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Ischemic stroke is a devastating complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This risk may be higher in more proximal aneurysms that require arch manipulation. The purpose of this study is to (1) describe 30-day stroke and death rates in patients undergoing TEVAR, (2) compare stroke rates in patients undergoing TEVAR for arch versus descending aneurysm pathology, and (3) identify predictive factors associated with stroke after TEVAR.The Vascular Quality Initiative registry was queried (2015-2021) for TEVAR procedures performed for degenerative aneurysms. Our primary outcomes were any stroke or death at 30 days. Patient-, procedure-, and hospital-level predictors of stroke were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression.Among 3,072 patients with degenerative aneurysms (197 [6.4%] arch versus 2,875 [93.6%] descending) treated with elective TEVAR, the median age was 73 years (interquartile range 67-79) and 54.8% were male. Within the arch aneurysm group, there were 27.4% zone 0, 22.8% zone 1, and 49.8% zone 2 interventions. Overall 30-day stroke and death rates were 3.2% and 3.8%. The distribution of stroke events was bilateral (52.9%), left carotid (20.7%), left vertebrobasilar (11.5%), right carotid (9.2%), and right vertebrobasilar (5.7%). Although mortality was similar between groups, the rate of ischemic stroke was higher for patients undergoing TEVAR for arch aneurysm versus descending aneurysms (7.1% arch versus 2.9% descending, P = 0.001). Factors that were associated with ischemic stroke after TEVAR included age (79 years, relative risk [RR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-2.98 vs.79 years), dependent functional status (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.78), procedural time (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.36), and endovascular intervention for supra-aortic trunk revascularization (RR 2.66, 95% CI 1.06-6.70 versus no intervention).Ischemic stroke risk after TEVAR was increased for arch aneurysms compared to descending aneurysms. More proximal zone coverage and endovascular interventions on the supra-aortic trunks were associated with increasing risk for stroke. Adequate preparation for stroke prevention is necessary prior to TEVAR with supra-aortic trunk revascularization.

Objective To determine differences in outcomes among patients undergoing ipsilateral carotid bypass with hostile or normal neck anatomy. Methods Single-center retrospective review of all ipsilateral extracranial carotid bypasses performed between 1998 and 2018. Results Forty-eight patients underwent ipsilateral carotid bypass from the common carotid artery to either the internal carotid artery or carotid bifurcation during the study period. Seven patients were excluded owing to either a lack of follow-up or missing data. The indications for intervention included infected patches, aneurysmal degeneration, symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis or restenosis, carotid body tumors, neck malignancy, and trauma. In 25 procedures (61%), there was a hostile neck anatomy defined as a prior history of external beam neck irradiation or neck surgery. Among this group, 12 pectoralis muscle flaps were performed for reconstructive coverage. Conduits included polytetrafluorethylene (n = 21), great saphenous vein (n = 9), superficial femoral artery (n = 7) and arterial homograft (n = 4). All superficial femoral artery conduits were used in the hostile neck group (P = .03). The overall mean time of follow-up was 22 months, with all bypasses remaining patent with no significant clinical stenosis. The 30-day ipsilateral stroke and myocardial infarction rates were 4.88% each, all within the hostile neck group, with no 30-day mortalities for the entire cohort. One-third of the muscle flaps were performed in the setting of infected patches (P = .02) with no significant differences in perioperative outcomes with use. The overall median hospital length of stay was significantly increased in patients receiving muscle flap coverage (3.0 vs 7.0 days; P = .04). Conclusions In patients with a complex carotid pathology, ipsilateral carotid bypass is an effective solution for carotid reconstruction. Different conduits should be used depending on the indication. Muscle flap coverage should be considered in hostile settings when primary wound closure is not feasible.

This JAMA Patient Page describes abdominal aortic aneurysms and their symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.

Objective Optimal medical therapy for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) remains an enigma. While clinical trials demonstrate non-inferiority with an oral anti-Xa inhibitor, or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), versus combined low–molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and oral vitamin K antagonist (VKA), the most effective regimen remains to be determined. Methods This study is a single-center retrospective cohort study from October 2014 to December 2015 of patients with a diagnosis of acute DVT and subsequent serial lower extremity venous duplex. Demographics, medical history, medications, serial ultrasound findings, as well as the primary anticoagulant used for treatment were collected and analyzed by two independent data extractors. Treatment failure was defined as any new DVT or progression of an existing DVT within 3 months of diagnosis of the index clot. Risk factors for treatment failure were assessed using standard odds ratios and Fischer’s exact test. Results Among 496 patients with an acute lower extremity DVT, 54% ( n = 266) were men, mean age was 61 years, 35% ( n = 174) involved the popliteal or more proximal segments, and 442 had documentation of the primary treatment for DVT: 20% ( n = 90) received nothing; 20% ( n = 92) received an oral VKA; 34% ( n = 149) received a DOAC; 20% ( n = 90) received LMWH; and 5% ( n = 21) received another class of anticoagulant. Within 3 months, 21% ( n=89 out of 427) had treatment failure defined as any new DVT or progression of prior DVT. Patients treated with a DOAC were less likely to experience treatment failure when compared with any other treatment (odds ratio 0.43; 95% confidence intervals [0.23, 0.79]; p = 0.0069) and when compared with traditional oral VKA (OR 0.44; 95% CI [0.21, 0.92]; p = 0.029). None of prior history of DVT, pulmonary embolism, thrombophilia, renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency, cancer, or antiplatelet therapy correlated with treatment failure. Treatment outcome did not correlate with being on any anticoagulation versus none ( p = 0.74), nor did it correlate with the duration of treatment (Conclusion In summary, the use of a DOAC for acute lower extremity DVT yielded better overall outcomes and fewer treatment failures at 3 months as compared to traditional oral VKA therapy based on serial duplex imaging.

Anticoagulant related intramuscular hematomas are uncommon. However, when they do occur the clinical consequences can be significant. The authors describe nine patients on anticoagulation undergoing rehabilitation who experienced an intramuscular hematoma. In all cases activity in therapy prior to the intramuscular hematoma was considered normal therapeutic activity and consistent with activity commonly performed during rehabilitation. The study found that the anticoagulated rehabilitation population is at risk for intramuscular hematomas and pose a diagnostic challenge because many are insensate and, therefore, present atypically.

