Complex aortic aneurysms (juxtarenal aortic aneurysms JAAA, pararenal aortic aneurysms PAAAs, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms TAAAs) are treated with increasing frequency through fenestrated and ...branched endovascular repair (F/B-EVAR); however, the outcome of these procedures is usually reported separately by single experiences and wider overviews are not frequent. The aim of this study was therefore to report an Italian experience analyzing the results obtained in four academic centers to evaluate the predictors of outcomes.
Between 2008 and 2019, all consecutive patients undergoing F/B-EVAR in four Italian university centers were recorded prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative comorbidities and postoperative complications were classified according with the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standard. Postoperative complications and 30-day/in-hospital mortality were assessed as early outcomes. Survival, freedom from reinterventions and target visceral vessels patency were assessed as follow-up outcomes by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Risk factors for 30-day/in-hospital mortality and spinal cord ischemia (SCI) were determined by multivariate analysis. Risk factors for follow-up mortality and reinterventions were evaluated by Cox regression model.
Five hundred ninety-six patients underwent F/B-EVAR for 124 JAAAs (21%), 121 PAAAs (20%), and 351 TAAAs (59%). Elective and urgent procedures were performed in 520 (87%) and 76 (13%) cases, respectively. Postoperative cardiac, pulmonary, and renal complications were reported in 41 (7%), 50 (8%), and 80 (13%) patients, respectively. Seven bowel ischemia (1%) and 23 cerebrovascular complications (4%) occurred. Forty-seven (8%) patients suffered SCI with 17 cases (3%) of permanent paraplegia. Crawford's extent I-II-III TAAAs (odds ratio OR, 13.41; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.77-101.65; P = .012) and postoperative renal complications (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.70-8.69; P = .001) independently predicted SCI. Thirty-two patients (5%) died in the perioperative period. Preoperative chronic renal failure (OR, 7.81; 95% CI, 7.81-26.31; P = .001), postoperative bowel ischemia (OR, 26.97; 95% CI, 3.37-215.5; P = .002), cardiac complications (OR, 5.77; 95% CI, 1.41-23.64; P ≤ .001), cerebrovascular complications (OR, 28.63; 95% CI, 5.20-157.5; P < .001), and SCI (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.12-32.5; P = .036) were independently correlated with 30-day/in-hospital mortality. The mean follow-up was 25 ± 7 months. Freedom from target visceral vessels occlusion and freedom from reintervention were 96% and 92% at 1 year and 93% and 85% at 3 years, respectively. TAAAs (hazard ratio HR. 3.16; 95% CI, 1.68-5.92; P ≤ .001), postdissection TAAAs (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.30-4.90; P = .05) and postoperative bowel ischemia (HR, 11.98; 95% CI, 1.53-93.31; P = .018) were independent predictors of reinterventions. Survival was 88% and 78% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Preoperative chronic renal failure (HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.59-3.59; P ≤ .001), urgent repair (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.03-3.20; P = .039), TAAAs (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.13-3.56; P = .017), postoperative bowel ischemia (HR, 5.55; 95% CI, 2.11-14.59; P = .001), cardiac complications (HR, 3.89; 95% CI, 2.25-6.71; P ≤ .001), and pulmonary complications (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.56-3.35; P = .013) were independent predictors of mortality during follow-up.
F/B-EVAR is associated with satisfactory midterm outcomes in a nationwide experience. A variety of risk factors should be considered in F/B-EVAR indications and postoperative patient management to decrease the risk of postoperative complications and improve midterm outcomes.
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Introduction:
Women are generally underrepresented in trials focusing on aortic aneurysm. Nevertheless, sex-related differences have recently emerged from several studies and registries. The aim of ...this research was to assess whether sex-related anatomical disparities existed in fenestrated and branched aortic repair candidates and whether these discrepancies could influence endovascular repair outcomes.
Methods:
Data from all consecutive patients treated during the 2008–2019 period within the Italian Multicenter fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) Registry were included in the present study. Propensity matching was performed using a logistic regression model adjusted for demographic data and comorbidities to obtain comparable male and female samples. The selection model led to a final study population of 176 patients (88 women and 88 men) among the total initial cohort of 596. Study endpoints were technical and clinical success, overall survival, aneurysm-related death, and reintervention rates evaluated at 30 days and during follow-up.
