Adverse outcome following transfemoral endovascular stent-graft repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with severe liver dysfunction: report of a case

TEVAR and EVAR, the unknown knowns of the cardiovascular hemodynamics; and the immediate and long-term consequences of fabric material on major adverse clinical outcome

This review discusses the impact of endovascular aneurysm repair on cardiovascular (CV) hemodynamics and the role of stent-graft material, i.e., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vs. polyester in post-procedural outcomes. Endovascular aneurysm repair has been widely employed in the last decades for thoracic and abdominal aneurysm repair. However, aortic endografts are stiff and alter the native flow hemodynamics. This failure to simulate the native aorta could lead to added strain on the heart, manifesting as increased left ventricular strain, higher pulse pressure, and congestive heart failure later. This could result in adverse CV outcomes. Also, evidence is mounting to support the implication of stent-graft materials, i.e., PTFE vs. polyester, in adverse post-procedural outcomes. However, there is an absence of level one evidence. Therefore, the only way forward is to plan and perform a randomised controlled trial to demonstrate the alterations in the CV hemodynamics in the short and long run and compare the available stent-graft materials regarding procedural and clinical outcomes. We believe the best solution, for now, would be to reduce the stented length of the aorta. At the same time, in the longer term, encourage continuous improvement in stent-graft materials and design.

The contemporary design of endovascular aneurysm stent-graft materials: PTFE versus polyester

Endovascular aneurysm repair of the abdominal aorta (EVAR) and of the thoracic aorta (TEVAR) have revolutionised therapeutic strategies in the management of aortic pathology, and endovascular repair is now an established and attractive alternative to open surgical repair (OSR) due to its superior short-term safety profile. However, opinions are divided regarding its long-term cost-effectiveness, which is reflected in the controversial NICE guidelines on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair published in 2018, which advised against EVAR for elective aortic repair due to high secondary intervention rates and resultant associated costs. There is no doubt that OSR continues to have a valuable role to play in aortic repair, but it is not universally applicable, especially in older and sicker patients. Therefore, we should not dismiss EVAR and TEVAR without examining the reasons for long-term failure, and the most obvious starting point is stent graft material properties. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyester are the two most common stent-graft materials; however, there has been no objective comparison of PTFE and polyester stent-graft post-procedural outcomes in EVAR and TEVAR, or even OSR. This lack of definitive data on different stent-graft materials and their configuration necessitates a comprehensive review to elucidate the post-procedural outcome in terms of endograft failure, cardiovascular events, and aortic-related mortality and morbidity.

Incidence and risk factors of post implantation syndrome after elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

Post implantation syndrome (PIS) represents an acute phase systemic inflammatory response following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Our objective was to investigate the risk factors associated with the manifestation and severity of PIS with various available stent-grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data covering the period 2016 - 2020. 191 patients were included. Body temperature was recorded regularly and blood sample was obtained daily. The imaging protocol included computed tomography aortoiliac angiography before surgery and one month after. The volumes of pre-existing and new-onset mural thrombus were calculated in a semiautomated fashion. Five abdominal aortic stent-graft devices were used: Endurant™ ΙΙ, Anaconda™, Treo®, E-tegra® and AFX® 2. Subgroup analysis was performed between woven polyester and ePTFE lined devices.

RESULTS

The incidence of PIS was 21.5%. No significant differences were observed regarding demographics, risk factors, aneurysm anatomy or operative data. The amount of preexisting and new-onset mural thrombus were not related with PIS (p=0.117 and p=0.096). PIS incidence in the polyester subgroup was 24.2%, significantly higher compared to 8.3% in the ePTFE subgroup. In-subgroup analysis revealed that the use of Anaconda™ was associated with the higher frequency (61.1%, p=0.021). Multivariate logistic regression showed that polyester was the single factor significantly associated with PIS (hazard ratio=2.6, p=0.043), as opposed to the new onset thrombus (hazard ratio=1.29, p=0.101).

CONCLUSIONS

PIS is not uncommon and should be taken into consideration in patients presenting with fever after EVAR. The endograft's liner material seems to play the primordial role, with woven polyester to be attributed with significantly higher incidence.

Delayed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy post thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) is a very rare outcome post endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm dissections. We present a case of a 70-year-old male who presented with DIC post a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedure due to a type 1A endoleak. Initially, the patient was treated with red blood cells and blood products; however, when failing to improve, he underwent a hybrid arch replacement. In this study, we will analyze the management of DIC post TEVAR and look at its presentation more extensively, as it is currently a topic that is poorly studied.

