Luca Bertoglio

Mechanisms of symptomatic spinal cord ischemia after TEVAR: insights from the European Registry of Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications (EuREC).

Purpose To test the hypothesis that simultaneous closure of at least 2 independent vascular territories supplying the spinal cord and/or prolonged hypotension may be associated with symptomatic spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods A pattern matching algorithm was used to develop a risk model for symptomatic SCI using a prospective 63-patient single-center cohort to test the positive predictive value (PPV) of prolonged intraoperative hypotension and/or simultaneous closure of at least 2 of 4 the vascular territories supplying the spinal cord (left subclavian, intercostal, lumbar, and hypogastric arteries). This risk model was then applied to data extracted from the multicenter European Registry on Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications (EuREC). Between 2002 and 2010, the 19 centers participating in EuREC reported 38 (1.7%) cases of symptomatic spinal cord ischemia among the 2235 patients in the database. Results In the single-center cohort, direct correlations were seen between the occurrence of symptomatic SCI and both prolonged intraoperative hypotension (PPV 1.00, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.00, p=0.04) and simultaneous closure of at least 2 independent spinal cord vascular territories (PPV 0.67, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.91, p=0.005). Previous closure of a single vascular territory was not associated with an increased risk of symptomatic spinal cord ischemia (PPV 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16, p=0.56). The combination of prolonged hypotension and simultaneous closure of at least 2 territories exhibited the strongest association (PPV 0.75, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.75, p<0.0001). Applying the model to the entire EuREC cohort found an almost perfect agreement between the predicted and observed risk factors (kappa 0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.90). Conclusion Extensive coverage of intercostal arteries alone by a thoracic stent-graft is not associated with symptomatic SCI; however, simultaneous closure of at least 2 vascular territories supplying the spinal cord is highly relevant, especially in combination with prolonged intraoperative hypotension. As such, these results further emphasize the need to preserve the left subclavian artery during TEVAR.

Volume changes in aortic true and false lumen after the "pETTICOAT" procedure for type B aortic dissection

BACKGROUND The PETTICOAT (Provisional ExTension to Induce COmplete ATtachment) technique may be employed during endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection (TBD) using self-expandable bare stents distal to the covered stent graft placed over the proximal entry tear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the volume changes of the true (TL) and false lumen (FL) on computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS Since 2005, 25 selected patients received endovascular treatment for complicated TBD with the PETTICOAT technique employing the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (William Cook Europe, Bjaerverskov, Denmark). Indications to the use of the PETTICOAT technique were the evidence of clinical manifest dynamic malperfusion in five cases (20%) and/or radiologic evidence of TL collapse in 20 cases (80%). Five patients were treated within 2 weeks from onset, 13 patients between 2 weeks and 3 months, and seven patients over 3 months after the initial acute event. The volumetric analysis of the changes of TL and FL obtained from CT scan performed before endovascular treatment of TBD, postoperatively and yearly thereafter were analyzed using the OsiriX software v 3.9 (Pixmeo sarl, Bernex, Switzerland). RESULTS Initial clinical (30 days) and midterm clinical success was observed in 21 cases (84%) and in 23 cases (92%), respectively. The volumes of the aortic TL and FL were evaluated at 30 days and midterm follow-up (mean, 38 ± 17 months). The following TL volumes were recorded: baseline 84 ± 29 cm(3), postoperative 167 ± 31 cm(3) (+98%), 1 year 193 ± 46 cm(3) (+131%), and 2 years 216 ± 54 cm(3) (+140%). The following FL volumes were recorded: baseline 332 ± 86 cm(3), postoperative 286 ± 85 cm(3) (-14%), 1 year 233 ± 81 cm(3) (-30%), and 2 years 248 ± 112 cm(3) (-32%). Progressive remodeling of the TL was recorded over time in both thoracic and abdominal segments with shrinkage of the FL mainly in the thoracic segment. CONCLUSIONS These data provide insight into potential therapeutic benefit of the PETTICOAT technique. A significant immediate increase in TL could be achieved with resolution of all cases of dynamic malperfusion and TL collapse. A different behavior of volumes in the thoracic and abdominal segments was observed.

