Search

Summary: Background: The aim of this study is to review the single center experience in surgical treatment of carotid artery disease (CAD) using bifurcation advancement carotid endarterectomy (BA-CEA) and compare the in-hospital outcome with one of the largest nationwide carotid endarterectomy (CEA) databases worldwide, the German statutory quality assurance database (GD). Patients and methods: Data of BA-CEA procedures in the period of 2006–2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was defined as combined stroke and death rate. Secondarily, isolated stroke, TIA, patient death, myocardial infarction, major neck hematoma and cranial nerve injuries were analyzed. Symptomatic and asymptomatic CAD patients were divided into two subgroups. The results were compared to extracted published data from the German database (GD). Results: Of 239 included BA-CEA procedures 188 (78.7%) procedures were carried out in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The overall perioperative combined stroke and death rate after BA-CEA was 2.5%. Five (2.1%) patients suffered from a stroke (one minor and four major strokes), of which two hemorrhagic strokes ended fatally. Overall, four (1.7%) patients died perioperatively. The combined stroke and death rate was higher in the symptomatic subgroup (3.2%; 0% in the asymptomatic group). No significant differences were found between the results of BA-CEA and the German database (n=142’074) for combined stroke and death rates and isolated stroke. Significant differences were found among the overall mortality rate (BA-CEA: 1.7% vs. GD: 0.6, p=0.04). The risk of postoperative cranial nerve injuries was also significantly higher after BA-CEA overall (BA-CEA: 5.0% vs. GD: 1.2%, p=

Introduction: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is widely used as an alternative to open repair in elective and even in emergent cases of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). One of the most frequent complications after EVAR is type II endoleak (T2EL). In elective therapy, evidence-based therapeutic recommendations for T2EL are limited. Completely unclear is the role of T2EL after EVAR for rAAA (rEVAR). This study aims to investigate the significance of T2ELs after rEVAR. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective single-center data analysis of all patients who underwent rEVAR between January 2010 and December 2020 with primary T2EL. The outcome criteria were overall and T2EL-related mortality and reintervention rate as well as development of aneurysm diameter over follow-up (FU). Results: During the study period between January 2010 and December 2020, 35 (25%) out of 138 patients with rEVAR presented a primary postoperative T2EL (age 74±11 years, 34 males). At rupture, mean aneurysm diameter was 73±12 mm. Follow-up was 26 (0–172) months. The reintervention-free survival was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55%–86%) at 30 days, 58% (95% CI: 43%–78%) at 1 year, and 52% (95% CI: 36%–75%) at 3 years. In 40% (n=14), T2ELs resolved spontaneously within a median time of 3.4 (0.03–85.6) months. The overall and T2EL reintervention rates were 43% (n=15) and 9% (n=3), respectively. Within 30 days, 11 patients (31%) required reintervention, of which 2 were T2EL related. Aneurysm sac growth by ≥5 mm was seen in 3 patients (9%), and aneurysm shrinkage rate was significantly higher in sealed T2EL group (86% vs 5%, pConclusion: T2ELs after rEVAR showed a benign course in most cases. In the short term, the possibility of persistent bleeding should be considered. In the mid term, a consequent FU protocol is required to detect known late complications after EVAR at an early stage and to prevent secondary rupture and death.

