Lauren A. Huntress

Palliative Endovascular Techniques for Management of Peripheral Vascular Blowout Syndrome in End-Stage Malignancies

Vascular blowout syndrome (VBOS) secondary to neoplastic erosion is a dreadful complication of advanced stage malignancies that can compromise quality of life and overall prognosis in a fragile patient population. Endovascular therapy can offer minimally invasive, life-saving maneuvers both acutely and prophylactically. Four patients with end-stage malignancies eroding into various peripheral vascular beds with impending, threatened, and acute VBOS underwent successful endovascular management. Technical success was achieved in all patients with no perioperative morbidity or mortality. In all patients, endovascular intervention controlled life-threatening hemorrhage and facilitated adjunctive therapeutic modalities such as surgical tumor debulking and/or chemoradiation. In conclusion, our small case series demonstrates that endovascular therapy can offer safe and effective palliation of peripheral VBOS secondary to neoplastic erosion.

An Institution-Wide Algorithm for Treatment of Type II Endoleak Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Objectives: Multiple endovascular techniques have been described for the treatment of persistent type II endoleaks (pT2ELs) causing aneurysm sac growth following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). In the event of a failed endovascular procedure and a pT2EL, a consensus regarding further treatment is lacking, and the literature suggests repeated endovascular attempts are rarely successful. Herein, we propose an algorithm for definitive management of pT2ELs with persistent sac growth following EVAR. Methods: A retrospective review of 29 patients who underwent treatment of persistent sac growth in the setting of pT2ELs was performed. Intervention methods were determined at the discretion of the operating surgeon. Aneurysmal sac enlargement was defined as a diameter increase > 5 mm, and persistent endoleak was defined as lasting greater than 6 months. Results: From 2000 to 2015, 917 EVAR procedures were performed at our institution. Isolated pT2ELs with sac enlargement were identified in 29 patients. Twenty-five patients underwent direct translumbar sac puncture and coiling and/or Onyx (Onyx, Plymouth, Minnesota) embolization of the culprit vessels. Thirteen (52%) of 25 patients had pT2EL after first endovascular intervention, and 10 (40%) of 25 patients failed 2 endovascular treatments. Of those 10, 7 displayed persistent aneurysmal sac growth and underwent a third embolization procedure. Type II endoleaks persisted in 6 patients; 3 patients were subsequently treated with laparotomy, ligation of lumbar vessels, sac exploration, and sac plication around the endograft. Technical success for this technique was 100%. During a mean follow-up of 38.4 months, no recurrent T2ELs, stent graft migration, and/or disjunction were observed. Conclusions: We propose a new algorithm for the management of pT2ELs. If 2 endovascular procedures fail to control of the endoleak, repeat endovascular attempts are not recommended. Endovascular failure should be followed by laparotomy with surgical ligation of culprit feeding vessels followed by sac exploration and plication of the sac, and endoaneurysmorrhaphy.

Classification, Evaluation, and Management of Congenital Peripheral Vascular Malformations

The International Society for Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) categorizes congenital vascular malformations by their flow properties into high-flow arteriovenous malformations, slow-flow venous and lymphatic malformations, and congenital mixed syndromes. Despite historically confusing and often conflicting nomenclature and classification schemes, our understanding of the natural history, hemodynamics, and treatment outcomes of these lesions has expanded and evolved over the last few decades. As such, certain fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic principles have been established and are considered standard of care. It is crucial to adhere to these overarching principles in the overall management of these lesions. These are highlighted and expanded upon in this chapter. Furthermore, recently discovered biomolecular pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular malformations and affiliated syndromes are briefly reviewed.

Covered Stent Treatment of a Chronically Thrombosed Popliteal Artery Aneurysm in the Setting of Critical Limb Ischemia following Multiple Failed Bypass Operations

Endovascular salvage of failed surgical bypasses has been scantly reported for treatment of infrainguinal occlusive disease. Although catheter-directed thrombolysis and/or mechanical thromboembolectomy have been the mainstay of endovascular salvage of previous bypass grafts, native vessel recanalization remains seldom attempted. Herein, we present a unique approach to native vessel recanalization of a chronically thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm for nonhealing distal ulceration.

Transcervical Carotid Stent Placement in the Setting of a Hostile Neck and a Type III Aortic Arch

Previous radical neck dissection and neck irradiation pose considerable operative risks in patients requiring carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid disease. Carotid stenting is an acceptable alternative for these patients but carries a higher risk of cerebrovascular accidents especially in patients with type III aortic arch anatomy. Herein, we present a technically challenging case of a patient with an irradiated neck and a history of radical neck dissection who presented with a symptomatic high-grade left internal carotid artery stenosis in the setting of a type III aortic arch. He was treated via a hybrid approach for carotid artery stenting.

Transcatheter embolization of persistent embryonic veins in venous malformation syndromes

Persistent embryonic veins represent a major source of venous hypertension and morbidity in venous malformation syndromes, such as Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome and congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevus, and skeletal deformities syndrome. Surgical stripping and phlebectomy are the most commonly reported alternatives to compression therapy for refractory cases. These techniques, although effective in those patients who meet the necessary anatomic criteria, can be associated with bleeding, wound-related complications, and recurrence. Herein, we present a less invasive endovascular technique for elimination of these incompetent persistent embryonic veins. This technique has fewer anatomic restrictions and can be a suitable first-line option for management of refractory venous insufficiency in this particular population of patients.

Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of a Symptomatic Renal Artery Aneurysm at a Bifurcation Point

BACKGROUND Symptomatic renal artery aneurysms at bifurcation points present challenging clinical scenarios rarely amenable to endovascular repair due to concerns regarding parenchymal loss following intervention. Herein, we add to the scant body of literature describing successful endovascular repair of a saccular, symptomatic renal artery aneurysm situated at a bifurcation point. METHODS A 52-year-old woman with a 2.5-cm extraparenchymal, saccular, symptomatic left renal artery aneurysm underwent self-expanding stent-assisted detachable platinum microcoil embolization. RESULTS Complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved with minimal parenchymal loss. There were no perioperative complications, and no evidence of acute kidney injury perioperatively or at 3-month follow-up. Sustained symptomatic relief was achieved. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular therapy can provide safe and effective aneurysm treatment within challenging bifurcated renal artery anatomy.

Endovascular Reconstruction for Chronic Infrarenal Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

According to the 2007 TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC II) guidelines, surgery is the preferred treatment for extensive (TASC II type C and D) aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Recent studies, however, have shown that endovascular management can be an effective first-line treatment option for TASC II type C and D categories. While endovascular therapy is now commonly performed in patients with TASC II type D lesions, very few studies have investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of extending endovascular therapy to the most severe subcategory of TASC II D lesions, chronic infrarenal aortoiliac occlusion (CIAO). Herein, we present our technique for endovascular treatment of CIAO which relies on bidirectional subintimal aortoiliac dissection, wire snare for true lumen reentry, and combined balloon-expandable and self-expanding covered stent reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation and bilateral iliac arteries. This technique safely extends the reach of endovascular therapy to the most severe subcategory of TASC II D AIOD, CIAO. It is a viable minimally invasive alternative to aortobifemoral bypass surgery. Long-term follow-up of larger cohorts is needed to verify clinical efficacy and durability of therapy.