S. Haulon

Global experience with an inner branched arch endograft.

BACKGROUNDnBranched endografts are a new option to treat arch aneurysm in high-risk patients.nnnMETHODS AND RESULTSnWe performed a retrospective multicenter analysis of all patients with arch aneurysms treated with a new branched endograft designed with 2 inner branches to perfuse the supra aortic trunks. Thirty-eight patients were included. The median age was 71 years (range, 64-74 years). An American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or 4 was reported in 89.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.7-99.3) of patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 13.2% (95% CI, 2.2-24.2). Technical success was obtained in 32 patients (84.2% [95% CI, 72.4-95.9]). Early secondary procedures were performed in 4 patients (10.5% [95% CI, 0.7-20.3]). Early cerebrovascular complications were diagnosed in 6 patients (15.8% [95% CI, 4.0-27.6]), including 4 transient ischemic attacks, 1 stroke, and 1 subarachnoid hemorrhage. The median follow-up was 12 months (range, 6-12 months). During follow-up, no aneurysm-related death was detected. Secondary procedures during follow-up were performed in 3 patients (9.1% [95% CI, 0.0-19.1]), including 1 conversion to open surgery. We compared the first 10 patients (early experience group) with the subsequent 28 patients. Intraoperative complications and secondary procedures were significantly higher in the early experience group. Although not statistically significant, the early mortality was higher in the early experience group (30% [95% CI, 0.0-60.0]) versus the remainder (7.1% [95% CI, 0.0-16.9]; P=.066). Being part of the early experience group and ascending aortic diameter≥38 mm were found to be associated to higher rates of combined early mortality and neurologic complications.nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur preliminary study confirms the feasibility and safety of the endovascular repair of arch aneurysms in selected patients who may not have other conventional options.nnnCLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATIONnThoracic IDE NCT00583817, FDA IDE# 000101.

Impact of Hybrid Rooms with Image Fusion on Radiation Exposure during Endovascular Aortic Repair

OBJECTIVEnTo evaluate exposure to radiation during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) performed with intraoperative guidance by preoperative computed tomographic angiogram fusion.nnnMETHODSnAll consecutive patients who underwent standard bifurcated (BIF) or thoracic (THO), and complex fenestrated (FEN) or branched (BR) EVAR were prospectively enrolled. Indirect dose-area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time (FT), and contrast medium volume were recorded. These data were compared with a previously published prospective EVAR cohort of 301 patients and to other literature. Direct DAP and peak skin dose were measured with radiochromic films. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range).nnnRESULTSnFrom December 2012 to July 2013, 102 patients underwent standard (56.8%) or complex (43.2%) EVAR. The indirect DAP (Gy.cm(2)) was as follows: BIF 12.2 (8.7-19.9); THO 26.0 (11.9-34.9); FEN 43.7 (24.7-57.5); andxa0BR 47.4 (37.2-108.2). The FT (min) was as follows: BIF 10.6 (9.1-14.7); THO 8.9 (6.0-10.5); FEN 30.7 (20.2-40.5); and BR 39.5 (34.8-51.6). The contrast medium volume (mL) was as follows: BIF 59.0 (50.0-75.0); THO 80.0 (50.0-100.0); FEN 105.0 (70.0-136.0); and BR 120.0 (100.0-170.0). When compared with a previous cohort, there was a significant reduction in DAP during BIF, FEN, and BR procedures, and a significant reduction of iodinated contrast volume during FEN and BR procedures. There was also a significant reduction in DAP during BIF procedures when compared with the literature (pxa0<xa0.01). DAP measurement on radiochromic films was strongly correlated with indirect DAP values (r(2)xa0=xa0.93).nnnCONCLUSIONnThe exposure of patients and operators to radiation is significantly reduced by routine use of image fusion during standard and complex EVAR.

