88 research outputs found

    Proximal aneurysmal neck: dynamic ECG-gated CT angiography--conformational pulsatile changes with possible consequences for endograft sizing

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    To assess the magnitude of variations in size of the proximal neck of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in patients selected to undergo endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the potential effect on choice of endograft diameter by using 64-section dynamic electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated computed tomographic (CT) angiography

    Open surgical treatment of total occlusions of the abdominal aorta

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    Objectives: To analyze the perioperative results and long-term follow-up of open surgery among patients with a total chronic occlusion of the abdominal aorta. Material and methods: The data from 87 consecutive patients treated by open surgery for a total occlusion of the abdominal aorta in our center between 1998 and 2018 were collected prospectively. Thirty-nine patients presented a distal infrarenal aortic occlusion and 48 a proximal juxta/suprarenal occlusion. A thrombosed infrarenal aneurysm was associated in five cases. In eight cases a previous endovascular approach failed. 48 patients had an aorto-bifemoral bypass, 15 patients had a thrombo-endarterectomy and an enlargement angioplasty, and 24 patients had an extra-anatomical bypass (including 20 cases with axillo-bifemoral bypass and four cases of thoraco-bifemoral bypass). A suprarenal clamping was necessary in 28 cases (32.2%) of abdominal aortic surgery. Two cases required an aorto-renal bypass for aortic lesions extending up to the ostium of a renal artery. One case required a bypass to treat a preexistent occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Results: Perioperative morbidity included cardiac (3.4%) and respiratory (2.3%) complications, as well as acute impaired renal function (2.3%). The significant renal complications were reported only in case of suprarenal crossclamping. After an average follow-up of 74 months we observed primary and secondary patency rates of 94.3%, 92% and 88.5% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. In the cases treated by thrombo-endarterectomy and enlargement angioplasty there was no arterial thrombosis. In the patients with a preoperative renal malperfusion we observed an improvement of the renal function and of the control of arterial hypertension or visceral ischemic symptomatology in all the cases. Conclusion: Open surgical treatment of the total occlusions of the abdominal aorta offers an acceptable rate of mortality and morbidity and an excellent long term patency especially in the cases of direct aortic surgery. In the event of a proximal obstruction the need for a suprarenal clamping and repair of the renal arteries is often necessary

    A Rare Case of Dysplastic Axillary Artery Aneurysm Associated with Arteriovenous Malformation

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    Background: Axillary artery aneurysms are rare conditions, and their causes are various. They can determine severe complications, so the treatment is extremely important. Methods: We report the case of a young man affected by a saccular axillary artery aneurysm associated with intramuscular arteriovenous malformation, without symptoms except for the presence of a pulsatile mass. Duplex scan and computed tomography scan have been essential for a correct diagnosis and planning of the treatment. At first, the patient was submitted to coil embolization of an efferent vessel, and then he was treated surgically through ligation and detachment of the aneurysm and replacement of part of the axillary artery with a Dacron graft (Vascutek, Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK). Results: Follow-up at 1 and 6 months revealed normal patency of the axillary arterty and the prosthetic graft with complete exclusion and thrombosis of the aneurysm sac.No sensitive nor motor deficit were observed. Conclusions: Aneurysms of the axillary artery associated with intramuscular arteriovenous malformations are very rare, but have to be suspected. The treatment is challenging and can be surgical, endovascular, or hybrid, based on the patient's conditions and aneurysm's anatomical features

    Management of mycotic aorto-iliac aneurysms: a 30-year monocentric experience

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    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the early and late outcomes of our 30-year experience with mycotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared the outcomes of all the patients with mycotic aneurysm, by analyzing prospectively collected data between September 1989 and October 2019 from the Unit of Vascular Surgery of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli – IRCCS in Rome, Italy. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with mycotic aneurysm were included. Twenty-two patients underwent surgery; one patient arrived at the emergency room with unstable clinical conditions and died before being treated. Fourteen cases (60.9%) were located at the infrarenal aorta, while three cases (13.0%) were pararenal aortic aneurysms. Six cases (26.1%) had an iliac arteries localization. Seventeen patients (77.3%) underwent open surgical repair aneurysmectomy with in situ reconstruction, while three cases (13.6%) underwent extra-anatomic revascularization. Three patients (13.6%) underwent the placement of an endoprosthesis, of whom two underwent hybrid procedures, and one EVAR. The latter underwent an early conversion to open repair due to a type I endoleak. The mean length of hospital stay was 35 ± 18.7 days. Five patients (22.7%) died in the immediate postoperative period. In the follow-up of 45.5 ± 41.3 months (range 2-156), we documented six deaths (35.3%), of whom two (11.8%) were aortic-related for a 34.8% overall aortic-related mortality. Eleven patients were alive, with an overall survival of 47.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Mycotic aneurysm is an extremely rare and varied pathology. Open surgical repair showed to be a safe approach because of a complete and aggressive debridement of local infected tissues, with an acceptable long-term mortality rate

    Comparison of long occlusive femoropopliteal de novo versus previous endovascularly treated lesions managed with in situ saphenous bypass

