National Trends of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Versus Open Repair in Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nonoperative Management for SVS Grade II Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury

BACKGROUND

Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) grade II blunt traumatic aortic injury is defined as intramural hematoma with or without external contour abnormality. It is uncertain whether this aortic injury pattern should be treated with endovascular stent-grafting or nonoperative measures. Since the adoption of the SVS Guidelines on endovascular repair of blunt traumatic aortic injury, the practice pattern for management of grade II injuries has been heterogenous. The objective of the study was to report natural history outcomes of grade II blunt traumatic aortic injury.

METHODS

A systematic review of published traumatic aortic injury studies was performed. Online database searches were current to November 2022. Eligible studies included data on aortic injuries that were both managed nonoperatively and classified according to the SVS 2011 Guidelines. Data points on all-cause mortality, aorta-related mortality and early aortic intervention were extracted and underwent meta-analysis. The methodology was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the final analysis with a total of 204 cases of SVS grade II blunt traumatic aortic injury treated nonoperatively. The outcomes rates were estimated at 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7%-14.9%) for all-cause mortality, 2.9% (95% CI 1.1%-5.7%) for aorta-related mortality, and 3.3% (95% CI 1.4%-6.2%) for early aortic intervention. The studies included in the analysis were of fair quality with a mean Downs and Black score 15 (±1.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Grade II blunt traumatic aortic injury follows a relatively benign course with few instances of aortic-related mortality. Death in the setting of this injury pattern is more often attributable to sequelae of multisystem trauma and not directly related to aortic injury. The current data support nonoperative management and imaging surveillance for grade II blunt traumatic aortic injury instead of endovascular repair. Longer-term effects on the aorta at the site of injury are unknown.

2022 ACC/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and management of aortic disease: A report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Rule of four: an anatomic and value-based approach to stent-graft inventory for blunt thoracic aortic injury

PURPOSE

As blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) treatment has shifted from open to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), logistical challenges exist in creating and maintaining inventories of appropriately sized stent-grafts, including storage demands, shelf-life management and cost. We hypothesized that most injured aortas can be successfully repaired with a narrow range of stent-graft sizes and present a value-based anatomic approach to optimizing inventory.

METHODS

CT-scans of all patients with BTAI admitted to our Level I trauma center from Apr 2010-Dec 2018 were reviewed. Patients with anatomy incompatible with TEVAR were excluded. For each patient, after aortic sizing a set of two stent-grafts most likely to be utilized was selected from a list of twenty commercially available GORE conformable TAG endografts based on manufacturer instructions. Stent-graft sizes were then ranked based on the number of cases they would be suitable for. MATLAB was utilized to determine the combinations of stent-grafts which would cover the most patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with BTAI were identified and three were excluded based on iliac diameter. Most patients were male (68%), mean age 42.3 ± 20.2 years, mean ISS 37.0 ± 9.8. Overall mortality was 25%. Of the 20 available stent-graft options, a combination of four stent-grafts would successfully treat 100% of the patients in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on actual CT-scan aortic measurements, we demonstrated that an inventory of four sent-graft sizes was sufficient to treat 100% of patients with BTAI. These data can be utilized as a value-based anatomic approach to aortic stent-graft institutional inventory creation and maintenance.

Nationwide Analysis of Penetrating Thoracic Aortic Injury: Injury Patterns, Management, and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Penetrating thoracic aortic injuries (PTAI) represent a rare form of thoracic trauma. Unlike blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI), only scarce data, included in small case series, are currently available for PTAI. The purpose of this study was to describe injury patterns, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with PTAI and compare to those with BTAI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 9-y retrospective cohort study (2007-2015) was conducted using the National Trauma Data Bank. Patient demographics, injury profile, procedures performed, and patient outcomes were compared between the PTAI and BTAI group.

RESULTS

A total of 2714 patients with PTAI and 14,037 patients with BTAI were identified. Compared to BTAI, PTAI patients were younger (28 versus 42 y, P < 0.001), more often male (89.1% versus 71.7%, P < 0.001), and more likely to arrive without signs of life (27.6% versus 7.5%, P < 0.001). PTAI patients had less associated injuries, overall, compared to those with BTAI; however, were more likely to have injuries to the esophagus, diaphragm, and heart. Patients with PTAI were less likely to undergo endovascular (5.8% versus 30.5%, P < 0.001) or open surgical repair (3.0% versus 4.2%, P < 0.001) compared to BTAI. While the large majority of PTAI patients expired before their hospital arrival or in the emergency department, the in-hospital mortality rate among those who survivedemergency department stay was 43.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with PTAI present to the hospital without any signs of life, and their overall mortality rate is extremely high. Only a small portion of PTAI patients who survived the initial resuscitation period underwent surgical interventions for thoracic aortic injuries. Further studies are still warranted to clarify the indications and types of surgical interventions for PTAI.

