Background Percutaneous femoral vascular access is frequently used for aortic endovascular procedures, with a local access complication rate of 5% to 16%. Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair ...(FEVAR) has recently emerged as a new technique for the repair of short-neck and juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. The safety and effectiveness of percutaneous access for FEVAR has not been established to date. Methods Since United States Food and Drug Administration approval of the Zenith fenestrated aortic endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), 94 patients (60 Zenith fenestrated, 6 p-Branch, and 28 custom-made devices) have undergone FEVAR. Percutaneous access was performed using the “preclose” technique with the Perclose Proglide device (Abbott Vascular, Redwood City, Calif). Open access was performed when severely disease or calcified femoral arteries prevented percutaneous access. Patient-based analysis was performed assessing outcomes for the access site used for the larger profile sheath of the main device. Results Percutaneous access was used in 90 patients (177 common femoral arteries) and open access in four (11 common femoral arteries). Arm access was used in 41 patients (44%). The median sheath size was 20F (interquartile range IQR, 20F-22F). Median operative time was 207 minutes (IQR, 160-270 minutes), with a median blood loss of 500 mL (IQR, 300-700 mL). The percutaneous access success rate was 92%. No preoperative factors predicted technical failure. No 30-day deaths occurred. Patients with failed percutaneous closure and who required conversion to open repair had higher estimated median blood loss of 800 (IQR, 600-1200) vs 500 (IQR, 300-600) mL ( P = .01) and a longer median time to start ambulation of 4 (IQR, 2-7) vs 2 (IQR, 1-3) days ( P = .03). Patients undergoing percutaneous closure had lower median blood loss (500 mL; IQR, 300-600 mL) than patients who underwent open surgical access (800 mL; IQR, 750-800 mL). Postoperative complications related to vascular access occurred in 11 patients (12%). Conclusions Percutaneous femoral access is a safe and effective alternative to open access for FEVAR. Operative blood loss and longer time to ambulation are significantly increased after failed percutaneous closure.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Objective Although imaging surveillance is mandatory for all patients after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), many patients are not compliant with follow-up. We sought to determine predictors of ...compliance with EVAR surveillance and to examine how compliance with current surveillance protocols correlates with survival. Methods We analyzed 188 patients who underwent EVAR at our institution for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) between 2001 and 2011. The primary end point was compliance with post-EVAR surveillance recommendations. Univariate analysis included patient demographics and socioeconomic information, AAA characteristics, EVAR hospital course variables, late complications and secondary interventions, length of follow-up, smoking status, family history of AAA, driving distances, primary care providers, and medical comorbidities. Mortality was determined by the Social Security Death Index. Multinomial logistic regressions were fit to identify independent predictors of compliance. Survival plots were generated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine effect of compliance on survival after adjusting for confounders. Results Of 188 patients, 89 (47.3%) were 100% compliant with follow-up visits and imaging, 21 (11.1%) were moderately compliant by missing appointments, and 78 (41.4%) were lost to follow-up completely. Overall median age was 74 years, and 81.9% of patients were male. Late complications occurred in 77 patients (40.9%), secondary interventions were performed in 32 patients (17%), and 5-year mortality was 21.2%. Mean follow-up interval was >40 months for 100% compliant and moderately compliant patients and <20 months for those lost to follow-up ( P < .0001). In adjusted analysis, late complications (odds ratio OR, 2.71; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.32-5.55; P = .007), absence of social work consultation (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.12-5.27; P = .024), and family history of AAA (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.06-6.75; P = .037) were associated with 100% compliance, whereas shorter driving distances ( P = .051) and shorter hospital stay ( P = .056) approached significance. Transient ischemic attack or stroke (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.18-10.91; P = .024) was the only variable independently associated with moderate compliance. Compared with patients lost to follow-up, 100% compliant patients had worse survival (log-rank test, P = .033), whereas moderately compliant patients' survival was not significantly different (log-rank test, P = .149). In adjusted Cox regression analysis, 100% compliant patients had decreased survival duration (rate ratio, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.18-6.06; P = .018) compared with those lost to follow-up. Conclusions Follow-up surveillance is incomplete for more than half of patients who undergo EVAR at our institution, and patient compliance can be predicted by covariates mentioned before. Compliance with current surveillance regimens does not confer a survival benefit. Further research individualizing surveillance protocols based on risk level of late complications and noncompliance and prospective studies examining resulting survival benefits of compliance are warranted.