Objective Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been shown to effectively treat malperfusion associated with acute type B thoracic aortic dissection (TBAD). A subset of patients might still require adjunctive peripheral or visceral artery branch interventions during TEVAR to remedy persistent end organ malperfusion. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of these adjunctive interventions and to compare the outcomes between patients who had and had not undergone such interventions. Methods We performed a retrospective review of the TEVAR and complex EVAR module of the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2010 to 2019 to identify all patients treated for malperfusion due to acute TBAD. The anatomic branch and procedure performed at TEVAR were recorded. The 30-day mortality, need for reintervention, complication rates, and overall survival were compared between these patients stratified by adjunctive intervention status. Results A total of 426 patients had undergone TEVAR for acute TBAD with end organ malperfusion. Of the 426 patients, 126 (29.6%) had undergone 182 adjunctive branch interventions during TEVAR. The most common interventions were stenting (n = 86; 47.3%) and stent grafting (n = 49; 26.9%), with the most common site being the left renal artery (n = 49; 26.9%). The patients in both groups had similar 30-day mortality (12.4% with branch intervention vs 15.6% without; P = .511) and rates of in-hospital reintervention (19.2% with branch intervention vs 20.7% without; P = .732). No differences were found in the rates of postoperative complications or overall survival at 3 years between the two groups. Conclusions Adjunctive peripheral and visceral artery branch interventions in conjunction with TEVAR for acute TBAD with malperfusion occurred in one third of index cases, but did not predispose patients to worse overall outcomes. Adjunctive arterial branch interventions should be included in the treatment paradigm for acute TBAD with end organ malperfusion that does not improve with primary entry tear coverage alone.

Objective: The GORE® EXCLUDER® Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) was developed to be used in combination with a self-expanding stent graft (SESG) for the internal iliac artery (IIA) bridging stent. Balloon-expandable stent grafts (BESGs) are an alternative for the IIA, offering advantages in sizing, device tracking, precision, and lower profile delivery. We compared the performance of SESG and BESG when used as the IIA bridging stent in patients undergoing EVAR with IBE. Methods: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent EVAR with IBE implantation at a single center from October 2016 to May 2021. Anatomic and procedural characteristics were recorded via chart review and computed tomography (CT) postprocessing software (Vitrea® v7.14). Devices were assigned to SESG vs. BESG groups based on the type of device landing into the most distal IIA segment. Analysis was performed per device to account for patients undergoing bilateral IBE. The primary endpoint was IIA patency, and secondary endpoint was IBE-related endoleak. Results: During the study period, 48 IBE devices were implanted in 41 patients (mean age 71.1 years). All IBE devices were implanted in conjunction with an infrarenal endograft. There were 24 devices in each of the self-expanding internal iliac component (SE-IIC) and balloon-expandable internal iliac component (BE-IIC) groups. The BE-IIC group had smaller diameter IIA target vessels (11.6±2.0 mm vs. 8.4±1.7 mm, pConclusions: There were no significant differences in outcomes between SESG and BESG when used for the IIA bridging stent in EVAR with IBE. The BESGs were associated with using 2 IIA bridging stents and were more often deployed in smaller IIA target arteries. Retrospective study design and small sample size may limit the generalizability of our findings. Clinical Impact This series compares postoperative and midterm outcomes of self expanding stent grafts and balloon expandable stent grafts (BESG) when used as the internal iliac stent graft as part of a Gore® Excluder® Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE). With similar outcomes between the two stent-grafts, our series suggests that some of the advantages of BESG, device sizing, tracking, deployment, and profile, may be able to be leveraged without impacting the mid-term performance of the IBE.

Percutaneous endovascular treatment for arterial vascular diseases has revolutionized vascular care. While these procedures offer improved morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS), their effect on postdischarge complications is unknown. The objectives of the study were to evaluate trends in LOS and postdischarge complications over time and to assess factors associated with postdischarge complications.Patients who underwent surgery for common vascular pathologies (abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortoiliac occlusive disease, lower extremity disease, and carotid stenosis) were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program procedure-targeted database (2014-2019). Outcomes included LOS, 30-day complications, and proportions of postdischarge complications. Predictors of postdischarge complications were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression.Of 80,311 patients evaluated, median LOS did not change from 2014 to 2019 (2, interquartile range 1-5). Overall, 15.7% of patients experienced any 30-day complication, with 31.3% occurring after discharge. The proportion of postdischarge complications increased from 29.1% (2014) to 35.9% (2019), P 0.001. With exception of carotid procedures, endovascular procedures had lower overall complication rates than open procedures; however, there was an increased proportion of postdischarge complications for endovascular procedures (all P 0.001). Factors associated with an increased odds of postdischarge complications included female, Black or other race, dependent functional status, underweight or obesity, increased LOS, and procedural time, all P 0.05.Across 4 representative common vascular pathologies, endovascular treatments had a higher proportion of postdischarge complications compared to open procedures. Early identification and evaluation of postdischarge complications for endovascular patients may be warranted to avoid unplanned readmission.

BACKGROUND: There is no current consensus on the best criteria for selective shunting during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The choice of continuous neurologic assessment during awake CEA, intraoperative electroencephalogram (EEG), or carotid stump pressure monitoring as the basis for shunt placement is primarily dependent on surgeon preference. Our goal was to define a safe stump pressure threshold as a guide for selective shunting. METHODS: The study is a single-surgeon retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent CEA under general anesthesia with selective shunting based on intraoperative stump pressure measurements from 2001–2019. Demographic and periprocedural variables were analyzed using standard statistical techniques. RESULTS: Among 399 patients, 68% were male with a mean age of 70. A third were symptomatic, with amaurosis fugax in 12%, TIA in 7%, and stroke in 16%. In total, 60 (15%) patients underwent shunting: 34 for a confirmed preoperative acute ischemic stroke, 22 for a stump pressure < 30 mmHg, and 4 for other indications. Overall 30-day death, ischemic ipsilateral stroke, myocardial infarction, and cranial nerve palsy rates were 0.5%, 0.8%, 1.8%, and 1.0% respectively. No strokes occurred due to hypoperfusion, and all stroke symptoms resolved prior to discharge with a mean length of stay of 1.6 days. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest contemporary series of CEA using a 30 mmHg threshold for selective shunting that demonstrated exceedingly low 30-day death and stroke events. Intraoperative carotid stump pressure measurements are a useful guide for selective shunting and reduction of perioperative stroke complications after CEA.

