This systematic review and meta-analysis reports the outcomes of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in patients with not immediately threatening (Rutherford I) acute lower limb ischaemia (ALI).
...PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.
A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify observational studies and trials published between 1990 and 2022 reporting on the results of CDT in patients with Rutherford I ALI. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The outcomes of interests were treatment duration, angiographic success, bleeding complications, amputation and mortality rates, primary and secondary patency, and functional outcome expressed as pain free walking distance.
Thirty-nine studies were included, comprising 1 861 patients who received CDT for not immediately threatening ALI. Funnel plots showed an indication of publication bias, and heterogeneity was substantial. Data from 5 to 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled treatment duration was 2 days (95% CI 1 – 2), with an angiographic success rate of 80% (95% CI 73 – 86) and a 30 day freedom of amputation rate of 98% (95% CI 92 – 100). The major bleeding rate was 5% (95% CI 2 – 14), with a 30 day mortality rate of 3% (95% CI 1 – 5). The amputation free survival rate was 71% (95% CI 62 – 80) at the one year and 63% (95% CI 51 – 73) at the three year follow up. Long term patency rates were retrieved from four studies: 48% at one year (95% CI 27 – 70). No data could be retrieved on patient walking distance.
Although CDT in the treatment of not immediately threatening ALI showed high angiographic success, the long term outcomes were relatively poor, with low patency and a substantial risk of major amputation. Further research is required to interpret the outcome of CDT in the context of potential confounders such as age and comorbidities.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Large imaging systems in hybrid operating rooms are used increasingly. However, the effect of these ceiling-mounted imaging systems on air quality during surgical procedures has not been studied to ...date.
To evaluate the level of colony-forming units (cfu)/m3 near the surgical wound and near the instrument table during surgery.
Measurements were performed in four hybrid operating rooms at four different hospitals. During surgical procedures, at least three samples were taken with active slit air samplers. At the end of the day's surgical schedule, simulations involving movement of the ceiling-mounted system were also performed. The threshold value for the average cfu level during a surgical procedure was set at ≤10 cfu/m3, and for individual samples was set at ≤30 cfu/m3.
The median value near the surgical wound was 1 cfu/m3 and at the instrument table was 2 cfu/m3. However, in one hybrid operating room (two procedures out of 16) where the instrument table was not positioned directly under the unidirectional flow (UDF) system, the threshold value for the average cfu level at the instrument table was exceeded. For one of these procedures, the maximum value for an individual sample was also exceeded.
A ceiling-mounted imaging system in combination with a UDF system can result in cfu levels near the surgical wound and at the instrument table that are well below the threshold value of 10 cfu/m3 during surgery. If the instrument table is not positioned directly under the UDF system, the cfu level is higher.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The long-term success of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is limited by complications, most importantly endoleaks. In case of (persistent) type I endoleak (T1EL), secondary intervention is ...indicated to prevent secondary aneurysm rupture. Different treatment options are suggested for T1ELs, such as endo anchors, (fenestrated) cuffs, embolization, or open conversion. Currently, the treatment of T1EL with liquid embolic agents is available; however, results are not yet addressed. This review presents the safety and efficacy of embolization with liquid embolic agents for treatment of T1ELs after EVAR.
A systematic literature search was performed for all studies reporting the use of liquid embolic agents as monotherapy for treatment of T1ELs after EVAR. Patient numbers, technical success (successful delivery of liquid embolics in the T1EL) and clinical success (absence of aneurysm related death, endoleak recurrence or additional interventions during follow-up) were examined.
Of 1604 articles, 10 studies met the selection criteria, including 194 patients treated with liquid embolics; 73.2% of the patients were male with a median age of 71 years. The overall technical success was 97.9%. Clinical success was 87.6%. Because the median follow-up was only 13.0 months (range, 1-89 months), data on long-term success are almost absent. Four cases (2.1%) of secondary aneurysm rupture after embolization owing to endoleak recurrence were reported. All ruptures occurred in aneurysms exceeding initial treatment diameter of 70 mm.