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Objective Renal dysfunction following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. We studied the use of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) as a ...non-nephrotoxic contrast agent for EVAR. Methods Recorded data from 114 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR with CO2 as the contrast agent over 44 months were retrospectively analyzed. CO2 was used exclusively in 72 patients and in an additional 42 patients iodinated contrast (IC) was given (mean, 37 mL). Renal and hypogastric artery localization and completion angiography were done with CO2 in all patients, including additional arterial embolization in 16 cases. Preoperative National Kidney Foundation glomerular filtration rate (GFR) classification was normal in 16 patients, mildly decreased in 52, moderate to severely decreased in 44, and two patients were on dialysis. Results All graft deployments were successful with no surgical conversions. CO2 angiography identified 20 endoleaks (two type 1, 16 type 2, and two type 4) and three unintentionally covered arteries. Additional use of IC in 42 patients did not modify the procedure in any case. When compared with a cohort of patients who underwent EVAR using exclusively IC, the operative time was shorter with CO2 (177 vs 194 minutes; P = .01); fluoroscopy time was less (21 vs 28 minutes; P = .002), and volume of IC was lower (37 vs 106 mL; P < .001). Postoperatively, there were two deaths, two instances of renal failure requiring dialysis, and no complications related to CO2 use. Among patients with moderate to severely decreased GFR, those undergoing EVAR with IC had a 12.7% greater decrease in GFR compared with the CO2 EVAR group ( P = .004). At 1, 6, and 12-month follow-up, computed tomography angiography showed well-positioned endografts with the expected patent renal and hypogastric arteries in all patients and no difference in endoleak detection compared with the IC EVAR group. During follow-up, eight transluminal interventions and one open conversion were required, and no aneurysm-related deaths occurred. Conclusions CO2 -guided EVAR is technically feasible and safe; it eliminates or reduces the need for IC use, may expedite the procedure, and avoids deterioration in renal function in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency. A prospective trial comparing CO2 with IC during EVAR is warranted.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Objective Abdominal aortic coarctation is uncommon and often complicated with coexisting splanchnic and renal artery occlusive disease. This study was undertaken to define the clinical and anatomic ...characteristics of this entity, as well as the technical issues and outcomes of its operative treatment. Methods Fifty-three patients, 34 males and 19 females, underwent surgical treatment of abdominal aortic coarctations from 1963-2008 at the University of Michigan. Patient ages in years ranged from 2-4 (n = 4), 5-8 (n = 17), 9-14 (n = 16), 15-20 (n = 11) and 25-49 (n = 5). The mean age was 11.9 years. Developmental disease (n = 48), inflammatory aortitis (n = 4), and iatrogenic trauma (n = 1) were suspected etiologies. Aortic coarctations were suprarenal (n = 37), intrarenal (n = 12), or infrarenal (n = 4). Patients often had coexisting occlusive disease of the splanchnic (n = 33) and renal (n = 46) arteries. Results Major clinical manifestations included: aortic and renal artery-related secondary hypertension (n = 50), symptomatic lower extremity ischemia (n = 3), and intestinal angina (n = 3). Primary aortic reconstructive procedures included: thoracoabdominal bypass (n = 26), patch aortoplasty (n = 24), or an aortoaortic interposition graft (n = 3). Primary splanchnic (n = 19) or renal (n = 47) arterial reconstructions were performed as simultaneous (n = 45) or staged (n = 13) procedures in relation to the aortic surgery. Benefits existed regarding improved control of hypertension (n = 46), as well as elimination of extremity ischemia (n = 3) and mesenteric angina (n = 3). Secondary renal or splanchnic arterial reoperations (n = 8) were performed without mortality 5 days to 12 years postoperative for failed primary procedures. Secondary aortic procedures, 5 to 14 years postoperative, were performed for patch aortoplasties that became stenotic (n = 2) or aneurysmal (n = 1), and when thoracoabdominal bypasses developed an anastomotic narrowing (n = 1) or proved inadequate in size with patient growth (n = 1). No perioperative mortality accompanied either the primary or secondary aortic reconstructive procedures. Conclusion Abdominal aortic coarctation represents a complex vascular disease. Individualized treatment changed little over the period of study, remaining dependent on the pattern of anatomic lesions, patient age, and anticipated growth potential. This experience documented salutary outcomes exceeding 90% following carefully performed operative therapy.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The purpose of this study is to better define the clinical relevance of aneurysms affecting collateral vessels in patients with celiac artery (CA) occlusive disease.
