Left Ventricle Modification After Endovascular Aortic Repair

INTRODUCTION Endograft deployment is a well-known cause of arterial stiffness increase as well as arterial stiffness increase represent a recognized cardiovascular risk factor. A harmful effect on cardiac function induced by the endograft deployment should be investigated. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of endograft deployment on the arterial stiffness and cardiac geometry of patients treated for aortic aneurysm in order to detect modifications that could justify an increased cardiac mortality at follow-up. MATHERIALS AND METHODS Over a period of 3 years, patients undergoing elective EVAR for infrarenal aortic pathologies in two university centers in Emilia Romagna were examined. All patients underwent pre-operative and six-months post-operative Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) examination using an ultrasound-based method performed by vascular surgeons together with trans-thoracic echocardiography examination in order to evaluate cardiac chambers geometry before and after the treatment. RESULTS 69 patients were enrolled. After 36 months, 36 patients (52%) completed the 6 months follow-up examination.The ultrasound-based carotid-femoral PWV measurements performed preoperatively and 6 months after the procedure revealed a significant postoperative increase of cf-PWV (11,6±3,6 m/sec vs 12,3±8 m/sec; p.value:0,037).Postoperative LVtdV (90±28,3 ml/m2 vs 99,1±29,7 ml/m2; p.value:0.031) LVtdVi (47,4±15,9 ml/m2 vs 51,9±14,9 ml/m2; p.value:0.050), IVStd (12±1,5 mm vs 12,1±1,3 mm; p.value:0,027) were significantly increased if compared with preoperative measures.Postoperative E/A (0,76±0,26 vs 0,6±0,67; p.value:0,011), E’ lateral (9,5±2,6 vs 7,9±2,6; p.value:0,024) and A’ septal (10,8±1,5 vs 8,9±2; p.value0,005) were significantly reduced if compared with preoperative measurements CONCLUSION The endovascular treatment of the abdominal aorta causes an immediate and significant increase of the aortic stiffness.This increase reflects negatively on patients’ cardiac geometry inducing left ventricle hypertrophy and mild diastolic disfunction after just 6 months from endograft’s implantation.Further investigations and long-term results are necessary to access if this negative remodeling could affect the cardiac outcome of patient treated using the endovascular approach

The Impact of the First COVID-19 Wave on European Vascular Education

none3siIntroduction: Public health was severely affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, imposing major daily life changes across the world, including health services that had to restructure significantly. Report: Considering the potential side effects on the quality of vascular training, a digital survey (Survey Monkey®) was developed and submitted to vascular trainees from 7 July to 20 September 2020 through European mailing lists and social media platforms. The aim was to evaluate the standpoint of vascular education across Europe during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify possible measures to mitigate the negative effects on vascular trainees. A total of 104 answers across 27 European countries were received. The mean age of the responders was 31.2 ± 3.58 years, of whom 60.6% were male. Forty-four (42.3%) of the vascular trainees actively participated on the COVID-19 front line; 76.9% of them reported a decrease in surgical procedures performed and/or assisted, with 60% reporting a reduction >50%. Emergency procedures were the only surgical activities for 7.5% of the trainees. Annual or final examinations were re-scheduled or cancelled for 16.3% and 10.6% of the participants, respectively. According to the survey, 73.5% of the responders claimed that the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on vascular education and 73.4% agreed the need for "compensation measures" to be taken. Discussion: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant negative impact on vascular education. Considering an extended pandemic situation, it is believed that compensatory measures should be addressed to maintain the high standards of vascular education and develop new educational tools for future trainees.noneAntónio Pereira-Neves, Liliana Fidalgo Domingos, Stefano AncettiAntónio Pereira-Neves, Liliana Fidalgo Domingos, Stefano Ancett

Editor's Choice - Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the relationship between asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) of any severity and cognitive impairment and to determine whether there is evidence supporting an aetiological role for ACS in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment. Data sources: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane library. Review methods: This was a systematic review (35 cross sectional or longitudinal studies) RESULTS: Study heterogeneity confounded data interpretation, largely because of no standardisation regarding cognitive testing. In the 30 cross sectional and six longitudinal studies (one included both), 33/35 (94%) reported an association between any degree of ACS and one or more tests of impaired cognitive function (20 reported one to three tests with poorer cognition; 11 reported four to six tests with poorer cognition, while three studies reported seven or more tests with poorer cognition). There was no evidence that ACS caused cognitive impairment via silent cortical infarction, or via involvement in the pathophysiology of lacunar infarction or white matter hyperintensities. However, nine of 10 studies evaluating cerebral vascular reserve (CVR) reported that ACS patients with impaired CVR were significantly more likely to have cognitive impairment and that impaired CVR was associated with worsening cognition over time. Patients with severe ACS but normal CVR had cognitive scores similar to controls. Conclusion: Notwithstanding significant heterogeneity within the constituent studies, which compromised overall interpretation, 94% of studies reported an association between ACS and one or more tests of cognitive impairment. However, "significant association" does not automatically imply an aetiological relationship. At present, there is no clear evidence that ACS causes cognitive impairment via silent cortical infarction (but very few studies have addressed this question) and no evidence of ACS involvement in the pathophysiology of white matter hyperintensities or lacunar infarction. There is, however, better evidence that patients with severe ACS and impaired CVR are more likely to have cognitive impairment and to suffer further cognitive decline with time

