Gustavo S. Oderich

Common iliac artery aneurysm: expansion rate and results of open surgical and endovascular repair.

OBJECTIVES To assess expansion rate of common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) and define outcomes after open repair (OR) and endovascular repair (EVAR). METHODS Clinical data of 438 patients with 715 CIAAs treated between 1986 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Size, presentations, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests and chi2 test were used for analysis. RESULTS Interventions for 715 CIAAs (median, 4 cm; range, 2-13 cm) were done in 512 men (94%) and 26 women (6%); 152 (35%) had unilateral and 286 (65%) had bilateral CIAAs. Group 1 comprised 377 patients (633 CIAAs) with current or previously repaired abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Group 2 comprised 15 patients (24 CIAAs) with associated internal iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA). Group 3 comprised 46 patients (58 isolated CIAAs). Median expansion rate of 104 CIAAs with at least two imaging studies was 0.29 cm/y; hypertension predicted faster expansion (0.32 vs 0.14 cm/y, P = .01). A total of 175 patients (29%) were symptomatic. The CIAA ruptured in 22 patients (5%, median, 6 cm; range, 3.8-8.5 cm), and the associated AAA ruptured in 20 (4%). Six (27%) ilioiliac or iliocaval fistulas developed. Repairs were elective in 396 patients (90%) and emergencies in 42 (10%). OR was performed in 394 patients (90%) and EVAR in 44 (10%). The groups had similar 30-day mortality: 1% for elective, 27% for emergency repairs (P < .001); 4% after OR (elective, 1%; emergency, 26%), and 0% after EVAR. No deaths occurred after OR of arteriovenous fistula. Complications were more frequent and hospitalization was longer after OR than EVAR (P < .05). Mean follow-up was 3.7 years (range, 1 month-17.5 years). The groups had similar 5-year primary (95%) and secondary patency rates (99.6%). At 3 years, secondary patency was 99.6% for OR and 100% for EVAR (P = .66); freedom from reintervention was similar after OR and EVAR (83% vs 69%, P = .17), as were survival rates (76% vs 77%, P = .70). CONCLUSIONS The expansion rate of CIAAs is 0.29 cm/y, and hypertension predicts faster expansion. Because no rupture of a CIAA <3.8 cm was observed, elective repair of asymptomatic patients with CIAA >or=3.5 cm seems justified. Although buttock claudication after EVAR remains a concern, results at 3 years support EVAR as a first-line treatment for most anatomically suitable patients who require CIAA repair. Patients with compressive symptoms or those with AVF should preferentially be treated with OR.

Open repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (JAA) remains a safe option in the era of fenestrated endografts

OBJECTIVES Widespread application of infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has resulted in a proportionate increase in open juxtarenal aortic aneurysm (JAA) repairs. Fenestrated endograft technology for JAA is developing rapidly, but only limited outcomes are known. The aim of this study was to review our open JAA experience in an era of fenestrated endograft technology, identify factors associated with increased surgical risk, determine early and midterm outcome, and provide a basis for comparison for future endovascular procedures. METHODS Data from 126 consecutive patients who underwent elective JAA repair requiring suprarenal aortic clamping from 2001 to 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. Electronic medical chart reviews were used to record 30-day complication rates. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with surgical morbidity. Mail-out questionnaires and telephone surveys were conducted to determine long-term follow-up. RESULTS Ninety-eight males and 28 females (median age 74 years; range 55 to 93) were included in the study. Preoperative risk factors included: coronary artery disease (CAD) 58%, pulmonary disease 41%, renal insufficiency (serum creatinine [Cr] > 1.5mg/dL) 17%, and diabetes 9%. Fifteen patients underwent concomitant renal artery revascularization. Mean operative time was 319 minutes (range 91 to 648). Thirty-day mortality was 1/126 (0.8%). Median hospital length of stay was 7 days (range 3 to 85); median intensive care unit length of stay was 2 days (1 to 64). Complications included renal insufficiency (Cr increase > 0.5 mg/dL) in 22 (18%), cardiac in 17 (13%), and pulmonary in 14 (11%). Five patients required temporary hemodialysis; only one after hospital dismissal. Mean follow-up was 48 months (range 9-80). On multivariate analysis, age > or = 78 years (P = .001), male gender (P = .04), hypertension (P =.01), previous myocardial infarction (P = .047), and diabetes (P =.009) were predictive of cardiac complications. Renal artery revascularization (P = .01) and prior MI (P = .04) were multivariate predictors of pulmonary complications. Both prolonged operative (> or =351 minutes, P = .02) and renal ischemia (> or =23 minutes, P =.004) times predicted postoperative renal insufficiency. One, 3, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 93.9%, 78.3%, and 63.8%, respectively and were not significantly different than an age- and gender-matched sample of the US population (P = .16). Mortality was not predicted by any specific risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Open surgical repair of JAA is associated with low mortality and remains the gold standard. Although 18% had renal complications, only one patient had permanent renal failure. Patients with a combination of physiologic and anatomic risk factors identified on multivariate analysis may benefit from fenestrated endograft repair.