Initial technical success after liquid embolization for T1EL is high, although long-term clinical success rates are lacking. Within this review, the risk of secondary rupture is comparable with untreated T1EL at 2% with a median follow-up of 13 months, regardless of the initial success of embolization. In general, no decrease in secondary aneurysm rupture after embolization of T1EL after EVAR is demonstrated, although the results of late embolization are debated.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The aim of this study is to share preliminary experiences and outcomes with a novel custom-made fenestrated TREO
Abdominal Stent-Graft System to treat juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic ...aneurysms (AAAs).
Juxtarenal and pararenal AAA patients treated with the custom-made fenestrated TREO
Abdominal Stent-Graft System were included from 4 high-volume European academic medical centers from June 2021 to September 2023. Technical success and 30-day/in-hospital mortality and complications were analyzed. Technical success was defined as successful endovascular implantation of the stent graft with preservation of antegrade flow to the target vessels, and absence of type 1 or 2 endoleak (EL) at the first postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA).
Forty-two consecutive patients were included. The majority of the devices were constructed with 2 (N=4; 9.5%), 3 (N=9; 21.4%), or 4 (N=27; 64%) fenestrations. In 1 case, the device was constructed with a single fenestration (2.4%) and 1 device contained 5 fenestrations (2.4%); 17% had previous AAA repair. Target vessel cannulation with placement of a bridging stent was successful in all but 1 vessel (99, 3%). One aneurysm-related death occurred in the direct postoperative period and 2 limb occlusions necessitated reintervention during admission. In the median follow-up period of 101 (2-620) days, 3 more patients died due to non-aneurysm-related causes. Technical success was achieved in 90% of the cases. Nineteen ELs were seen on the first postoperative CT scan: 1 type 1b EL (N=1; 2%), 15 type 2 ELs (N=15; 36%), and 3 type 3 ELs (N=3%). Eleven patients received more than 1 CT scan during a median follow-up of 361 days (82-620): 3 type 2 ELs resolved and 1 type 3 EL was treated in this period. In the follow-up, 1 patient had a coagulation disorder that caused occlusions of the branches.
The results of the first experiences using the custom-made fenestrated TREO® Abdominal Stent-Graft System in Europe are promising. There was a low short-term mortality and morbidity rate in these patients of which 17% had previous AAA repair. Mid-term and long-term follow-up data are needed to evaluate endograft durability and performance.
This study shows the first experiences and short-term results of a novel low-profile custom-made device: the custom-made fenestrated TREO
Abdominal Stent-Graft System. Showing these results and experiences can help the physicians in clinical decision-making for their patients.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
An aortoduodenal fistula (ADF) is an unusual, but serious complication following surgical or endovascular aortic repair. The optimal treatment for ADF consists of removal of the infected ...graft with in situ or extra-anatomical repair and is associated with high mortality. Part of this mortality is caused by re-bleeding or aortic stump ruptures. Classical treatment of an aortic stump rupture involves immediate re-laparotomy, removal of infected tissue, aortic stump formation and reinforcement with soft tissue flaps.
However, this invasive treatment is often difficult to perform and the condition of the patient frequently requires a more rapid response. We describe a case in which an aortic stump rupture was treated endovascularly by using an Amplatzer® Vascular Plug, which successfully stopped the bleeding.
Case presentation
This report describes a 67-year-old man who was presented with persistent duodenal leakage (due to secondary duodenal perforation) after resection and open in-situ repair of an infected aorto-bi-femoral prosthetic graft. An extra-anatomical reconstruction was performed with an axillo-bi-femoral bypass, followed by excision of the prosthesis, aortic stump formation, partial duodenal resection and duodenojejunal reconstruction. Twelve weeks later, sudden severe hematemesis with severe hemodynamic instability occurred. Computed tomography angiography showed extravasation of blood from the aortic stump into the duodenal loop. Endovascular treatment of the aortic stump blow-out with an Amplatzer® Vascular Plug was performed, which successfully stopped the bleeding and stabilized the patient. The duodenal fistula was treated conservatively. Three months later, the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation clinic in a good clinical condition. The patient was still alive after a follow-up of 4 years.
