Grant T. Fankhauser

The minimally invasive management of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

OBJECTIVE Minimally invasive methods (MIMs) are now available for the management of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (visceral artery aneurysms [VAA]). The purpose of this study was to review our 10-year experience with the MIM of treating VAA. METHODS All patients evaluated from June 1999 to June 2009 with VAAs were reviewed. Demographics, therapy, and results were analyzed. RESULTS MIM was attempted in 185 aneurysms in 176 patients. Initial intervention was successful in 98% ofaneurysms. Sixty-three (34%) aneurysms were located in the splenic artery, 56 (30%) in the hepatic, 28 (15%) in the gastroduodenal, 16 (8.6%) in the pancreaticoduodenal, six (3.2%) in the superior mesenteric, four (2.1%) in the gastric, four (2.1%) in the celiac, four (2.1%) in the gastroepiploic, two (1%) in the inferior mesenteric, and one (0.5%) in the middle colic artery. Pseudoaneurysms were more common than true aneurysms (64% vs 36%). Bleeding was the indication for intervention in 86 aneurysms (46%). Initial treatment was successful in 177 aneurysms (98%). Reintervention was required in five (3%) aneurysms within 30 days. Coiling was used alone in 139 aneurysms (75%) and in combination with at least one other technique in 20 (11%) cases. Thirty-day aneurysm-related mortality was 3.4% (six deaths). Five additional deaths occurred during 30-day follow-up, although none was related to complications of the aneurysms (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS MIM for visceral artery aneurysms can be used alone or in combination to effectively treat VAAs in elective or emergent conditions.

Comparison of open and endovascular repair of inflammatory aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) have been traditionally managed with open repair. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was approved September of 1999. Some authors have suggested that EVAR is not an acceptable option for management of an IAAA. However, several recent reports have suggested EVAR is a reasonable management option in these patients. The purpose of our study was to review our experience with the contemporary management of IAAA involving both open and endovascular approaches. METHODS A retrospective review of all patients undergoing repair of IAAAs from 1999 to 2011 was conducted at three geographically separate institutions. Basic demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS Between 1999 and 2011, 69 patients underwent surgical repair of IAAAs, 59 by open repair and 10 by EVAR. Eighty-three percent of patients were men with a mean age of 67. Aneurysm size was similar in both groups (6.3 cm open repair vs 5.9 cm EVAR). Follow-up for the open group was a mean of 42.6 months and 33.6 months for the EVAR group. Periaortic fibrosis decreased from a mean of 5.4 mm to 2.7 mm after EVAR. Hydronephrosis was present preoperatively in one patient and did not change after EVAR. Aneurysm size decreased in seven patients (70%) who underwent EVAR. Two patients had no change with one lost to follow-up. Mean aneurysm size decrease after EVAR was 1.12 cm (17.8%). There were no aneurysm-related deaths or major morbidities in the EVAR group. Twenty-two patients (37%) in the open surgical group suffered major complications, including myocardial infarction, renal failure, lower extremity amputation, sepsis, and prolonged ventilation. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular repair for IAAA results in successful management with improvement of periaortic inflammation. EVAR should be considered as first-line therapy in which anatomic parameters are favorable.