OBJECTIVES Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the first-line therapy in acute complicated type B aortic dissections (cTBAD). Nevertheless, no evidence-based consensus on the optimal measurement technique and sizing for TEVAR in cTBAD exists. The aim was to evaluate how different measurement and sizing techniques for TEVAR affect long-term outcomes. METHODS Retrospective analysis investigating the association between sizing and postoperative results after TEVAR in patients with cTBAD, treated between January 2003 and December 2020. Diameter measurements were performed perpendicular to a centreline in pre-interventional Computed tomography angiographies. Oversizing was determined by measuring aortic diameter in zone 2 of the aortic arch in relation to the implanted stent graft, and categorized into 2 sizing groups (≤10% and >10%). The primary outcome was freedom from aortic-related events. Secondary outcomes included mortality and a comparison of 3 alternative measurement techniques considering the estimated pre-dissection diameter. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients (median age 69, interquartile range 59.6–78.2 years) were included. Stent graft oversizing by ≤10% showed a trend towards fewer aortic-related events hazard ratio 0.455 (95% confidence interval 0.128–1.624, P = 0.225). The 3 measurement techniques using the pre-dissection aortic diameter differed by a mean of 1.7–4.0 mm with a variability of up to 8.4 mm. In none of the 57 patients, the same stent graft would have been chosen based on the different measurement techniques using an oversizing ≤10%. CONCLUSIONS TEVAR oversizing of ≤10% in patients with cTBAD might reduce aortic-related events up to 50%. Consensus on measurement techniques of the pre-dissection aortic diameter and stent graft sizing is of paramount importance.

One of the main risk factors for the presence of carotid stenosis and carotid-related stroke is age. The aim of this review article is to present the current state of knowledge on age-related vascular changes using carotid stenosis as an example.Vascular aging (vascular senescence) is a decrease of structural and functional properties of the vessel wall that takes place on different levels. At the multicellular level an increase in vessel volume and diameter as well as intima media thickness occurs with age mainly due to atherosclerotic changes in the vessel wall. At the cellular and extracellular levels there is a decrease in elastin fibers, smooth muscle cells, and total cellularity, an increase in lipid, cholesterol, and calcium phosphate deposition as well as neovascularization. The causes of vascular aging at the molecular level include, in particular oxidative stress, chronic inflammatory response, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic changes, dysregulation of the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and the increase in senescence. Age-related loss of tissue healing and repair capacity make plaques more vulnerable and, in the case of the carotid artery, more susceptible to ischemic stroke.Increasing knowledge of the influence of aging on the epigenetics and ncRNAs in atherosclerotic plaques can in the future more accurately quantify individual patient risk and contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies; however, further studies are needed in this field to understand the full extent of vascular aging and its associated diseases so that these can then be specifically targeted.

Summary: Background: Type II endoleak (T2EL) after endovascular aortic repair is associated with AAA sac enlargements in up to 25%, reduction of attachment zones and rarely with aortic rupture. Indications for therapy and efficacy of interventions of T2EL are not clearly established. Transarterial embolization with application of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer has been described with varying outcomes. Aim of this study is to evaluate durability of OnyxTM embolization (OE) in T2EL in a consecutive series at a single tertiary vascular center. Patients and methods: Demographic data, technical success, pre- and postoperative aneurysm growth, morbidity, mortality and reintervention rates during hospital stay as well as in follow up were recorded in patients treated with OE for T2EL between 01/2015 and 12/2017. The primary endpoint was defined as persistence or reoccurrence of T2EL (durability of OE). Results: In total 15 patients (78 ± 6 years, 13 men) were treated with OE because of sac enlargement (average growth of 12 ± 8%, n = 12), persistent bleeding after AAA rupture (n = 2) or persistent T2EL with stable but large aneurysm diameter (n = 1). Mean length of stay was 8 ± 11 days. Technical success was 93.3% (n = 14). Inhospital-morbidity was 26.7%, in-hospital- and 1-year-mortality rate were 6.6% (n = 1) and 20.0% (n = 3). T2EL persisted in 20.0% (n = 3) despite of OE. Re-EL-II occurred after 40 (30–114) days in 33.3% (n = 5). Reintervention rate was 13.3% (n = 2, at day 48 and 319). Altogether clinical success with stable aneurysm diameter was achieved in 80.0% (n = 12), but durable elimination of EL was only achieved in 46.7% of patients (n = 7). Conclusions: OE is technically possible in more than 90% of patients but might be associated with severe complications. Durability of this treatment is low, since T2EL persist or reoccur in more than 50% of all patients. OE of T2EL should be reserved for few selected cases.