Vascular Surgery Role in Vascular Trauma: 11-Year Analysis of Peripheral Vascular Trauma Management at a Level-1 Trauma Center

BACKGROUND

Vascular surgeons are increasingly relied upon in the management of complex peripheral vascular trauma. The degree however that vascular surgery (VS) is involved in vascular trauma care is not well established. We hypothesize that VS consultation is required in a high portion of complex lower extremity vascular trauma.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of all consecutive patients who sustained traumatic arterial injury of the lower extremity requiring open operative repair at a level-1 trauma center (from February 2009 to May 2020) was performed. Patients who underwent surgical repair were stratified by the service that performed the operation (VS versus trauma surgery [TS]). Secondary outcomes assessed included location of arterial injury, type of repair, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients underwent operative repair of lower extremity arterial injury (mean age 34.5 ± 15.5 years, 89% male). The most common vessels requiring intervention were the superficial femoral artery (n = 42, 38%), popliteal artery (n = 35, 31.5%), and tibial vessels (n = 19, 17.1%). The most common intervention required in patients was an autologous bypass (n = 85, 76.5%), followed by ligation (n = 9, 8.1%) and primary repair (n = 6, 5.4%). Most interventions overall required VS involvement (n = 95, 86%). VS performed a higher proportion of autologous graft procedures compared to TS (n = 79, 92.9% vs. n = 6, 7.1%). VS case load overall was likewise predominantly autologous grafts (n = 79/95, 83.2%). TS operated on a higher proportion of injuries to the tibial vessels (44% vs. 13%, P = 0.01), whereas VS intervened more frequently on popliteal injuries (36% vs. 6%, P = 0.02). With regard to the method of arterial repair, TS was more likely to perform ligation (38% vs. 3 %, P < 0.001) or primary repair (13% vs. 3%, P = 0.04) compared to VS. However, VS was more likely to perform repair with autologous graft (83% vs. 38%, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of mortality, limb loss, transfusions requirement, fasciotomy, deep venous thrombosis, hematoma formation, or length of stay between groups. Although, surgical site infections were more common in the TS group (38% vs. 15%, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular surgeons play a large role in managing complex lower extremity vascular trauma. In particular, VS remains integral for the management of more difficult injuries (e.g., popliteal injuries) and is more likely to provide more complex repairs (e.g., autologous grafts).

Midterm outcomes of isolated thoracic aortic replacement in congenital versus degenerative aortopathy in a 15-year institutional cohort

BACKGROUND

Open aortic replacement represents the only approved option to address thoracic aortopathy among patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD). The aim of our study was to investigate contemporary midterm outcomes of isolated thoracic aortic replacement in patients with CTD versus degenerative pathology in a large institutional cohort.

METHODS

All patients undergoing isolated open thoracic aortic replacement at a single academic center from 2005 to 2020 were included. Patients were classified as having CTD or not having CTD based on documented genetic mutations associated with congenital aortopathy. In-hospital and midterm outcomes, including mortality, paraplegia, development of new arterial pathology on surveillance imaging, and the need for future operations, were compared between groups using descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 62 patients were included with a median follow-up of 58 months (range, 19-81 months) (59 months for those with CTD vs 51.5 months for those without CTD). CTD was present in 18 patients (29%), with 16 having Marfan syndrome (77.8%). Patients with CTD were younger than patients without CTD (45.8 years vs 60.9 years) and had lower rates of smoking (5.6% vs 56.8%) and hypertension (97.7% vs 72.2%; all P < .01). Patients with CTD were more likely to have a dissection component at the time of repair compared with patients without CTD (100% vs 59.1%) and underwent repair at smaller aortic diameters (5.9 cm vs 6.6 cm; both P < .05). There were no differences in in-hospital outcomes between the two groups, including mortality (4.5% vs 5.6%) and paraplegia (2.3% vs 0%; both P > .05). At 5 years, patients with CTD were more likely to have developed aneurysmal changes distal to their thoracic repair (88.9% vs 47.7%) and extra-aortic arterial aneurysms (41.2% vs 2.3%; both P < .05). However, on survival analysis, there were no differences in freedom from additional vascular procedures (hazard ratio,1.76; P = .333) or, specifically, additional aortic procedures (hazard ratio, 1.81; P = .380) between the two groups. There was only one anastomotic complication identified on longitudinal follow-up, which occurred in a patient without CTD 8 years after the index operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although carrying significant operative risks and the potential for morbidity, open thoracic aortic replacement represents a well-tolerated, durable treatment option for patients with congenitally mediated thoracic aortic disease. Because both patients with and without CTD who required thoracic aortic replacement often need future aortic intervention, vigilant surveillance is warranted. Equivalent intervention rates between the two groups suggest remodeling of the CTD aorta is almost universally characterized by initial postrepair dilation, but the majority of these changes successfully stabilize and do not progress to higher rates of intervention.