Polyester Grafts Are a Risk Factor for Postimplantation Syndrome after Abdominal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Retrospective Analysis for Polyester Graft, Excluder®, and Endologix Powerlink®/AFX®

Objective: Postimplantation syndrome (PIS) is a postoperative syndrome that occurs after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), accompanied by high fever, leukocytosis, and high serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Its pathogenesis and clinical meaning are still under discussion. Here, we evaluate the relationship between postoperative fever after EVAR and graft fabric focusing on Endologix Powerlink® and AFX® (EPL/AFX).

Materials and Methods: From January 2015 to July 2017, data on elective EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using mainbody were retrospectively collected. The primary endpoint was maximal postoperative fever.

Results: We identified 128 patients who underwent elective EVAR for AAA (105 males, 82%; aged 57–90, median: 74 years). The median maximal postoperative fever was 37.8°C (36.6–39.7°C): polyester graft, 38.2°C (37.1–39.7°C); Excluder®, 37.8°C (36.6–39.2°C); and EPL/AFX, 37.7°C (37–38.7°C). The maximal postoperative fever with a polyester graft was significantly higher than that with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between Excluder® and EPL/AFX (p=0.214).

Conclusion: In this study, it was found that polyester grafts are significantly associated with PIS after elective EVAR for AAA. If patient anatomy is permitted, it may be better to choose the ePTFE graft, especially for patients with a poor general condition.

Successful treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with aortic dissection

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an infrequent aortic dissection complication, and its optimal treatment remains controversial. A 55-year-old woman developed DIC associated with Stanford type B aortic dissection, which improved by administration of low-molecular-weight heparin combined with tranexamic acid, but the dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta was dilated. After thoracic endovascular aortic repair for occlusion of entry tears detected by transesophageal echocardiography, DIC improved without anticoagulant therapy. Three months after treatment, the patient is doing well without complications. Endovascular repair is effective for DIC due to aortic dissection that requires anticoagulant therapy.

A population-based analysis of endovascular aortic stent graft therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are effective and minimally invasive treatments for high-risk surgical candidates. However, information about the management of EVAR and TEVAR in liver cirrhosis (LC) is lacking. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes after EVAR and TEVAR in patients with LC.

METHODS

Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent EVAR and TEVAR therapy between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 146 patients with LC and 730 matched patients without LC were eligible for analysis after propensity score matching. In-hospital mortality and perioperative complications were not statistically significantly different between the two cohorts, although the LC group had an increased volume of blood transfusion and a trend toward a lower survival rate (P of stratified Cox = .092). However, patients with LC had a higher adjusted hazard ratio for death (1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.12; P < .001) in the sensitivity analysis by traditional multivariable adjustment. The LC cohort had a higher risk of liver-related death (4.1% vs 0.7%; P = .001) and liver-related readmission (6.2% vs 0.3%; P < .001). As expected, the advanced LC group had a higher mortality rate than the early LC group (P = .022). The risk for reintervention, redo open aortic surgery (P = .859), and redo stent graft therapy (P = .179) was not statistically significantly different between the two cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term results after EVAR and TEVAR are promising in patients with LC, despite poor long-term outcomes, because of the nature of LC. Innovations in endovascular therapy for aortic disease have improved surgical outcomes, even in high-risk patients with LC.

Radical treatment of primary type B aortic dissection or after thoracic endovascular aortic repair to manage disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) secondary to type B aortic dissection is an unusual and fatal complication that has not been fully investigated. The aim of our study is to report a novel endovascular technique excluding all tears to manage DIC. From April 2017 to October 2017, we performed 2 cases of DIC complicated to type B aortic dissection using this novel radical endovascular repair technique. Clinical data of patients were collected and technical details were presented. These two cases were successfully treated with novel radical endovascular repair technique. DIC was managed and FL thrombosis was formed in these two patients. Follow-up at 6 months revealed no recurrent DIC and a stable aortic diameter with complete FL thrombosis. This endovascular repair technique that excluding all the tears is a feasible approach to prevents continuous coagulation components consumption and thus to manage DIC effectively.

False Lumen Embolization to Treat Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair of Type B Aortic Dissection

Purpose: To present a rare case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and its novel treatment. Case Report: A 55-year-old man presented with DIC 10 months after TEVAR for chronic type B aortic dissection and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. He had persistent retrograde flow in the false lumen with a stable aneurysm diameter. The false lumen was embolized with multiple Amplatzer plugs, which promoted false lumen thrombosis. Laboratory evaluation on postoperative day 7 demonstrated resolution of the coagulopathy. Follow-up at 18 months revealed no recurrent DIC; computed tomography angiography showed a stable aortic diameter and excluded thoracic aneurysm sac. Conclusion: This case demonstrates an unusual, potentially fatal postoperative complication of endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissections successfully treated with an innovative endovascular solution.

