Incidence and Determinants of Spinal Cord Ischaemia in Stent-graft Repair of the Thoracic Aorta

Aggressive Treatment Strategy at Index Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Surgery is Associated with Reduced Need for Short-Term Reintervention in Patients with Aortic Dissection

INTRODUCTION

Thoracic endovascular aortic surgery (TEVAR) is the modern standard of treatment for patients with Type B aortic dissection, however it is unclear how the initial length of treated aorta affects long-term outcomes. This study aims to elucidate risk factors for secondary intervention after TEVAR for aortic dissection, focusing on length of aortic treatment at index operation.

METHODS

A retrospective multihospital chart review was completed for patients treated between 2011 and 2022 who underwent TEVAR for aortic dissection with at least 1 year of post-TEVAR imaging and follow-up. Patient demographics and characteristics were analyzed. In this study, aortic zones treated only included those managed with a covered stent graft. The primary outcome measure was any need for secondary intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients were identified. Demographics included a mean age of 57 years, with 31.8% of the patients being female. Forty-three patients (28.5%) underwent secondary intervention after TEVAR, with a mean follow-up of 1.6 years. The most common indication for secondary intervention was aneurysmal degeneration of the residual false lumen (76%). There was a significant difference in the number of aortic zones treated in patients who did and did not require secondary intervention (2.3 ± 1 vs. 2.7 ± 1, P = 0.04). Additionally, patients with 3 or more aortic zones of treatment had a significant difference in the need for reintervention (32% secondary intervention versus 52% no secondary intervention, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

At least 3 zones of aortic treatment at index TEVAR is associated with a decreased need for overall reintervention. Modern treatment of acute and subacute type B dissection should stress an aggressive initial repair, balanced by the potential increased risk of spinal cord ischemia.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms, a single center's 10-years experience and analysis of outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are an increasingly prevalent pathology with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the primary line of treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyse a single center's experience in the treatment of TAAs and identify possible risk factors for worse outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our institutional database was done to identify all patients treated for TAAs in a 10-year period, from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022. Data were extracted from patients' medical records. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality and secondary outcomes were procedure related morbidity (vascular access complications, medullary ischaemia, stroke, endoleaks, migration, aneurysm sac enlargement >5 mm) and need for reintervention at 1-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. A descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was performed. Statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

RESULTS

We identified 34 patients treated for TAAs in this period. Mean age was 68 years [47-87] and 79.4% of patients were male. Mean aneurysm diameter was 63 mm [35-100], 55.9% fusiform and 44.1% saccular. The majority (91.2%) were located at the descending thoracic aorta and 3 (8.8%) of them extended to the aortic arch. The most common aetiology was degenerative in 22 patients (64.7%), followed by aortic dissection in 8 patients (23.5%). Elective surgery was performed in 19 (61.3%) patients and 12 (38.7%) had urgent repair. TEVAR was the treatment of choice in 24 (77.4%) patients, and the remaining 7 (22.6%) were treated with hybrid surgery. Mean length of hospital stay was 10 days [2-80] (6 days for elective repair versus 16 days for urgent repair, p = .016). Follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 10 years. At 1 year follow-up, all-cause mortality was 15%, morbidity was 30% (with 6 (22%) patients having a type Ia endoleak) and need for reintervention was 22%. Aneurysm diameter was a significant risk factor for procedure related morbidity (median diameter of 73.5 mm versus 56.0 mm in patients with no morbidity; p = .027). The presence of type Ia endoleak was significantly associated with higher reintervention rates (p = .001), but not with higher mortality rates (p = .515). Age, female sex, aetiology and urgent repair weren't associated with any significant differences in the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR proved to be effective in the treatment of TAAs, with good outcomes at short and mid-term follow-up. TAAs should be diagnosed earlier and be promptly treated when meeting criteria to prevent worse outcomes.

Retrospective investigation of >400 patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair with or without cerebrospinal fluid drainage

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse the risks and benefits of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) placement in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2020, 411 patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair in 1 institution where 236 patients (57%) received a preoperative CSFD. Patient and outcome characteristics were retrospectively analysed and compared between patients with and without preoperative CSFD placement.