Blunt traumatic aortic injury in the elderly population

OBJECTIVE

Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. Although outcomes for BTAI have been described in younger patient populations, elderly patients may present with different patterns of injury and have unique factors contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study aims to describe patterns of presentation and management in elderly patients presenting with BTAI using a nationwide database.

METHODS

Patients aged 65 years and older with BTAI from 2007 through 2016 were identified from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. Baseline demographics, initial physiologic variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the database. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. An adjusted Poisson generalized regression model was used to compare rates of mortality for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), open repair, and nonoperative management.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1322 patients aged 65 years and over sustained BTAI and survived past triage. Mean age was 74.7 years, and 60% were male. There were low incidence rates of concomitant major head (9.4%), spine (3.1%), and abdominal (5.7%) injuries. Three hundred fifty (26.5%) underwent TEVAR, 58 (4.4%) open repair, and 914 (69.1%) were managed nonoperatively. Utilization of TEVAR increased from 13.1% to 32.7% from 2007 to 2015, with subsequent decline to 19.9% in 2016 in favor of nonoperative management. Age, gender, and mean Injury Severity Scores (ISS) did not significantly differ by management. In-hospital mortality for the entire cohort was 37.9%. In an adjusted Poisson generalized regression model using inverse probability of treatment weighting controlling for age, race, gender, ISS, and hypotension, TEVAR was associated with the lowest mortality rate (1.31 deaths/100 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.46) compared with open repair (2.53; 95% CI, 2.32-2.75; P < .001) and nonoperative management (3.91; 95% CI, 3.60-4.25; P < .001). There was a higher incidence of acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and surgical site infection in the TEVAR group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the management of and outcomes for BTAI in the elderly population. The majority of patients did not undergo operative repair, which was associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. In an adjusted analysis, TEVAR was associated with the lowest mortality rate, compared with open repair and nonoperative management.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. Structure: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Left subclavian artery coverage during endovascular repair of thoracic aorta injury in trauma and non-trauma patients

PURPOSE

In thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), the left subclavian artery (LSA) is often occluded. Although most patients tolerate this, some develop ischemic symptoms to the brain or left upper extremity (LUE). A revascularization procedure may be associated with significant complications. The purpose of this review was to assess the incidence of LSA occlusion, resulting ischemic symptoms, and complications related to revascularization operations in trauma patients compared to non-trauma patients.

METHODS

Studies from 2010 to 2020 were fully reviewed if they discussed incidence of LSA coverage, LUE ischemia, carotid-subclavian bypass, or complications associated with carotid-subclavian bypass.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles were included in this analysis. A total of 167 patients were identified as trauma cases. Incidence of LSA occlusion in trauma was 91/167 (54%) compared to 281/1446 (19%) in the population exclusive of trauma (p < 0.001). Following LSA occlusion, the rate of LUE claudication/ischemia was 21/56 (38%) for trauma, compared to 12/193 (6%) in non-trauma cases (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate after carotid-subclavian rescue bypass was 29.2% (33/112), with phrenic nerve palsy (24%), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (5%), and pseudoaneurysm (1.7%) being the most common.

CONCLUSION

LSA coverage following TEVAR is common and associated with significant complications, often requiring operative management. The incidence of ischemic complications after occlusion of the LSA is significantly higher in the trauma population. Revascularization procedures to correct the occlusion have a high rate of complications.