Results:
Twenty-eight patients (15.9%) received urgent/emergent repair. In most of the cases (71.6%), women received treatment for extensive thoracoabdominal pathology (Crawford type I, II, or III aneurysm rather than type IV or juxta-pararenal) versus 46.6% of men (p=0.001). Female patients presented with more challenging iliac accesses with at least one side considered hostile in 27.3% of the cases (vs 13.6% in male patients, p=0.039). Finally, women had significantly smaller visceral vessels. Women had significantly worse operative outcomes, with an 86.2% technical success rate versus 96.6% in the male population (p=0.016). No differences were recorded in terms of 30-day reinterventions between men and women. The 5-year estimate of freedom from late reintervention, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis, was 85.6% in men versus 81.6% in women (p=ns). No aneurysm-related death was recorded during follow-up (median observational time, 23 months interquartile range, 7–45 months).
Conclusion:
Women presented a significantly higher incidence of thoracoabdominal aneurysms, smaller visceral vessels, and more complex iliofemoral accesses, resulting in a significantly lower technical success after F/BEVAR. Further studies assessing sex-related differences are needed to properly determine the impact on outcomes and stratify procedural risks.
Clinical Impact
Women are generally underrepresented in trials focusing on aortic aneurysms. Aiming to assess whether sex may affect outcomes after a complex endovascular aortic repair, a propensity score selection was applied to a total population of 596 patients receiving F/BEVAR aortic repair with the Cook platform, matching each treated female patient with a corresponding male patient. Women presented more frequently a thoracoabdominal aneurysm extent, smaller visceral vessels, and complex iliofemoral accesses, resulting in significantly worse operative outcomes, with an 86.2% technical success versus 96.6% (p=0.016). No differences were recorded in terms of short-term and mid-term reinterventions. According to these results, careful and critical assessment should be posed in case of female patients receiving complex aortic repair, especially regarding preoperative anatomical evaluation and clinical selection with appropriate surgical risk stratification.
Fenestrated and branched endografting (F/B-EVAR) has been proposed as an endovascular solution for chronic post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (PD-TAAAs). The aim of this study was to analyse ...the experience of four high volume centres nationwide and the current available literature.
Data on patients undergoing F/B-EVAR in four Italian academic centres between 2008 and 2019 were collected, and those from patients with PD-TAAAs were analysed retrospectively. Peri-operative morbidity and mortality were assessed as early outcomes. Survival, freedom from re-intervention (FFR), target visceral vessel (TVV) patency, and aortic remodelling were assessed as follow up outcomes. A MEDLINE search was performed for studies published from 2008 to 2020 reporting on F/B-EVAR in PD-TAAAs.
Among 351 patients who underwent F/B-EVAR for TAAAs, 37 (11%) had PD-TAAAs (Crawford’s extent I–III: 35% – 95%). Overall, 135 TVVs (from true lumen 120; false lumen seven; both true and false lumen eight) were accommodated by fenestrations (96% – 71%) and branches (39% – 29%). Technical success (TS) was achieved in 34 (92%) cases with three failures due to endoleaks (Ia: 1; Ic: 1; III: 1). There were no 30 day deaths. No cases of permanent spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) were recorded and six (16%) patients suffered from transient deficits. Renal function worsening (eGFR < 30% than baseline) and pulmonary complications were reported in two (5%) and four (11%) cases, respectively. From the Kaplan–Meier analysis, three year survival, FFR, and TVV patency were 81%, 66%, and 97%, respectively. Radiological imaging was available for 30 (81%) patients at 12 months with complete false lumen thrombosis in 26 (87%). Two hundred and fifty-six patients were reported in seven published papers with TS, 30 day mortality, and SCI ranging from 99% to 100%, 0 to 6%, and 0 to 16%, respectively. The mean follow up ranged from 12 to 26 months, with estimated two year survival between 81% and 90% and a re-intervention rate between 19% and 53%.
F/B-EVAR is effective to treat PD-TAAAs. A high re-intervention rate is necessary to complete the aneurysm exclusion and promote aortic remodelling successfully.
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to report an Italian multicenter experience analyzing the incidence and the risk factors associated with spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in a large cohort of ...thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) treated by fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-/B-EVAR).
Materials and Methods:
All consecutive patients undergoing F-/B-EVAR in 4 Italian university centers between 2008 and 2019 were prospectively recorded and retrospectively analyzed. Spinal cord ischemia, 30 day/in-hospital adverse events, and mortality were assessed as early outcomes. Risk factors for SCI were determined by multivariable analysis.