Objective: To describe the types of intervention and determine patency and survival after arterial and venous reconstruction after surgical excision of sarcomas. Methods: Between November 2001 and July 2015, 42 patients with sarcomas and vascular involvement underwent surgical oncologic resection followed by arterial or venous reconstruction or preservation of the native vascular bundle. Univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed on abstracted data, which included demographics, risk factors, oncologic and vascular treatment modalities, postoperative complications, graft patency, and survival outcomes. Results: A total of 42 sarcomas required vascular assistance for oncologic removal. The majority of sarcomas were malignant fibrous histiocytoma (23.8%), and the most common anatomic location was the retroperitoneum (48%). A total of 12 revascularizations procedures were performed, including 5 arterial, 3 venous, and 2 concomitant arterial and venous. In 32 cases, a vascular surgeon was needed for vessel ligation, repair, or mobilization. The overall 2- and 5-year survival was 77.7% and 26.2%, respectively, with no significant survival difference between patients who underwent revascularization compared to those without revascularization. There was a 100% patency rate in all cases at last follow-up, regardless of the type of vascular reconstruction (median 18 months, range 1-29 months). On multivariate analysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; P = .002) and positive surgical margins ( P = .003) were associated with decreased survival. Most cases were performed in the last 5 years of the study (n = 27, 64.3%). Conclusions: Vascular reconstruction is feasible after surgical oncologic resection of sarcomas with good mid-term patency and limb preservation. Factors independently associated with mortality included COPD and positive surgical margins.

Sonographers performing venous duplex ultrasound (VDUS) of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have an increased risk of exposure owing to their close contact with these patients for an extended period. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a modified COVID-19 VDUS protocol to reduce sonographer exposure to COVID-19 patients.We performed a single-center retrospective review. Patients who had undergone VDUS under the modified COVID-19 protocol between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, with a confirmed or presumed COVID-19 diagnosis at the VDUS were included. The modified COVID-19 protocol was defined as the ability of the sonographer to terminate the examination on detection of an acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The primary outcome measures were the number of anatomic deep venous segments recorded by the sonographer, which was used as a surrogate measure for sonographer exposure time, and the number of acute DVTs found on follow-up examinations in segments not visualized at the index VDUS.A total of 160 lower extremity VDUS (LEVDUS) scans and 72 upper extremity VDUS (UEVDUS) scans were performed using the modified COVID-19 protocol. The index VDUS had found an acute DVT for 44 of 160 patients (27.5%) who had undergone LEVDUS and 26 of 72 (36.6%) who had undergone UEVDUS. On follow-up imaging, 7 of 38 LEVDUS scans (17.9%) and 1 of 10 UEVDUS scans (10%) had demonstrated a new acute DVT. Malignancy and surgery 30 days before imaging were significantly associated with acute lower extremity DVT, and mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were associated with acute upper extremity DVT. On the index VDUS, the average was 10.6 of 12 total visualized segments on LEVDUS and 6.4 of 10 total segments on UEVDUS. Of the index VDUS scans, 35.6% of the LEVDUS and 78.6% of the UEVDUS scans had been abbreviated. The index VDUS scans that were positive for acute DVT had had significantly fewer visualized segments for both lower (8.4 vs 11.5; P .0001) and upper (4.2 vs 7.6) extremities (P .0001). On the follow-up examinations, only one of eight new acute DVTs had been found in a patient whose index VDUS had been abbreviated and the corresponding segment not assessed. These findings did not affect the patient's clinical course.The modified COVID-19 VDUS protocol reduced sonographers' potential exposure time to COVID-19. Additionally, the clinical efficacy was maintained, with no missed DVTs, despite the abbreviation of the VDUS examinations.

Celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare but potentially devastating lesions. Given the high rates of mortality on rupture at large sizes, they should be treated promptly with either surgical or endovascular interventions in appropriate-risk patients. Several options exist for treatment, including surgical repair and endovascular embolization with or without stent or stent graft placement. Because of their rarity, there are few reports of successfully treated CAA lesions. Herein, we describe successful endovascular treatment of one of the largest CAAs reported in the literature. Keywords: Visceral aneurysms, Embolization, Celiac artery aneurysm, Visceral angiography

Objective Cryopreserved human arterial allografts are a recognized acceptable alternative for vascular reconstruction when other traditional conduits are either unavailable or contraindicated. We reviewed our experience using cryopreserved arterial allografts for peripheral artery reconstructions in contaminated and infected surgical fields. Methods A single-center, retrospective review was conducted of 57 patients who underwent a peripheral vascular reconstruction using a cryopreserved arterial allograft from January 2002 through July 2017. Indications for repair included removal of infected prosthetic bypass (n = 29), revascularizations in contaminated fields (n = 11), primary arterial repair in the setting of infection (n = 10), and infected vascular closure devices (n = 7). Aorta-based repairs were excluded. Demographics, index procedural details, postoperative complications, and conduit patency were analyzed. Primary end points included conduit-related mortality and graft failure as measured by reinfection, hemorrhage, or aneurysmal degeneration. Mean follow-up for the study is 27.8 months (range, 2-125 months). Results A total of 57 peripheral vascular reconstructions using cryopreserved arterial allografts were performed during the 15-year period. Among the 22 women and 35 men treated, the mean age was 61 years. The vascular beds involved included iliofemoral (n = 39), femoropopliteal or femoral-distal (n = 10), axillosubclavian or brachial (n = 2), mesenteric (n = 3), and carotid (n = 3) arteries. Adjunctive muscle flap coverage of the allograft conduit was performed in the majority of cases (61%; n = 35). The 30-day mortality was 9%; one death was directly related to conduit insertion. The 30-day conduit-related complication rate was 14% and included hemorrhage from the graft requiring return to the operating room (n = 4) and graft infection (n = 4). The late conduit-related complication rate was 15.8% and included graft infection (n = 1), graft thrombosis (n = 3), major amputation resulting from conduit failure (n = 1), pseudoaneurysm degeneration requiring repair (n = 2), graft hemorrhage (n = 1), and symptomatic graft stenosis (n = 1). Conclusions A cryopreserved arterial allograft is a useful alternative conduit for peripheral vascular reconstruction in infected or contaminated surgical fields when other autologous or prosthetic conduits are either unavailable or contraindicated. In the immediate postoperative period, these repairs demonstrate acceptable resistance to graft failure and reinfection, particularly in conjunction with adjunctive rotational muscle flap coverage. Late conduit-related complications appear to be infrequent.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of treatment of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF)-related chronic iliocaval thrombosis with single-session IVCF retrieval and iliocaval recanalization, thereby optimizing stent deployment and avoiding adverse events (AEs) related to stent placement across an obstructed filter.From January 2015 to April 2018, a cohort of 25 consecutive patients presented for treatment of IVCF-related chronic iliocaval thrombosis with filter retrieval, followed by recanalization with stent placement and adjunctive iliofemoral thrombectomy as needed. Inclusion criteria included computed tomography (CT) imaging and clinical presentations consistent with chronic (30 days) IVCF-related chronic thrombosis. A retrospective analysis of technical success, clinical success as measured with the Venous Clinical Severity Score, use of advanced filter retrieval techniques, and AEs was performed. Primary patency was evaluated with CT at 1 to 3 months and 1 year. Data analysis was performed using a paired t-test.There were 25 patients (median age, 58.0 years; standard deviation, 15.6 years) with eight types of IVCF encountered; all were treated in a single session. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Mean improvement in the Venous Clinical Severity Score was 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.7; P .01) in the venous edema subscore and 0.6 (95% confidence interval, 0.2-1.0; P .01) in the pain subscore. At 1 to 3 months, iliocaval stent patency was maintained in 96% of patients; unilateral iliac vein stent thrombus was seen in one patient. One-year follow-up was available in eight patients, with CT imaging demonstrating maintained patency. Median filter implantation time was 12.3 months (mean, 41.9 months; range, 0.8-245.1 months; standard deviation, 63.3 months). Advanced IVCF retrieval techniques were required for 17 procedures. One major AE and minor AE occurred; no patients died in the study period.Single-session iliocaval recanalization with IVCF retrieval has high rates of technical and clinical success in patients with IVCF-related chronic iliocaval thrombosis.