Purpose This article aims to present all aspects regarding patient selection, planning, and implantation technique for a new off-the-shelf pre-cannulated multi-inner branch stent graft. The stent graft comes in 4 different versions with proximal diameters of 33 and 38 mm and distal diameters of 26 and 30 mm. The 4 inner branches are located in the middle segment, which has a diameter of 24 mm. Technique With inner branch technology, the field of application for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) has been further extended. In addition to routine use in elective cases the pre-cannulation of the inner branches predisposes especially for emergencies. Pre-cannulation is intended to reduce the time to cannulation and the radiation dose. All steps of planning, stent-graft deployment, and cannulation of the inner branches are described in detail. Conclusion The E-nside stent graft represents a promising new endovascular therapy in the treatment of acute and elective TAAA. By using inner branch technology, this endograft combines the advantages of fenestrated and branched stent grafts. Indication, planning, and implantation require experience in branched and fenestrated stent graft technology.

Objective We evaluated the long-term morphologic and clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with parallel grafts (PG-TEVAR) for arch-involving aortic pathologies. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of perioperative and follow-up data of patients who had undergone PG-TEVAR at a single vascular surgery center from November 2010 to April 2018. Patients with prior or simultaneous open chest or cervical debranching procedures or arch repair were excluded. The primary endpoint was freedom from overall PG-TEVAR–related reintervention. The secondary endpoints were parallel graft sealing zone failure (presence of gutter-related type I or Ic endoleak), PG failure (occlusion or reintervention), stroke, and 30-day and overall PG-TEVAR–related and all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the freedom from reintervention and survival. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to find the optimal cutoff to prevent type Ia endoleak-related reintervention. Results A total of 33 patients, including 8 women, with a median age of 74 years (interquartile range, 67-79 years) had undergone PG-TEVAR (chimney, periscope, and sandwich in 20, 15, and 13 patients, respectively) with proximal landing in Ishimaru zone 0, 1, or 2 in 4, 5, and 24 patients, respectively. The aortic pathologies included type B aortic dissection (acute and chronic, eight and six, respectively), degenerative aneurysm (n = 10), type Ia endoleak (n = 3), para-anastomotic/patch aneurysm (n = 4), left subclavian artery aneurysm (n = 1), and traumatic rupture (n = 1). The perioperative stroke rate and 30-day mortality was 6% and 9%, respectively. Direct postoperative computed tomography revealed 28 endoleaks (gutter-related type Ia, 12; gutter-related type Ib, 9; type Ia, 2; type Ic, 2; type III, 1; undetermined, 2) in 27 patients. The technical and clinical success rate was 37% and 30%, respectively. The mean follow-up for survival was 48 ± 31 months. The latest radiologic follow-up demonstrated 12 remaining and 1 new endoleak. The early and overall PG sealing zone failure and PG failure was 73% and 36% and 9% and 18%, respectively. The overall PG-TEVAR–related reintervention rate was 33% (n = 11). The estimated freedom from overall PG-TEVAR–related reintervention was 68% at 60 months. The main graft oversizing and length oversizing rates were not significantly associated statistically with the type Ia endoleak-related reintervention rate. The PG-TEVAR–related and all-cause mortality were 18% and 34%, respectively. Conclusions PG-TEVAR for total endovascular repair of arch-involving aortic pathologies resulted in a high rate of type I endoleaks and the need for long-term reintervention. Gutter-related endoleaks might be more frequent than reported and should not be underestimated because they can lead to sac enlargement and reintervention. Frequent radiologic surveillance is mandatory. Further studies comparing PG-TEVAR to other total endovascular alternatives are required to confirm these findings.

