk for access-related complications (7.1% vs 1.1%, respectively; p=0.047). Conclusion: The present multicenter study showed high technical success and a low incidence of access-related complications in the treatment of isolated BTK lesions using either antegrade or crossover femoral access. The antegrade approach with the use of a 4-F system seems to have a significantly lower rate of access-related complications.

Purpose: To report techniques to preserve the flow to relevant accessory renal arteries (ARA) in patients undergoing infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with adequate landing zones. Methods: ARAs that originate inferior to the lowest ipsilateral main renal artery, supply one-third of the renal parenchyma, and having a diameter >4 mm have significant clinical importance. Between May 2012 and January 2015, among 389 high-risk patients with infrarenal AAAs who underwent standard EVAR, 9 (2.3%) patients each presented with a coexistent clinically relevant ARA. Their perfusion was secured by placing covered stents in the target ARA, parallel and outside of the main abdominal, as chimney grafts. Evaluation of acute and chronic renal decline was based on the consensus definition of RIFLE criteria (risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging system, respectively. Results: The procedure was completed successfully in all cases. In the immediate postoperative period, no acute kidney injury was observed based on the RIFLE criteria. Eight of the 9 covered stents remained patent during a mean follow-up of 13.8±6.2 months. A single covered stent occlusion was observed 30 days postoperatively with infarction of the caudal pole of the kidney. This patient developed renal function impairment based on the CKD staging system 12 months after the initial procedure. For the remaining 8 patients, improvement of one CKD stage (n=1) or no change (n=7) in the CKD stage was observed. Conclusion: In AAA patients unfit for surgical revascularization, EVAR is associated with a significant decline in renal function. For this reason, preservation of relevant coexistent ARAs using the chimney technique should be considered as an option.

PurposeTo compare short-term outcomes between fenestrated and chimney endografts for pararenal aortic pathologies.MethodsAn English-language literature search up to January 2012 found 129 articles evaluating the immediate outcomes of endovascular repair of degenerative juxta-/suprarenal aortic aneurysms, type I endoleaks, and para-anastomotic aneurysms using the chimney technique or fenestrated endografts. Data concerning thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, ruptured aneurysms, and reports with

PurposeTo present a clinical experience with the use of chimney grafts in the endovascular repair of aortic arch pathologies involving the supra-aortic branches.MethodsThe chimney technique consist...

ObjectiveTo evaluate early and late results of open (OR) and endovascular aneurysm repair by iliac side branch device (EVRISB) for aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation (AIB).MethodsBetween January 2004 and March 2010, 118 patients were diagnosed with AIBs and underwent OR or EVRISB at two European vascular centers. Particularly, 64 (54.2%) patients were treated by EVRISB and 54 (45.8%) by OR. In one center, 24 consecutive patients were treated by surgery because this was the standard therapeutic approach until January 2005. For the rest of the study period until March 2010, 64 consecutive patients with AIB suitable for EVRISB underwent placement of branched devices. In the other center, 30 consecutive patients with AIBs were treated by OR because advanced endovascular imaging was not available during the study period.ResultsNo significant differences in demographics, anatomical characteristics, or comorbidities of the patients were recorded between the two groups. Early (30-day) mortality was 0% for EVRISB versus 5.5% for the OR group (P < .001). Major morbidity occurred in 4.6% versus 9.3% of the patient subgroups, respectively (P < .001). Buttock claudication and colonic ischemia were recorded in 5.9% and 2% of OR patients compared with 3.1% and 0% of EVRISB cases (P > .05). Primary patency rates were 98.4% for EVRISB and 100% for OR patients. Primary and secondary endoleak rates of the EVRISB group were 12.5% and 6.3%, respectively.ConclusionsEndovascular repair by iliac branch device of aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation can be accomplished with very low morbidity and mortality rates. Especially for young active patients or in cases of contralateral occlusion, the preservation of hypogastric artery seems to be a strong argument for use of EVRISB as a preferable therapy option.