Surgical and medical management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECCAs) are extremely rare with limited information about management options. Our purpose was to review our institutions experience with ECCAs during 15 years and to discuss the presentation and treatment of these aneurysms. METHODS A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with ECCAs from 1998 to 2012 was performed. Symptoms, risk factors, etiology, diagnostic methods, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS During the study period, 141 aneurysms were diagnosed in 132 patients (mean age, 61 years; 69 men). There were 116 (82%) pseudoaneurysms and 25 (18%) true aneurysms; 69 (49%) aneurysms were asymptomatic, whereas 72 (52%) had symptoms (28 painless masses; 10 transient ischemic attacks; 10 vision symptoms; 9 ruptures; 8 strokes; 4 painful mass; 1 dysphagia; 1 tongue weakness; 1 bruit). Causes of true aneurysms included fibromuscular dysplasia in 15 patients, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in three, Marfan syndrome in one, and uncharacterized connective tissue diseases in two. Of 25 true aneurysms, 11 (44%) were symptomatic; 15 (60%) true aneurysms underwent open surgical treatment, whereas 10 (40%) were managed nonoperatively. Postoperative complications included one stroke during a mean follow-up of 31 months (range, 0-166 months). No aneurysms managed nonoperatively required intervention during a mean follow-up of 77 months (range, 1-115 months). Of 116 pseudoaneurysms, 60 (52%) were symptomatic; 33 (29%) pseudoaneurysms underwent open surgery, 18 (15%) underwent endovascular intervention, and 65 (56%) were managed medically. Pseudoaneurysm after endarterectomy (28 patients; 24%) presented at a mean of 82 months from the surgical procedure. Mean follow-up for all aneurysms was 33.9 months. One (0.7%) aneurysm-related death occurred (rupture treated palliatively). No patient undergoing nonoperative management suffered death or major morbidity related to the aneurysm. Nonoperative management was more common in asymptomatic patients (71%) than in symptomatic patients (31%). CONCLUSIONS ECCAs are uncommon and may be manifested with varying symptoms. All segments of the carotid artery are susceptible, although the internal is most commonly affected. Open surgical intervention was more common in patients with symptoms and with true aneurysms. Patients with pseudoaneurysms were more likely to undergo endovascular intervention. Nonoperative treatment is safe in selected patients.

Inflammatory Aneurysms Treated with EVAR

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) are being treated more frequently by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Some authors caution against treating IAAA by EVAR because retroperitoneal inflammation may not subside post-operatively. A recent experience of 69 IAAA treated by open and endovascular methods is presented with results supporting the use of EVAR for IAAA. Several other studies evaluating EVAR in the treatment of IAAA are discussed.

Elimination of pneumothorax and hemothorax during placement of implantable venous access ports using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance.

Implantable venous access ports are essential for patients requiring chronic venous access. Ultrasound guided catheter placement has been recognized as a valuable adjunct for reducing complications during placement of access ports in the radiology and critical care medicine literature. We reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing insertion of implantable venous access ports from June 2006 through June 2009. All procedures were performed using ultrasound guidance with the internal jugular vein as the access site. There were 500 implantable venous access ports placed and included for review. There were no post-procedure pneumothoraces or hemothoraces. Carotid puncture was documented in 4 (0.8%)cases. Routine use of ultrasound guidance during placement of implantable venous access ports has eliminated the complications of pneumothorax and hemothorax during placement of internal jugular venous access ports on our vascular surgery service. Elimination of these complications and decreased use of chest x-rays should also provide increased cost savings for this procedure.

Mitochondrial bioenergetics in the metabolic myopathy accompanying peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious but relatively underdiagnosed and undertreated clinical condition associated with a marked reduction in functional capacity and a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of lower extremity PAD is complex, and extends beyond the atherosclerotic arterial occlusion and subsequent mismatch between oxygen demand and delivery to skeletal muscle mitochondria. In this review, we evaluate and summarize the available evidence implicating mitochondria in the metabolic myopathy that accompanies PAD. Following a short discussion of the available in vivo and in vitro methodologies to quantitate indices of muscle mitochondrial function, we review the current evidence implicating skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of PAD myopathy, while attempting to highlight questions that remain unanswered. Given the rising prevalence of PAD, the detriment in quality of life for patients, and the associated significant healthcare resource utilization, new alternate therapies that ameliorate lower limb symptoms and the functional impairment associated with PAD are needed. A clear understanding of the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of PAD may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli Secondary to Indwelling Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow Catheter

We present a 33-year-old dialysis-dependent female who presented with new onset split second heart sound. Following a failed left upper extremity dialysis fistula, a right upper extremity hemodialysis reliable outflow (HeRO) graft was performed in 2011. Her subsequent cadaveric renal transplant had delayed function necessitating concurrent use of hemodialysis. However, as renal function improved, hemodialysis was discontinued. Two weeks following transplantation, the HeRO graft occluded. Subsequent clinical and radiological assessment confirmed widespread pulmonary emboli. Following cessation of hemodialysis and subsequent HeRO graft occlusion, removal was deemed appropriate to reduce further thromboembolic phenomenon. Right atrial thrombi are complications associated with central venous catheters. However, their actual incidence varies significantly. Right heart thromboemboli are associated with a 4% to 6% pulmonary embolism rate. Katzman et al assessed 38 patients who underwent HeRO graft and reported 1 (2.6%) patient with right atrial emboli and likely pulmonary embolism. Although thrombotic complications remain rare, consideration of graft removal should always be evaluated particularly in the absence of an alternative thrombotic source.