Demonstration of the Adamkiewicz Artery by Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography Analysed with the Open-Source Software OsiriX

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) detection by multidetector computed tomography (CT) data analysis without the need of a dedicated workstation, using low-cost hardware and the freeware OsiriX. METHODS CT scans of 67 patients undergoing a thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic procedure between April 2006 and August 2008 were evaluated with respect to detection rate and AKA level and side using the OsiriX software version 3.2 on Mac OS X computer and compared to results obtained by standard workstation analysis, in a fully blinded analysis. The results were also compared with data compiled from a review of the English-language literature on this topic. RESULTS (1) AKA identification showed a substantial agreement of 85.07% between the methods (k=0.636). (2) The comparison of AKA level showed a substantial agreement (weighted k=0.661), with consensus in 70.14%. (3) From the literature review, we found that recognition of the AKA was achieved in 466 of 555 cases (83.96%). (4) In 384 (83.3%) cases the AKA originated from a left intercostal artery. (5) The proposed method and literature-compiled data showed a similar AKA level distribution. CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive AKA location with open-source software and low-cost hardware is feasible. The OsiriX software allows to effectively navigate through CT data not only to study the aorta, but also to detect the AKA, as in the case of the standard method and the literature data. Its availability and ease of use may contribute to make identification of the AKA part of the routine evaluation of CT scans in patients with aortic disease, even where dedicated workstations are not available, with potential benefits for planning therapeutic procedures.

Ten years of endovascular aortic arch repair.

Purpose: To evaluate a 10-year single-center experience of arch endovascular aortic repair (AEVAR) using the hybrid approach. Methods: Between 1999 and 2009, 311 patients were treated with endografts for thoracic aortic pathologies. The aortic arch was involved in 116 (37.3%) patients (97 men; mean age 70.3±10.7 years, range 27–84). There were 83 atherosclerotic aneurysms, 21 type B dissections, and 12 other lesions whose proximal landing zones were categorized according to Ishimarus classification as 24 zone 0, 27 zone 1, and 65 zone 2. A hybrid approach was performed for all zone 0 and zone 1 procedures and in nearly half (47.7%) of zone 2 procedures. Early and midterm outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The initial clinical success in zone 0 aneurysms was 83.3%, with a 30-day mortality of 12.5% due to intraoperative stroke in all the cases. The respiratory failure rate was 12.5%, and there was 1 type I endoleak that spontaneously resolved at follow-up. Midterm clinical success at a mean 26±21 months was 83.3%. In zone 1 aneurysms, the initial clinical success was 82.1% without 30-day mortality or perioperative stroke. The midterm clinical success was 81.5% at a mean 21±17 months [2 (7.4%) late aneurysm-related deaths]. Four type I endoleaks spontaneously resolved in 3 patients. In zone 2 cases, the initial clinical success was 90.8%. There was 1 (1.5%) intraoperative death and another (1.5%) within 30 days; 1 (1.5%) patient suffered a stroke, and the respiratory and renal failure rates were 3.0%, respectively. This is the only zone in which paraplegia (2 patients, 3.0%) was encountered. The midterm clinical success was 93.9% at a mean 34±20 months. Four type I endoleaks spontaneously resolved in 3 patients at follow-up. Conclusion: In selected patients, early and midterm outcomes of AEVAR using the hybrid approach are promising; however, mortality and morbidity, especially for zones 0 and 1, are not negligible. Our results may have practical implications for the ongoing evolution of the hybrid procedure in the aortic arch, as well as for patients fit for traditional surgery.

