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Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis needs revascularization within 2 weeks by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to reduce the risk of symptom recurrence; however, the optimal timing of intervention is yet to be defined in patients with large-volume cerebral ischemic lesion (LVCIL) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥3. The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate timing for CEA in patients with a recent stroke and LVCIL. Data from patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis with LVCIL and mRS score of 3 or 4 from 2007 to 2017 were considered. Patients were submitted to CEA if they had a stable clinical condition and life expectancy >1 year. LVCIL was defined as a cerebral ischemic lesion of volume >4000 mm3. Perioperative stroke and death were evaluated by stratifying for timing of CEA by χ 2 test and multiple logistic regression. Patients with similar characteristics (LVCIL and mRS score of 3 or 4) unfit for CEA served as the control group for recurrence of stroke at 1-year follow-up. In an 11-year period, of a total 4020 CEAs, 126 (2.9%) were performed in patients with a moderate stroke and LVCIL occurring in the same admission. The patients' median age was 69 years (interquartile range [IQR], 10 years); 72% (91) were male, with mRS score of 3 (IQR, 1) and LVCIL volume of 20,000 mm3 (IQR, 47,000 mm3). The median time elapsed from symptoms to CEA was 7 weeks (IQR, 8 weeks). Overall perioperative stroke/death was 7.3% (eight strokes and one death). By selective timing evaluation of the postoperative events, CEA performed within 4 weeks was associated with a significantly higher rate of stroke/death compared with patients operated on after 4 weeks: 11.9% (8/67) vs 1.7% (1/59; P =.03). By logistic regression, CEA within 4 weeks was an independent (from sex, cerebral ischemic lesion volume, dyslipidemia, and carotid stenosis) predictor of postoperative stroke/death (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-73). In the same period, 101 patients were considered unfit for CEA for dementia (n = 22), severe comorbidities (n = 55), or short (<1-year) life expectancy (n = 24), and 43 (43%) survived at 1 year. At 1 year, the perioperative/recurrent stroke after CEA vs patients unfit for CEA was similar (6.2% vs 13.9%; P =.11), but CEA performed after 4 weeks led to significantly lower perioperative/recurrent stroke (1.7% vs 13.9%; P =.02). The surgical risk of CEA in patients with a recent moderate-severe ischemic stroke and LVCIL is high. However, if the intervention is delayed >4 weeks, its benefit seems significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms, or aneurysmal degeneration of the native aorta above a previous open abdominal aortic repair (Pr-AAAs), are challenging scenarios. The aim of this study was to report the early and mid term outcomes of endovascular repair of Pr-AAAs by fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (FB-EVAR). From 2006 to 2017, pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative data from patients undergoing FB-EVAR for Pr-AAAs at two European vascular surgery units were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed. Early results were considered in terms of technical success (target visceral vessel cannulation and stenting, absence of type I – III endoleak, iliac limb occlusion and 24 h mortality); spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) and 30 day and in hospital mortality. Survival, target visceral vessel (TVV) patency, and freedom from re-interventions were also considered at the mid term follow up. Five hundred and forty-four patients underwent FB-EVAR to treat juxta/pararenal or thoraco-abdominal aneurysms. Of these patients, 108 (19.8%) cases were Pr-AAAs (94% male; mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 71 ± 4 years; American Society of Anesthesiologists' grade 3–4 in 74% and 26%, respectively). The previous open aortic repair (OR) was performed 10 ± 2 years before FB-EVAR. It was a tubular aorto-aortic repair in 63 (58.3%) cases, a bifurcated aortobi-iliac repair in 37 (34.2%) cases, and an aortobifemoral bypass repair in eight (7.4%) cases. A previous thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) had been performed in seven patients (6.5%). The aortic lesion at the time of FB-EVAR was, according to the Crawford classification, a type I – III in 69 (63.9%) or a type IV 39 (36.1%) thoraco-abdominal aneurysm. The mean ± SD aneurysm diameter was 64 ± 6 mm. Overall, 390 TVVs (3.6 ± 1 TVV/case) were revascularised by an endograft with fenestrations (n = 63 [58.3%]), with branches (n = 26 [24.1%]), or with both fenestrations and branches (n = 19 [17.6%]). Tubular, trimodular, or aorto-uni-iliac implants were planned in 68 (63.0%), 38 (35.2%), and two (1.8%) patients, respectively. Proximal TEVAR, carotid–subclavian bypass, and iliac branch devices were planned as adjunctive procedures in 41 (38.0%), five (4.6%), and three (2.8%) cases, respectively. Overall technical success was 93%, with technical failures including five TVV losses (coeliac trunk, n = 1; renal arteries, n = 4) and three deaths within 24 h. Post-operative SCI occurred in seven patients (6.5%), four of which (3.7%) were permanent. SCI was more frequent in category I – III TAAAs (p =.042) and in endografts incorporating both fenestrations and branches (p =.023). Cardiac, pulmonary, and renal complications (reduction in glomerular filtration rate of ≥30% compared with baseline) occurred in 9%, 10%, and 20%, respectively. Bowel ischaemia was seen in three (2.8%) patients. Thirty day mortality was 4% and was associated with pre-operative chronic renal failure (p =.034), post-operative cardiac morbidity (p =.041), and bowel ischaemia (p =.003). Overall in hospital mortality was 5.5% (n = 6). Mean ± SD follow up was 38 ± 18 months. Survival was 82%, 64%, and 54% at one, three, and five years, respectively, and target visceral vessel patency was 93%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. Permanent haemodialysis was needed in four patients (3.7%). There was no late aneurysm related mortality. Survival during follow up was statistically significantly affected by pre-operative chronic renal failure (p =.022), post-operative cardiac morbidity (p =.042), SCI (p =.044), and bowel ischaemia (p =.003). Freedom from re-intervention at one, three, and five years was 89%, 77%, and 74%, respectively. Endovascular treatment of aneurysmal aortic degeneration above a previous open abdominal repair with FB-EVAR is safe and effective. If those promising results are confirmed at later follow up, FB-EVAR should be considered a prominent therapeutic option, especially in high risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrast-induced nephropathy is a possible adverse event in fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR). Automated carbon dioxide (CO 2) angiography has been proposed as an alternative to iodinated contrast medium (ICM) for standard endovascular aneurysm repair; however, its use in FEVAR has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the possibility of reducing the amount of procedural ICM during FEVAR by combining CO 2 with intraprocedural three-dimensional preoperative computed tomography angiography images overlaid on two-dimensional live fluoroscopy images (fusion imaging [FI]). Between January and April 2018, juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms undergoing FEVAR with a CO 2 + FI protocol were prospectively collected and compared with FEVAR cases treated with standard procedural imaging (ICM + FI) between June and December 2017. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. Amount of ICM, procedure and fluoroscopy time, total radiation dose (dose-area product), endoleaks, and technical success (defined as absence of type I or type III endoleak and target visceral vessel patency at completion angiography) were assessed. The 30-day renal function worsening (estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction >25% of the preoperative value) and 6-month reinterventions were also considered. Analysis was done by Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Forty-five patients were enrolled, 15 (33%) managed by CO 2 + FI and 30 (67%) by ICM + FI. The two groups were homogeneous in their clinical, anatomic, and endograft features. Median ICM administration was significantly lower in CO 2 + FI compared with ICM + FI (41 mL [interquartile range (IQR), 26 mL] vs 138.5 mL [IQR, 88 mL]; P =.001). There was no difference in median procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and dose-area product between CO 2 + FI and ICM + FI. Intraoperative type I or type III endoleak detection was similar (P = 1) in CO 2 + FI (7%) and ICM + FI (7%), with immediate repair and technical success achieved in all cases. Early type II endoleak did not differ in the two groups (CO 2 + FI, 27%; ICM + FI, 20%; P =.7). Postoperative renal function deteriorated in two patients (13%) in the CO 2 + FI group vs eight patients (27%) in the ICM + FI group (P =.04). The median increase of postoperative creatinine concentration was smaller in the CO 2 + FI group than in the ICM + FI group (0.09 mg/dL [IQR, 0.03 mg/dL] vs 0.3 mg/dL [IQR, 0.4 mg/dL]; P =.04). The median hospitalization time was shorter in the CO 2 + FI group (5 days [IQR, 1 day] vs 8 days [IQR, 4 days]; P =.002). No reintervention was necessary at 30-day and 6-month follow-up in either group. CO 2 + FI is safe and effective in FEVAR and allows the amount of ICM to be significantly reduced, leading to shorter hospitalization time and better renal function preservation at 30 days. Technical success, procedure and fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and 6-month reinterventions are comparable with those of the standard ICM imaging protocol for FEVAR. Based on this preliminary experience, CO 2 + FI may be proposed as an effective tool to reduce the overall amount of