Background Revascularization strategies for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) include open (OR) and endovascular (ER) modalities. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of OR and ER and the impact of clinical and morphological variables on early and midterm outcomes in a consecutive series of CMI patients in a tertiary referral center. Patients and methods From 2004 to 2017, all CMI patients treated with OR and ER were retrospectively identified. Patient records, preoperative imaging, as well as peri- and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to identify clinical or morphological variables affecting reintervention rates within 2 years. Results In total, 63 patients (33% male; mean age 71, range 60–76 years) were treated by ER (41 patients) or OR (22 patients) for CMI. Mean follow-up was 26 (10–71) months. 30-day mortality was 0.0% after ER and 4.5% after OR (p = 0.069); 30-day morbidity was 9.8% vs. 31.8%, respectively (p = 0.030). Length of stay was significantly longer after OR (14 vs. 4 days; p p = 0.14). Overall survival did not differ after 2 years (OR 85% vs. ER 86%; p = 0.35). Multivariable analysis revealed that smoking was associated with higher risk of reintervention (hazard ratio, HR: 4.14; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.11–15.53; p = 0.03). Additionally, a nonsignificant trend of lower reintervention rates after OR was detected (HR 0.23 95% CI 0.05–1.08; p = 0.06). Conclusion Due to a lower invasiveness, despite the higher reintervention rate, an “endovascular first” strategy is justified and recommended.

Das abdominale Aortenaneurysma (AAA) ist eine tagliche klinische Herausforderung fur den Gefaschirurgen. In den letzten Jahren sind viele pathologische Veranderungen der Aneurysmawand im Vergleich zur nativen Aorta gut untersucht und deren Bedeutung in ein Modell zur Aneurysmaprogression eingeordnet worden. Diese modellhafte Theorie wird anhand einer Ubersichtsarbeit vorgestellt. Charakteristische Veranderungen im AAA umfassen eine verbreiterte Tunica media und veranderte Extrazellularmatrix, veranderte Hamodynamik und Krafte auf die Aortenwand, luminale Thrombusbildung, Phanotypwechsel glattmuskularer Zellen, Angiogenese sowie akute und chronische Entzundungsherde. Diese bedingen Veranderungen der Gleichgewichte von Krafteverteilung und Matrixsynthese in der Aortenwand, sodass Areale mit hoher biologischer Aktivitat und reduzierter mechanischer Belastbarkeit entstehen. Die klinisch bekannten Risikofaktoren Nikotinabusus, Dyslipidamie, mannliches Geschlecht, Alter und genetische Pradisposition haben definierte biologische Effekte, die die Gefaswand zusatzlich schwachen. Zum Unterschied zwischen rupturierten und intakten Aneurysmen ist keine klare Aussage moglich. Ebenso ist die initiale Ursache der Aneurysmaentstehung weiterhin unklar. Ein besseres Verstandnis der multifaktoriellen Pathogenese des AAA ist erforderlich um translationale Ansatze zur nichtchirurgischen Therapie und eine patientenindividuelle Risikostratifizierung zu ermoglichen. Die Forschung an humanen Aneurysmaproben ist auch in der endovaskularen Ara notig und erlaubt die Identifikation spezifischer beteiligter Pathomechanismen.

Collecting biological tissue samples in a biobank grants a unique opportunity to validate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for translational and clinical research. In the present work, we provide our long-standing experience in establishing and maintaining a biobank of vascular tissue samples, including the evaluation of tissue quality, especially in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens (FFPE). Our Munich Vascular Biobank includes, thus far, vascular biomaterial from patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis (n = 1567), peripheral arterial disease (n = 703), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 481) from our Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (January 2004⁻December 2018). Vascular tissue samples are continuously processed and characterized to assess tissue morphology, histological quality, cellular composition, inflammation, calcification, neovascularization, and the content of elastin and collagen fibers. Atherosclerotic plaques are further classified in accordance with the American Heart Association (AHA), and plaque stability is determined. In order to assess the quality of RNA from FFPE tissue samples over time (2009⁻2018), RNA integrity number (RIN) and the extent of RNA fragmentation were evaluated. Expression analysis was performed with two housekeeping genes—glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and beta-actin (ACTB)—using TaqMan-based quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT)-PCR. FFPE biospecimens demonstrated unaltered RNA stability over time for up to 10 years. Furthermore, we provide a protocol for processing tissue samples in our Munich Vascular Biobank. In this work, we demonstrate that biobanking is an important tool not only for scientific research but also for clinical usage and personalized medicine.

Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has an age-dependent prevalence of 2% to 11% and is a leading cause of death in men aged >65 years if not treated surgically. Today, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is performed in up to 80% of elective cases and 60% of ruptured cases. Although EVAR improves perioperative, early, and midterm outcomes, it is associated with specific complications, especially endoleaks (ELs). Type II EL occurs in up to 30% of procedures; however, aneurysm sac expansion and rupture are rare, and currently nothing is known about the morphologic changes in this condition. In this study, we investigate the aneurysm wall morphology in secondary expanding human AAA samples after EVAR with persistent type II EL in comparison to nonaneurysmatic control aortic and AAA samples. Methods Samples were acquired from the aneurysm sac during retroperitoneal feeder vessel ligation in a cohort of 10 patients with secondary expansion after EVAR and type II EL diagnosed by computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Control tissues included 42 AAAs and 13 control aortae published previously. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for CD3/4/31/68 and Ki67 were performed for morphologic analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays allowed quantification of apoptosis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify gene expression and Western blot to quantify collagen expression. Results Secondary expansion of 33.8% ± 30% during 5 years was seen after EVAR before reoperation. The aneurysm wall after expansion shows significant thinning of the intima-media layer accompanied by a scarcity of cells, with only a little chronic inflammation left compared with AAA samples. Macrophages are seen in abundance, and matrix metalloproteinase expression is significantly upregulated. Relevant apoptosis is not noticed. Fibrous tissue is reduced, and a collagen turnover to different subtypes is noted in comparison to nonaneurysmatic control aorta and AAA. In addition, the transcription factors vascular endothelial growth factor, Kruppel-like factor 4, and BCL2, elevated in AAA, are significantly reduced after secondary expansion. Conclusions The aneurysm sac morphology after EVAR with persistent type II EL is characterized by atrophy and proteolysis suggestive of structural weakening. These results should be considered for the follow-up schedule as well as for the potential treatment of this most frequent EVAR complication.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of iterative image reconstruction (IR) of images for radiation dose reduction in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Therefore, IR in combination with 30% tube current reduction was compared with standard scanning with filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction. Background Lately, new IR techniques with advanced raw data processing have been introduced by different computed tomography vendors, thus allowing for either image noise reduction at unchanged radiation dose levels or radiation dose reductions at comparable image noise levels. Methods In this prospective, multicenter, multivendor noninferiority trial, we randomized 400 consecutive patients to 1 of 2 groups: a control group using standard FBP image reconstruction and standard tube current or an interventional group using IR technique and 30% tube current reduction. The primary endpoint was to demonstrate noninferiority in image quality (IQ) in the IR group. IQ was assessed on a 4-point scale (1, nondiagnostic IQ; 4, excellent IQ). Secondary endpoints included total radiation dose estimates and the rate of downstream testing during 30-day follow-up. Results Median IQ in the IR group was noninferior compared with the conventional FBP group (IR, 3.5 [interquartile range: 3.0 to 4.0]; FBP, 3.4 [interquartile range: 2.8 to 4.0], p for noninferiority Conclusions Coronary CTA image quality is maintained with the combined use of a 30% reduced tube current and IR algorithms when compared with conventional FBP image reconstruction techniques and standard tube current. (Prospective Randomized Trial On RadiaTion Dose Estimates Of CT AngIOgraphy In PatieNts: NCT01453712 )