Technical and outcome considerations of endovascular treatment for internal iliac artery aneurysms

Guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment and management of visceral and renal arteries aneurysms: a joint assessment by the Italian Societies of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (SICVE) and Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM)

The objective of these Guidelines is to provide recommendations for the classification, indication, treatment and management of patients suffering from aneurysmal pathology of the visceral and renal arteries. The methodology applied was the GRADE-SIGN version, and followed the instructions of the AGREE quality of reporting checklist. Clinical questions, structured according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) model, were formulated, and systematic literature reviews were carried out according to them. Selected articles were evaluated through specific methodological checklists. Considered Judgments were compiled for each clinical question in which the characteristics of the body of available evidence were evaluated in order to establish recommendations. Overall, 79 clinical practice recommendations were proposed. Indications for treatment and therapeutic options were discussed for each arterial district, as well as follow-up and medical management, in both candidate patients for conservative therapy and patients who underwent treatment. The recommendations provided by these guidelines simplify and improve decision-making processes and diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of patients with visceral and renal arteries aneurysms. Their widespread use is recommended.

Outcome of endovascular treatment of internal iliac artery aneurysms: a single center retrospective review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 25 patients with 32 IIA aneurysms (mean diameter: 39.1 ± 12.6 mm) who underwent endovascular treatment over a 10-year period, and were available for follow-up. Univariate analysis was used to determine the association between variables (including aortoiliac involvement and technique) and outcome.

RESULTS

The IIA inflow was covered with an iliac stent graft (N = 29) or embolized with a plug (N = 3). The IIA outflow was embolized in all but one case in which there was thrombotic occlusion of outflow branches. Outflow embolization using plugs or coils was performed in the distal IIA or anterior/posterior trunks in 9 cases and distal IIA branches in 22 cases. During a mean follow-up period of 39.9 months, 31.2% of aneurysms demonstrated endoleak and 12.5% demonstrated enlargement. Univariate analysis revealed that endoleak was associated with technical failure (p = 0.01) and that endoleak rate was higher in patients who underwent distal IIA branch embolization (p = 0.03). No variable was associated with sac expansion. Major complication occurred in one patient who died from aneurysm rupture. Minor complications were reported in six patients who developed femoral pseudoaneurysm (N = 2, 8%), buttock claudication (N = 3, 12%), and limb graft occlusion (N = 1, 4%).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of IIA aneurysms effectively prevents sac expansion. Endoleak was more frequently observed in cases of technical failure and those in which distal IIA branches were embolized.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3b, retrospective cohort study.

Single-Center Experience in the Endovascular Management of the Combination of Isolated Common and Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms

Objective: The combination of isolated common and internal iliac artery aneurysms (CIIAA) are rare, life-threatening, abnormal conditions with relatively complex treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of CIIAA.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with CIIAA consecutively treated between January 2010 and August 2020 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Demographic, clinical characteristic, treatment strategy and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results: Twenty-six patients (24 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 70 years were included. There was a total of 72 aneurysms, and the mean diameters of the common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA) and internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAA) were 36 and 38 mm, respectively. Ten patients (38%) presented with bilateral CIAA and unilateral IIAA, and eight (31%) had CIAA with ipsilateral IIAA. All patients were treated with endovascular repair, and the overall primary technical success rate was 100%. The surgical techniques mainly included combined bifurcated stent grafting and embolization (n = 11), combined straight stent grafting and embolization (n = 8), and internal iliac artery (IIA) reconstruction (n = 7). There were no patient deaths or reintervention during hospitalization. The mean follow-up time was 43 months, and the patency rate of the stent was 96.2%. The overall reintervention rate was 7.7%. During the follow-up period, there were no aneurysm-related deaths.

Conclusions: Endovascular repair involving stent graft placement, coil embolization and IIA revascularization is a safe and effective treatment for isolated CIIAA.

Surgical and Endovascular Management of Isolated Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this paper is to report the different modalities for the treatment of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIIAA), as well as their outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature (database searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library; last search: April 2020). We included articles reporting on the outcomes for IIIAA interventions comprising at least 5 patients. Studies were included when presenting extractable outcome data regarding intraoperative and/or early results. We performed meta-analyses of proportions for different outcomes, using random effects model.

