Meryl Davis

Implementation of the National Health Service Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program in England

The National Health Service Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program (NAAASP) has been introduced after research and analysis of data from a number of randomized trials and existing local screening programs in England that showed a reduction in aneurysm-related mortality when men aged ≥ 65 years were offered ultrasound screening. The evidence was assessed by the United Kingdom National Screening Committee against a set of internationally recognized criteria that confirmed that screening all men aged ≥ 65 years saves lives. The introduction of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening to men aged 65 years is estimated to reduce premature death from ruptured AAAs by up to 50% over the next 10 years. This article describes the AAA screening program in England, its ongoing implementation and current challenges, and outcomes in the first 150,000 men.

Endovascular Treatment of Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms A European Multicenter Study

Background— Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is a rare and life-threatening disease. The aim of this European multicenter collaboration was to study the durability of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of MAA, by assessing late infection–related complications and long-term survival. Methods and Results— All EVAR treated MAAs, between 1999 and 2013 at 16 European centers, were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred twenty-three patients with 130 MAAs were identified. Mean age was 69 years (range 39–86), 87 (71%) were men, 58 (47%) had immunodeficiency, and 47 (38%) presented with rupture. Anatomic locations were ascending/arch (n=4), descending (n=34), paravisceral (n=15), infrarenal aorta (n=63), and multiple (n=7). Treatments were thoracic EVAR (n=43), fenestrated/branched EVAR (n=9), and infrarenal EVAR (n=71). Antibiotic was administered for mean 30 weeks. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range 1 week to 149 months). Six patients (5%) were converted to open repair during follow-up. Survival was 91% (95% confidence interval, 86% to 96%), 75% (67% to 83%), 55% (44% to 66%), and 41% (28% to 54%) after 1, 12, 60, and 120 months, respectively. Infection-related death occurred in 23 patients (19%), 9 after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment. A Cox regression analysis demonstrated non-Salmonella–positive culture as predictors for late infection–related death. Conclusions— Endovascular treatment of MAA is feasible and for most patients a durable treatment option. Late infections do occur, are often lethal, and warrant long-term antibiotic treatment and follow-up. Patients with non-Salmonella–positive blood cultures were more likely to die from late infection. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-32}Background— Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is a rare and life-threatening disease. The aim of this European multicenter collaboration was to study the durability of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of MAA, by assessing late infection–related complications and long-term survival. Methods and Results— All EVAR treated MAAs, between 1999 and 2013 at 16 European centers, were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred twenty-three patients with 130 MAAs were identified. Mean age was 69 years (range 39–86), 87 (71%) were men, 58 (47%) had immunodeficiency, and 47 (38%) presented with rupture. Anatomic locations were ascending/arch (n=4), descending (n=34), paravisceral (n=15), infrarenal aorta (n=63), and multiple (n=7). Treatments were thoracic EVAR (n=43), fenestrated/branched EVAR (n=9), and infrarenal EVAR (n=71). Antibiotic was administered for mean 30 weeks. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range 1 week to 149 months). Six patients (5%) were converted to open repair during follow-up. Survival was 91% (95% confidence interval, 86% to 96%), 75% (67% to 83%), 55% (44% to 66%), and 41% (28% to 54%) after 1, 12, 60, and 120 months, respectively. Infection-related death occurred in 23 patients (19%), 9 after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment. A Cox regression analysis demonstrated non-Salmonella–positive culture as predictors for late infection–related death. Conclusions— Endovascular treatment of MAA is feasible and for most patients a durable treatment option. Late infections do occur, are often lethal, and warrant long-term antibiotic treatment and follow-up. Patients with non-Salmonella–positive blood cultures were more likely to die from late infection.

Provision of vascular surgery in England in 2012

INTRODUCTION In 2009 the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland reported its recommendations for The Provision of Vascular Services for Patients with Vascular Disease. The objective is to halve the UK elective surgery mortality rate for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm to 3.5% by 2013. From 16th March 2012, statutory approval has been given by Parliament to recognise Vascular Surgery as a Specialty in the UK. This study assesses the provision of vascular surgery in acute trusts across England. METHOD From the Department of Health, 169 acute trusts were identified in England and each acute trust was emailed under the Freedom of Information Act. RESULTS There was a 98.8% response rate. There are currently 80 trusts in England providing acute and elective arterial and aortic surgery, with 48 vascular hubs and 32 trusts which either provide a local on call network or are currently under review. Within the 48 vascular hubs there are a mean of 4.8 consultants and 3.75 middle grades. The on call rota was on average a 1 in 6. CONCLUSION This study has shown that currently 80 trusts in England provide acute and elective arterial and aortic surgery with 48 centralised complex and arterial vascular services. An integrated vascular service will provide the best quality of care, develop the latest techniques and improve clinical standards.

Isolated endarterectomy of femoral bifurcation in critical limb ischemia: is restoration of inline flow essential?