Aortic injury repair in a patient with situs inversus totalis and dextrocardia

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) with dextrocardia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. We herein describe a blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) in a patient with SIT and dextrocardia. An 18-year-old girl who was injured by a fall presented to our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a traumatic pseudoaneurysm at the aortic isthmus. Open aortic repair was performed through a right thoracotomy. No abnormal findings were observed on CT 1 year after the surgery. Open aortic repair of BTAI can be safely performed through a right thoracotomy in patients with SIT and dextrocardia.

Torso vascular trauma

Vascular injury within the chest or abdomen represents a unique challenge to the pediatric general surgeon, as these life- or limb-threatening injuries are rare and may require emergent treatment. Vascular injury may present as life-threatening hemorrhage, or with critical ischemia from intimal injury, dissection, or thrombosis. Maintaining the skillset and requisite knowledge to address these injuries is of utmost importance for pediatric surgeons that care for injured children, particularly for surgeons practicing in freestanding children's hospitals that frequently do not have adult vascular surgery coverage. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of torso vascular trauma, with a specific emphasis in rapid recognition of torso vascular injury as well as both open and endovascular management options. Specific injuries addressed include blunt and penetrating mediastinal vascular injury, subclavian injury, abdominal aortic and visceral segment injury, inferior vena cava injury, and pelvic vascular injury. Operative exposure, vascular repair techniques, and damage control options including preperitoneal packing for pelvic hemorrhage are discussed. The role and limitations of endovascular treatment of each of these injuries is discussed, including endovascular stent graft placement, angioembolization for pelvic hemorrhage, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in children.

Incidence and predictors of early and delayed renal function decline after aortic aneurysm repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative database

BACKGROUND

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) may complicate both open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and health care expense. We aim to evaluate the incidence of postoperative AKI and factors associated with its occurrence and the effects of postoperative AKI on long-term renal function and mortality after open and EVAR in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative registry.

METHODS

Elective aneurysm cases were identified including thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) and complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (cEVAR), infrarenal endovascular repair (EVAR) and infrarenal open repair (OAR) from 2003 to 2019. The preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula and stratified based on chronic kidney disease (CKD) grades. Postoperative AKI was defined per the Vascular Quality Initiative definition as a creatinine increase of 0.5 mg/dL or if postoperative dialysis was required. Patients on preprocedural hemodialysis and those with previous renal transplant were excluded. Demographics and procedural factors were evaluated for predicting in-hospital postoperative AKI (all approaches) and at 9 to 21 months of long-term follow-up (EVAR only) using logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 2813 cEVAR, 2995 TEVAR, 39,945 EVAR, and 8143 OAR patients. Of those, postoperative AKI occurred in 377 cEVAR (13.5%), 199 TEVAR (6.7%), 1099 EVAR (2.8%), and 1249 OAR (15.5%). Risk factors for postoperative AKI across all groups were worse preoperative eGFR, total number of blood transfusions, perioperative anemia, reinterventions, and postoperative respiratory complications. Additional procedure-specific risk factors of postoperative AKI were preoperative hemoglobin of less than 10 and contrast volume of 125 to 150 mL, hypertension, a low ejection fraction, and a history of percutaneous revascularization for EVAR; for both EVAR/cEVAR, renal artery coverage was a risk factor, whereas for OAR, male sex, non-White race, hypertension, suprarenal aortic cross-clamp, and increased renal ischemic time were risk factors. Among 8133 EVAR patients with long-term follow-up, a decrease in kidney function occurred in 56.7% of patients with postoperative AKI vs 19.9% without postoperative AKI (P < .001). The following risk factors were associated with a decrease in renal function at long-term follow-up: postoperative AKI, a preoperative eGFR of less than 90, and hypertension. A preoperative hemoglobin of greater than 12 was protective. Postoperative AKI was associated with significantly lower survival compared with no postoperative AKI across all procedures (log rank <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative AKI occurs more often in patients with worse preoperative renal function, lower preoperative hemoglobin, and in open surgeries with inter-renal or suprarenal cross-clamping. Importantly, postoperative AKI is associated with increased mortality across all types of aortic repair. Given the long-term impact of postoperative AKI on outcomes for all aortic repairs and the limitations of current insensitive functional indices, there is a need to seek more sensitive indicators of decreases in early renal structural in this population.