True pancreaticoduodenal artery ...(PDA) and gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysms associated with CA stenoses or occlusions reported from 1970 to 2010 in the English literature and similar cases treated at the University of Michigan were reviewed. Clinical presentations and differing treatment modalities were documented and analyzed.
One hundred twenty-five patients having CA occlusive disease exhibited true arterial aneurysms affecting the PDA (105 patients), GDA (10 patients), or both PDA and GDA and their branches (10 patients). Aneurysm size averaged 2.1 cm. Included were 110 patients culled from the literature and 15 treated by the authors. The mean age of patients in this series was 59 years and there was no gender predilection. Aneurysms were asymptomatic in 26%. Abdominal pain affected 54% of the patients, including all who experienced rupture. Rupture occurred in 48 patients of whom 15 were hemodynamically unstable, including 6 who died. Surgical interventions included endovascular embolization (39), aneurysmectomy alone (25), and aneurysmectomy with arterial reconstruction (20). Salutary outcomes occurred in 91% of the cases. Open surgical procedures have remained constant, but were equaled by endovascular interventions in 1996, with the latter having increased 3-fold in the past 15 years.
PDA and GDA aneurysms associated with CA occlusive disease carry a high risk of nonfatal rupture, warranting early treatment. Endovascular and open interventions may be successfully undertaken with minimal risks in treating these uncommon aneurysms.
Background The role of gender on perioperative outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has not been established. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ...gender on perioperative outcomes after FEVAR for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms using premanufactured devices. Methods During a 2-year period, 79 patients (63 men 80% and 16 women 20%) underwent FEVAR using Zenith Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Grafts, investigational Zenith pivot branch (p-branch) devices and fenestrated custom-made devices. A single-institutional study was performed to evaluate postoperative outcomes after FEVAR. The χ2 , Fisher's, and nonparametric tests were used for bivariate analysis. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results Median age was 73 years (interquartile range IQR, 68-79 years). The median number of fenestrations was three. There was no difference in aneurysm anatomic location, size, or number of fenestrations between patients in either group. Women were more likely to undergo endoconduits at the access site before the target procedure (19% vs 2%; P = .02). The overall postoperative complication rate was similar among females and males (31% vs 33%; P > .5). However, women experienced longer times in the intensive care unit (median, 3 days IQR, 2-5 vs 2 IQR, 1-3; P = .05) and longer duration of hospital stay (median, 4.5 days IQR, 3-6.5 vs 3 IQR, 2-4; P < .01). Similarly, the rate of reinterventions was higher among women, 25% vs 5% ( P = .02). For renal adverse events, there was a trend for a higher rate of renal function deterioration based in creatinine levels among women, when compared with men (18% vs 5%; P = .09). Multivariate analysis showed that female gender was associated with a 8-fold increased risk of renal function deterioration (odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 6.1-10.8). Female gender was also identified as in independent factor for reinterventions at 30 days (odds ratio, 7.4; 95% confidence interval, 6.7-8.1). Conclusions FEVAR is a safe and effective procedure for patients at high and standard risk for open repair who are not eligible for standard EVAR. Women are at greater risk for more severe renal function deterioration, early reinterventions and longer durations of hospital and intensive care unit stay.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Background New paradigms for training cardiothoracic surgeons have been introduced, including the integrated thoracic surgery residency. Currently, a limited number of these programs exist, and all ...candidates apply to both integrated thoracic and general surgery residencies. We sought to investigate the applicants’ experiences applying for both types of positions. Methods An online survey was distributed to applicants to three integrated thoracic surgery programs during a 2-year period. Results The response rate was 50% (90 of 180). Most respondents were fourth-year medical students (81%; 72 of 89) and were interested in adult cardiac surgery (81%; 73 of 90). Sixty-one percent (55 of 90) had an interest in cardiothoracic surgery before clinical clerkships, and 93% (84 of 90) tailored their clinical education to this interest. Fifty-seven percent (49 of 86) scored above 230 on the USMLE Step 1 examination. Ninety-two percent (80 of 87) performed research during medical school, and 78% (62 of 80), specifically within cardiothoracic surgery; 76% (61 of 80) published their work. The number of general surgery interviews varied widely, but 46% (36 of 79) interviewed at one to five integrated thoracic surgery programs, and 39% (31 of 79) interviewed at six to ten integrated thoracic surgery programs. During general surgery interviews, 36% (24 of 66) received negative comments regarding applying to integrated thoracic residencies. Fifty-two percent (38 of 73) thought that their application to integrated thoracic programs diminished their chances to match at a general surgery program. Conclusions The applicants to the integrated thoracic surgery residencies become interested in cardiothoracic surgery early and tailor their clinical education to this interest. Although they are academically successful, they report significant negativity regarding their applications to both general surgery and integrated thoracic residencies.
The Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions (CORAL) Trial cast doubt on the benefits of renal artery stenting (RAS). However, the outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease ...(CKD) were not analyzed separately in the CORAL Trial. We hypothesized that patients who experienced a significant improvement in renal function after RAS would have improved long-term survival, compared with patients whose renal function was not improved by stenting.
This single-center retrospective study included 60 patients with stage 3 or worse CKD and renal artery occlusive disease who were treated with RAS for renal salvage. Patients were categorized as "responders" or "nonresponders" based on postoperative changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after RAS. "Responders" were those patients with an improvement of at least 20% in eGFR over baseline; all others were categorized as "nonresponders." Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify predictors of long-term survival.
The median age of the cohort was 66 years (interquartile range IQR, 60-73). Median preoperative eGFR was 34 mL/min/1.73 m
(IQR, 24-45). At late follow-up (median 35 months, IQR, 22-97 months), 16 of 60 patients (26.7%) were categorized as "responders" with a median increase in postoperative eGFR of 40% (IQR, 21-67). Long-term survival was superior for responders, compared with nonresponders (P = 0.046 by log-rank test). Cox proportional hazards regression identified improved renal function after RAS as the only significant predictor of increased long-term survival (hazard ratio = 0.235, 95% confidence interval = 0.075-0.733; P = 0.0126 for improved versus worsened renal function after RAS).
Successful salvage of renal function by RAS is associated with improved long-term survival. These data provide an important counter argument to the prior negative clinical trials that found no benefit to RAS.
Introduction Renal transplantation has been performed with increasing frequency, and interventions to preserve graft function and integrity have been steadily increasing. This study examines the ...outcomes of endovascular therapy based on indication for renal transplant allograft salvage. Methods A prospective transplant registry was queried for all patients undergoing endovascular interventions for transplant allograft salvage from 2002 to 2011. Demographics, perioperative data, and transplant function outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results Among 34 renal transplant recipients (62% men) who underwent endovascular interventions for graft salvage, the mean age was 48.2 years (range, 18-74 years). The indications for intervention included worsening renal function in 15, renovascular hypertension in 11, and structural abnormalities identified on noninvasive imaging in eight. Transluminal angioplasty with and without stenting was done in 26 patients: 14 patients (41.2%) with significant transplant stenosis, 11 (32.4%) with peripheral arterial disease in proximal iliac vessels, and one patient with iliac dissection. Five arteriovenous fistulas and two pseudoaneurysms required embolization. One patient required lysis for deep venous thrombosis causing obstruction of allograft outflow. There were no periprocedural deaths, and 30-day morbidity was 17.6%. Renal function improved or stabilized in 67% of patients with worsening renal function. Better blood pressure control was achieved in patients with renovascular hypertension. Mean follow-up was 4.2 years. There were no significant differences in transplant allograft survival during the duration of follow-up based on primary indication for endovascular intervention, but transplant graft survival at follow-up was significantly better in patients with renovascular hypertension at the initial endovascular intervention. Conclusions Endovascular salvage of renal allograft transplants can be safely done for various indications. The maximum benefit in renal function as assessed by serum creatinine and control of blood pressure is seen in patients with worsening renal function and in the presence of renovascular hypertension, respectively. Long-term transplant graft function was significantly better in patients with renovascular hypertension at the initial endovascular intervention.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Summaries of Key Journal Articles Eagle, Kim A., MD; Cannon, Christopher P., MD; Armstrong, William F., MD ...
Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
07/2012, Volume:
60, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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