Background Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the preferred first-line treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Current postprocedure surveillance recommendations by manufacturers are a 1-month computed tomography angiography (CTA) followed by a 12-month CTA in most circumstances. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of the 1-month CTA following elective EVAR and determine if initial surveillance at 6-month CTA is appropriate. Methods A single-center retrospective chart review of all elective EVARs at a tertiary medical center over a 12-year period was conducted. Patients were excluded if postoperative surveillance imaging was not available. Data analysis encompassed demographics, chart review, and imaging including angiogram and cross-sectional imaging to asses for endoleaks and other findings. Results There were 363 patients who underwent elective EVAR and had available postoperative imaging during the study period. Within the 1-month follow-up, a CTA group of 316 patients was detected with 98 (31%) endoleaks. Of these, 5 (1.5%) required intervention: 1 for infolding of an iliac limb and 4 for type I endoleak which was present on completion angiogram—3 in patients treated outside of instructions for use and 1 with a type Ib endoleak on intraoperative completion imaging. In the 158 patients with 1 and 3-month CTAs, there were 47 persistent endoleaks, 9 previously undetected endoleaks not seen in 1-month CTA, and 13 resolved endoleaks. Three patients (1.2%) underwent intervention for type II endoleak and aneurysm expansion. In 47 patients with only a 6-month CTA, there were 16 endoleaks not seen on completion angiography and 2 of which were treated with reintervention—1 for a type I endoleak and 1 for a type II endoleak. Conclusions There is limited utility to 1-month surveillance CTA in patients undergoing elective EVAR within the device instructions for use that has no evidence of type I endoleak on completion angiography. It is safe to start routine EVAR surveillance at 6 months in this patient population. This has implications when considering bundled and value-based payments in the longitudinal care of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients.

The diagnosis of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS) is made when the patient’s primary symptoms are arterial in nature and, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery’s TOS Reporting Standards Document published in 2016, when objective arterial abnormalities are present, even though the patient may also have neurogenic or venous symptoms. Compression of the neurovascular bundle in the thoracic outlet can be seen when the arm and shoulder are placed in certain positions, even in patients without symptoms. Although it is unclear why certain patients develop symptoms, subclavian-axillary artery lesions may be produced by either abnormal bony structures or normal structures that become abnormal with certain arm positioning. Repeated injury to the artery may occur and produce arterial wall injury leading to endothelial ulceration, clot formation, post-stenotic aneurysmal dilatation, digital embolization, forearm vessel occlusion, and/or proximal arterial occlusion. This process is often silent and progressive. This article will review the clinical decision making and suggested pathway for treatment of patients with arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Background Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare tumor arising from the smooth muscle of vessel walls. Surgery is the only potential curative treatment. Given its rarity, optimal surgical, and oncologic management is not well described. We review our institutional series of primary leiomyosarcomas treated with resection and IVC reconstruction over the last decade. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent surgical resection of primary leiomyosarcoma of the IVC from November 2009 to March 2020 at a single tertiary care center was performed. Results Among the eight patients treated, the majority were female (87.5%) with a median age of 52 years (range, 44-63). Tumor was located in the infrarenal IVC in five patients (62.5%). IVC was reconstructed using a ring-enforced PTFE graft in six patients (75%). All but one patient had an intermediate (grade 2) or high grade (grade 3) tumor, and all resections achieved grossly negative margins. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival was 85.7% and 64.3%, respectively. There were no disease-specific deaths during a median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range, 10-51 months). Conclusions With a well-coordinated multidisciplinary approach, primary leiomyosarcoma of the IVC can be safely resected with good long-term survival.

Background Carotid body tumors are rare, neurogenic tumors arising from the periadventitial chemoreceptive tissue of the carotid body. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the presentation and preoperative risk factors associated with surgical resection. Methods A single-center retrospective review of 25 carotid body tumor resections from 2002 to 2019. Demographics, periprocedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed using Stata (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). Results Among 25 patients, 64% were women, 84% were asymptomatic, and the mean age was 49 years (range 21–79). Forty-four percent of tumors were Shamblin III. Nine patients underwent preoperative embolization but did not correlate with decreased blood loss (299 cm3 vs 205 cm3, P = .35). The 30-day death, stroke, and cranial nerve injury rates were 0%, 8%, and 32%, respectively. Cranial nerve injuries included 20% vagus, 4% hypoglossal, 4% facial, and 4% glossopharyngeal, with permanent deficits in 4% (n = 1). Mean length of stay was 3.0 days (range 1–9 days). At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 1–63 months), there has been no recurrence. Conclusion Although carotid body tumors are uncommon in the Midwest, complete surgical resection is curative of these typically hormonally inactive tumors. Preoperative embolization did not affect blood loss, and the incidence of death, stroke, and permanent cranial nerve injury rates remained very low.

The objective of this work was to perform image-based classification of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) based on their demographic, geometric, and biomechanical attributes. We retrospectively reviewed existing demographics and abdominal computed tomography angiography images of 100 asymptomatic and 50 symptomatic AAA patients who received an elective or emergent repair, respectively, within 1–6 months of their last follow up. An in-house script developed within the MATLAB computational platform was used to segment the clinical images, calculate 53 descriptors of AAA geometry, and generate volume meshes suitable for finite element analysis (FEA). Using a third party FEA solver, four biomechanical markers were calculated from the wall stress distributions. Eight machine learning algorithms (MLA) were used to develop classification models based on the discriminatory potential of the demographic, geometric, and biomechanical variables. The overall classification performance of the algorithms was assessed by the accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and precision of their predictions. The generalized additive model (GAM) was found to have the highest accuracy (87%), AUC (89%), and sensitivity (78%), and the third highest specificity (92%), in classifying the individual AAA as either asymptomatic or symptomatic. The k-nearest neighbor classifier yielded the highest specificity (96%). GAM used seven markers (six geometric and one biomechanical) to develop the classifier. The maximum transverse dimension, the average wall thickness at the maximum diameter, and the spatially averaged wall stress were found to be the most influential markers in the classification analysis. A second classification analysis revealed that using maximum diameter alone results in a lower accuracy (79%) than using GAM with seven geometric and biomechanical markers. We infer from these results that biomechanical and geometric measures by themselves are not sufficient to discriminate adequately between population samples of asymptomatic and symptomatic AAA, whereas MLA offer a statistical approach to stratification of rupture risk by combining demographic, geometric, and biomechanical attributes of patient-specific AAA.