Combined fenestrated/chimney thoracic endovascular repair for the treatment of blunt traumatic aortic injury: A case report

Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is an extremely serious medical condition with a high rate of associated mortality. Recent advances in techniques such as thoracic endovascular repair offer new opportunities to manage the critical BTAI patients in an efficacious yet less invasive manner. A 65 year-old-male suffered from multiple injuries after a fall, including BTAI in the aortic arch, which resulted in dissection of the descending thoracic-abdominal aorta and iliac artery, development of an intimal flap in the left common carotid artery, and dissection of the left subclavian artery. Based on the imaging information of this patient and our clinical experience, the combined treatment of fenestrated thoracic endovascular repair and a chimney technique was immediately planned to fully repair these dissections and moreover prevent further dissection of the branching vessels, additionally to ensure sufficient blood flow in the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery. The intervention yielded satisfactory early outcomes. Follow-up assessment at six months reported no symptoms or complications associated with the stent-graft. Computed tomography angiography further confirmed adequate stent-graft coverage of the aortic injury.

Reevaluating the Need for Routine Coverage of the Left Subclavian Artery in Thoracic Blunt Aortic Injury

BACKGROUND

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the treatment of choice for thoracic blunt aortic injury (TBAI). A 20 mm proximal seal zone is recommended based on aneurysmal disease literature which often results in coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA). The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with TEVAR for TBAI and evaluate whether 20 mm is required to achieve successful remodeling.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective study of all consecutive patients who received a TEVAR for treatment of moderate and severe TBAI between April 2014 and November 2018. Three-dimensional software reconstruction was used for computed tomography (CT) scan centerline measurements. Outcomes included technical success, need for reinterventions, and immediate and long-term aortic-related complications.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients underwent TEVAR for TBAI during the study period. Twenty-eight (46%) patients underwent LSA coverage with an average distance from the LSA to the injury of 6.4 mm (0-15.1 mm). Of the 33 (54%) patients who did not undergo coverage of the LSA, 22 patients (66%) had less than 20 mm of proximal seal zone. The mean distance from the LSA to injury in this group was 16.6 mm (7.9-29.5 mm). None of the patients with LSA coverage developed ischemic symptoms, and an average decrease in left arm systolic blood pressure of 24.8 mm Hg (0-62 mm Hg) was noted versus the right arm. There was no aortic-related mortality in either group. Follow-up CT scans revealed excellent remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate outcomes of TEVAR for TBAI with LSA coverage are well tolerated; however, the long-term sequela of LSA coverage is unknown. Exclusion of the injury and excellent remodeling appear to occur with less than 20 mm of proximal seal, and perhaps more attention should be made to preservation of the LSA.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic dissection of the thoracic aorta - series of 16 cases

Background

Aortic injuries caused by blunt chest traumas have high pre-hospital and emergency mortality. The endovascular approach is one option for treatment of these injuries, but many outcomes related to this approach remain unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe a specialist trauma center’s experience with endovascular treatment of cases like these.

Methods

This is a descriptive study based on review of the electronic medical records of patients who had suffered from blunt thoracic aorta trauma and were seen at a hospital specializing in trauma cases in the city of Curitiba (Paraná, Brazil).

Results

Sixteen patients were included in the study. All patients were traffic accident victims and 75% of the accidents were the result of vehicle collisions. Aortic lesions ranged from grade I to IV and the majority had grade II lesions (50%). All patients underwent endovascular treatment with endografts, an average of 71 hours after the trauma. Two patients died, both from causes unrelated to their aortic injuries. During follow-up, only two patients presented complications (endoleak and progression of the dissection).

Conclusions

The endovascular method is a viable alternative for treatment of blunt trauma thoracic aortic injuries. Randomized and controlled studies are needed to provide evidence to support indication of this method to treat this type of injury.

Incidence and Mortality Rates of Thoracic Aortic Dissection in Korea - Inferred from the Nationwide Health Insurance Claims