An Update on the Inflammatory Response after Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Postimplantation syndrome (PIS) is the clinical and biochemical expression of an inflammatory response following endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm (EVAR). The goal of this review is to provide an update on the inflammatory response after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm, discussing its causes and effects on the clinical outcome of the patient. PIS concerns nearly one-third of patients after EVAR. It is generally a benign condition, although in some patients it may negatively affect outcome. The different definitions and conclusions drawn from several studies reveal that PIS needs to be redefined with standardized diagnostic criteria. The type of the endograft's material seems to play a role in the inflammatory response. Future studies should focus on a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, predictors, and risk factors as well as determining whether effective preventive strategies are necessary.

Prospective evaluation of post-implantation inflammatory response after EVAR for AAA: influence on patients' 30 day outcome

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to prospectively evaluate post-implantation syndrome (PIS) after elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and to investigate its association with clinical and laboratory parameters and the clinical outcome of the patients.

METHODS

From January 2010 till June 2013, 214 consecutive patients treated electively by EVAR for AAA were prospectively included. PIS was defined according to systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. Adverse events included any major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute renal failure, re-admission and death from any cause.

RESULTS

PIS was diagnosed in 77 (34%) patients. Pre-operative white blood cell (WBC) count values (p < .001), endograft material (polyester) (p < .001), and heart failure (p = .03) were independent predictors of PIS. Mean post-operative temperature (p < .001), length of hospital (p < .001) and intensive care unit (p = .008) stay, as well as maximum post-operative WBC count (p < .001) and hs-CRP values (p < .001) were significantly higher in the PIS group. Post-operative hs-CRP (p = .001) and duration of fever (p = .02) independently predicted the occurrence of MACE. Post-operative hs-CRP (p = .004), maximum temperature (p = .03), and the presence of PIS (p = .01) were independent predictors of an adverse event during the first 30 days. A threshold of post-operative hs-CRP value of 125 mg/L was highly associated with the occurrence of MACE, with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 75%.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic inflammatory response is observed in a significant number of patients after EVAR. The type of endograft material seems to play a significant role in this inflammatory process. The intensity of inflammation, as assessed mainly by the post-operative hs-CRP values, correlates with the presence of a cardiovascular or any other adverse event during the first 30 days after the procedure.

Development of a scoring system to estimate mortality in abdominal aortic aneurysms management

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to define risk factors associated with inpatient mortality in patients undergoing elective repair for unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and utilize these factors to create a scoring system to estimate risk of mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was completed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011. Patients who underwent elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were identified using ICD-9 codes. Demographics, comorbidities, length of stay, insurance status, and mortality were recorded. Statistically significant variables were identified using a multivariate analysis, and a discriminant analysis was used to identify factors predictive of inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

Over a 14-year period, 28,448 patients underwent elective repair of an unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Independent variables associated with inpatient mortality included: age >60, female gender, congestive heart failure, peripheral artery disease, renal failure, malnutrition, and hypercoagulability. Endovascular aneurysm repair was protective against inpatient mortality. The area under the curve for the discriminant function was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81-0.85) and successfully classified 87.9% of patients within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (25,006/28,448 patients).

CONCLUSION

Seven factors that predict an increased risk of mortality and one factor that decreased the risk of mortality were identified. Preoperative risk factor mitigation may improve mortality following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Outcome in cirrhotic patients after elective surgical repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal surgery in patients with advanced liver disease has been reported to be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, the surgical risk of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in cirrhotics remains ill-defined. We reviewed our experience to investigate the predictors of the outcome in cirrhotic patients after elective AAA open repair.

METHODS

Between January 2001 and March 2006, 1189 patients underwent elective open repair of infrarenal AAA and 24 (2%) had a biopsy-proven cirrhosis (23 male, 1 female; mean age, 68 ± 7 years). The latter were retrospectively stratified according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Operative variables, perioperative complications, and survival were recorded and compared with those of 48 concurrent noncirrhotic controls matched (2:1) by gender, age, aneurysm size, preoperative glomerular filtration rate, and type of reconstruction. The effect of CTP and MELD scores on midterm survival was investigated in cirrhotics with the Kaplan-Meier log-rank method.