Conclusions
Rapid treatment is requested in cases of aortic stump rupture. Re-laparotomy is practically never the most suitable solution and most of these aortic stump ruptures are fatal. Endovascular treatment could be a suitable alternative. Whether the endovascular treatment of aortic stump rupture is a definitive treatment or a bridge to surgery remains to be elucidated.
Objective
In the Netherlands, the majority of hereditary head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGL) are caused by germline variants in the succinate dehydrogenase genes (SDHD, SDHB, SDHAF2). Here, we ...evaluate a four‐generation family linked to a novel SDHB gene variant with the manifestation of a HNPGL.
Design
A family‐based study.
Setting
The VU University Medical Center (VUmc) Amsterdam, a tertiary clinic for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.
Participants and main outcome measures
The index patients presented with an embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma and a non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Array‐based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) analysis and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) revealed a novel deletion of exon 1‐3 in the SDHB gene, suspected to predispose to paraganglioma (PGL)/pheochromocytoma (PHEO) syndrome type 4. Subsequently, genetic counselling and DNA testing were offered to all family members at risk. Individuals that tested positive for this novel SDHB gene variant were counselled and additional clinical evaluation was offered for the identification of HNPGL and/or PHEO.
Results
The DNA of 18 family members was tested, resulting in the identification of 10 carriers of the exon 1‐3 deletion in the SDHB gene. One carrier was diagnosed with a carotid body PGL and serum catecholamine excess, which was surgically excised. Negative SDHB immunostaining of the carotid body tumour confirmed that it was caused by the SDHB variant. The remaining 9 carriers showed no evidence of PGL/PHEO.
Conclusion
Deletion of exon 1‐3 in the SDHB gene is a novel germline variant associated with the formation of hereditary HNPGL.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The incidence of peripheral arterial occlusions in Asian populations is likely to increase exponentially in the present and future decades due to the adapted Western lifestyle in metropolitan Asian ...life, extended life expectancies, and high rates of smoking. The literature on thrombolytic treatment of peripheral arterial occlusions in Asian populations is limited. Therefore, we evaluated the thrombolysis results in a real-world contemporary Asian cohort of patients with peripheral arterial occlusions.
Retrospective review of all electronic patient records of patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy for peripheral arterial occlusions between July 2011 and July 2016 was conducted. Outcomes were angiographic patency, clinical success, bleeding complications, amputation rates, and mortality rates.
In total, 82 patients (median age 66 years, range 34-95) underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis. Median treatment duration was 26 hr (3-209). Angiographic patency and clinical success rates were 64% and 66%, respectively. Bleeding complications occurred in 12% of patients of which 6% were major. Amputation-free rates were 81%, 67%, and 63% for 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 6%.