Aortic remodeling after endovascular treatment of complicated type B aortic dissection with the use of a composite device design

OBJECTIVEnThe purpose of this study is to report updated clinical and aortic remodeling results from the Study for the Treatment of complicated Type B Aortic Dissection using Endoluminal repair (STABLE) trial, a prospective, multicenter study evaluating safety and effectiveness of a pathology-specific endovascular system (proximal stent graft and distal bare metal stent) for the treatment of complicated type B aortic dissection.nnnMETHODSnAll 86 enrolled patients (mean age, 59 years; 73.3% men) were treated within 90 days of symptom onset (55 with acute dissections and 31 with nonacute dissections). Inclusion criteria were branch vessel obstruction/compromise, impending rupture as evidenced by periaortic effusion/hematoma, resistant hypertension, persistent pain/symptoms, or aortic growth ≥5 mm within 3 months (or transaortic diameter ≥40 mm). Remodeling of the dissected aorta, including thrombosis of the false lumen and changes in the true lumen, false lumen, and transaortic diameter, were assessed in patients with available computed tomographic imaging through 2 years.nnnRESULTSnThe 30-day mortality rate was 4.7% (4/86) in the overall patient group (5.5% in acute patients and 3.2% in non-acute patients). Freedom from all-cause mortality was 88.3% at 1 year and 84.7% at 2 years (no significant difference between acute and nonacute patients). From baseline to 2 years, the true lumen diameter increased significantly in the descending thoracic aorta and the more distal abdominal aorta, along with a decrease in the false lumen diameter in both aortic segments. A majority of patients had either a stable or shrinking transaortic diameter in the thoracic (80.3% at 1 year and 73.9% at 2 years) or abdominal aorta (79.1% at 1 year and 66.7% at 2 years). Transaortic growth (>5 mm) occurred predominantly in acute dissections. Consistently, a shorter time from symptom onset to treatment was found to predict transaortic growth in the abdominal aorta (P = .03).nnnCONCLUSIONSnEndovascular repair of complicated type B aortic dissection with the use of a composite construct demonstrates favorable early clinical outcomes and aortic remodeling. However, patients treated in the acute setting may be prone to aortic growth and may require close observation. Follow-up through 5 years is ongoing.

Editor's Choice – Hybrid Treatment of Thoracic, Thoracoabdominal, and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVESnThe aim of this study was to assess the results of hybrid techniques for the treatment of thoracic, thoracoabdominal, and abdominal aortic aneurysms based on multicenter results and the various series regarding hybrid procedures reported in the literature.nnnMETHODSnThe results of 76 hybrid procedures performed in 19 French university hospital centers between November 2001 and October 2011 were collected. There were 50 men and 26 women, mean age 68.2 (35-86) years. All patients were considered at high risk (ASA≥3) for conventional surgery. Aneurysms involved the thoracic, abdominal, and thoracoabdominal aorta in five, 14, and 57 cases respectively. There were 11 emergent repairs. The revascularization of four visceral arteries was performed in 38 cases. Between one and three visceral arteries were revascularized in the other cases. Visceral artery debranching and stent graft deployment were performed in a one-stage procedure in 53 cases and in a two-stage procedure in 23 cases.nnnRESULTSnThere were 26 (34.2%) postoperative deaths. Nine of the survivors developed paraplegia, of which one resolved completely. Bowel ischemia occurred in 13 cases (17.1%), and one patient was treated by a superior mesenteric artery bypass. Four patients required long-term hemodialysis. Postoperative computed tomography scan showed a type II endoleak in two patients.nnnCONCLUSIONSnMorbidity and mortality in this study were greater than previously reported. Candidates for hybrid aortic repair should be carefully selected.