Editor's Choice - Effect of Carotid Interventions on Cognitive Function in Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: A Systematic Review

Objective: To determine the effect of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) on early (baseline vs. maximum three months) and late (baseline vs. at least five months) cognitive function in patients with exclusively asymptomatic carotid stenoses (ACS). Method: Searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane library. This systematic review includes 31 non-randomised studies. Results: Early post-operative period: In 24 CEA/CAS/CEA+CAS cohorts (n = 2 059), two cohorts (representing 91/2 059, 4.4% of the overall study population) reported significant improvement in cognitive function, while one (28/2 059, 1%) reported significant decline. Three cohorts (250/2 059, 12.5% reported "mixed findings" where some cognitive scores significantly improved, and a similar proportion declined. The majority (nine cohorts; 1 086/2 059, 53%) reported no change. Seven cohorts (250/2 059, 12.1%) were mostly unchanged but one to two individual test scores improved, while two cohorts (347/2 059, 16.8%) were mostly unchanged with one to two individual test scores worse. Late post-operative period: In 21 cohorts (n = 1 554), one (28/1 554, 1.8%) reported significantly worse cognitive function, one reported significant improvement (24/1 554, 1.5%), while a third (19/1 554, 1.2%) reported "mixed findings". The majority were unchanged (six cohorts; 1 073/1 554, 69%) or mostly unchanged, but with one to two cognitive tests showing significant improvement (11 cohorts; 386/1 554, 24.8%). Overall, there was a similar distribution of findings in small, medium, and large studies, in studies with controls vs. no controls, in studies comparing CEA vs. CAS, and in studies with shorter/longer late follow up. Conclusion: Notwithstanding accepted limitations regarding heterogeneity within non-randomised studies, CEA/CAS rarely improved overall late cognitive function in ACS patients (< 2%) and the risk of significant cognitive decline was equally low (< 2%). In the long term, the majority were either unchanged (69%) or mostly unchanged with one to two test scores improved (24.8%). Until new research identifies vulnerable ACS subgroups (e.g., impaired cerebral vascular reserve) or provides evidence that silent embolisation from ACS causes cognitive impairment, evidence supporting intervention in ACS patients to prevent/reverse cognitive decline is lacking

Symptomatic Type B Intramural Aortic Hematoma as a Complication of Retrograde Right Common Iliac Artery Dissection

Purpose: To report the endovascular treatment of a spontaneous iliac artery dissection (IAD) involving iliac bifurcation, complicated by a type B intramural aortic hematoma (IMH). Case Report: A 38-year-old female patient came to our institution referring an acute ascending back pain. The angio computed tomography scan showed the presence of a retrograde right IAD with entry tear at the iliac bifurcation and a concomitant aortic IMH. After hypogastric embolization with a vascular plug, self-expanding stent graft was placed to cover the iliac entry tear. At 12 months, the patient was asymptomatic and the angio computed tomography scan showed the patency of the iliac graft without IMH. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of spontaneous IAD is a safe and effective option in symptomatic patient complicated with type B IMH

Midterm results of complicated penetrating abdominal aortic ulcer treated by aortobi-iliac endograft and embolization