BACKGROUND

Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the most catastrophic diseases and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the hospital incidence and mortality rates of thoracic AD in Korea using a nationwide database.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based study using the health claims data of the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. From 2005 to 2016, adult patients newly diagnosed with AD were included. All patients were divided into the following four subgroups by treatment: type A surgical repair (TASR), type B surgical repair (TBSR), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and medical management (MM). The incidence rate, mortality rate, and risk factors of in-hospital mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 18,565 patients were newly diagnosed with AD (TASR, n = 4,319 [23.3%]; TBSR, n = 186 [1.0%]; TEVAR, n = 697 [3.8%]; MM, n = 13,363 [72.0%]). The overall AD incidence rate was 3.76 per 100,000 person-years and exhibited a gradual increase during the study period (3.29 to 4.82, P < 0.001). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 10.84% and remained consistent (P = 0.57). However, the in-hospital mortality rate decreased in the TASR subgroup (18.23 to 11.27%, P = 0.046). An older age, the female sex, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of thoracic AD has gradually increased in Korea. The in-hospital mortality in the TASR subgroup decreased over the decade, although the overall mortality of AD patients did not change.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for traumatic aortic injuries: insight from literature and practical recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for treatment of blunt traumatic aortic injuries (BTAIs) is nowadays the gold standard technique in adult patients, replacing gradually the use of open repair (OR). Although randomized controlled trials will never be performed comparing TEVAR to OR for BTAIs management, trauma and vascular societies guidelines today primarily recommend the former for BTAI patients with a suitable anatomy. The aim of this review was to describe past and recent data published in literature regarding pros and cons of TEVAR treatment in BTAI, and to analyze some debated issues and future perspectives.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) were used to obtain and describe selected articles on TEVAR in BTAI.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Young (<50 years) men were the most operated population. The use of TEVAR increased over the years, with a progressive reduction in mortality and overall postoperative complication rates when compared with OR. Lack of information remains about the percentage of urgent cases.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR is considered nowadays the treatment of choice in BTAI patients. In case of aortic rupture (grade IV) the treatment is mandatory, while intimal tear (grade I) and intramural hematoma (grade II) can be safely managed with no operative management (NOM). Debate is still ongoing on grade III (pseudoaneurysms). Unfortunately, several aspects remain not yet clarified, including disease classification, type and grade to treat, timing (urgent versus elective), priority of vascular injuries in polytrauma patients, and TEVAR use in pediatrics and young patients.

Transesophageal echocardiography during endovascular procedures for thoracic aorta diseases: sensitivity and specificity analysis

INTRODUCTION

The widespread use of endovascular repair in thoracic aorta (TEVAR) pathologies has ameliorated postoperative outcomes. This meta-analysis was designed to investigate the intra-operative use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) compared to angiography in patients undergoing TEVAR.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The meta-analysis was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA) guidelines. A data search of the English literature was conducted, using PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases, until November 30, 2019. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and the summary of findings for each of the included outcomes.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The final analysis included 7 articles (183 patients). All patients underwent TEVAR using intra-operative TEE and angiography. The sensitivity and specificity rates of entry points were 0.624 (95% CI: 0.145-0.97) and 0.377 (95% CI: 0.029-0.856), respectively. Regarding the detection of adequate guidewire advancement, the sensitivity was 0.778 (95% CI: 0.288-939) and specifity 0.346 (95% CI: 0.019-0.844). TEE could detect endograft incomplete deployment within acceptable rates of sensitivity and specifity, estimated at 0.616 (95% CI: 0.141-0.971) and 0.365 (95% CI: 0.028-0.845), respectively. The intra-operative detection of endoleaks presented a sensitivity estimated at 0.875 (0.51-0.998) and specificity at 0.698 (95% CI: 0.284-0.904).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limitations of this analysis, TEE may be evaluated in the current endovascular era, as a useful tool, providing adequate information, on graft deployment and early endoleaks.

Permissive Hypertension and Collateral Revascularization May Allow Avoidance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

BACKGROUND

The utility of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) for prevention of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains unclear. We previously published our institutional algorithm restricting preoperative CSFD to patients deemed high risk for SCI. Since that publication, our algorithm has evolved with preoperative CSFD avoided in all patients undergoing isolated descending TEVAR with or without arch involvement (+/- arch TEVAR). This study evaluated the updated algorithm in a contemporary cohort.

METHODS

Patients who underwent TEVAR for descending aortic +/-arch pathology between February 2012 and September 2018 at a single center were identified from an institutional aortic surgery database. The algorithm includes left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization in cases of coverage with no preservation of antegrade flow, permissive hypertension, and use of evoked potential monitoring. The primary end points were SCI or postoperative CSFD.

RESULTS

During the study interval, 225 patients underwent descending +/- arch TEVAR. CSFD was used before TEVAR in 2 patients (0.9%) in violation of the algorithm, and they were excluded from the study cohort. Endograft coverage below T6 occurred in 81%. The LSA was fully covered in 100 patients (47%), all of whom underwent LSA revascularization. Following the updated algorithm, the incidence of temporary or permanent SCI was 0%. No patient required postoperative CSFD.