Evaluation of a new disease-specific endovascular device for type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE The study objective was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and early technical and clinical success rate of a new endovascular device specifically designed for aortic dissection that has recently become available in Europe. METHODS From June of 2005 to the present, the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (William Cook Europe, Bjaerverskov, Denmark) was used in 11 selected patients (all male, with a median age of 58 years [range, 45-76 years]) with type B chronic aortic dissection with a compression or collapse of the true lumen. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with preoperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage in 4 patients. One-step open surgical supra-aortic vessels re-routing was performed in 6 patients to obtain an adequate proximal landing zone: Left carotid-subclavian artery bypass was performed in 5 patients, and right-to-left common carotid artery bypass and left subclavian to common carotid artery transposition was performed in 1 patient. Clinical follow-up visits and computed tomography scans were obtained at 1, 6, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. RESULTS A secondary technical success was obtained in all patients (100%), and 30-day clinical success was achieved in 10 patients (91%). A type IA entry flow was observed in 1 patient. No mortality was recorded. Occlusion of visceral/renal arteries, retrograde dissections, and device-induced tears in the intimal lamellae were not observed. Periprocedural morbidity included temporary renal failure in 1 patient and postimplantation syndrome with fever and leukocytosis for 23 days in 1 patient. No cases of paraplegia were recorded. At a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 2-30 months), we observed a clinical success rate of 91%. No migration of the device was observed. No late occlusion of the visceral or renal arteries was recorded at follow-up. CONCLUSION The perioperative and short-term follow-up results showed that the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System for the treatment of aortic dissection can be safely used without affecting the patency of the branches covered by the bare stent. However, these results need to be validated in a larger group of patients with a mid-term follow-up.

Visceral aortic patch aneurysm after thoracoabdominal aortic repair : Conventional vs hybrid treatment

OBJECTIVE Visceral aortic patch (VAP) aneurysm repair following thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) open treatment carries high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of our series of patients who underwent redo VAP aneurysm open surgery (conventional group) with a selected group of high-risk patients who underwent, in the same time period from 2001-2007, an alternative hybrid surgical and endovascular approach (hybrid group). METHODS Conventional group: Twelve patients (11 males, median age 71.5 years, range, 65 to 77 years) underwent VAP aneurysm (median maximum diameter 62 mm, range, 52 to 75 mm) repair with re-inclusion technique via redo thoracophrenolaparotomy or bilateral subcostal laparotomy. Reimplantation of a single undersized VAP or separate revascularization of one or more visceral arteries was performed. Hybrid group: Seven patients (5 males, median age 70 years, range, 63 to 78 years) defined as at high risk for conventional surgery having American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 3 or 4 associated with a preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <50% or an ejection fraction <40%, underwent VAP aneurysm (median maximum diameter 73 mm, range, 62 to 84 mm) repair via median laparotomy, visceral arteries rerouting, and VAP aneurysm exclusion using commercially available thoracic aortic endografts. RESULTS Conventional group: Perioperative mortality was 16.7% and major morbidity 33.3%. One perioperative anuria was successfully treated with bilateral renal artery stenting. No paraplegia or paraparesis were observed. At a median follow-up of 2.3 years (range, 1.6-7 years), we observed one case of peri-graft fluid collection with sepsis at postoperative day 46 requiring surgical drainage and prolonged antibiotic therapy and one case of renal failure at day 68 requiring permanent hemodialysis. Hybrid group: perioperative mortality was 14.3% and major morbidity 28.6% with one case of transient delayed paraplegia. At a median follow-up of 1.9 years (range, 0.3-6.8 years), we observed one case of late pancreatitis (46 days postoperatively) resolved with pharmacologic treatment and one death due to an acute visceral grafts thrombosis (78 days postoperatively). We did not observe other procedure-related deaths or complications, VAP aneurysm growth, endoleak, and endograft migration. CONCLUSION Hybrid repair is clearly a feasible alternative to simple observation for patients unfit for redo VAP aneurysm open surgery. However, despite our promising early results, new mid-term specific procedure-related complications have been observed and a widespread use of this technique should be currently limited until longer-term follow-up is available.

Angio-CT Imaging of the Spinal Cord Vascularisation: A Pictorial Essay

Knowledge of the spinal cord (SC) vascular supply is important in patients undergoing procedures that involve the thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aorta; the SC vasculature, however, has a complex and highly variable anatomy. Recent breakthroughs in imaging methods have expanded the non-invasive diagnostic ability to determine a patients spinal cord vascular pattern, particularly in detecting the presence and location of the artery of Adamkiewicz. CT is the imaging modality of choice for most patients with thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic disease for pre-operative planning of endovascular treatment: thus the data set required for our analysis of spinal cord vascular anatomy is already available. This paper provides examples of the SC vasculature imaging that can be obtained with 64 row scanners and appropriate postprocessing.