procedural ICM, with consequent benefits on perioperative renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iliac limb occlusion (ILO) is a complication of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and requires re-intervention in most cases. Attention to any intra-operative defect of iliac limbs and arteries may prevent ILO. The study aimed to analyse the long term effect of an intra-operative protocol of iliac limb treatment during EVAR on ILO. Patients treated from 2012 to 2017 for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with standard EVAR were collected prospectively. Pre-operative computed tomography angiography anatomical characteristics were evaluated. The protocol for intra-operative iliac limb management was: a. pre-EVAR angioplasty of common/external iliac artery stenosis; b. precise contralateral iliac limb deployment at the same level of the flow divider; c. iliac limb kissing ballooning with high pressure non-compliant balloons; d. iliac limb stenting for residual tortuosity/kink and adjunctive external iliac stenting for residual stenosis/dissection after EVAR. ILO was evaluated at 30 days and at follow up, which was performed by duplex ultrasonography before discharge, at three, six, and 12 months and yearly thereafter. Kaplan–Meier and Cox linear regression were used. Four hundred and forty-two patients and 884 iliac limbs were included in the study. Severe iliac tortuosity and calcification were present in 15% (132/884) and 8% (70/884), respectively. External iliac angioplasty and stenting of iliac limb were performed in 2% (18/884) and 9.5% (84/884) of limbs. The thirty day mortality was 1.6%, with no ILO. At a mean follow up of 33 ± 12 months, ILO occurred in 7/884 (0.8%) limbs of six patients. Five ILO were treated by endovascular relining, two surgically: one by femorofemoral bypass and one by surgical explant. On univariable analysis, sac shrinkage was significantly associated with ILO (HR 1, 95% CI 0.8–2.5, p =.043). A protocol of aggressive iliac limb treatment in EVAR leads to a very low rate of late ILO. The role of sac shrinkage in ILO should be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the protocol adopted during the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain elective activity in a vascular surgery unit while minimising the risk of contamination to both patients and physicians, and the impact of this activity on the intensive care (IC) resources. The activity of a vascular surgery unit was analysed from 8 March to 8 April 2020. Surgical activity was maintained only for acute or elective procedures obeying priority criteria. The preventive screening protocol consisted of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for all patients and physicians with symptoms and for unprotected contact infected cases, and serological physician evaluations every 15 days. Patients treated in the acute setting were considered theoretically infected and the necessary protective devices were used. The number of patients and the possible infection of physicians were evaluated. The number and type of interventions and the need for post-operative IC during this period were compared with those in the same periods in 2018 and 2019. One hundred and fifty-one interventions were performed, of which 34 (23%) were acute/emergency. The total number of interventions was similar to those performed in the same periods in 2019 and 2018: 150 (33, of which 22% acute/emergency) and 117 (29, 25% acute/emergency), respectively. IC was necessary after 6% (17% in 2019 and 20% in 2018) of elective operations and 33% (11) of acute/emergency interventions. None of the patients treated electively were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection during hospitalisation. Of the 34 patients treated in acute/emergency interventions, five (15%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. It was necessary to screen 14 (47%) vascular surgeons with NPS after contact with infected colleagues, but none for unprotected contact with patients; all were found to be negative on NPS and serological evaluation. A dedicated protocol allowed maintenance of regular elective vascular surgery activity during the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no contamination of patients or physicians and minimal need for IC resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate adverse events occurring during the lead period of custom-made fenestrated/branched endograft for juxtarenal/pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (j/p-AAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Between 2008 and 2017, patients enrolled for custom-made fenestrated/branched endograft repair were prospectively collected. Anatomic, procedural, and postoperative data were retrospectively analyzed. Lead period was defined as the time between the endograft order to the manufacturer and implantation. Aneurysm diameter, target visceral vessel (TVV) severe stenosis (>75% of ostial lumen), and number of planned TVVs were evaluated