CONCLUSIONS

A restrictive lumbar CSFD algorithm, including permissive hypertension and LSA revascularization in the setting of descending +/- arch TEVAR, appears safe, with a 0% incidence of SCI in 223 consecutive patients treated during a 6.5-year interval. We recommend consideration of further prospective study to evaluate this algorithm.

[Management of thoracic trauma and intrathoracic injuries]

More than 45% of polytraumatized patients in Germany suffer from severe thoracic trauma. Due to the urgent time factor (e.g. respiratory insufficiency and severe bleeding), a structured procedure in the diagnostics and treatment according to the advanced trauma life support (ATLS) criteria is necessary both prehospital and in the emergency room in order to provide the patient with adequate care. If a patient is stable or can be stabilized there is the option of using extended diagnostics, such as whole body computer tomography (CT) scanning with contrast medium, to select a treatment that is optimally adapted to the injury pattern. This can be performed by open surgery, minimally invasive surgery and interventional radiologically/endoscopically and depends on the injured organ as well as the extent of the injury. This means that only an interdisciplinary approach guarantees optimal care for patients with thoracic trauma.

Elongation of the Aorta after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A longitudinal study

Aortic morphology is associated with age, with the diameter being larger in older people. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a treatment for aortic diseases, such as aortic dissection. When evaluating patients, aortic elongation could interfere with the classification of TEVAR complications. The longitudinal change in aortic length has not been studied in detail. In patients receiving thoracic endovascular aortic repair between 2007 and 2013, we determined the aortic length between the sinotubular junction, left common carotid artery, subclavian artery, and celiac artery on their first five annual follow-up computed tomography (CT) exams. Using the immediate post-TEVAR follow-up CT as the comparison reference and a lengthening of the aortic segment by 10 mm or more as the definition of elongation, 16 of 41 (39%) showed elongation between the innominate artery and celiac artery. When compared with the immediate follow-up CT, a higher proportion of patients showed elongation at the fifth year’s follow-up CT than the first year’s follow-up CT (p < 0.01), and the average lengthening per year was 1.7 mm. There was progressive lengthening of the aorta after TEVAR.

The life-saving emergency thoracic endovascular aorta repair management on suspected aortoesophageal foreign body injury

BACKGROUND

Fatal aortic rupture caused by esophageal foreign body (EFB), is associated with a high mortality, but can be prevented by thoracic endovascular aorta repair (TEVAR) that performed increasingly as technology improves. This study aims to investigate the cause, management and prognosis of suspected penetrating aortoesophageal foreign body injury.

METHODS

Twelve cases who met the criteria were enrolled in this study. The demographic and clinical data were reviewed for evaluating the characteristics of EFB.

RESULTS

Among 12 cases enrolled, 7 were males and 5 were females, with an age 27-86 years. The distance of EFB from aorta (DFA) of 7 cases were less than or equal to 0 mm, 5 cases were 0-2 mm. Eleven cases were managed with TEVAR, only one case was with open surgery standby but finally treated by flexible endoscopy (FE) successfully, without TEVAR. In group with TEVAR, EFB of 7 cases were successfully removed by rigid endoscopy (RE), and one of them was failed at the first RE treatment. EFB of 2 cases were successfully removed by open surgery with TEVAR, and other 9 cases were managed by endoscopies with TEVAR. The mean length of stay of hospitalization (LOS) and length of ICU stay of patients treated by open surgery with TEVAR (18.50±2.12 days and 5.50±0.71 days) was significantly longer than those of patients treated by endoscopy with TEVAR (7.00±2.74 days and 1.33±1.12 days, P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). Five cases had severe complications.

CONCLUSION

Rational application of TEVAR can be a life-saving management for aortoesophageal foreign body injury, and jointed with endoscopy is safe and effective with a shorter length of ICU or total hospital stay.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair with left subclavian artery reconstruction for blunt traumatic aortic injury in elderly patients

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Urgent retrograde two-stage hybrid repair of a complicated blunt traumatic aortic injury

Blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is a rare but life-threatening emergency that is usually caused by sudden acceleration/deceleration injuries in vehicular accidents. We describe our initial experience of a retrograde two-stage hybrid treatment approach for the emergent management of a 63-year-old motorcyclist who presented with a complicated BTAI with malperfusion syndrome. To our best knowledge, this uncommon BTAI case with fatal distal malperfusion saved by an urgent retrograde two-stage hybrid procedure has been reported rarely. This early reperfusion strategy with two-stage retrograde endovascular technique could be an effective and life-saving treatment option for polytrauma patients with suitable aortic anatomy.