This retrospective study reviews clinical outcomes of isolated common femoral endarterectomy (CFE) for critical limb ischemia (CLI), in particular whether poor runoff and inability to restore inline flow has negative impact. In 30 patients, runoff was assessed on preoperative angiograms and categorized into groups based on Society of Vascular Surgery criteria. Data were evaluated using Cox Regression survival analysis. Freedom from secondary revascularization was not affected by runoff score (hazard ratio for compromised and poor groups being 1.8 (95% CI 0.16 to 20.8) and 1.47 (95% CI 0.09 to 24.3), respectively; P = .894). Distal inline flow was not achieved in 25 (83%) patients, but this was not associated with significantly worse outcome (P = .295, log-rank test). In conclusion, CFE can be performed in CLI with high technical success and there is no significant effect of runoff score on recurrence of symptoms. Limb salvage can be achieved even if options to restore inline flow are limited.

Calcification of a Synthetic Renovascular Graft in a Child

Introduction Vascular grafts, especially in paediatric cases, need to be durable. Common failures such as thrombosis are well documented with research efforts directed towards them. However, there are lesser known causes of graft failure, such as graft calcification, and these also require further research focus. Report A paediatric case is described in which a synthetic renovascular graft, implanted for mid-aortic syndrome, became calcified, necessitating surgical intervention to resolve graft malfunction. Significant calcification in the limb of a bifurcated polyethylene terephthalate graft was found to be the cause of resistant stenosis and refractory hypertension. Histology conducted on the explanted limb showed the presence of multinuclear giant cells, indicating a chronic foreign body response. Discussion Calcification of vascular grafts is probably more common than previously recognised. Stenosis typically resistant to angioplasty may result in the long term and thus leading to surgical intervention. In young children, this is suboptimal as these grafts need to last throughout adulthood. Explanted prosthetic grafts should be sent to specialist registries such as that in Strasbourg to be optimally assessed so that contributory factors can be identified.

Ten-year single-centre experience with type II endoleaks: Intervention versus observation

Our objective was to determine the relative merits of intervention or observation of type II endoleaks (T2Ls). A retrospective analysis was performed on 386 infra-renal endovascular aneurysm repair (IR-EVAR) patients from 2006 to 2015. Annual surveillance imaging of patients undergoing EVAR at our centre were analysed, and all endoleaks were subjected to a multidisciplinary team meeting for consideration and treatment. In the 10-year time frame, 386 patients (79.5±8.7 years) underwent an IR-EVAR. Eighty-one patients (21.0%) developed a T2L and intervention was undertaken in 28 (34.6%): 17 (60.7%) were treated via a transarterial approach (TA) and 11 (39.3%) using the translumbar approach (TL). Fifty-three patients (65.4%) with T2Ls were managed conservatively. Patients who received T2L treatment had a greater proportion of recurrent T2Ls than patients who were conservatively managed (p=0.032). T2Ls associated with aneurysmal growth were more resistant to treatment than those where there was no change or a decrease in aneurysm size during follow-up (0.033). There was no significant difference in the TA and TL approach with respect to endoleak repair success (p=0.525). Treatment of a T2L did not confer a survival advantage compared to conservative management (p=0.449) nor did the choice of either the TA or TL approach (p=0.148). Our study suggests the development of a T2L associated with aneurysm growth may represent an aggressive phenotype that is resistant to treatment. However, this did not lead to an increased risk of mortality over follow-up. Neither a transarterial nor a translumbar approach to treating a T2L conferred superiority.

A prospective observational trial of fusion imaging in infrarenal aneurysms

Objective: Use of three‐dimensional fusion has been shown to significantly reduce radiation exposure and contrast material use in complex (fenestrated and branched) endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Cydar software (CYDAR Medical, Cambridge, United Kingdom) is a cloud‐based technology that can provide imaging guidance by overlaying preoperative three‐dimensional vessel anatomy from computed tomography scans onto live fluoroscopy images both in hybrid operating rooms and on mobile C‐arms. The aim of this study was to determine whether radiation dose reduction would occur with the addition of fusion imaging to infrarenal repair in all imaging environments. Methods: All patients who consented to involvement in the trial and who were treated with EVAR in our center from March 2016 until April 2017 were included. A teaching session about radiation protection and Cydar fusion software use was provided to all operators before the start of the fusion group enrollment. This group was compared with a retrospective cohort of patients treated in the same center from March 2015 to March 2016, after a dedicated program of radiation awareness and reduction was introduced. Ruptured aneurysms and complex EVAR were excluded. Preoperative and perioperative characteristics were recorded, including parameters of radiation dose, such as air kerma and dose‐area product. Results were expressed in median and interquartile range. Results: Forty‐four patients were prospectively enrolled and compared with 21 retrospective control patients. No significant differences were found in comparing sex, body mass index, and age at repair. The median operation time (wire to wire) and fluoroscopy time were 90 (75‐105) minutes and 30 (22‐34) minutes, respectively, without significant differences between groups (P = .56 and P = .36). Dose‐area product was nonsignificantly higher in the control group, 21.7 (8.9‐85.9) Gy cm2, compared with the fusion group, 12.4 (7.5‐23.4) Gy cm2 (P = .10). Air kerma product was significantly higher in the control group, 142 (61‐541) mGy, compared with 82 (51‐115) mGy in the fusion group (P = .03). The number of digital subtraction angiography runs was significantly lower in the fusion group (8 [6‐11]) compared with the control group (10 [9‐14]); (P = .03). There were no significant differences in the frequency of adverse events, endoleaks, or additional procedures required. Conclusions: When it is used in simple procedures such as infrarenal aneurysm repair, image‐based fusion technology is feasible both in hybrid operating rooms and on mobile systems and leads to an overall 50% reduction in radiation dose. Fusion technology should become standard of care for centers attempting to maximize radiation dose reduction, even if capital investment of a hybrid operating room is not feasible.