Mussel Inspired Coating of a Biocompatible Cyclodextrin Based Polymer onto CoCr Vascular Stents

During the past decade, drug-eluting stents (DES) have been widely used for the treatment of occlusive coronary artery diseases. They are supposed to reduce the incidence of early in-stent restenosis by the elution of highly hydrophobic antiproliferative drugs. Nevertheless, the absence of long-term activity of these devices is responsible for late acute thrombosis probably due to the delayed re-endothelialization of the arterial wall over the bare metallic stent struts. Thus, a new generation of DES with a sustained release of therapeutic agents is required to improve long-term results of these devices. In this article, we report an original functionalization of CoCr vascular devices with a hydrophilic, biocompatible and biodegradable cyclodextrins based polymer which acts as a reservoir for lipophilic drugs allowing the sustained release of antiproliferative drugs. In this setting, polydopamine (PDA), a strong adhesive biopolymer, was applied as a first coating layer onto the surface of the metallic CoCr device in order to promote the strong anchorage of a cyclodextrin polymer. This polymer was generated in situ from the methylated cyclodextrins and citric acid as a cross-linking agent through a polycondensation reaction. After optimization of the grafting process, the amount of cyclodextrin polymer coated onto the CoCr device was quantified by colorimetric titrations and the resulting film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations. The cytocompatibility of the resulting coated film was assessed by cell proliferation and vitality tests. Finally, the ability of this coated device to act as a drug-eluting system was evaluated with paclitaxel, a strong hydrophobic antiproliferative drug, a reference drug used in current vascular drug-eluting stents.

Evaluation of Visceral Artery Displacement by Endograft Delivery System Insertion

Purpose To assess the displacement of the aorta and its visceral branch ostia after insertion of a rigid system including a stiff guidewire and endograft delivery system during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods Between January and May 2013, 20 consecutive patients (19 men; mean age 67.2 years, range 61–83) undergoing EVAR (n=13) or fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR, n=7) were prospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent an intraoperative contrast-enhanced cone beam computed tomography (ceCBCT) acquisition after the insertion of the endograft delivery system. Each ceCBCT was loaded on a workstation and manually registered with the preoperative computed tomographic angiogram (CTA) in a way that optimized superposition of the spine from both images. The locations of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and of both renal artery ostia were depicted in 3D multiplanar reconstructions by 3 independent operators on the CTA and on the ceCBCT. Motion of the aortic segment at the level of the visceral arteries was estimated by the barycenter of the origin of the SMA and both renal arteries. Results The ostium displacement between the CTA and ceCBCT images was 6.7 mm (range 2.2–13.5) for the SMA; 6.2 mm (2.5–13.5) and 6.4 mm (1.9–14.5) for the right and the left renal arteries, respectively; and 5.5 mm (2.3–11.4) for the aortic segment. The displacement was mostly posterosuperior and to the left (65%). The radiation dose and contrast volume required to perform the ceCBCT were 30% and 41%, respectively, of the amounts used in the EVAR procedures. Conclusion This study demonstrates a significant displacement of the main aortic branches after rigid material insertion. Image fusion applications aimed at providing intraoperative guidance must allow an easy and rapid repositioning of the overlay during the procedure to match the deformation of the aortic anatomy during the procedure.

Total Endovascular Treatment of an Aortic Arch Aneurysm in a Patient with a Mechanical Aortic Valve

INTRODUCTIONnEndovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysms using an inner-branched device is a new treatment option for patients unfit for open surgery. There are many anatomical restrictions, such as the presence of a mechanical aortic valve that can contraindicate this complete endovascular approach.nnnREPORTnA new delivery system to overcome this issue has been developed. This new system was used to treat an aortic arch aneurysm 77 mm in diameter in a 37-year-old patient with Marfans syndrome. The patient was considered to be at major risk for open surgery because of severe respiratory insufficiency following a second sternotomy.nnnDISCUSSIONnTotal endovascular arch aneurysm repair is no longer contraindicated in patients with a mechanical aortic valve.

Factors predictive of treatment failure in staphylococcal prosthetic vascular graft infections: a prospective observational cohort study: impact of rifampin