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    Background: The aim of this study was to compare the 2-year outcomes of de novo versus postendovascular lesion treatment of femoropopliteal occlusions included in a national, multicenter, observational, prospective registry based on the treatment of critical Limb-threatening IschaeMia with infragenicular Bypass adopting in situ SAphenous VEin technique (LIMBSAVE) registry.Methods: From January 2018 to December 2019, 541 patients from43 centers have been enrolled in the LIMBSAVE registry. Of these patients, 460 were included in the present study: 341 (74.1%) with de novo lesions (DN group) and 119 (25.9%) with postendovascular treatment lesions (PE group). Initial outcome measures were assessed at 30 days after treatment. Furthermore, at the 2-year follow-up, the estimated outcomes of primary patency, primary-assisted patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves and compared between groups with the log-rank test.Results: Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic data, preoperative risk factors, and clinical presentation. However, compared with DN group, more patients in PE group had a great saphenous vein diameter of less than 3 mm (11.1% vs 21%; P = .007). Intraoperatively, both groups showed similar distal anastomosis sites: below-the-knee popliteal artery (63% DN group, 66.4% PE group) and tibial vessel (37% DN group, 33.6% PE group) (P = .3). The overall mean duration of follow-up was 11.6 months (range, 1-24 months). At the 2-year follow-up, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of primary patency (66.3% DN group vs 74.1% PE group; P = .9), primary-assisted patency (78.2% DN group vs 79.5% PE group; P = .2), secondary patency (85.1% DN group vs 91.4% PE group; P = .2), and limb salvage (95.2% DN group vs 95.1% PE group; P = .9).Conclusions: The LIMBSAVE registry did not show a worsening of overall patency and limb salvages rates at the 2-year follow-up in patients undergoing in situ saphenous bypass after a failed endovascular approach for long femoropopliteal occlusive disease. This finding is in contrast with what has been published in literature

    Factors Affecting Patency of In Situ Saphenous Vein Bypass: Two Year Results from LIMBSAVE (Treatment of critical Limb Ischaemia with infragenicular Bypass adopting in situ SAphenous VEin technique) Registry

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    Objective: The aim was to demonstrate contemporary outcomes of in situ saphenous vein bypass using a valvulotome.Methods: Analysis of two year outcomes of a multicentre registry based on the treatment of critical Limb Ischaemia with infragenicular Bypass adopting in situ SAphenous VEin technique (LIMBSAVE). Between January 2018 and December 2019, 541 patients in 43 centres were enrolled. In all patients an innovative valvulotome was used. Early outcomes were assessed. Two year outcomes according to KaplaneMeier curves in terms of patency and limb salvage were evaluated. Associations between patient and procedure variables were analysed with univariable and multivariable analyses.Results: In all cases, a valvulotome was able to lyse the valves. Vein injury due to the in situ technique was 3.5%. Thirty day mortality and major amputation rates were 3% and 0.9%, respectively. Mean follow up was 12.1 months. Two year estimated primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage were 69.1%, 81.4%, 86.5%, and 94.5%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed an association between pre-operative vein diameter < 3 mm and lower primary patency (hazard ration [HR] 14.3, p <.001), primary assisted patency (HR 9.4, p = .002), secondary patency (HR 7.2, p =. 07), and limb salvage (HR 7.8, p = .005) rates. Distal anastomosis to a tibial or foot vessel was also associated with lower primary patency (HR 4.8, p = .033), and primary assisted patency (HR 6, p = .011) rates. Use of a suprafascial tributary collateral as a graft was associated with lower primary patency (HR 6.7, p = .013), and primary assisted patency (HR 4.2, p = .042) rates.Conclusion: Vein diameter < 3 mm, distal anastomosis on a tibial or foot vessel, and use of a suprafascial tributary collateral as a graft were significantly associated with loss of patency and limb loss during follow up

    Preliminary six-month outcomes of LIMBSAVE (treatment of critical Limb IscheMia with infragenicular Bypass adopting in situ SAphenous VEin technique) registry

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    ObjectivesGuidelines recommend open bypass surgery for long occlusions of infrainguinal arteries. In situ saphenous vein bypass is a standardized technique. The aim of this study was to report preliminary six-month outcomes of a national, multicenter, observational, prospective registry based on the examination of treatment of critical Limb IscheMia with infragenicular Bypass adopting the in situ SAphenous VEin technique (LIMBSAVE).MethodsFrom January 2018 until October 2019, 428 patients from 41 centers were enrolled in the LIMBSAVE registry. Data were prospectively collected in a dedicated database, including demographics, preoperative risk factors, clinical and diagnostic preoperative assessments, intraoperative measures (including safety and effectiveness of the valvulotome during the surgical procedures), and 30-day follow-up data. Furthermore, estimated six-month outcomes according to Kaplan-Meier curves in terms of primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage were evaluated.ResultsPatients were predominantly male (n = 332, 77.6%) with a mean age of 73.3 years (range 39-95). Technical success, defined as bypass pulse after use of the valvulotome, was obtained in all cases. The proximal anastomosis could be reached by the valvulotome in all cases. The mean number of valvulotome uses was 2.5 (range 1-5). No vein perforation was reported. In nine cases (2.1%), a vein lesion with intramural hemorrhage occurred. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.1 days (range 1-60). At 30-day follow-up, the overall bypass patency rate was 97.4%, and the rate of open or endo reinterventions for failing bypass was 5.4%. At six-month follow-up, the estimated primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage were 78.1%, 86.2%, 92.1%, and 94.7%, respectively.ConclusionsPreliminary intraprocedural outcomes of the LIMBSAVE registry show that the in situ technique with the valvulotome is safe and effective in disrupting valves and obtaining pulsatility in the saphenous vein. The complication rate related to the use of the valvulotome is low. The six-month preliminary outcomes in terms of overall patency and limb salvage are promising. Further examinations and continuous follow-up are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes

    Duplex and Angiographic-Assisted Evaluation of Outcomes of Endovascular Embolization after Surgical Deep Vein Arterialization for the Treatment No-Option Critical Limb Ischemia Patients

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    Objective: To report early and mid-term outcomes of the arterialization of the deep venous system in no-option critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) using duplex ultrasound and angiographic evaluation to improve limb perfusion. Methods: A single-center prospective study of patients with no-option CLTI treated with hybrid surgical arterialization of the deep venous circulation and staged endovascular embolization of the venous collateral. Embolization was performed using a controlled-release spiral, within two weeks after bypass surgery. Patients were assessed for clinical status, wound healing, median transcutaneous partial pressure of O2 (TcPO2), and post-operative duplex ultrasound evaluating peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) to assess foot perfusion and bypass features. Primary endpoint analysis was primary technical success, limb salvage, patency rates, and clinical improvement. Secondary endpoints were 30-day and long-term mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction or stroke, and serious adverse events (SAE). Results: Five patients with no-option CLTI were treated at our center using the hybrid deep vein arterialization technique. Clinical stage was grade 3 in one patient and grade 4 in the remaining four. Mean age was 65.8 years (range 49–76 years), and two patients were affected by Buerger’s disease. Primary technical success was achieved in all patients, and all the bypasses were patent at the angiographic examination. At 30-day and at average follow-up of 9.8 months (range 2–24 months), mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACE), and serious adverse events (SAE) were not reported, with a primary patency and limb salvage rates of 100%. Three patients required minor amputation. Clinical improvement was demonstrated in all patients with granulation, resolution of rest pain, or both. Median TcPO2 values rose from 10 mm Hg (range 4–25) before the procedure to 35 (range 31–57) after surgery, and to 59 mm Hg (range 50–76) after the staged endovascular procedure. Conclusions: In our initial experience, the arterialization of the deep venous circulation, with subsequent selective embolization of the venous escape routes from the foot, seems a feasible and effective solution for limb salvage in patients with no-option CLTI and those in the advanced wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) clinical stage

    Tissue Engineering and Targeted Drug Delivery in Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Polymer Nanocarrier for Statin Therapy

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    Atherosclerosis-related coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. This requires effective primary and secondary prevention in reducing the complications related to CAD; the regression or stabilization of the pathology remains the mainstay of treatment. Statins have proved to be the most effective treatment in reducing adverse effects, but there are limitations related to the administration and achievement of effective doses as well as side effects due to the lack of target-related molecular specificity. The implemented technological steps are polymers and nanoparticles for the administration of statins, as it has been seen how the conjugation of drug delivery systems (DDSs) with statins increases bioavailability by circumventing the hepatic–renal filter and increases the related target specificity, enhancing their action and decreasing side effects. Reduction of endothelial dysfunction, reduced intimal hyperplasia, reduced ischemia–reperfusion injury, cardiac regeneration, positive remodeling in the extracellular matrix, reduced neointimal growth, and increased reendothelialization are all drug-related effects of statins enhanced by binding with DDSs. Recent preclinical studies demonstrate how the effect of statins stimulates the differentiation of endogenous cardiac stem cells. Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) seems to be the most promising DDS as it succeeds more than the others in enhancing the effect of the bound drug. This review intends to summarize the current evidence on polymers and nanoparticles for statin delivery in the field of cardiovascular disease, trying to shed light on this topic and identify new avenues for future studies

    Biomarkers in EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications

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    Circulating biomarkers have been recently investigated among patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Considering the plethora of small descriptive studies reporting potential associations between biomarkers and clinical outcomes, this review aims to summarize the current literature considering both the treated disease (post EVAR) and the untreated disease (AAA before EVAR). All studies describing outcomes of tissue biomarkers in patients undergoing EVAR and in patients with AAA were included, and references were checked for additional sources. In the EVAR scenario, circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a marker of inflammatory reaction which might predict postoperative morbidity; cystatin C is a promising early marker of post-procedural acute kidney injury; plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentration after 3 months from EVAR might help in detecting post-procedural endoleak. This review also summarizes the current gaps in knowledge and future direction of this field of research. Among markers used in patients with AAA, galectin and granzyme appear to be promising and should be carefully investigated even in the EVAR setting. Larger prospective trials are required to establish and evaluate prognostic models with highest values with these markers
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