RESULTS

Thirteen non-randomized studies were included (192 patients with 202 IIIAA). IIIAA were symptomatic in the 18.1% (95%CI 9.3-26.9; I² 54.46%, P = .019). Estimated mean IIIAA diameter was 46.28 mm (95%CI 39.72-52.85; I² 88.85%, P < .001). Open repair was performed in 21/202 cases. Endovascular treatments were: embolization (81/181), embolization and hypogastric artery coverage (79/181), hypogastric artery coverage by stent-grafting (15/181), stent-grafting in the hypogastric artery (6/181). Overall estimated technical success (TS) rate was 91.6% (95% CI 86.8-95.5; I² 45.82%, P = .031). TS rate was 94.5% for open surgery (95%CI 85.3-100; I² 0%, P = .907), and 89.7% for endovascular repair (95%CI 83.8-95.6; I² 55.43%, P = .006). Estimated overall 30-day mortality was 3.1% (95%CI 0.8-5.4; I² 0%, P = .969). Mortality rates after open surgery and endovascular repair were 8.2% (95%CI 3.4-19.8; I² 0%, P = .545) and 2.8% (95%CI 0.5-5.1; I² 0%, P = .994), respectively. Estimated mean follow-up was 32.63 months (95%CI 21.74-43.53; I² 94.45%, P < .001). During this timeframe, IIIAA exclusion was preserved in 92.8% of the patients (95%CI 89.3-96.2; I² 0%, P = .797). Buttock claudication occurred in 13.9% of the patients (95%CI 8.7-19.2; I² 0%, P = .622).

CONCLUSIONS

IIIAA are frequently large, and symptomatic at presentation. Several treatments are proposed in literature, open and endovascular, both with good results. The endovascular treatment is the preferred method of treatment in literature, since it offers good short- to mid-term results and low early mortality. Buttock claudication after hypogastric artery exclusion is a common complication.

Therapeutic management of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIIAAs) are rare, life-threatening entities for which the optimal treatment strategy has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of open and endovascular treatment of IIIAAs.

METHODS

IIIAA cases between January 2009 and March 2019 at two hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, ancillary testing, treatment, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (37 men and 5 women) with a mean age of 71 years were included. Twenty-five patients (60%) had a history of hypertension. Twenty-two patients (52%) were asymptomatic, and 16 (38%) presented with abdominal pain (12 with ruptured aneurysms). The 42 included patients had 43 treated IIIAAs. The following surgical techniques were used: surgical resection (n = 6), endovascular coil embolization (n = 12), endovascular stent graft placement across the internal iliac artery origin (n = 8 with 9 aneurysms), and combined coil embolization and stent graft placement (n = 16). The immediate technical success rate was 67%, 67%, and 88% for embolization, stent graft placement, and combined method, respectively. Open surgery was associated with the longest operative time and hospital stay. Overall 30-day mortality was 5% for all patients and 17% for patients with ruptured IIIAAs. Buttock claudication occurred in 7 of 40 patients who survived (18%). The median follow-up time was 56 months. The combined approach was associated with the lowest rates of endoleak (6% vs 25% and 29%) and reintervention (6% vs 17% and 29%) of the three endovascular methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular coil embolization with stent graft placement is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment approach for large IIIAAs without adequate aneurysm necks.

[The Treatment of Aneurysms of the Extremities Arteries - a Systematic Overview - New Therapies for Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysm Employing a New Classification]

Aneurysms of arteries in the extremities have a low incidence and are often manifest through complications. The most serious complications are rupture and extremity-threatening ischemia. Both usually lead to the diagnosis. Absolute indications for therapy are symptomatic aneurysms and asymptomatic aneurysms of 2 cm diameter or more. The extrailiacal gold standard is interponat or bypass with venous graft material. Endovascular methods are reserved for inoperable patients and clinical decisions on special cases. In contrast, complex endovascular techniques have been established in isolated iliac aneurysms and have significantly improved treatment options. Their implementation is bound to the existence of a suitable landing zone. This is the basis for a new classification of isolated iliac artery aneurysm. With the help of morphological subtypes, this classification permits standardised procedure planning for perfusion preservation of the internal iliac artery. The present article gives an overview of the current treatment strategy for aneurysms of extremities arteries. Similarities and regional differences in therapy are discussed.