Results:
A total of 351 patients received F-/B-EVAR for a TAAA. Twenty-eight (8.0%) patients died within 30 postoperative days or during the hospitalization. Regarding SCI, 47 patients (13.4%) developed neurological symptoms related to spinal cord impaired perfusion. Among them, 17 (4.8%) had a major permanent impairment. The multivariable analysis identified that SCI was associated with Crawford extent I to III (odds ratio OR: 20.90, p=0.004, 95% confidence interval CI=2.69–162.57), and with endovascular procedures performed for ruptured TAAA (OR: 5.74, p=0.010, 95% CI=1.53–21.57). Spinal cord ischemia was also significantly associated with a grade 3 bleeding during the visceral stage (OR: 4.34, p=0.005, 95% CI=1.55–12.16) and a grade 2 renal insufficiency at 30 days (OR: 7.45, p=0.002, 95% CI=2.12–26.18).
Conclusion:
The present study indicates that SCI is still an open issue after extent I to III TAAA endovascular repair, while its incidence in extent IV TAAA and pararenal/juxtarenal aneurysms is rare. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms extension, urgent TAAA repair for rupture, severe bleeding, and 30 day renal insufficiency have been identified as significant risk factors for SCI. In the presence of such factors, adjunctive strategies may be considered to reduce SCI rates, while in low-risk patients invasive or potentially-risky maneuvers might not be justified.
Abstract Objective Long-term results of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endovascular repair are affected by graft design renewals that tend to improve the performance of older generation prostheses ...but usually reset the follow-up times to zero. The present study investigated the long-term outcomes of endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) using the Zenith graft, still in use without major modification, in a single center experience. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 610 patients underwent elective EVAR using the Zenith endograft (Cook Inc, Bloomington, Ind) and represent the study group. Primary outcomes were overall survival, freedom from AAA rupture, and freedom from AAA-related death. Secondary outcomes included freedom from late (>30 days) reintervention, freedom from late (>30 days) conversion to open repair, freedom from aneurysm sac enlargement >5.0 mm and freedom from EVAR failure, defined as a composite of AAA-related death, AAA rupture, AAA growth >5 mm, and any reintervention. Results Mean age was 73.2 years. Mean aneurysm diameter was 55.3 mm. There were five perioperative deaths (0.8%) and three intraoperative conversions. At a mean follow-up of 99.2 (range, 0-175) months, seven AAA ruptures occurred, all fatal except one. Overall survival was 92.8% ± 1.1% at 1 year, 70.1% ± 1.9% at 5 years, 37.8% ± 2.9% at 10 years, and 24 ± 4% at 14 years. Freedom from AAA-rupture was 99.8% ± 0.02 at 1 year (one case), 99.4% ± 0.04 at 5 years (three cases), and 98.1% ± 0.07 at 10 and 14 years. Freedom from late reintervention and conversion was 98% ± 0.6 at 1 year, 87.7% ± 1.5 at 5 years, 75.7% ± 3.2 at 10 years, and 69.9% ± 5.2 at 14 years. Freedom from aneurysm sac growth >5.0 mm was 99.8% at 1 year, 96.6% ± 0.7 at 5 years, 81.0% ± 3.4 at 10 years, and 74.1% ± 5.8% at 14 years. EVAR failure occurred in 132 (21.6%) patients at 14 years. At multivariate analysis, independent predictors of EVAR failure resulted type I and III endoleak (hazard ratio HR, 6.7; 95% confidence interval CI, 4.6- 9.7; P < .001, type II endoleak (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-3.4; P < .001), and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 4 (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.6; P = .034). Conclusions EVAR with Zenith graft represents a safe and durable repair. Risk of rupture and aneurysm-related death is low, whereas overall long-term survival remains poor. Novel endograft models should be tested and evaluated considering that one-fourth of the operated patients will still be alive after 14 years.
