1,720,967 research outputs found
Implanted blood vessel external support device for the treatment of distal hypoperfusion ischemic syndrome in arteriovenous fistulas and high-frame-rate Vector Flow quality assessment
No full textIntroduction: Distal hypoperfusion ischemic syndrome (DHIS) is a complication occurring after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. Different surgical alternatives haves been proposed in case of severe DHIS. Aim of the present paper is to present a new technique for DHIS treatment. Material and methods: Between the 1st of January 2021 and the 31st December 2021 all the patients referred to our center for DHIS grade 2–4 were treated with a new surgical technique. It consists of AVF remodeling using an external nitinol support (VasQ®) to reduce the risk of outflow vein enlargement and DHIS recurrence. To better appreciate the hemodynamic effects of the surgery, a new ultrasound technique called high-frame-rate Vector Flow (HiFR-VF) was used. Results: Seven patients (M:F 1:3; mean age 43 ± 12 years, range 29–65) were included in this study. Central line was never necessary, and technical success was 100% at 12 months. The comparison with historical data demonstrated lower recurrence of symptoms in comparison to simple artery-to-vein redo (p 0.50). The HiFR-VF showed flow with limited turbulent characteristics at the anastomosis site. Discussion and conclusion: The new technique proposed demonstrated to be safe and effective for treatment of DHIS, preventing symptoms recurrence. Ultrasound examination and HiFR-VF can be considered a valuable method to evaluate complex flows at the levels of vascular anastomosis
Optimizing the life of vascular access during follow-up
No full textOptimizing the longevity of vascular access in hemodialysis patients remains a critical aspect of patient care, given the significant role of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in enabling effective dialysis. Vascular access complications, such as stenosis, thrombosis, and cannulation-related damage, continue to challenge both the functionality and the sustainability of these access points. Recent advancements underscore the importance of a robust follow-up strategy, integrating clinical evaluations with diagnostic tools like color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and emerging interventional approaches such as drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Regular CDU surveillance has shown promise in identifying asymptomatic stenosis, providing an opportunity for early intervention and reducing the risk of thrombotic events. This non-invasive imaging modality allows for detailed evaluation of hemodynamic changes within the vascular access, enabling timely detection and monitoring of stenotic lesions. Furthermore, the use of DCBs- angioplasty balloons coated with antiproliferative agents such as paclitaxel- offers a targeted approach to manage intimal hyperplasia and reduce restenosis rates in vascular access sites. Studies indicate that DCBs can mitigate neointimal proliferation, prolonging patency and enhancing long-term access outcomes. In this paper, we explore the synergistic role of clinical follow-up, ultrasound-based diagnostics, and drug-coated technologies in the preservation of vascular access. By examining the impact of these strategies, we aim to provide a comprehensive approach to vascular access maintenance, emphasizing the need for structured surveillance protocols and interventional techniques to optimize the lifespan of hemodialysis access points
Sizing matters not: Technical standardization of small anastomoses in AVF surgery for complex patients
No full textIntroduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) remain the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis, though failure to mature, juxta-anastomotic stenosis, and distal hypoperfusion ischemic syndrome (DHIS) continue to limit their effectiveness. We evaluated a standardized approach combining small-size anastomoses (SSA) and the piggyback Straight-Line Onlay Technique (pSLOT) to improve outcomes in complex AVF creation. Materials and methods: This single-center prospective study included all consecutive patients referred for AVF creation from January 2022 to December 2023. Anastomoses were created using a 3.6 mm punch, and pSLOT was used in all cases. Doppler ultrasound was performed intraoperatively, at discharge, and during follow-up. Primary outcomes included AVF maturation and patency; secondary outcomes included DHIS incidence. Results: A total of 78 AVFs were created (mean age 57 +/- 18 years). Primary patency rates at 1, 2, and >4 months were 98.2%, 96.5%, and 94.7%, respectively. Maturation was achieved in 98.2% of cases. No cases of DHIS, thrombosis, or late failure were observed. Mean AVF flow at 12 months was 1080 +/- 170 mL/min. Discussion and conclusions: This standardized technique proved safe and effective in a high-risk cohort. The results support its adoption in anatomically complex cases and highlight the value of surgical standardization in VA practice
A Case Series of Completely Thrombosed Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Get PDFBackground: Completely thrombosed AAA (th-AAA) has been infrequently described in the literature. The present study evaluated the incidence and report the outcomes of open surgical repair (OSR) of a clinical series of th-AAAs. Methods: This is a single-center, observational cohort study of consecutive th-AAAs identified between 10 October 1998, and 31 January 2024. Open repair was carried out through a transperitoneal route, and Dacron knitted graft replacement. Follow-up included the clinical visit and duplex ultrasound at 30 days, and annually thereafter. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcome was the freedom from aorta-related reintervention. Results: Out of 2237 AAA repairs, we identified 16 (0.7%) th-AAAs. They were all men with a mean age of 74 years ± 8 (range, 54–89). The median of aneurysm diameter was 49 mm (IQR, 46–52). Rupture was the presenting scenario in four (25%) patients. Early mortality and major amputation did not occur. At a mean follow-up of 70 months ± 48 (range, 11–192), the freedom from aorta-related mortality was 100%, and graft-related complications were not observed. Conclusions: The incidence of th-AAA was <1%. Although rupture was the presenting scenario in nearly 25% of the cases, OSR was safe and effective due to the absence of aorta-related mortality and the long-term durability of the repair
Stent migration as complication of endovascular treatment of vascular access stenosis: A systemic review