Open versus endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia: Risk-stratified outcomes

OBJECTIVE Outcomes of open (OR) and endovascular revascularization (ER) for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) were analyzed with respect to clinical risk stratification. METHODS The data of 229 consecutive patients treated for CMI with OR (146 patients/265 vessels) or ER (83 patients/105 vessels) between 1991 and 2005 were reviewed. Patients were classified as low-risk or high-risk using standard scoring systems. End points were mortality and morbidity, recurrence-free survival, and patency rates. A subset analysis compared 111 patients (208 vessels) who had OR with 58 patients (76 vessels) who had stenting. RESULTS The ER patients were significantly older (71 +/- 15 vs 65 +/- 11 years; P < .05), had higher risk (58% vs 31%), and fewer vessels revascularized (1.3 +/- 0.5 vs 1.8 +/- 0.4). Four (2.7%) procedurally related deaths occurred in the OR and two (2.4%) in the ER group (P = NS). Mortality was higher for high-risk patients (OR, 6.7% vs 0.9%; ER, 4.8% vs 0%; P < .05), but differences were not significant among low-risk or high-risk OR vs ER patients. OR patients had more complications (36% vs 18%; P < .001) and longer hospitalization (12 +/- 8 vs 3 +/- 5 days; P < .001). At 5 years, OR had improved (P < .05) recurrence-free survival (89% +/- 4% vs 51% +/- 9%), and primary (88% +/- 3% vs 41% +/- 9%) and secondary patency rates (97% +/- 2% vs 88% +/- 4%). More restenoses (hazard ratio [HR], 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-10.2), recurrences (HR, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.3-13.8), and reinterventions occurred in the ER group (HR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.9-9.7). At last follow-up, significant symptom improvement was noted in 137 OR (96%) and 72 ER patients (92%, P = NS). In the subset analysis of patients having first-time operations vs stenting, OR resulted in improved (P < .05) recurrence-free survival (91% +/- 3% vs 56% +/- 8% at 5 years) and better primary and secondary patency rates (93% +/- 2% and 98% +/- 1% vs 52% +/- 8% and 93% +/- 4% at 3 years). CONCLUSION OR has similar mortality but higher morbidity and longer hospitalization than ER in low-risk or high-risk patients with CMI. Both treatments effectively improved symptoms, but restenosis, recurrent symptoms, and reinterventions were more likely in ER patients. These findings may guide treatment selection and counseling of low-risk and high-risk CMI patients undergoing OR or ER procedures.

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.

Results of the United States multicenter prospective study evaluating the Zenith fenestrated endovascular graft for treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE This study reports the results of a prospective, multicenter trial designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Zenith fenestrated endovascular graft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) for treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS Sixty-seven patients with juxtarenal AAAs were prospectively enrolled in 14 centers in the United States from 2005 to 2012. Custom-made fenestrated stent grafts were designed with one to three fenestrations on the basis of analysis of computed tomography data sets. Renal alignment was performed with balloon-expandable stents. Follow-up included clinical examination, laboratory studies, mesenteric-renal duplex ultrasound, abdominal radiography, and computed tomography imaging at hospital discharge and at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months and yearly thereafter up to 5 years. RESULTS There were 54 male and 13 female patients with a mean age of 74 ± 8 years enrolled. Mean aneurysm diameter was 60 ± 10 mm. A total of 178 visceral arteries required incorporation with small fenestrations in 118, scallops in 51, and large fenestrations in nine. Of these, all 118 small fenestrations (100%), eight of the scallops (16%), and one of the large fenestrations (11%) were aligned by stents. Technical success was 100%. There was one postoperative death within 30 days (1.5%). Mean length of hospital stay was 3.3 ± 2.1 days. No aneurysm ruptures or conversions were noted during a mean follow-up of 37 ± 17 months (range, 3-65 months). Two patients (3%) had migration ≥ 10 mm with no endoleak, both due to cranial progression of aortic disease. Of a total of 129 renal arteries targeted by a fenestration, there were four (3%) renal artery occlusions and 12 (9%) stenoses. Fifteen patients (22%) required secondary interventions for renal artery stenosis/occlusion in 11 patients, type II endoleak in three patients, and type I endoleak in one patient. At 5 years, patient survival was 91% ± 4%, and freedom from major adverse events was 79% ± 6%; primary and secondary patency of targeted renal arteries was 81% ± 5% and 97% ± 2%, freedom from renal function deterioration was 91% ± 5%, and freedom from secondary interventions was 63% ± 9%. CONCLUSIONS This prospective study demonstrates that endovascular repair of juxtarenal AAAs with the Zenith fenestrated AAA stent graft is safe and effective. Mortality and morbidity are low in properly selected patients treated in centers with experience in these procedures.