Objective Elderly patients are often turned down from receiving treatment for descending thoracic aortic diseases (DTADs) because of the uncertain benefits, especially in acute settings. This study ...investigated the impact of old age and timing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) on outcomes of DTAD in patients older than 75 years of age. Methods Patients from a prospective TEVAR database were dichotomized by age (75 and 80 years of age). Older and young patients were compared in three timing scenarios: (1) elective procedures, (2) any emergency (within 15 days from onset), and (3) acute ruptures (any emergency subgroup). Primary outcome was perioperative mortality assessed at 30 and 90 days. Results Between 2003 and 2015, 141 consecutive TEVARs (71.6% men) were performed. Fifty-seven patients (40.4%) were older than 75 years of age; 28 were octogenarians. Eighty-three TEVARs were performed electively and 58 emergently. Among overall emergencies, 42 TEVARs were for acute ruptures. In the elective scenario, the 30-day mortality rate was 5.0% vs 0 (odds ratio OR, 1.1; 95% confidence interval CI, 0.98-1.1; P = .23), and 90-day mortality was 7.5% vs 0, for patients older than 75 years of age vs those who were younger than 75, respectively ( P = .11). No octogenarian died. In the emergency scenario, 30-day mortality was 41.2% vs 9.8%, for patients older than 75 years of age vs those who were younger than 75, respectively (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.6-26.6; P = .01) with unchanged rates at 90 days. The mortality rate was 50% for octogenarians. In the acute rupture scenario, 30-day mortality was 40% vs 11.1% (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.10-25.99; P = .05) for patients older than 75 years of age vs those younger than 75 years of age and 46% vs 10% (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.47-37.46; P = .016) for octogenarians vs younger patients. Rates remained unchanged at 90 days. Patients older than age 75 survived for a mean of 53.98 ± 7.7 months after TEVAR. Conclusions In the elderly patient population with DTAD, mortality risks from TEVAR are strongly related to timing and age. When compared to younger patients, those older than 75 years of age have three to five times the risk of mortality after urgent or emergent TEVAR. However, older patients should still be considered for emergent life-saving treatment, given that the majority survives.
Objective The objective of this multicenter registry was to review current treatments and late results of repair of aneurysm of aberrant right subclavian artery (AARSA). Methods All consecutive AARSA ...repairs from 2006 to 2013 in seven centers were reviewed. End points were 30-day and late mortality, reintervention rate, and AARSA-related death. Results Twenty-one AARSA repairs were included (57% men; mean age, 67 years); 3 ruptures (14%) required emergent treatment; 12 (57%) were symptomatic for dysphagia (33%), dysphonia (24%), or pain (19%). Eight cases (38%) presented with thoracic aortic aneurysm, two with intramural hematoma, and one with acute type B aortic dissection. Mean AARSA diameter was 4.2 cm; a single bicarotid common trunk was present in 38% of cases. The majority of patients underwent hybrid intervention (n = 15; 71%) consisting of single (n = 2) or bilateral (n = 12) subclavian to carotid transposition or bypass or ascending aorta to subclavian bypass (n = 1) plus thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR); 19% of cases underwent open repair and 9% simple TEVAR with AARSA overstenting. Perioperative death occurred in two patients (9%): in one case after TEVAR in ruptured AARSA, requiring secondary sternotomy and aortic banding; and in an elective case due to multiorgan failure after a hybrid procedure. Median follow-up was 30 (interquartile range, 15-46) months. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival at 36 months was 90% (standard error, 0.64). Late AARSA-related death in one case was due to AARSA-esophageal fistula presenting with continuing backflow from distal AARSA and previous TEVAR. At computed tomography controls, one type I endoleak and one type II endoleak were detected; the latter required reintervention by aneurysm wrapping and ligature of collaterals. AARSA-related death was more frequent after TEVAR, a procedure reserved for ruptures, compared with elective open or hybrid repair. Conclusions Hybrid repair is the preferred therapeutic option for patients presenting with AARSA. Midterm results show high rates of clinical success with low risk of reintervention. Simple endografting presents high risk of related death; these findings underline the importance of achieving complete sealing to avoid treatment failures.
Background This study analyzed predictors and the long-term consequence of type II endoleak in a large series of elective endovascular abdominal aneurysm repairs (EVARs). Methods Baseline ...characteristics and operative and follow-up data of consecutive patients undergoing EVAR were prospectively collected. Patients who developed type II endoleak according to computed tomography angiography and those without type II endoleak were compared for baseline characteristics, mortality, reintervention, conversion, and aneurysm growth after repair. Results In 1997-2011, 1412 consecutive patients (91.4% males; mean age, 72.9 years) underwent elective EVAR and were subsequently followed up for a median of 45 months (interquartile range, 21-79 months). Type II endoleak developed in 218. Adjusted analysis failed to identify significant independent predictors for type II endoleak with the exception of age (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05; P = .003) and intraluminal thrombus (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.92; P = .010). Type II endoleak rates were comparable regardless of the device model. Late aneurysm-related survival was comparable (98.4% vs 99.5% at 60 months; P = .73) in patients with and without type II endoleak. However, at 60 months after EVAR, rates of aneurysm sac growth >5 mm (35.3% vs 3.3%; P < .0001) were higher in patients with type II endoleak. Cox regression identified type II endoleak as an independent predictor of aneurysm growth along with age and cardiac disease. The presence of type II endoleak led to reinterventions in 40% of patients and conversion to open surgery in 8%. However, assessment of these patients after reintervention showed similar 60-month freedom rates of persisting type II endoleak (present in more than two after computed tomography angiography scan studies) among those with and without reinterventions (49.8% vs 45.6%; P = .639). Aneurysm growth >5 mm persisted with comparable rates in type II endoleak patients after reintervention and in those who remained untreated (42.9% vs 57.4% at 60 months; P = .117). Conclusions Reintervention for type II endoleak was common in our practice, yet such intervention did not reliably prevent the continued expansion of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Our data indicate type II endoleak appears to be a marker of EVAR failure that is difficult to predict and treat effectively.