No full textOutflow vein stenosis is one of the commonest complications of both native and prosthetic vascular access. Together with angioplasty, first-line treatment is stenting. Although it has been described as a uncommon complication, the risk of stent migration should be always considered. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of literature concerning stents migration in vascular access, the possible outcomes and treatments. This study was performed applying Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google scholar databases. Studies selection, data abstraction was done by two different reviewers. We identified 17 studies, comprising 18 cases (M:F 1:1, mean age 56 ± 18 (range 33–88)). All the patients underwent stenting for vascular access outflow stenosis. The commonest type of device reported was self expandible bare-metal stent. Intraoperative evidence of stent migration occurred in six cases at the final quality control, or for intraprocedure dyspnea onset. In two patients it was a incidental diagnosis. In the remaining cases, chest pain or dyspnea were the common delayed presentation symptoms. Even if stent migration is an uncommon event, it is burdened with low mortality and morbidity. Literature provide only few and frequently inadequate data. Stent removal is the treatment of choice when severe symptoms or cardiopulmonary complication are present. Endovascular procedures demonstrated to be an effective and safe alternative, while open surgical treatment is preferred whenever endovascular therapy failed or in selected cases
Outcomes analysis of surgical conversion for Kissing-stent occlusion
No full textBackground: We aimed to describe the operative outcomes following open aortoiliac/femoral graft reconstruction for bilateral kissing-stent (KS) occlusion. Methods: This is a bicentric, retrospective, observational cohort study. Between September 2007 and December 2019, 205 patients were treated with KS for aortoiliac reconstruction. Only those who had bilateral KS occlusion with subsequent aortoiliac/femoral graft replacement were included in this analysis. Primary outcomes were early (<30 days) and late survival, postoperative (<30 days) complications, and patency rates. Results: Nine patients (male, n = 7) were analyzed. The patient's mean age was 60 ± 5 years (range 55–62). Median delay from initial KS procedure was 36 months (interquartile range [IQR] 19–252). On admission, all patients presented with a worse Rutherford class compared to their initial pre-KS clinical presentation. Aortobifemoral bypass was performed in 5 patients, and aortobi-iliac reconstruction in 4 patients. There were no perioperative deaths and only 1 new case of erectile dysfunction occurred. At a median follow-up time of 24 months (IQR 12–54), primary patency rate was 88.9%. Conclusions: Open aortic reconstruction after KS occlusion was feasible and effective. Endovascular repair for aortoiliac obstructive disease may be pursued as first-line treatment even in complex lesions
Plasmablastic lymphoma presenting as a brachial artery aneurysm associated with haemodialysis arteriovenous access ligation in a renal transplant patient
No full textIntroduction: Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, generally associated with immunodeficiencies and related to latent Epstein-Barr virus infection. This case is the first reported case of plasmablastic lymphoma relapse in aneurysmatic brachial artery wall. Case description: We describe the case of male patient who underwent cadaveric donor kidney transplant when he was 61 years old and radio-cephalic distal arteriovenous fistula ligation 8 months later. After 8 years, he developed gingival plasmablastic lymphoma treated with cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin and prednisone regimen with subsequent remission. During follow-up, a mid-forearm vascular access was created because of the worsening of renal function. Twenty-two months later, the patient showed a symptomatic 20 mm brachial artery aneurysm with radiological signs of imminent rupture, for which he was surgically treated. The histological evaluation of the brachial artery specimen revealed a relapse of plasmablastic lymphoma in the arterial wall and in an adjacent lymph node. Conclusion: Brachial artery aneurysms are a rare complication in kidney transplant recipients after ligation of arteriovenous access for haemodialysis. Here, we report a case in which this condition is associated with an even rarer plasmablastic lymphoma. A common aetiology, due to immunosuppressive therapy, is postulated for the two coexisting diseases
Acute problems of hemodialysis access: Thrombosis, aneurysms, symptomatic high-flow fistulas, and complications related to central lines
No full textHemodynamic complications frequently affect vascular access and are important causes of morbidity and mortality. We present a review of acute complications affecting vascular accesses, focusing on classical and new treatments. Acute complications in hemodialysis vascular access are often underestimated and undertreated, and can present a challenge for both vascular surgeons and anesthesiologists. Accordingly, we considered different anesthesiologic approaches to both hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic patients. A strict collaboration among nephrologists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists can potentially improve prevention and management of acute complications and quality of life
Proposal of a classification of cannulation damage in vascular access grafts based on clinical, ultrasound, and microscopic observations
No full textIntroduction: Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) serve as an alternative to native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the context of hemodialysis patient life planning. AVGs are more susceptible to developing outflow stenosis (due to intimal hyperplasia), thrombosis, and infections. However, an often overlooked contributor to AVG failure is cannulation damage. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of cannulations on AVGs. We aim to establish a classification of AVG damage by comparing clinical data and ultrasound images with microscopic morphological findings obtained from explanted grafts. Materials and methods: This study is conducted at a single center. We included all patients who underwent AVG creation between 2011 and 2019. Comprehensive data on clinical history, follow-up, and complications were collected and reviewed. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) characteristics were documented, and all grafts explanted during the analysis period underwent optical microscopy evaluation. Finally, clinical data, along with DUS and microscopic findings, were integrated to derive a damage classification. Results: During the study period, 247 patients underwent 334 early cannulation AVGs. The median follow-up duration was 714 days (IQR 392, 1195). One hundred eleven (33%) grafts were explanted. Clinical data and DUS findings were utilized to formulate a four-grade classification system indicating increasing damage. Conclusion: Cannulation damage alone does not solely account for AVG failure. It results from a biological host-mediated process that promotes the growth of intimal hyperplasia at the cannulation sites. This process is not clinically significant within the initial 2 years after AVG creation
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