Endovascular treatment of aortic dissection may be complicated by challenges to navigating the true lumen. In this report, we describe treatment of a type B dissection after open type A repair with aneurysmal degeneration, a short-segment occluded true lumen, and a distal re-entry tear near the celiac artery origin. Endovascular septal fenestration and subsequent thoracic endovascular aortic repair were used to bypass the short-segment midthoracic aortic occlusion, successfully excluding the thoracic aortic aneurysm. The patient was discharged without complications, and follow-up imaging demonstrated favorable aortic remodeling. The case demonstrates feasibility of an endovascular bypass of an intervening short-segment occluded true lumen using a thoracic endovascular aortic repair with true-false-true lumen deployment.

Contains fulltext : 229466.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Systematic evaluation of complex flow in the true lumen and false lumen (TL, FL) is needed to better understand which patients with chronic descending aortic dissection (DAD) are predisposed to complications. PURPOSE: To develop quantitative hemodynamic maps from 4D flow MRI for evaluating TL and FL flow characteristics. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: In all, 20 DAD patients (age = 60 +/- 11 years; 12 male) (six medically managed type B AD [TBAD], 14 repaired type A AD [rTAAD] now with ascending aortic graft [AAo] or elephant trunk [ET1] repair) and 21 age-matched controls (age = 59 +/- 10 years; 13 male) were included. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T, 3T, 4D flow MRI. ASSESSMENT: 4D flow MRI was acquired in all subjects. Data analysis included 3D segmentation of TL and FL and voxelwise calculation of forward flow, reverse flow, flow stasis, and kinetic energy as quantitative hemodynamics maps. STATISTICAL TESTS: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed for comparing subject groups. Correlation and Bland-Altman analysis was performed for the interobserver study. RESULTS: Patients with rTAAD presented with elevated TL reverse flow (AAo repair: P = 0.004, ET1: P = 0.018) and increased TL kinetic energy (AAo repair: P = 0.0002, ET1: P = 0.011) compared to controls. In addition, TL kinetic energy was increased vs. patients with TBAD (AAo repair: P = 0.021, ET1: P = 0.048). rTAAD was associated with higher FL kinetic energy and lower FL stasis compared to patients with TBAD (AAo repair: P = 0.002, ET1: P = 0.024 and AAo repair: P = 0.003, ET1: P = 0.048, respectively). DATA CONCLUSION: Quantitative maps from 4D flow MRI demonstrated global and regional hemodynamic differences between DAD patients and controls. Patients with rTAAD vs. TBAD had significantly altered regional TL and FL hemodynamics. These findings indicate the potential of 4D flow MRI-derived hemodynamic maps to help better evaluate patients with DAD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1357-1368.

Background Deep venous thrombosis isolated to the iliac veins is uncommon. Venous duplex ultrasound (DU) is widely accepted as the screening modality of choice for lower extremity deep venous thromboses. This investigation evaluated the accuracy and efficacy of DU in diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with iliac vein thrombosis between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015. Patients included in our analysis needed to have both DU and cross-sectional imaging performed within a month of each other. The efficacy of DU in diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis was determined using cross-sectional imaging as a standard for diagnosis. Results In total, our query yielded 80 patients with a diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis in the medical chart; 48 patients had both cross-sectional imaging and DU performed within 1 month of each other. There were 36 patients who had cross-sectional imaging positive for iliac vein thrombosis; only 10 (27.8%) of these patients were found to have iliac vein thrombosis by DU. Thus, 26 patients (72.2%) were not diagnosed accurately by DU. On the basis of our data, the sensitivity and positive predictive value of DU compared with cross-sectional imaging in diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis were 27.8% and 76.9%, respectively. We did not identify any patient-specific factors that influenced the discrepancy between DU and cross-sectional imaging. Conclusions Our current protocol of lower extremity venous DU is not an effective tool in diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis. All patients with clinically suspected iliac vein thrombosis should be evaluated with specific pelvic ultrasound protocols or cross-sectional imaging.

Background Historically, patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) are underweight with a low body mass index (BMI). However, with the recent obesity epidemic many of these patients now are overweight with a high BMI. We evaluated the impact of BMI on outcomes after mesenteric revascularization for CMI. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing open or endovascular mesenteric revascularization for CMI between January 2000 and June 2015 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, BMI, Society for Vascular Surgery–combined comorbidity score, treatment modality, postoperative complications, reintervention, and all-cause mortality were analyzed. The primary end point for the study was all-cause mortality at 5 years. Patients were stratified using the World Health Organization BMI criteria. Univariate, Kaplan-Meier survival, and multivariate analyses were performed. Results In the study period, 104 unique patients underwent mesenteric revascularization for CMI, for 77 of whom BMI information was available. Of these 77, 30 patients were treated by endovascular revascularization, and 47 patients were treated by open revascularization. Overall, 27 (35.1%) were overweight or obese with a BMI ≥25. Median follow-up time was 41 months. High BMI patients were less likely to have weight loss at the time of surgery (P = 0.004). Stratified by BMI Conclusions BMI needs to be considered in assessing and counseling patients on outcomes of mesenteric revascularization for CMI, as a BMI over 25 is associated with poorer long-term survival after open revascularization. Smoking, hypertensive chronic kidney disease, PAD, and open repair with the use of venous conduit are independent predictors of long-term mortality after mesenteric revascularization independent of BMI.