Introduction: The aim of this paper is to propose a sequential deployment technique for the E-nside off-the-shelf endograft that could potentially enhance target visceral vessel (TVV) cannulation and ...overstenting in narrow aortic anatomies. Methods: All data regarding patients consecutively treated in two aortic centers with the E-nside graft employing the partial deployment technique were included in the study cohort and analyzed. To execute the procedure with partial endograft deployment, the device should be prepared before insertion by advancing, under fluoroscopy, all four dedicated 400 cm long 0.018″ non-hydrophilic guidewires until their proximal ends reach the cranial graft’s edge. Anticipating this guidewire placement prevents the inability to do so once the endograft is partially released, avoiding potentially increased friction inside the constricted pre-loaded microchannels. The endograft is then advanced and deployed in the standard fashion, stopping just after the inner branch outlets are fully expanded. Tip capture is released, and the proximal end of the device is opened. Visceral vessel bridging is completed from an upper access in the desired sequence, and the graft is fully released after revascularizing one or more arteries. Preventing the distal edge of the graft from fully expanding improves visceral vessel cannulation and bridging component advancement, especially when dealing with restricted lumina. Results: A total of 26 patients were treated during the period December 2019–March 2024 with the described approach. Procedure was performed in urgent settings in 14/26 cases. The available lumen was narrower than 24 mm at the origin of at least one target vessel in 11 out of 26 cases performed (42.3%). Technical success was obtained in 24 out of 26 cases (92.3%), with failures being due to TVVs loss. No intraoperative death or surgical conversion was recorded, and no early reintervention was needed in the perioperative period. Clinical success at 30 days was therefore 80.7%. Conclusions: The described technique could be considered effective in saving space outside of the graft, allowing for safe navigation and target vessel cannulation in narrow visceral aortas, similar to what has already been reported for outer-branched endografts.
Objectives Increasing data suggest that statins can significantly decrease cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events due to a plaque stabilization effect. However, the benefit of statins in patients ...undergoing carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for carotid stenosis is not well defined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether statins use was associated with decreased perioperative and late risks of stroke, mortality, and restenosis in patients undergoing CAS. Methods All patients undergoing CAS for primary carotid stenosis from 2004 to 2009 were reviewed. The independent association of statins and perioperative morbidity was assessed using multivariable analysis. Survival curves and Cox regression models were used to assess late morbidity and restenosis. Propensity score adjustment was employed. Results A total of 1083 consecutive CAS were performed (29% females, mean age 71.5 years; 24.7% symptomatic); 465 (43%) were on statins medication before treatment that was not discontinued at discharge. Statins use was associated with a reduction of perioperative stroke and death (odds ratio OR 0.327, 95% confidence interval CI 0.13-0.80, P = .016) according to multivariable analysis. Statins effect was more significant in reducing stroke and death in symptomatic patients (OR 0.13; P = .032) and in males (OR 0.27, P = .01). At 5 years, survival (87.2% vs 78.3%; P = .009) and ischemic stroke-free interval (88.9% vs 99.7%; P = .02) rates were higher in the statins group of patients. Adjusting for propensity score and covariates in Cox regression analyses, statins use was independently associated with reduced long-term mortality risk (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.97; P = .039) and borderline associated with decreased late ischemic stroke risk (HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.018-1.08, P = .059). There was no effect on restenosis rates. Conclusions These data suggest that statins use is associated with decreased perioperative and late ischemic strokes risk and reduced mortality rates in patients undergoing CAS. Statins therapy should be considered part of the best medical treatment in current CAS practice.
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