RESULTS

No intraoperative or 30-day deaths were recorded. No significant differences in terms of major perioperative complications were observed between cirrhotic patients and controls. Operative time and intraoperative blood transfusion requirement were significantly higher in cirrhotics (162 ± 49 vs 132 ± 39 minutes; P = .007 and 273 ± 364 vs 84 ± 183 mL; P = .040, respectively). Hospital length of stay was nearly doubled in cirrhotic patients (11.0 ± 2.8 vs 5.8 ± 1.5 days; P < .0001). Twenty-two cirrhotic patients were classified as CTP A and two as CTP B. Median MELD score was 8 (range, 6-14). CTP class B was associated with higher intraoperative blood transfusion requirement (941 ± 54 vs 213 ± 314 mL; P = .029). At a mean follow-up of 30.7 ± 22.1 months, five deaths were recorded in cirrhotics, and three in controls. Actuarial survival at 2 years was 77.4% in cirrhotics and 97.8% in controls (log-rank test, P = .026). Both CTP B patients died within 6 months. CTP class B and a MELD score ≥10 were associated with reduced midterm survival rates (log-rank test, P < .0001 and P = .021, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, elective AAA open repair in relatively compensated cirrhotics was safely performed with an acceptable increase of the magnitude of the operation. However, the reduced life expectancy of cirrhotics with a MELD score ≥10 suggests that such a procedure may not be warranted in this subgroup of patients.

An Unusual Complication of EVAR, Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma: A Case Report

OBJECTIVE

To report a successful conservative management in a case of spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma (SRSH) after Endovascular Aneurysmal Repair (EVAR) of infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).

CASE PRESENTATION

An 84-year-old woman with a 6 cm in diameter infrarenal AAA underwent EVAR at our hospital. During the procedure, intravenous heparin was administered to keep the activated clotting time around 300 seconds. One hour after the procedure, the patient complained of pain on her right side abdomen. Physical examination revealed a tender mass in the right lower abdominal wall. Laboratory studies showed a fall in hemoglobin from 12.7 g/dl to 9.3 g/dl. Ultrasound (US) examination demonstrated an 8 × 5 cm hematoma within the right rectus muscle. Follow-up US examination revealed that the hematoma had enlarged and a computed tomography (CT) examination of the lower abdomen was performed. CT scan showed a smooth-shaped mass within the layers of the anterolateral abdominal wall leading to enlargement of the right rectus abdominis muscle without signs of active bleeding. A conservative management was considered.

RESULT

The clinical course was uneventful with a stable hemodynamic state. The patient was discharged 12 days later and was doing well at the 2 week follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma is an unusual complication of a patient on anticoagulant therapy during EVAR. A prompt radiological investigation may prevent unnecessary surgical procedures in this unusual complication.

Deteriorating consumptive coagulopathy with type III endoleak following endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with liver cirrhosis

PURPOSE

To report a case of deteriorating consumptive coagulopathy with type III endoleak following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of the abdominal aorta associated with liver cirrhosis.

CASE REPORT

A 72-year-old man with liver cirrhosis developed type III endoleak following EVAR. Spontaneous intramuscular hematoma developed due to deteriorating consumptive coagulopathy induced by type III endoleak and liver dysfunction. Although additional EVAR was performed at 52 months after primary EVAR, the patient died due to multiorgan failure and multifocal hematoma of the muscles and subserosa.

CONCLUSION

EVAR for patients with liver dysfunction and coagulopathy should be considered with great caution. We suggest that prompt and adequate treatment using an endovascular technique or surgical repair should be performed for patients with liver dysfunction, coagulopathy, and turbulent endoleak, even if the coagulopathies are worse compared to before EVAR.

Blood coagulation and fibrinolytic response after endovascular stent grafting of thoracic aorta

OBJECTIVE

Thrombosis is common in aneurysms immediately after stent-grafting, because of exclusion from systemic blood flow. We studied changes in blood coagulation and the fibrinolytic system in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection after stent-grafting to examine risk for consumption coagulopathy.

METHODS

Thirty-one thoracic aortic aneurysms were treated with stent-grafting (aneurysm group), and 29 aortic dissections were treated with entry closure with stent-grafting (dissection group). The stent-graft was constructed from a self-expanding Z stent and thin-walled woven polyester fabric. Platelet count, fibrinogen, antithrombin III (AT III), and thrombin-AT III complex were assayed as markers of coagulation. Plasminogen, alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor, alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex, fibrin degradation products fragment E (FDP-E), and fibrin degradation products d-dimer were monitored as markers of fibrinolysis. Blood samples were collected before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

RESULTS

In both groups platelet count significantly decreased on postoperative days 1 and 3, and increased on postoperative day 14. AT III significantly decreased on postoperative day 1, but recovered after postoperative day 7. FDP-E significantly increased on postoperative day 1 in both groups. There was significant correlation of aneurysm diameter with alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex, fibrin degradation products, and d-dimer in the dissection group on postoperative day 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis was observed after stent-grafting to treat thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection. However, no patients exhibited consumption coagulopathy postoperatively. Therefore we believe there is little risk for consumption coagulopathy after stent-grafting.