Revascularization for acute mesenteric ischemia

OBJECTIVE Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) remains difficult to diagnose, carries a high rate of complications, and is associated with significant mortality. We evaluated our experience with AMI over the last 2 decades to evaluate changes in management and assess current outcomes. METHODS Data from consecutive patients who underwent arterial revascularization for AMI over a 20-year period (January 1990-January 2010) were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, treatment modalities, and outcomes over the last decade (2000-2010) were compared with those of the preceding decade (1990-1999) previously reported. RESULTS Over the last 2 decades, 93 patients with AMI underwent emergency arterial revascularization. Forty-five patients were treated during the 1990s and 48 during the 2000s. The majority of these patients were transferred from outside facilities. Patient demographics and risk factors were similar between the 2 decades with the exception that the more contemporary patients were significantly older (65.1 ± 14 vs 71.3 ± 14; P = .04). Etiology remained constant between the groups with in situ thrombosis being the most common followed by arterial embolus. The majority of patients were treated with open revascularization. Endovascular therapy alone or as a hybrid procedure was used in 11 total patients, eight of which were treated in the last 10 years. The use of second-look laparotomy was much more liberal in the last decade (80% vs 48%; P = .003) Thirty-day mortality was 27% in the 1990s and 17% during the 2000s (P = 0.28). Major adverse events occurred in 47% of patients with no difference between decades. There was no significant difference in outcomes between open and endovascular revascularization. On univariate analysis, elevated SVS comorbidity score, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease predicted early death, while a history of chronic mesenteric ischemia appeared protective. On multivariate analysis, no factor independently predicted perioperative mortality. Bowel resection and cerebrovascular disease predicted postoperative morbidity, while advanced age and connective tissue disease predicted long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS Morbidity and mortality from AMI continues to be high. Revascularization by endovascular means, although more frequent in the last decade, was still utilized in a minority of patients with severe AMI. Advanced ischemia with bowel infarction at presentation, and markers of generalized atherosclerosis are predictors of poor outcome, while history of chronic mesenteric ischemia is associated with better outcome.

Modified Fenestrated Stent Grafts: Device Design, Modifications, Implantation, and Current Applications

Patients with aneurysms with short or angulated necks and those with involvement of the renal, visceral, and hypogastric arteries may not be candidates for endovascular treatment using infrarenal stent graft. Fenestrated stent grafts with reinforced fenestrations permit the incorporation of the visceral and renal arteries into the endovascular repair enabling an adequate proximal sealing zone. These devices require a 6-week to 8-week period for customization and are not currently commercially available in the United States. Modified fenestrated stent grafts may have a future role in the compassionate treatment of selected high-risk patients with complex aneurysms who otherwise would not have access to a manufactured fenestrated stent graft, or for those in need of urgent or emergent repair because of impending or contained ruptured, rapidly expanding or excessively large aneurysm. The authors have used modified fenestrated stent grafts selectively in patients with large aortoiliac, juxtarenal, pararenal, or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. In this article, the authors summarize the principles applied for device design and procedure planning, as well as the technique for device modification and implantation.

Factors affecting outcome of open and hybrid reconstructions for nonmalignant obstruction of iliofemoral veins and inferior vena cava.