To present our initial experience with the use of chimney grafts in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with challenging anatomy.Among 390 EVAR cases performed at our institution between November 2008 and February 2010, 15 patients (all men; mean age 81.8 years) underwent EVAR with synchronous placement of chimney grafts. The chimney technique involved placing covered stents parallel to the main aortic stent-graft to preserve or rescue flow to aortic branch vessels while extending the proximal fixation zone. All patients presented with pararenal aortic aneurysms with short necks (between 0 and 10 mm long) that required either suprarenal clamping to tailor a proximal anastomosis in open repair or suprarenal fixation to anchor an endoprosthesis. Chimney grafts were implanted into 10 left renal and 5 right renal arteries.The immediate technical success was 100%. One early type II endoleak due to retrograde flow from the inferior mesenteric artery was detected and is under surveillance. Mean follow-up was 6.8 months (range 1-13). One chimney graft occluded 45 days postoperatively; the patient underwent open thrombectomy of the left renal artery and iliorenal bypass. The creatinine value at discharge was 1.6 mg/dL, and resting renal scintigraphy showed 36% perfusion for the left kidney and 64% for the right kidney. During follow-up, no patient required hemodialysis; no aneurysm-related deaths were noted.This limited experience demonstrates that the use of abdominal chimney grafts is feasible and safe. Long-term results in larger patient cohorts are needed evaluate the utility of this alternative endovascular technique.

Background This study evaluated the therapeutic value of endovascular techniques in patients with buttock claudication caused by stenosis or occlusion of the internal iliac artery. Methods The records of patients with buttock claudication who had undergone endovascular treatment for internal iliac artery stenosis or occlusion were analyzed retrospectively, and any associated arterial lesions, morbidity, restenosis, or recurrent buttock claudication was noted. Outcomes were compared with published reports. Iliac artery duplex scans and aortoiliac angiography were performed to detect and confirm the internal iliac artery obstructive disease. The iliac duplex scanning surveillance protocol was set at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter to detect eventual restenosis or occlusion. Results Between September 2006 and September 2008, 21 consecutive patients (19 men; mean age, 67 years) with 22 cases of buttock claudication (1 bilateral localization) underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty alone (14 cases) or additional stent placement in case of elastic recoil (8 cases). Buttock claudication was associated with impotence, thigh claudication, or calf claudication in seven patients. The endovascular approach was successful in all patients, without morbidity or mortality. During a mean follow-up of 14.7 ± 5.7 months, 50% restenosis occurred in one 80-year-old patient. The patient had a pain-free walking distance of 110 meters and was treated conservatively. Conclusions To our knowledge, the present study is the largest published report concerning endoluminal treatment of buttock claudication due to internal iliac artery obstructive disease. The midterm results are very encouraging and underscore the value of stent-supported angioplasty as first-line treatment. The procedure can be repeated should significant restenosis occur and does not compromise the option of surgical repair of the lesions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, etiology, and outcome of secondary endovascular and “open” conversion procedures after failed endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). From January 1997 until December 2005, 625 patients with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm were treated by elective EVAR, with 98.7% ( n = 617) primary EVAR success. The mean follow-up of the 617 patients was 46.7 ± 11.2 months. One hundred of these patients (16.2%) required secondary endovascular or peripheral procedures, and 39 (6.3%) patients underwent a secondary abdominal conversion. There were 5 acute conversions (0.8%) and 34 elective conversions (5.5%). The pre-EVAR anatomic suitability data, the main cause of the secondary procedure, and stent graft type were compared between patients with primary EVAR success, patients in need of a secondary endovascular or peripheral procedure, and patients with abdominal conversion. The overall main causes for reinterventions were proximal migration ( n = 60; 9.7%), progressive kinking of the stent graft ( n = 59; 9.6%), and late type III endoleak ( n = 12; 1.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors significantly correlated with secondary procedures were the abdominal aortic aneurysm's maximum diameter, the proximal neck's width and length, and particularly the commercial withdrawal of the stent graft ( p < .001). The morbidity and mortality rates of secondary endovascular or peripheral interventions were 0%. The mortality rate of acute secondary conversions was 20% ( n = 1) and of elective secondary conversions was 8.8% ( n = 3). The morbidity rates for acute and elective conversions were 0% and 65%, respectively. The aneurysm-related mortality rate in our series was below 1%. Abdominal conversion surgery still carries a high mortality rate, but the overall EVAR-related mortality rate remains low. Early pitfall detection and proper reintervention are crucial to long-term EVAR success.

ObjectivesExtracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) are rare vascular lesions, and large series with short-term and long-term outcomes are seldom reported. This study compared the clinical presentation and conventional treatment outcomes of different ECAA types according to their etiology.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 55 consecutive patients (47 men, 8 women) with 61 ECAAs who were treated from January 1986 to December 2007 by conventional surgical techniques. The patients were a mean age of 65 ± 11 years (range, 30-92 years). Thirty-two ECAAs (52.5%) occurred postoperatively after previous carotid endarterectomy, of which 26 patients had 29 degenerative aneurysms (47.5%). Clinical presentation included cerebral stroke in three patients (4.9%) and transient ischemic attack in 26 (42.7%). Mean follow-up was 42.7 ± 22.0 months. Statistical analysis was performed within and between degenerative and post-reconstructive ECAA subgroups of patients.ResultsOpen aneurysm resection included 27 extended polytetrafluoroethylene interposition grafts, 12 venous grafts, and 22 closures using synthetic patch. Cumulative 1-year primary patency rates were 86.9% for the degenerative ECAAs and 96% for the postoperative ECAAs, with respective secondary patency rate at 5 years of 80% and 93.3%. The 5-year patency rate was 88.9% for synthetic grafts compared with 66.7% for vein grafts and 86.4% for synthetic patches. These differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). Complications for the degenerative ECAAs included two reconstruction thromboses