National Trends of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair versus Open Thoracic Aortic Repair in Pediatric Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

BACKGROUND

Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) occurs in <1% of all trauma admissions. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the preferred treatment modality in adult patients with BTAI, but its use in pediatrics is currently not supported by device manufacturers and lacks United States Food and Drug Administration approval. We hypothesized that there would also be an increased use of TEVAR in the pediatric population, thus conferring a lower risk of mortality compared with open thoracic aortic repair (OTAR).

METHODS

The National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) was queried for patients ≤17 years with BTAI. The primary outcomes were the incidences of TEVAR and OTAR. Secondary outcome was risk of mortality in those undergoing intervention. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the risk of mortality in OTAR versus TEVAR.

RESULTS

We identified 650 pediatric BTAI patients with 159 (24.5%) undergoing intervention. Of these, 124 underwent TEVAR (78.0%) and 35 (22.0%) underwent OTAR. The rate of TEVAR steadily increased from 2007 to 2015 (15.4% vs. 27.1%, P < 0.001). Patients receiving OTAR and TEVAR had a similar injury severity score and rate of hypotension on admission (P > 0.05). Compared with OTAR, TEVAR patients had a higher rate of any traumatic brain injury (TBI) (63.7% vs. 37.1%, P = 0.005) and shorter hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) (16.4 vs. 21.4 days, P = 0.02; 10.1 vs. 12.2 days, P = 0.01). TEVAR and OTAR, even when stratified by ≤14 years and 15-17 years, had no difference in risk for mortality (odds ratio 1.20, confidence interval 0.29-5.01, P = 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of TEVAR in pediatric BTAI nearly doubled from 2007 to 2015. Compared with OTAR, TEVAR was associated with a shorter hospital LOS despite a higher rate of TBI. There was no difference in risk for mortality between TEVAR and OTAR. Longitudinal studies to determine the long-term efficacy and complication rates, including reintervention, development of endoleak, and/or need for further operations, are needed as this technology is being rapidly adopted for pediatric trauma patients.

Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: Endovascular Repair Is Now the Standard

BACKGROUND

Incidence and treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) has evolved, likely from improved imaging and emergence of endovascular techniques; however, multicenter data demonstrating this are lacking. We examined trends in incidence, management, and outcomes in BTAI.

STUDY DESIGN

The American College of Surgeons National Trauma Databank (2003 to 2013) was used to identify adults with BTAI. Management was categorized as nonoperative repair, open aortic repair (OAR), or thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR). Outcomes included demographics, management, and outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 3,774 patients. Median age was 46.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 29.3, 62.0 years), with 70.8% males, and median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 34.0 (IQR 26.0, 45.0). The number of BTAIs diagnosed over the decade increased 196.8% (p < 0.001), median ISS decreased from 38 to 33 (p < 0.001), and significantly more patients were treated at a level I trauma center (p < 0.001). After FDA approval of TEVAR devices, there was a significant increase in endovascular repair overall (1.0% to 30.6%, p < 0.001) and in those treated operatively (0.0% to 94.9%, p < 0.001), with a marked decrease in OAR. Use of TEVAR was associated with significantly reduced median ICU LOS (9.0 vs 12.0 days, p = 0.048) and mortality (9.3% vs 16.6%; p = 0.015) compared with OAR. In modern BTAI care, TEVAR has nearly completely replaced OAR.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of BTAI has increased, likely due to more sensitive imaging. Nearly 70% of patients get nonoperative care. Treatment with TEVAR improves outcomes relative to OAR. Part of the proportional increase in TEVAR use may represent overtreatment of lower grade BTAI amenable to medical management, and warrants further investigation.

Diagnostic workup and endovascular treatment of popliteal artery trauma

Although management paradigms for certain arterial trauma, such as aortic injuries, have moved towards an endovascular approach, the application of endovascular techniques for the treatment of peripheral arterial injuries continues to be debated. In the realm of peripheral vascular trauma, popliteal arterial injuries remain a devastating condition with significant rates of limb loss. Expedient management is essential and surgical revascularization has been the gold standard. Initial clinical assessment of vascular injury is aided by readily available imaging techniques such as duplex ultrasonography and high resolution computed tomographic angiography. Conventional catheter based angiography, however, remain the gold standard in the determination of vascular injury. There are limited data examining the outcomes of endovascular techniques to address popliteal arterial injuries. In this review, we examine the imaging modalities and current approaches and data regarding endovascular techniques for the management popliteal arterial trauma.