Objective Isolated spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac artery (CA) remains a rare condition; however, it has been increasingly noted incidentally on diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this study was to examine the natural history and outcomes of patients presenting with isolated spontaneous mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD). We hypothesized that most SMADs can be treated nonoperatively. Methods This was a single-center retrospective review of patients presenting with the diagnosis of SMAD between 2006 and 2016. Data analysis included demographics, clinical data, radiologic review, treatment, and outcomes. Results A total of 77 patients were found to have CA dissection, SMA dissection, or both in the absence of aortic dissection diagnosed on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The average age was 56 years (range, 26-86 years), 80% were male, and 10 patients (13%) had underlying connective tissue disorders. The majority, 64%, presented with symptoms including abdominal pain, back pain, and chest pain; the remaining 36% were asymptomatic. Combined SMA and CA dissection was found in 14 (18%) patients; 33 (43%) presented with isolated CA dissection, and 30 (39%) presented with isolated SMA dissection. Only four patients required intervention. Mesenteric bypass was performed in two patients, and SMA endarterectomy with patch angioplasty was performed in one patient for signs of bowel ischemia. No patient required bowel resection. The two bypasses were anastomosed to a branch of the SMA, and complete lumen restoration was seen on long-term imaging follow-up. One patient underwent stent grafting of the CA and hepatic artery for aneurysmal degeneration 1 month after diagnosis. The remaining 73 patients were managed nonoperatively; 40 (52%) were treated with a short course of anticoagulation, 23 (30%) were treated with antiplatelet therapy, and 10 (13%) were treated with observation alone. No other late interventions or recurrences were noted during a mean follow-up of 21 months. Conclusions Whereas isolated SMAD poses a risk of visceral ischemia, most patients presenting with this diagnosis can be treated nonoperatively with a short course of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Only a small number of patients require surgical revascularization for bowel ischemia.

BackgroundThoracic aortic aneurysm rupture is often a fatal condition. Emergent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has emerged as a suitable treatment option. Unfortunately, respiratory complications from hemothorax continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality even after successful management of the aortic rupture. We hypothesize that early hemothorax decompression after TEVAR for ruptured aneurysms decreases the rate of postoperative respiratory complications.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective eight-year review of ruptured thoracic aneurysms treated with TEVAR.ResultsSeventeen patients presented with ruptured degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms, all of which were successfully treated emergently with TEVAR. The mean age was 74 years among the 12 (70.6%) men and 5 (29.4%) women treated. Inpatient and 30-day mortality rates for the entire cohort were both 17.6% (three patients). The 90-day mortality rate was 47.1% (eight patients). Thirty-day morbidities of the entire cohort included stroke ( n = 1, 5.9%), spinal cord ischemia ( n = 3, 17.6%; only one was temporary), cardiac arrest ( n = 4, 23.5%; 3 were fatal), respiratory failure ( n = 5, 29.4%), and renal failure ( n = 5, 29.4%). A large hemothorax was identified in the majority of patients ( n = 14, 82.4%). While six (42.9% of 14) patients had immediate chest tube decompression on the day of index procedure, three (21.4% of 14) patients had decompression on postoperative day 1, 4, and 7, respectively. Although not statistically significant, there were trends toward higher rates of respiratory failure (50.0% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.198) and 90-day mortality (62.5% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.280) for patients with delayed or no hemothorax decompression when compared to patients with immediate hemothorax decompression.ConclusionsThe morbidity and mortality of ruptured degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms remains high despite the introduction of TEVAR. In this single-center experience, there was a trend toward decreased respiratory complications and increased survival with early chest decompression of hemothorax after TEVAR.

Background Diminished pelvic arterial flow as a result of intentional coverage/embolization of internal iliac arteries (IIA) during isolated endovascular common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA) repair or endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) may result in symptomatic pelvic ischemia. Although generally well tolerated, in severe cases, pelvic ischemia may manifest as recalcitrant buttock claudication, vasculogenic impotence, or perineal, vesicle, rectal, and/or spinal cord ischemia. Branched graft technology has recently become available; however, many patients are not candidates for endovascular repair with these devices. Therefore, techniques to preserve pelvic arterial flow are needed. We reviewed our outcomes of isolated endovascular CIAA repair or EVAR in conjunction with unilateral external-internal iliac artery bypass. Methods Single-center, retrospective review of 10 consecutive patients who underwent hybrid endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or CIAA repair with concomitant external-internal iliac artery bypass between 2006 and 2015. Demographics, index procedural details, postoperative symptoms, hospital length of stay (LOS), follow-up imaging, and bypass patency were recorded. Results The cohort of 10 patients was all men with a mean age of 71 years (range: 56–84). Hybrid repair consisted of contralateral IIA coil embolization followed by EVAR with external iliac artery–internal iliac artery (EIA-IIA) bypass. All EIA-IIA bypasses were performed via a standard lower quadrant retroperitoneal approach with a prosthetic bypass graft. Technical success was 100%, and there were no perioperative deaths. One patient developed transient paraplegia, 1 patient had buttock claudication on the side of his hypogastric embolization contralateral to his iliac bypass, and 1 developed postoperative impotence. 20% of patients sustained long-term complications (buttock claudication and postoperative impotence). Mean LOS was 2.8 days (range: 1–9 days). Postoperative imaging was obtained in 90% of patients, and mean follow-up was 10.8 months (range: 0.5–36 months). All bypasses remained patent. Conclusions Although branched graft technology continues to evolve, strategies to maintain adequate pelvic circulation are necessary to avoid the devastating complications of pelvic ischemia. We have demonstrated that a hybrid approach combining EVAR or isolated endovascular common iliac artery exclusion with a unilateral external-internal iliac bypass via a retroperitoneal approach is well tolerated with a short LOS and excellent patency rates.

Background Inferior vena cava repair after planned and unplanned venotomy is performed by either interposition bypass, patch venopasty, or lateral venorrhaphy and primary repair. Primary repair of the inferior vena cava avoids the use of foreign material and allows an all-autologous repair in an expeditious fashion. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the utility of inferior vena cava repair, determine the degree of inferior vena cava stenosis, and examine clinical outcomes after primary repair. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent primary inferior vena cava repairs between January 2002 and January 2014 at a tertiary care center. Primary repair followed lateral venorrhaphy for tumor extraction or for repair of an iatrogenic inferior vena cava injury. Patient demographics, cross-sectional vena cava dimensions, and patient outcomes were tabulated. Results In total, 47 (30 men and 17 women) patients underwent primary inferior vena cava repair (median age 58 years, range 31–83 years). Twenty-six patients (15 men and 11 women) underwent en bloc radical nephrectomy, inferior vena cava tumor thrombus extraction, and primary lateral venorrhaphy (median age 61 years, range 39–83 years). The majority, 92% of these patients, had renal cell carcinoma on final pathology, with a median follow-up period of 39 months (range 1–108 months). Twenty-one patients (15 men and 6 women) underwent primary repair for iatrogenic inferior vena cava injury (median age 54 years, range 31–82 years). The median follow-up period was 18.5 months (3–110 months). Clinic follow-up with postoperative imaging was obtained in 76.9% of those undergoing tumor thrombus extraction ( n = 20) and 76.2% of those undergoing repair of an iatrogenic injury ( n = 16). Overall, there was a 13% infrarenal inferior vena cava diameter loss, 17% inferior vena cava diameter loss at the level of the renal veins, and 10% suprarenal inferior vena cava diameter loss when comparing postoperative with preoperative imaging. All patients remained asymptomatic; therefore, inferior vena cava narrowing associated with primary repair was clinically insignificant. Conclusion Primary inferior vena cava repair is associated with less than 20% inferior vena cava diameter loss and does not compromise venous outflow from the extremities. Primary inferior vena cava repair is a safe and expeditious technique that provides excellent clinical outcomes and long-term patency.