OBJECTIVES To identify factors affecting long-term outcome after open surgical reconstructions (OSR) and hybrid reconstructions (HR) for chronic venous obstructions. METHODS Retrospective review of clinical data of 60 patients with 64 OSR or HR for chronic obstruction of iliofemoral (IF) veins or inferior vena cava (IVC) between January 1985 and September 2009. Primary end points were patency and clinical outcome. RESULTS Sixty patients (26 men, mean age 43 years, range 16-81) underwent 64 procedures. Ninety-four percent had leg swelling, 90% had venous claudication, and 31% had active or healed ulcers (CEAP classes: C3 = 30, C4 = 12, C5 = 8, C6 = 12). Fifty-two OSRs included 29 femorofemoral (Palma vein: 25, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]: 4), 17 femoroiliac-inferior vena cava (IVC) (vein: 3, PTFE: 14) and six complex bypasses. Twelve patients had HR, which included endophlebectomy, patch angioplasty, and stenting. Early graft occlusion occurred after 17% of OSR and 33% HR. Discharge patency was 96% after OSR, 92% after HR. No mortality or pulmonary embolism occurred. Five-year primary and secondary patency was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29%-55%) and 59% (CI 43%-72%), respectively. For Palma vein grafts it was 70% and 78%, for femoroiliac and ilio-infrahepatic IVC bypasses it was 63% and 86%, and for femoro-infrahepatic IVC bypasses it was 31% and 57%, respectively. Complex OSRs and hybrid procedures had 28% and 30% 2-year secondary patency, respectively. The only factor that significantly affected graft patency in multivariate analysis was May-Thurner syndrome with associated chronic venous thrombosis. For HR, stenting into the common femoral vein patch vs iliac stents only significantly increased patency. At last follow-up, 60% of the patients had no venous claudication and no or minimal swelling. All ulcers with patent grafts healed but 50% of these recurred. CONCLUSIONS Both OSR and HR are viable options if endovascular procedures fail or are not feasible. Palma vein bypass and femoroiliac or iliocaval PTFE bypasses have excellent outcomes with good symptomatic relief.

Fenestrated and Branched Stent Grafts

It is estimated that 50% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms are not candidates for endovascular repair using the currently commercially available devices because of unfavorable anatomy. This includes patients with short or angulated necks, aneurysmal extension into either internal iliac artery, or complex aneurysmal involvement of the juxtarenal, paravisceral, and thoracoabdominal aorta. Good surgical candidates may tolerate open conventional repair of the aneurysm, but patients with large aneurysms and poor cardiac, pulmonary, or renal performance have limited options. Fenestrated and branched stent grafts were designed to extend the proximal sealing zone from the infrarenal segment to the juxta and suprarenal aorta, thereby circumventing the limitation of short or absent aortic necks. Since the first implantation of a fenestrated graft in 1996, there has been tremendous advancement in the development and technology of these devices. It is now possible to treat pathology of the entire aorta via a completely endovascular approach, with short-term results that compare favorably with those of open surgery. This review presents the current world experience with fenestrated and branched stent grafting. It encompasses the historical background of these devices, describes the techniques of fenestrated and branched grafting, summarizes the intermediate-term results for endovascular repair of pararenal, juxtarenal, thoracoabdominal, and aortoiliac aneurysms, and discusses the role of surgeon-modified fenestrated and branched devices.

In situ rifampin-soaked grafts with omental coverage and antibiotic suppression are durable with low reinfection rates in patients with aortic graft enteric erosion or fistula

OBJECTIVE We previously reported that in situ rifampin-soaked grafts (ISRGs) were safe in select patients with aortic graft infections, with the best results in those with aortic graft enteric erosion or fistula (AGEF). This study evaluates the late results of ISRG for AGEF. METHODS From 1990 to 2008, 183 patients were treated for aortic graft infections (121 primary and 62 AGEF). We reviewed 54 patients treated for AGEF with a standard protocol, which included excision of the infected part of the graft, intestinal repair, ISRG with omental wrap, and long-term antibiotics. We excluded 8 patients with AGEF (13%) treated with axillofemoral grafts (AXFG, n = 5) or in situ femoral vein (n = 3) due to excessive perigraft purulence. Endpoints were early morbidity and mortality, late survival, reinfection, and graft-related complications. RESULTS There were 45 male patients and 9 female patients with a mean age of 69 ± 9 years. Presentation was gastrointestinal bleeding in 33 patients, fever in 25 patients, and hemorrhagic shock in 10 patients. Other features were perigraft fluid in 29 patients and purulence in 9 patients. Forty-two patients (80%) had infections isolated to a portion of the graft body or limb, with the remainder of the graft well incorporated. Total graft excision was performed in 31 patients and partial excision in 23 patients. Total operating time was 6.2 ± 1.9 hours. Postoperative complications occurred in 28 patients (52%), and there were 5 deaths (9%). Operative mortality was 2.3% in stable patients (1 of 44) and 40% in those with hemorrhagic shock (4 of 10; P < .001). The hospital stay was 20 ± 18 days. Mean follow-up was 51 months (range, 3-197 months). Five-year patient survival, primary graft patency, and limb salvage rates were 59 ± 8%, 92 ± 5%, and 100%, respectively. There were no late graft-related deaths. There were two (4%) graft reinfections, one that was treated with axillofemoral bypass, and the other with perigraft fluid aspiration and oral antibiotic suppression. CONCLUSION ISRGs with omental wrap and long-term antibiotics are associated with low reinfection rates in patients with AGEF who do not have excessive perigraft purulence. Graft patency and limb salvage rates are excellent.