Initial clinical experience with the modified Zenith "Pro-Form" TX2 thoracic endograft

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) with the newly introduced Zenith TX2 thoracic stent-graft with Pro-Form. Methods: From March 2009 to present, the Zenith TX2 with Pro-Form was used to treat 27 patients (23 men; median age 65 years, range 22–77) suffering from descending thoracic aortic disease: 20 degenerative aneurysms, 3 chronic type B dissections, 2 type I endoleaks following previous endograft repair, 1 aortic ulcer, and 1 traumatic isthmic rupture. According to Ishimarus classification, the distribution of the proximal landing zone was zone 0 in 4 cases, zone 1 in 2 cases, zone 2 in 9 cases, zone 3 in 7 cases, and zone 4 in 5 cases. One aneurysm distally involved the thoracoabdominal aorta. An acutely angulated (<90°) proximal landing zone was found in 9 patients. Results: The device was safely and effectively deployed in all cases, with no problems during sheath retrieval. The postoperative course was free from major complications in all cases, and there was no perioperative mortality. Postoperative morbidity included respiratory failure in 1 case, transient acute renal failure in 3 cases, and post-implantation syndrome in 2 cases. Postoperative computed tomography at 1 and 6 months confirmed 100% clinical success with the absence of device-related complications. No type I endoleak was documented. The proximal sealing stent fitted well with the aortic profile in all cases except one, in which malapposition was seen in a severely angulated aorta at 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Based on this preliminary experience, the TX2 thoracic stent-graft with Pro-Form can be safely and effectively deployed to satisfactorily repair thoracic aortic pathology, including lesions in the arch. Stent-graft conformance to the aorta was excellent even in cases with unfavorable anatomy. These encouraging results will need to be confirmed in larger series with larger follow-up.

The Risk of Spinal Cord Ischemia during Thoracic Aorta Endografting

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a devastating complication of thoracic aortic surgery and its physiopathology is still poorly understood. Endovascular treatment with stentgrafts for the thoracic aorta (TEVAR) has significantly reduced the morbidity associated to thoracotomy and aortic cross clamping, but the incidence of SCI is still not negligible. We believe that TEVAR provides an opportunity to improve the knowledge of this devastating complication, since it removes the background noise of aortic cross-clamping and intercostal artery reimplantation. Management of thoracic aorta pathology with endovascular aortic repair had reduced in-hospital mortality, post-operative morbidity and recent series have reported encouraging midterm results. However the incidence of immediate and delayed SCI ranges from 0% and 12% (Table I). The results of three multicenter investigational trials for FDA approval of different thoracic endografts have been recently published with rates of SCI ranging from 2.8% to 8.7% (1-3) (Table II). Moreover these trials fail to demonstrate any statistically significant difference in the incidence of SCI between TEVAR and open repair.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy for Early Detection of Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia in Patients with Aortic Dissection

INTRODUCTION Recognition of acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMesI) in patients with aortic dissection (AoD) may be a challenge and exploratory laparotomy is often performed. METHODS We retrospectively analysed our experience with the use of diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) for the early detection of AMesI in patients with AoD, either undergoing medical treatment or after open/endovascular interventions. RESULTS Between 2004 and 2011, 202 consecutive AoDs were treated in our centre (71 acute type A AoD; 131 acute and chronic type B AoD). Among the 17 (8.4%) patients in which AMesI was suspected, nine (52.9%) were selected for DL. Three DLs were performed during medical treatment of patients with acute type B AoD, six after treatment of AoD (both surgical and endovascular). Three second-look DLs were also performed. Eight DLs were negative, three showed AMesI and the patients underwent successful emergent revascularisation. One DL was not conclusive and laparotomy was required. Among the eight patients not submitted to DL, one case of bowel infarction was recorded. CONCLUSIONS In our series DL was feasible and safe. The low invasiveness and repeatability were the main advantages. Although additional experience is mandatory, DL seems a promising technique for the detection of AMesI in patients with AoD.