Neel A Mansukhani, Meraaj S Haleem, Mark K Eskandari Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USACorrespondence: Mark K EskandariDivision of Vascular Surgery, 676 N St. Clair St., Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60611, USATel +1 312-926-7775Fax +1 312-695-4955Email meskanda@nm.orgPurpose: The purpose of this study is to identify adverse events (device- and patient-related) associated with thoracic aortic stent graft systems and their timing post-procedure.Materials and methods: The Food and Drug Administration’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (FDA-MAUDE) voluntary database was searched for Thoracic Aortic Endovascular Repair (TEVAR) devices reported over the course of 1 year (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014). The data abstracted included the indication for treatment, device used, and adverse events.Results: During 2014, there were 334 original submissions to the FDA-MAUDE database describing 371 adverse events regarding TEVAR devices that met inclusion criteria for this study. All submissions were from manufacturers, and none were from physicians. The most common pathologies treated were thoracic aortic aneurysm (67.6%) and type B aortic dissection (25.1%). The most frequently reported intraoperative, early postoperative (30 days) events overall were technical device failure, neurologic complications (stroke, paraplegia), and endoleak, respectively. Of note, there were descriptions of retained deployment materials, late graft infections, and aorto-visceral fistula formation up to 3 years postoperatively.Conclusion: The MAUDE database is a valuable repository for complications and device failures that are not otherwise in the published literature and submitted by manufacturers relating to this relatively new technology.Keywords: TEVAR, Food and Drug Administration, MAUDE, complications

Background For patients with renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus (VTT), the importance of the extent of the VTT on survival has inconsistent published results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the VTT on morbidity and mortality of our patients with renal cell carcinoma. Methods This was a single institution review of all patients who underwent resection of renal cell carcinoma with VTT over a 15-year period. Results Thirty-seven patients (26 men, 11 women) with a mean age of 61 years were analyzed. The majority of the cohort were of Neves level II (n = 19), while 8 were of Neves 0 (only renal vein) or I, and 10 were of Neves III (extending into retrohepatic cava) or IV (extending supradiaphragmatically). When compared with Neves 0–II patients, there were more Neves III–IV patients with operative time >3 hours (70% vs 30%), blood loss >2,000 mL (70% vs 33%), and intensive care unit stay longer than one day (60% vs 30%) (P ≤ .05 each). Mean follow-up was 58 months. The overall 5-year survival was 71%, and all 10 patients with Neves III–IV had survived since the operation. Conclusion We found advanced tumor thrombus involvement did not impact long-term survival; however, cases with suprahepatic VTT had increased operative time, blood loss, and duration of hospital stay.

Leiomyosarcomas are an uncommon malignant subset of tumors accounting for approximately 20% of soft tissue sarcomas. Primary vascular leiomyosarcomas (PVLs) are a rare subset of leiomyosarcomas that may originate in the arterial or venous circulation but most commonly affect the inferior vena cava (IVC). PVLs more commonly affect women to men in a 2:1 ratio and most frequently occur in the fourth to sixth decades of life. Few reports have described this infrequent pathologic state in the setting of advanced pregnancy. Presented is a case of a 44-year-old 30-week pregnant woman who presented with a PVL of the retrohepatic IVC, which was complicated by occlusion of the IVC and tumor thrombus extension into the hepatic veins and right atrium. Herein, we describe our multidisciplinary management of this rare problem with successful surgical resection of her tumor and IVC reconstruction.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an asymptomatic aortic disease with a survival rate of 20% after rupture. It is a vascular degenerative condition different from occlusive arterial diseases. The size of the aneurysm is the most important determining factor in its clinical management. However, other measures of the AAA geometry that are currently not used clinically may also influence its rupture risk. With this in mind, the objectives of this work are to develop an algorithm to calculate the AAA wall thickness and abdominal aortic diameter at planes orthogonal to the vessel centerline, and to quantify the effect of geometric indices derived from this algorithm on the overall classification accuracy of AAA based on whether they were electively or emergently repaired. Such quantification was performed based on a retrospective review of existing medical records of 150 AAA patients (75 electively repaired and 75 emergently repaired). Using an algorithm implemented within the MATLAB computing environment, 10 diameter- and wall thickness-related indices had a significant difference in their means when calculated relative to the AAA centerline compared to calculating them relative to the medial axis. Of these 10 indices, nine were wall thickness-related while the remaining one was the maximum diameter (D(max)). D(max) calculated with respect to the medial axis is over-estimated for both electively and emergently repaired AAA compared to its counterpart with respect to the centerline. C5.0 decision trees, a machine learning classification algorithm implemented in the R environment, were used to construct a statistical classifier. The decision trees were built by splitting the data into 70% for training and 30% for testing, and the properties of the classifier were estimated based on 1000 random combinations of the 70/30 data split. The ensuing model had average and maximum classification accuracies of 81.0% and 95.6%, respectively, and revealed that the three most significant indices in classifying AAA are, in order of importance: AAA centerline length, L2-norm of the Gaussian curvature, and AAA wall surface area. Therefore, we infer that the aforementioned three geometric indices could be used in a clinical setting to assess the risk of AAA rupture by means of a decision tree classifier. This work provides support for calculating cross-sectional diameters and wall thicknesses relative to the AAA centerline and using size and surface curvature based indices in classification studies of AAA.

Background Primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. Techniques for caval reconstruction after tumor resection vary widely. Our single-center experience serves as one of the largest reviews of caval reconstruction using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) interposition grafts published in the past 10 years. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all patients who had undergone surgical resection of IVC leiomyosarcomas since January 1, 2007. Information regarding the procedure and patient-specific data was obtained from the institution's electronic medical record. Results We identified 4 patients (3 women and 1 man) who had undergone surgical resection for IVC leiomyosarcoma with PTFE graft reconstruction. Adjunct procedures (i.e., arteriovenous fistulas) were not used to maintain graft patency. There was no perioperative mortality within our patient population. One patient returned within 30 days with an acute kidney injury associated with a partially occlusive thrombus in the proximal part of the PTFE conduit. Another patient was found to have infolding of the PTFE graft due to inappropriate graft oversizing at the time of the index operation. Two patients developed distant metastases within a year of surgery, despite having tumor-free margins at the time of the initial operation. All the PTFE interposition grafts remained patent throughout the follow-up without the need for an additional intervention. Conclusions PTFE interposition graft may be a safe and effective conduit for caval reconstruction after resection of a primary leiomyosarcoma of the IVC, but further research is necessary to establish appropriate management guidelines.