BackgroundThere exists considerable debate concerning management of prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI), especially in terms of antimicrobial treatment. This report studies factors associated with treatment failure in a cohort of patients with staphylococcal PVGI, along with the impact of rifampin (RIF).MethodsAll data on patients with PVGI between 2006 and 2010 were reviewed. Cure was defined as the absence of evidence of infection during the entire post-treatment follow-up for a minimum of one year. Failure was defined as any other outcome.Results84 patients (72 M/12 F, median age 64.5 ± 11 y) with diabetes mellitus (n = 25), obesity (n = 48), coronary artery disease (n = 48), renal failure (n = 24) or COPD (n = 22) were treated for PVGI (median follow-up was 470 ± 469 d). PVGI was primarily intracavitary (n = 47). Staphylococcus aureus (n = 65; including 17 methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and coagulase-negative Staphylocococcus (n = 22) were identified. Surgical treatment was performed in 71 patients. In univariate analysis, significant risk factors associated with failure were renal failure (p = 0.04), aortic aneurysm (p = 0.03), fever (p = 0.009), aneurysm disruption (p = 0.02), septic shock in the peri-operative period (p = 0.005) and antibiotic treatment containing RIF (p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, 2 variables were independently associated with failure:septic shock [OR 4.98: CI 95% 1.45-16.99; p=0.01] and antibiotic containing rifampin [OR: 0.32: CI95% 0.10-0.96; p=0.04].ConclusionResults of the present study suggest that fever, septic shock and non-use of antibiotic treatment containing RIF are associated with poor outcome.

Results of F-EVAR in Octogenarians

BACKGROUNDnTo evaluate the clinical outcomes after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) in octogenarians.nnnMETHODSnBetween 2002 and 2012, all data from patients treated with custom-made fenestrated endografts for elective juxtarenal or pararenal aortic aneurysms in 2 high-volume centers (Malmö, Sweden & Lille, France) were prospectively entered in a computer database. Demographics and perioperative and follow-up results of patients aged ≥80 years (group 1) and patients aged <80 (group 2) were compared.nnnRESULTSnA total of 288 patients (33 in group 1 and 255 in group 2) were treated with fenestrated endografts during the study period. Except for median age, tobacco use, and maximal transaortic diameter (P = 0.001), both groups were comparable. The number of fenestrations, procedure duration, contrast media volume, length of stay, and number of secondary interventions were comparable. The 30-day mortality rate was higher in the octogenarian group (9% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.041). Median follow-up was 25 months. Two-year survival rate according to Kaplan-Meier method was 77.8% in group 1 (95% confidence interval, 61.8-93.9) and 89.0% in group 2 (P = 0.121). Overall mortality during the follow-up period was significantly higher in octogenarians (P < 0.006).nnnCONCLUSIONSnF-EVAR in octogenarians is associated with a higher 30-day mortality rate but has similar midterm outcomes compared with younger patients and should be considered as an acceptable therapeutic option in patients with satisfactory life expectancy.

Thrombocytopenia: an early marker of late mortality in type B aortic dissection

Mid-term and long-term mortality after aortic dissection remain high and due to unknown factors. To determine predicting factors at the acute phase associated with mid- and long-term all-cause mortality, patients with type B aortic dissection including intramural hematoma, treated in one referral university center in an area with a population of 4 million, were analyzed over a period of 12 years (from 1996 to 2008). Based on the total population, 77 patients discharged after type B aortic dissection (including 11 intramural hematoma) were recorded as treated with either medical treatment alone (n = 41) or with additional endovascular therapy (n = 36). The mean follow-up period was 50.8 months, with a survival rate of 78 % (17 deaths). Patient history, symptoms, medical treatment, biological parameters, imaging, and intervention during acute phase (more than 150 parameters) were analyzed to identify any relationship with complications and death. Kaplan–Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards analyses identified independent predictors of follow-up mortality from any cause. Factors influencing mortality (P < 0.05) were a low systolic blood pressure (SBP) at admission, a thrombocytopenia in the acute period, chronic bronchitis, diameter of ascending aorta, and renin–angiotensin system inhibitor intake. Independent predictors of mortality were chronic bronchitis (P = 0.0022, hazard ratio (HR) 17.5), early thrombocytopenia (P = 0.042, HR 3.5), and admission SBP <120 mmHg (P = 0.0048, HR 7.928). Treated (medical ± endovascular) type B aortic dissection held a worse long-term prognosis, which can be correlated with predicting factors, especially in-hospital thrombocytopenia, and should require closer follow-up