Giant Hypogastric Aneurysm Induced by Type-II Endoleak Presenting 4 Years after Endovascular Repair: A Case Report

Bilateral isolated hypogastric aneurysm (HA) is a rare type of abdominal aneurysm. Endovascular repair has become predominant compared with surgical repair because of its minimal invasiveness. However, type-II endoleak after procedure may lead to continuous enlargement of HA and rupture. Herein, we report a rare case involving a very large HA induced by type-II endoleak after endovascular repair. A 68-year-old male patient underwent endovascular repair of bilateral isolated HAs 4 years ago. Stent grafts were used to block the orifices of bilateral HAs, and main distal outflows were embolized with coils. In the absence of a 4-year follow-up, he returned to the clinic with symptoms of lower abdominal pain and frequent urination. Computer tomography angiography revealed a giant left HA with a maximum diameter of 18 cm combined with the enlargement of the left common iliac artery (CIA) induced by type-II endoleak. The right isolated HA decreased from 5.5 cm to 3 cm. Angiography was performed, and multiple arteries from the middle sacral and external iliac arteries were detected as the sources of type-II endoleak. Considering the compression effect, surgical repair of the left giant HA was performed. Thrombus was removed from the giant aneurysm, and the distal outflows of HA were sutured. As the left CIA was enlarged, a prosthetic graft was interposed through the inner side of the previous cover stent to revascularize the external iliac artery. The patient had an uneventful postoperative clinical course and was discharged from the hospital 7 days after operation. Treatments of HA induced by type-II endoleak require regular patient follow-ups to monitor specific conditions, particularly the embolization of distal outflows. Surgical repair remains the first choice for HA with compression symptoms.

Technical issues and clinical outcomes of endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms: A single-center experience

Purpose

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are the relatively uncommon condition. This study aims to evaluate the technical issues and clinical outcomes of endovascular repair in a cohort of isolated iliac artery aneurysms treated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 22 consecutive patients with isolated iliac artery aneurysms between December 2006 and September 2016. Iliac artery aneurysms were treated in one of the three ways: (1) standard bifurcated aortic stent graft placement with limb extension; (2) coverage of iliac artery aneurysms with covered stent grafts; and (3) embolization of the arterial branches distal to the aneurysms with coils or vascular plugs.

Results

Twenty-two patients (20 men) with a mean age 64.7 years underwent endovascular repair during the study period. The median diameter of the isolated iliac artery aneurysms was 5.9 ± 1.7 cm (2.9–9.0 cm). Technical success was 95.5%. Conversion to open surgery was performed in one patient with bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms. Four patients underwent placement of a bifurcated stent graft. A covered stent graft was deployed in 16 patients, with embolization of internal iliac artery in 14 patients. Simple coil embolization of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm was performed in one patient. There was one sudden cardiac death on day 4 after the procedure due to heart failure. During the follow-up period (range: 1–50 months, mean 19.8 months), five patients died of causes not related to isolated iliac artery aneurysms, and transient buttock claudication was observed in one patient.

Conclusions

Our study documents the safety and effectiveness of endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms with low morbidity and mortality.

Covered stent in the superior gluteal artery in a hybrid approach to treat internal iliac artery aneurysm: a technical note

This brief report describes a hybrid endovascular and open procedure to treat internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysms and preserve pelvic blood flow. A covered stent was deployed before surgery in the superior gluteal artery, extending across the IIA aneurysm, with the proximal end in the common iliac artery lumen. During open aortoiliac aneurysm repair, the stent graft was anastomosed in an end-to-side manner to the surgical graft. Four aneurysms were treated in 3 patients. Technical success was achieved in all cases. There were no complications or repeat interventions. Stents were all patent at imaging follow-up (range, 6-25 mo). Patients were free from buttock claudication.

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms: a single-centre experience

PURPOSE

This paper reviews our experience in endovascular treatment of isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs) with a large number of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2005 to September 2013, 45 patients (43 men and two women; mean age, 74 ± 10 years) with a total of 59 IIAAs underwent endovascular treatment at our institute. We evaluated technical success, long-term patency, early and late complications and overall mortality. Patients were divided into two groups: emergency-treatment group and elective-treatment group.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 34.3 months, we achieved a technical success of 97.8 %, a primary patency of 95.5 % and a secondary patency of 100 %, with complete exclusion of the aneurysm in 84.5 % of cases. The incidence of endoleaks was of 15.5 %: eight were type II and one was type III; perioperative mortality was 4.7 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study documents the effectiveness, in both emergency and elective settings, of the endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms (EVIAR), which has become the first-choice treatment at our institute. In particular cases, it is also possible to avoid embolisation of the internal iliac artery.