Background: Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) is determined by atherosclerotic degeneration of the tunica media with disruption of the intima. Usually it is detected in the thoracic aorta, with few series describing an abdominal location. The aim of the study was to report early and late outcomes of the endovascular repair of complicated infrarenal abdominal PAU (a-PAU) by aortobi-iliac endograft and embolization. Methods: Data from all complicated a-PAU submitted to endovascular repair by aortobi-iliac endograft (Cook-Zenith Alpha) between 2016 and 2021 (February) were analyzed. The a-PAU coil embolization was performed to decrease the risk of persistent type II endoleak whenever possible. Complicated a-PAU were defined according with the presence of symptoms, aortic rupture, or saccular or pseudo-aneurysm. Technical success, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and reinterventions were assessed as early outcomes. Survival, endoleaks, and freedom from reinterventions were evaluated during follow-up. Results: Of 1153 endovascular aortic procedures, 45 cases (4%) of complicated a-PAU were identified. Fourteen cases (31%) were managed in urgent setting (symptoms, n = 10 [22%]; shock, n = 4 [9%]). The median diameter of a-PAU was 49 mm (interquartile range, 14 mm). Thirteen patients (29%) had severe femoral or iliac access (angle >90°, circumferential calcification [>50%], hemodynamic iliac stenosis or obstruction, an external iliac artery diameter of less than 7 mm, or a previous femoral surgical graft). The a-PAU embolization was performed in 30 cases (67%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. Postoperative cardiac, pulmonary and renal morbidity occurred in one (2%), two (4%), and eight (18%) patients, respectively. Two patients (4%) required reintervention within 30 days for access related complications. The 30-day mortality was 2%. At a median follow-up of 24 months (interquartile range, 18 months), no type I or III endoleaks, iliac leg occlusion, or graft infection occurred and no patient required late reinterventions; the 36-month survival rate was 72%. No a-PAU enlarged or ruptured during follow-up. Conclusions: Endovascular repair of complicated a-PAU by a low-profile aortobi-iliac endograft and embolization is safe and effective. Excellent technical results are reported even in challenging anatomic features. Midterm clinical results are satisfactory in terms of aortic-related complications or mortality, freedom from reintervention, and survival

Renal Artery Orientation Influences the Renal Outcome in Endovascular Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Objective: To evaluate the impact of renal artery (RA) anatomy on the renal outcome of fenestrated-branched endografts (FB-EVAR) for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Methods: Between 2010 and 2016, all patients undergoing FB-EVAR for TAAA were prospectively collected. Anatomical, procedural, and post-operative data were retrospectively analysed. RA anatomy was assessed on volume rendering, multi planar and centre line reconstructions by dedicated software (3Mensio). RA diameter, length, ostial stenosis/calcification, orientation and aortic angles of the para-visceral aorta were evaluated. RA orientation was classified in four types: A (horizontal), B (upward), C (downward), D (downward + upward). RA revascularisation by fenestrations or branches was considered. Inability to cannulate and stent RA (RA loss), early RA occlusion (within three months), and composite RA events (one among RA loss, intra-operative RA lesion, RA related re-interventions, RA occlusion) were assessed. Results: Seventy-three patients (male 77%; age 73 ± 6 years) with 39 (53%) type I, II, III and 34 (47%) type IV TAAA, underwent FB-EVAR, for a total of 128 RAs. The mean RA diameter and length were 6 ± 1 mm and 43 ± 12 mm, respectively. Type A, B, C, and D orientations were 51 (40%), 18 (14%), 48 (36%), and 11 (10%) RAs, respectively. Angulation of para-visceral aorta >45° was present in 14 cases (19%). Ostial stenosis and calcifications were detected in 20 (16%) and 16 (13%) RAs, respectively. Branches and fenestrations were used in 43 (34%) and 85 (66%) RAs, respectively. There were four (3%) intra-operative RA lesions (2 ruptures, 2 dissections). Ten (8%) RAs were lost intra-operatively because of the inability to cannulating and stenting. On univariable analysis, type B RA orientation (p =.001; OR 13.2; 95% CI 3.2–53.6), para-visceral aortic angle > 45° (p =.02; OR 4.9; 95% CI 1.3–18.5) and branches (p =.003; OR 9.0; 95% CI 1.9–46.9) were risk factors for intra-operative RA loss; type C RA orientation was a protective factor (p =.02; OR 0.1; 95% CI 0.01–0.9). On multivariable analysis, type B RA orientation (p =.03; OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.1–31.1) and branches (p =.03; OR 7.3; 95% CI 1.1–47.9) were independent risk factors for intra-operative RA loss. Fourteen patients suffered post-operative renal function worsening (> 30% of the baseline). The mean follow up was 19 ± 12 months. Four (3%) early RA occlusions occurred in three patients (2 single kidney patients required permanent haemodialysis). Type D RA orientation (p =.00; RR 17.8; 8.6–37.0) and branches (p =.004; RR 3.2; 2.4–4.1) were risk factors for early RA occlusion on univariable analysis. Five patients (7%) required early RA related re-interventions (recanalisation + relining 3; stent graft extension 1; parenchymal embolisation 1). No late RA occlusion or re-interventions were reported during follow up. Composite RA events occurred in 17 (13%) cases. Type B (p =.05; OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.1–15.7) or D (p =.006; OR 10.9; 95% CI 2.3–50.8) RA orientations and branches (p =.006; OR 5.7; 95% CI 1.6–20.3) were independent predictors of composite RA events on multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Renal artery orientation significantly affects the early RA outcome of FB-EVAR for TAAA. Intra-operative RA loss is predicted by type B RA orientation and branches, while early RA occlusion is predicted by type D orientation and branches. The present data suggest that in TAAA, fenestrations should be the first choice for renal revascularisation in type B and D RA orientations