Use of the pedicled tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap in the salvage of upper extremity high-voltage electrical injuries.

High-voltage electrical burns of the upper extremity are often limb threatening. Typically, emergency fasciotomies are followed by serial debridements until only viable tissue remains. After debridement, flap coverage is required to preserve viable but exposed tendons, nerves, vessels, bones, and joints and to salvage these seriously injured upper extremities. Flap options are generally limited to large pedicle flaps or free tissue transfer. Despite the array of flaps available, surgical options become limited when upper extremity injuries are extensive or the initial flap fails. The most commonly used pedicle flap, the groin flap, may not provide adequate soft tissue coverage in these cases. In addition, free tissue transfer can be difficult due, in part, to the uncertainty in determining the complete zone of injury and whether the flap recipient vessels are suitable for the transfer.An ideal flap for coverage would be relatively thin and pliable; have a constant, reliable pedicle; and be large enough to cover wounds of significant size. Few surgeons have experience with the pedicled tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap for upper extremity coverage. The authors demonstrate its use in the salvage of extensive upper extremity injuries on three limbs in two patients. We believe that this flap offers a distinct advantage compared with the groin flap when pedicled flap coverage of the upper extremity is required. PATIENT 1: A 23-year-old man sustained severe electrical burns to his right upper extremity. After serial debridements, a pedicled TFL myocutaneous flap was used to provide soft tissue coverage of this extensive injury. The flap was delayed at 2 weeks and inset at 3 weeks. There was complete survival of the flap, leading to salvage of the extremity. PATIENT 2: A 27-year-old man sustained bilateral upper extremity electrical burns. Initial free tissue transfers to both arms were unsuccessful. The patient subsequently underwent simultaneous bilateral pedicled TFL myocutaneous flaps. Both flaps were delayed at 2 weeks and divided at 3 weeks. There was complete flap survival bilaterally, leading to salvage of both upper extremities.Limb salvage in severe upper extremity electrical injuries is difficult even in the best circumstances. Dependable flap coverage is mandatory to prevent infection and avoid the need for early or late amputation. The pedicled TFL flap in our series of patients has served to be a dependable flap in these severe upper extremity injuries and should be added to the surgical armamentarium of those caring for these difficult surgical problems.

Vascular medicine: aortic and peripheral arterial disease.

The medical management of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) includes modification of risk factors, smoking cessation, cardiovascular risk treatment, and hypertensive therapy. No specific therapy has been shown to alter disease outcome. Many AAA and thoracic aortic aneurysms are amenable to endovascular treatment. Endovascular repair offers the benefit of shorter hospital stays and lower perioperative morbidity and mortality. Most patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are asymptomatic or have atypical symptoms; only a few present with classic intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia. Smoking and diabetes mellitus are the most important risk factors for developing PAD.

Spiral Vein Graft for Internal Jugular Bypass in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis and Suspected Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been implicated as a contributing factor to multiple sclerosis (MS). This theory is strongly debated within the neurology and radiology communities. This report presents the case of a 45-year-old man with known MS and suspected CCSVI who had undergone previous internal jugular angioplasty and stenting. The patient reported dramatic improvement of symptoms after intervention. The stent thrombosed despite antithrombotic medication, and several endovascular interventions failed to restore long-term patency. Open venous reconstruction of the internal jugular vein was performed with a spiral graft from the saphenous vein. The patients symptoms improved for several weeks until the venous reconstruction occluded. This case is the first reported open venous reconstruction for suspected CCSVI.