This study demonstrates that thrombolytic treatment of peripheral arterial occlusions in an Asian patient cohort yields comparable treatment success rates to Western cohorts; however, higher rates of bleeding complications are hazardous and remain a detrimental drawback of this treatment.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and bleeding complications associated with a low-dose thrombolysis protocol for thromboembolic lower extremity arterial occlusions. Design A retrospective cohort ...study. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis was performed using data from all consecutive patients who underwent catheter-directed, intra-arterial thrombolysis for thromboembolic lower extremity arterial occlusions between January 2004 and May 2013. All patients were treated on a standard surgical ward. Endpoints were incidence of bleeding complications, duration of thrombolysis, angiographic patency rate, 30-day mortality rate, and amputation-free rate at 6 months. Results Of the 171 cases analyzed, 129 cases underwent low-dose thrombolysis and 42 underwent high-dose thrombolysis. No major bleeding complications occurred in the low-dose group versus 5% in the high-dose group ( p = .01). The median duration of thrombolysis was 67 hours (4–304 hours) in the low-dose and 49 hours (2–171 hours) in the high-dose group ( p = .027). Angiographic patency was restored in 67% of the cases in the low-dose group versus 79% of the high-dose group ( p = .17). The 30-day mortality rates were 1% in the low-dose versus 5% in the high-dose group ( p = .09). However, this higher mortality rate was not related to bleeding complications. Major amputation-free rates at 6 months were 81% in the low-dose group and 88% in the high-dose group ( p = .22). Conclusions Based on this data series, low-dose thrombolysis for thromboembolic lower extremity arterial occlusions is as effective as high-dose thrombolysis; however, the risk of major bleeding complications is substantially lower when using low-dose thrombolysis.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Is it feasible to perform uterus transplantations (UTx) in a tertiary centre in the Netherlands?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Considering all ethical principles, surgical risks and ...financial aspects, we have concluded that at this time, it is not feasible to establish the UTx procedure at our hospital.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
UTx is a promising treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. It is currently being investigated within several clinical trials worldwide and has resulted in the live birth of 19 children so far. Most UTx procedures are performed in women with the Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a congenital disorder characterized by absence of the uterus. In the Netherlands, the only possible option for these women for having children is adoption or surrogacy.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
We performed a feasibility study to search for ethical, medical and financial support for performing UTx at the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
For this feasibility study, we created a special interest group, including gynaecologists, transplant surgeons, researchers and a financial advisor. Also, in collaboration with the patients’ association for women with MRKH, a questionnaire study was performed to research the decision-making in possible recipients. In this paper, we present an overview of current practices and literature on UTx and discuss the results of our feasibility study.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
A high level of interest from the possible recipients became apparent from our questionnaire amongst women with MRKH. The majority (64.8%) positively considered UTx with a live donor, with 69.6% having a potential donor available. However, this ‘non-life-saving transplantation’ requires careful balancing of risks and benefits. The UTx procedure includes two complex surgeries and unknown consequences for the unborn child. The costs for one UTx are calculated to be around €100 000 and will not be compensated by medical insurance. The Clinical Ethics Committee places great emphasis on the principle of non-maleficence and the ‘fair distribution of health services’.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
In the Netherlands, alternatives for having children are available and future collaboration with experienced foreign clinics that offer the procedure is a possibility not yet investigated.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The final assessment of this feasibility study is that that there are not enough grounds to support this procedure at our hospital at this point in time. We will closely follow the developments and will re-evaluate the feasibility in the future.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This feasibility study was funded by the VU Medical Center (Innovation grant 2017). No conflicts of interest have been reported relevant to the subject of all authors.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
n.a
The anterior communicating artery (AcoA) and posterior communicating arteries (PcoA) of the circle of Willis provide the main route for collateral blood flow in cases of carotid artery obstruction. ...Transcranial color-coded duplex ultrasonography (TCCD) allows real-time measurement of the collateral function of the AcoA and PcoA. The primary objective of this study was to determine the collateral artery threshold diameters for supplying collateral flow.
In 12 acute stroke patients with a median age of 75 years (51 to 91 years), the collateral integrity of the circle of Willis as assessed by TCCD and carotid compression tests was compared with their postmortem anatomy. The lengths and diameters of the collateral arteries were measured.
TCCD demonstrated absent anterior collateral flow in 3 patients. In 1 of these patients, absence of anterior cross-flow was due to an occluded anterior cerebral artery, which was revealed at autopsy. Absent posterior collateral flow was found in 14 hemispheres. In 2 of these hemispheres, autopsy revealed a fetal configuration of the posterior cerebral artery hampering posterior collateral flow. The median (range) diameters as found at autopsy of the functional (n=19) and nonfunctional (n=16) collateral arteries of the circle of Willis were 1.1 (0.4 to 2.0) and 0.5 (0.3 to 0.7) mm, respectively (P=0.003). PcoA diameters were found to correlate negatively (rho=-0. 50, P=0.01) to the diameters of their accessory P1 segments.
The threshold diameter allowing for cross-flow through the primary collateral arteries of the circle of Willis is between 0. 4 and 0.6 mm.
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