Impact of previous open aortic repair on the outcome of thoracoabdominal fenestrated and branched endografts

Background: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) after previous aortic open surgical repair (OSR) are challenging clinical scenarios. Redo-OSR is technically demanding, and standard endovascular repair is unavailable due to visceral vessel involvement. Fenestrated and branched endografts (FB-EVAR) are effective options to treat TAAAs in high surgical risk patients but dedicated studies on the FB-EVAR outcomes in patients with TAAAs with previous OSR are not available. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of previous OSR on TAAAs FB-EVAR outcomes. Methods: Between 2010 and 2016, all TAAAs undergoing FB-EVAR were prospectively evaluated, retrospectively categorized in two groups, and then compared: group A–primary TAAAs and group B–TAAAs after previous OSR (abdominal, thoracic, or thoracoabdominal aneurysm). Early end points were technical success (absence of type I-III endoleak, target visceral vessel loss, conversion to OSR, intraoperative mortality), spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 30-day mortality. Follow-up end points were survival, target visceral vessel patency, and freedom from reinterventions. Results: Sixty-two patients (male: 74%; age: 72 ± 7 years) with 1 (1%) extent I, 14 (23%) extent II, 24 (39%) extent III, and 23 (37%) extent IV TAAA underwent FB-EVAR. The mean TAAA diameter and total target visceral vessels were 65 ± 13 mm and 226, respectively. Ninety branches and 136 fenestrations were planned. Thirty cases (48%) were clustered in group A and 32 (52%) in group B. Patients in group A and group B had similar preoperative clinical and morphologic characteristics, except for female sex (group A: 40% vs group B: 13%; P = .02). Technical success was 92% (group A: 90% vs group B: 94%; P = .6), SCI 5% (group A: 10% vs group B: 0%; P = .1) and 30-day mortality 5% (group A: 10% vs group B: 0%; P = .1). The mean follow-up was 17 ± 11 months with a total survival of 86%, 80%, and 60% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively and no differences in the two groups (group A: 83%, 83%, and 67% vs group B: 88%, 78%, and 55% respectively; P = .96). There was no late TAAA-related mortality. Target visceral vessel patency was 91%, 91%, and 91% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively (group A: 87%, 87%, and 87% vs group B: 95%, 95%, and 95%; P = .25). Freedom from reinterventions was 90%, 87%, and 87%, at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and it was significantly lower in group A compared with group B (group A: 83%, 76%, and 76% vs group B: 96%, 96%, and 96% respectively; P = .002). Conclusions: Previous open surgery repair does not significantly affect the early outcomes of FB-EVAR in TAAA, with encouraging results in terms of technical success, SCI, mortality, and lower reinterventions rate at midterm follow-up

Parallel Graft to Preserve a Reimplanted Inferior Mesenteric Artery During Thoracoabdominal Multibranched Endografting

Introduction: Preserving pelvic circulation is crucial to minimize the risk of spinal cord and colonic ischemia, especially during the endovascular treatment of extended thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAAA) after previous open repair (OR). Case report: A 78-years-old patient, previously treated for AAA with OR and reimplantation of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), has presented with 9 cm type-III TAAA and underwent to a multi-stage endovascular procedure. Two thoracic endografts, t-Branch and a straight endograft by Cook Zenith platform were deployed. Renal and superior mesenteric arteries were cannulated and revascularized. Through the left axillary access, a 5F-vertebral catheter was delivered over a 0.035 inch guidewire to selectively catheterize IMA. A post-anastomotic stenosis was stented to advance the sheath and the parallel-graft (Viabahn 7 × 150 mm, Gore) into the artery. Thus, a bifurcated endograft was deployed inside the previous OR. According to the Sandwich-Technique, the stentgraft was deployed parallel and outside the bifurcated device, inside the straight one and 2 cm into the IMA and then reinforced by a bare-metal-stent (Protégé EverFlex™ 7 × 120 mm, Medtronic). Finally, a kissing ballooning of iliac endografts and parallel-graft was performed. The procedure was completed five days later, by stenting the celiac trunk. Post-operative course was uneventful. The 36-months CTA showed the patency of the IMA with no complications. Conclusion: The combination of t-Branch and Sandwich-Technique for IMA could be employed to treat extended TAAA with previous OR and reimplanted IMA thus minimizing the risk of colonic and spinal cord ischemia