The short saphenous vein can be used "in situ" to create a temporary arteriovenous shunt for lengthening the recipient vessels of the injured limb in microsurgical reconstructions of the lower extremity. We report our results using this single-anastomosis turnover technique in three high-energy trauma patients who presented open tibial fractures associated with vascular injuries. The construction of the arteriovenous fistula provided arterial access and venous drainage to a free latissimus dorsi flap that was transferred to cover the soft tissue defect. In all three cases, this single stage procedure was successful; the flap survived and provided good long term results. The use of the ipsilateral small saphenous vein "in situ" for immediate arteriovenous loop formation may be of great value in complex lower leg reconstructions. It is a reliable adjunctive technique that provides healthy vessels to supply the free flap, permitting stable wound coverage and high rate of limb salvage.

ObjectiveTo compare endovascular and open repair of isolated or solitary iliac artery aneurysms (SIAAs).MethodsWe present the results of 55 patients with 58 SIAAs that were treated between January 1998 and December 2005 in two European university hospitals. In one center, the standard procedure, if not contraindicated, was endovascular repair, and 32 (58.2%) consecutive patients with 33 SIAAs were treated by using only endovascular techniques (endovascular iliac aneurysm repair; EVIAR). In the second center, 23 (41.8%) consecutive patients with 25 SIAAs were treated by conventional surgical techniques because advanced endovascular skills were not available before late 2005. EVIAR included coil embolization of the hypogastric artery in 13 of the 33 cases with aneurysmal involvement of the internal iliac artery. In the “open” group of patients, midline laparotomy and a transperitoneal approach with bifurcated aortoiliac graft replacement was performed in 4 cases, and a lower lateral abdominal incision with a retroperitoneal approach and iliac replacement was performed in 19 cases.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was similar in both groups (EVIAR, 35.3 ± 21.3 months; open, 31.3 ± 19.9 months). The two groups of patients had similar demographic and clinical characteristics compared with previous reported series, and data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups only in hypertension. The early and mid-term outcomes and especially the 3-year primary patency rates were also similar between the two groups (EVIAR, 97%; open, 100%). In the EVIAR group, there was no evidence of endoleaks, kinking, or graft migration, and 26 aneurysms remained stable, whereas in 7 aneurysms a slight decrease in size (>10% in diameter) was observed. Comparison of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay revealed significant differences (P < .001) in favor of the endovascular group. Secondary intervention was not necessary in any patient in either group during the entire follow-up period.ConclusionsElective management with endovascular or open techniques of isolated iliac aneurysms can be accomplished with very low morbidity and mortality rates. Better intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes, as well as the durable mid-term results in our EVIAR-treated patients, indicate that endovascular techniques could be offered as first-line therapy of SIAAs.

Objective Current evidence in the literature about endovascular treatment (ET) of visceral vessels in patients with chronic mesenterial ischemia (CMI) based on morphological characteristics is limited. The aim of this study was the evaluation of ET in occluded and stenotic visceral vessels. Methods Patients undergoing ET for CMI between November 2000 and November 2012 were included in this retrospective study. Primary measure outcome was the symptom-free survival (SFS). Secondary outcomes were primary (PPR), secondary patency (SPR) rates and technical success rate (TSR). A Cox-regression analysis identified risk factors for the primary and secondary measure outcomes. Results Forty patients were included in the present study (men: 21, mean age: 68). The overall number of vessels with intention-to-treat was 62. Fifty-two visceral arteries (18 occlusions and 34 stenoses) were successfully treated by endovascular means. The overall TSR was 84%. Visceral vessel occlusions and atherosclerotic disease of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were identified as independent risk factors for poorer TSR ( p 0.05) concerning the PPR. On the other hand, the subgroup analysis revealed higher SPR among occluded visceral vessels ( p Conclusions ET was associated with high incidence of symptoms recurrence despite the satisfying patency rates in both occluded and stenotic vessels. Additionally, visceral vessel occlusion and presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the SMA were associated with poorer TSR.