Background Recurrent ischemic events have been associated with delayed carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for patients who present with acute strokes. As such, earlier intervention has been advocated to preserve cerebral function and expedient rehabilitation. We sought to determine the differences in 30-day postoperative major adverse clinical events (MACEs) for patients who undergo early (≤7 days) and delayed (>7 days) CEA after acute stroke. Methods Our sample consisted of patients captured in the CEA-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set between 2011 and 2015. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative MACEs (death, stroke, or myocardial infarction [MI]). Differences in postoperative MACEs were determined between early and delayed CEA treatment. In addition, multivariable analyses were done to determine the association between various patient factors and postoperative complications after CEA for patients who presented with acute strokes. Results A total of 3,427 patients were identified who underwent CEA for acute stroke in the CEA-targeted files between 2011 and 2015. Overall, perioperative rates of 30-day death, stroke, or MI were 1.30% (n = 43), 2.74% (n = 94), and 0.96% (n = 33), respectively. There were no differences in 30-day postoperative death, stroke, or MI for early or delayed CEA after acute strokes. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors for postoperative MACEs in patients with acute stroke were age ≥80 years (OR 2.41; 95% CI [1.15–5.06]), preoperative beta-blocker use (OR 2.11; 95% CI [1.13–3.93]), and operative time > 150 min (OR 2.39; 95% CI [0.82–4.98]). Conclusions There are no differences in postoperative 30-day death, stroke, or MI in early and delayed CEA after an acute stroke. These results substantiate the recommendation for early (

OBJECTIVE: Procedural characteristics, including stent design, may influence the outcome of carotid artery stenting (CAS). A thorough comparison of the effect of stent design on outcome of CAS is thus warranted to allow for optimal evidence-based clinical decision making. This study sought to evaluate the effect of stent design on clinical and radiologic outcomes of CAS. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases in May 2018. Included were articles reporting on the occurrence of clinical short- and intermediate-term major adverse events (MAEs; any stroke or death) or radiologic adverse events (new ischemic lesions on postprocedural magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging [MR-DWI], restenosis, or stent fracture) in different stent designs used to treat carotid artery stenosis. Random effects models were used to calculate combined overall effect sizes. Metaregression was performed to identify the effect of specific stents on MAE rates. RESULTS: From 2654 unique identified articles, two randomized, controlled trials and 66 cohort studies were eligible for analysis (including 46,728 procedures). Short-term clinical MAE rates were similar for patients treated with open cell vs closed cell or hybrid stents. Use of an Acculink stent was associated with a higher risk of short-term MAE compared with a Wallstent (risk ratio [RR], 1.51; P = .03), as was true for use of Precise stent vs Xact stent (RR, 1.55; P < .001). Intermediate-term clinical MAE rates were similar for open vs closed cell stents. Use of open cell stents predisposed to a 25% higher chance (RR, 1.25; P = .03) of developing postprocedural new ischemic lesions on MR-DWI. No differences were observed in the incidence of restenosis, stent fracture, or intraprocedural hemodynamic depression with respect to different stent design. CONCLUSIONS: Stent design is not associated with short- or intermediate-term clinical MAE rates in patients undergoing CAS. Furthermore, the division in open and closed cell stent design might conceal true differences in single stent efficacy. Nevertheless, open cell stenting resulted in a significantly higher number of subclinical postprocedural new ischemic lesions detected on MR-DWI compared with closed cell stenting. An individualized patient data meta-analysis, including future studies with prospective homogenous study design, is required to adequately correct for known risk factors and to provide definite conclusions with respect to carotid stent design for specific subgroups.

Background Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is currently the most common treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Potential predictors of long-term survival after EVAR include physiologic, functional, and cognitive status, but assessments of these conditions have been difficult to standardize. Objective radiographic findings, such as skeletal muscle atrophy, or sarcopenia, may provide an additional means for selection of patients. This study investigates sarcopenia as a method to predict 1-year survival in patients undergoing EVAR. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent elective EVAR from September 2002 to June 2014. Patients with an available periprocedural computed tomography (CT) scan and clinical data were included in the analysis. Normalized total psoas cross-sectional area (nTPA) was measured on axial CT images using the area of the bilateral psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebral level normalized to the square of patient height. A threshold for optimal estimate of sarcopenia based on nTPA was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Sarcopenia was evaluated as an independent risk predictor using univariate, multivariate, and survival analysis. Results A total of 272 EVAR-treated patients were evaluated, including 237 men and 35 women with a median age of 72 years and mean body mass index of 28.6 kg/m2. There was a significant increase in overall mortality in patients in the lowest quartile of nTPA (Q1, 23.53%; Q2, 13.24%; Q3, 7.35%; Q4, 5.88%; P = .01). The estimated nTPA threshold for increased mortality after EVAR was 500 mm2/m2. Using this threshold, sarcopenia accounted for 57% of the risk effect in our 1-year survival model. Conclusions Sarcopenia can assist in identifying EVAR candidates who are less likely to benefit from surgery. It can be readily evaluated from preoperative CT scans and may be a useful tool in evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients with applications in risk evaluation and telemedicine.

Purpose To identify factors independently associated with disease recurrence after venoplasty and stent placement for May–Thurner syndrome (MTS). Materials and Methods Fifty-nine consecutive patients (age, 47 y ± 15; 93% female) were identified who had undergone endovascular stent placement for MTS. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data, risk factors for venous thrombosis, comorbidities, and venous inflow or outflow at first follow-up (3 wk to 6 mo after treatment). Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of symptom recurrence or repeat intervention, and multivariate analysis of variance and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis were used to assess relationships between degrees of in-stent stenosis and other variables in the 73% of patients with available cross-sectional imaging. Median follow up was 20.7 months (interquartile range, 4.7–49.5 mo). Results All procedures were technically successful. Disease recurrence, defined as symptom recurrence following initial postprocedural resolution, was observed in 38% of patients. No preprocedural variable was found to be independently predictive of disease recurrence; however, poor venous inflow or outflow were both strongly associated with recurrent disease, with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 38.02 (3.76–384.20; P = .002) and 7.00 (1.15–42.71; P = .04), respectively. Higher degrees of in-stent stenosis were also associated with symptom recurrence, with an area under the curve of 0.93 (P = .000002) and 39%–41% stenosis being 78%–83% sensitive and 88%–92% specific for symptom recurrence. Conclusions These results suggest that cross-sectional imaging can help differentiate patients in whom closer follow-up may be warranted after venoplasty and stent placement for MTS and also guide counseling regarding prognosis.