Late Branch-Related Complications and Management

Current endovascular devices offer treatment options to patients with increasingly complex aortic diseases. EVAR is less invasive than open surgical repair, but it is not free of complications. These can potentially result in severe morbidity or even mortality, stressing the need for early detection and subsequent treatment. In this chapter, some of the most common branch-related complications are described. It is clear that thorough knowledge of the potential complications and appropriate treatment are mandatory to reduce morbidity or even mortality in this complex group of patients.

Successful stent graft repair of multiple thoracoabdominal mycotic aortic aneurysms in the presence of Kommerell diverticulum and complicated by aortoesophageal fistula

We describe the management of a woman who presented with synchronous mycotic aortic aneurysms of the aortic arch in the presence of Kommerell diverticulum, the distal thoracic, and the juxtarenal aorta. A staged stent graft repair was undertaken due to rapid expansion of the aneurysms, which involved placement of multiple thoracic quadruple-fenestrated and infrarenal bifurcated stent grafts. Despite complications of an aortoesophageal fistula and transitory spinal cord ischemia, she has been managed successfully and is doing well at 36 months. This case illustrates that stent graft repair of mycotic aneurysms can offer a successful treatment option in selected patients.

Endovascular Treatment of Mycotic Aortic AneurysmsCLINICAL PERSPECTIVE: A European Multicenter Study

Background— Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is a rare and life-threatening disease. The aim of this European multicenter collaboration was to study the durability of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of MAA, by assessing late infection–related complications and long-term survival. Methods and Results— All EVAR treated MAAs, between 1999 and 2013 at 16 European centers, were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred twenty-three patients with 130 MAAs were identified. Mean age was 69 years (range 39–86), 87 (71%) were men, 58 (47%) had immunodeficiency, and 47 (38%) presented with rupture. Anatomic locations were ascending/arch (n=4), descending (n=34), paravisceral (n=15), infrarenal aorta (n=63), and multiple (n=7). Treatments were thoracic EVAR (n=43), fenestrated/branched EVAR (n=9), and infrarenal EVAR (n=71). Antibiotic was administered for mean 30 weeks. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range 1 week to 149 months). Six patients (5%) were converted to open repair during follow-up. Survival was 91% (95% confidence interval, 86% to 96%), 75% (67% to 83%), 55% (44% to 66%), and 41% (28% to 54%) after 1, 12, 60, and 120 months, respectively. Infection-related death occurred in 23 patients (19%), 9 after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment. A Cox regression analysis demonstrated non-Salmonella–positive culture as predictors for late infection–related death. Conclusions— Endovascular treatment of MAA is feasible and for most patients a durable treatment option. Late infections do occur, are often lethal, and warrant long-term antibiotic treatment and follow-up. Patients with non-Salmonella–positive blood cultures were more likely to die from late infection. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-32}Background— Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is a rare and life-threatening disease. The aim of this European multicenter collaboration was to study the durability of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of MAA, by assessing late infection–related complications and long-term survival. Methods and Results— All EVAR treated MAAs, between 1999 and 2013 at 16 European centers, were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred twenty-three patients with 130 MAAs were identified. Mean age was 69 years (range 39–86), 87 (71%) were men, 58 (47%) had immunodeficiency, and 47 (38%) presented with rupture. Anatomic locations were ascending/arch (n=4), descending (n=34), paravisceral (n=15), infrarenal aorta (n=63), and multiple (n=7). Treatments were thoracic EVAR (n=43), fenestrated/branched EVAR (n=9), and infrarenal EVAR (n=71). Antibiotic was administered for mean 30 weeks. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range 1 week to 149 months). Six patients (5%) were converted to open repair during follow-up. Survival was 91% (95% confidence interval, 86% to 96%), 75% (67% to 83%), 55% (44% to 66%), and 41% (28% to 54%) after 1, 12, 60, and 120 months, respectively. Infection-related death occurred in 23 patients (19%), 9 after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment. A Cox regression analysis demonstrated non-Salmonella–positive culture as predictors for late infection–related death. Conclusions— Endovascular treatment of MAA is feasible and for most patients a durable treatment option. Late infections do occur, are often lethal, and warrant long-term antibiotic treatment and follow-up. Patients with non-Salmonella–positive blood cultures were more likely to die from late infection.