at preoperative computed tomography angiography. Patency of TVVs was evaluated intraoperatively. Aneurysm rupture and TVV occlusion during the lead period were assessed. There were 141 custom-made fenestrated/branched endograft repairs planned. Of these, 133 patients (male, 87%; age, 73 ± 6 years) with complete available data were considered for the study. There were 75 (56%) j/p-AAAs and 58 (44%) TAAAs. The mean aneurysm diameter was 58 ± 6 mm (j/p-AAA, 56 ± 6 mm; TAAA, 67 ± 8 mm); 15 cases (11%) had >70-mm diameter. Planned TVVs were 431 (mean, 3 ± 1 TVVs/patient). The mean lead period was 89 ± 25 days, with five (3.8%) aneurysm ruptures (j/p-AAA, one; TAAA, four) occurring, two (1.5%) during manufacture and three (2.3%) with endograft available in the hospital (all three procedures were postponed because of cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities). In one TAAA rupture, the endograft was successfully implanted and the patient survived. Four of five ruptures had >70-mm diameter. On univariate analysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P =.01; odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-3.2) and aneurysm diameter >70 mm (P =.001; OR, 42; 95% CI, 4-411) were risk factors for aneurysm rupture during the lead period, with aneurysm diameter >70 mm being confirmed as an independent risk factor on multivariate analysis (P =.005; OR, 29.3; 95% CI, 2.8-308). Overall, eight endografts (6%) were not implanted (refusal, two; aneurysm rupture, four; death not related to aneurysm, two). In the remaining 125 patients (94%), 405 TVVs were planned. Of them, 46 (11%) had severe stenosis at preoperative computed tomography angiography. Twelve (3%) TVVs occluded in the lead period (renal arteries, five; celiac trunks, seven); six were recanalized and six were abandoned. Severe preoperative stenosis was a risk factor for TVV occlusion during the lead period (P =.000; OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6). In our series, custom-made design required a mean lead period of 89 days, which was determined by both manufacturing time and clinical reasons. During this delay, there is a high risk of both rupture in aneurysms >70 mm and TVV occlusion in severely stenosed vessels. These factors should be considered in the indication for custom-made fenestrated/branched endograft repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic endovascular treatment with fenestrated or branched devices (f/bEVAR) requires a connection between the aortic graft and the visceral vessel (VV). However, data on the perioperative and long-term fate of the VVs remain scarce. The aim of our study was to evaluate the VV loss (VVL) according to the type of revascularization performed (fenestrations vs branched) and the necessity for adjunctive visceral procedures (AVPs). From 2012 to 2017, all f/bEVAR procedures for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAAs), pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (PAAAs), and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) were considered. The perioperative VVL, AVPs, and graft configuration were considered and evaluated during the follow-up period. In 158 patients, 523 VVs were considered, 140 (26%) in JAAAs, 165 (32%) in PAAAs, and 218 (42%) in TAAAs. Branches were used for 114 vessels (52%) in TAAAs, 8 (5%) in PAAAs, and 0 (0%) in JAAAs. The overall perioperative VVL was 20 (3.8%) and was significantly greater in TAAAs than in PAAAs or JAAAs (6.4% vs 2.4% vs 1.4%; P =.03). The branches resulted in greater perioperative VVL compared with fenestration (9% [11 of 122] vs 2% [9 of 401]; P =.0001). A significant VVL difference between the branches and fenestrations was identified selectively only for the renal arteries: 11 of 52 (21%) vs 6 of 224 (2.5%; P =.001). The results of the multivariate analysis confirmed the independent greater risk of VVL for branches and renal arteries (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 12.5-1.7; P =.04; odds ratio, 7.1; 95% confidence interval, 52.6-1.05; P =.05, respectively). AVPs were performed in 43 VVs (8.2%) because of dissection (n = 2; 0.4%), stenosis (m = 3; 0.6%), bleeding (n = 3; 0.6%), or kinking between the bridging stent graft and the VV (n = 35; 7%). A significant difference between the branches and fenestrations was seen only for kinking between the bridging stent graft and VV (12% [15 of 112] vs 5% [20 of 401]; P =.005). At 5 years, the incidence of VVL was 2% ± 1%. The fenestrations had significantly greater freedom from VVL compared with the branches (100% vs 87% ± 6%; P =.04), which was confirmed selectively for TAAAs (100% vs 87% ± 6%; P =.04). The use of AVPs did not affect long-term visceral patency. Early and late VVL was infrequent in complex aortic procedures but seemed to occur more frequently in branches than in fenestration, especially for renal arteries. AVPs were often required to correct artery kinking but this did not affect the long-term patency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]