RESULTS

Preoperative CSFD was performed significantly more frequently in elective patients, especially those undergoing distal stent graft extension following frozen elephant trunk-stent placement (P < 0.001). Significantly fewer CSFD was placed in patients with acute aortic injury (P < 0.001). The incidence of permanent spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) was higher in patients without preoperative CSFD [10 patients (2%) vs 1 patient (0.2%), P = 0.001]. Postoperative CSFD was placed in 3 patients (0.7%). Severe CSFD-associated complications affected 2 patients (0.5%) namely, a subdural spinal haematoma causing permanent paraplegia in one of those 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CSFS placement is associated with low procedural risk and can potentially help to prevent SCI. However, the SCI incidence is most likely also associated with other preoperative factors including the patient's haemodynamics. Hence, a general recommendation for placing a preoperative CSFD cannot be made when relying on the present evidence.

Necrostatin-1 Attenuates Delayed Paraplegia after Transient Spinal Cord Ischemia in Rabbits by Inhibiting the Upregulation of Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 1 and 3

BACKGROUND

Delayed-onset paraplegia is a disastrous complication after thoracoabdominal aortic open surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Studies have revealed that transient spinal cord ischemia caused by temporary occlusion of the aorta induces delayed motor neuron death owing to apoptosis and necroptosis. Recently, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), a necroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to reduce cerebral and myocardial infarction in rats or pigs. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Nec-1 in delayed paraplegia after transient spinal cord ischemia in rabbits and assessed the expression of necroptosis- and apoptosis-related proteins in motor neurons.

METHODS

This study used rabbit transient spinal cord ischemia models using a balloon catheter. They were divided into a vehicle-treated group (n = 24), Nec-1-treated group (n = 24), and sham-controls (n = 6). In the Nec-1-treated group, 1 mg/kg of Nec-1 was intravascularly administered immediately before ischemia induction. Neurological function was assessed using the modified Tarlov score, and the spinal cord was removed 8 hr and 1, 2, and 7 days after reperfusion. Morphological changes were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of necroptosis-related proteins (receptor-interacting protein kinase [RIP] 1 and 3) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and caspase-8) were assessed using western blotting and histochemical analysis. We also performed double-fluorescence immunohistochemical studies of RIP1, RIP3, Bax, and caspase-8.

RESULTS

Neurological function significantly improved in the Nec-1-treated group compared with that in the vehicle-treated group 7 days after reperfusion (median 3 and 0, P = 0.025). Motor neurons observed 7 days after reperfusion were significantly decreased in both groups compared with the sham group (vehicle-treated, P < 0.001; Nec-1-treated, P < 0.001). However, significantly more motor neurons survived in the Nec-1-treated group than in the vehicle-treated group (P < 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed RIP1, RIP3, Bax, and caspase-8 upregulation 8 hr after reperfusion in the vehicle-treated group (RIP1, P = 0.001; RIP3, P = 0.045; Bax, P = 0.042; caspase-8, P = 0.047). In the Nec-1-treated group, the upregulation of RIP1 and RIP3 was not observed at any time point, whereas that of Bax and caspase-8 was observed 8 hr after reperfusion (Bax, P = 0.029; caspase-8, P = 0.021). Immunohistochemical study revealed the immunoreactivity of these proteins in motor neurons. Double-fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed the induction of RIP1 and RIP3, and that of Bax and caspase-8, in the same motor neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that Nec-1 reduces delayed motor neuron death and attenuates delayed paraplegia after transient spinal cord ischemia in rabbits by selectively inhibiting necroptosis of motor neurons with minimal effect on their apoptosis.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of metachronous thoracic aortic aneurysms following prior infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of metachronous thoracic aortic aneurysms (M-TAAs) following previous infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has been associated with higher spinal cord ischemia (SCI) risk compared with TEVAR of primary thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). However, data on the impact of the type of prior infrarenal aortic repair on outcomes are scarce. In this study, we examined perioperative outcomes and long-term mortality following TEVAR M-TAA compared with primary TEVAR of TAA.

METHODS

We identified all Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) patients who underwent TEVAR of TAA in the descending thoracic aorta from 2013 to 2022. Only patients undergoing primary TEVAR or TEVAR following infrarenal open (OAR) or endovascular (EVAR) repair were included. We performed univariate analyses to identify differences in baseline and procedural characteristics, and multivariable analyses for perioperative outcomes and 5-year mortality using logistic and Cox regression, respectively.

RESULTS

We included 1493 patients who underwent primary TEVAR (81%) or TEVAR following prior OAR (9.0%) or prior EVAR (9.7%). Compared with primary TEVAR, patients undergoing TEVAR M-TAA were older, more commonly male, white, and had higher rates of hypertension, smoking, and renal dysfunction. Patients with M-TAA were more likely to be asymptomatic and have larger diameters at presentation but were exposed to greater contrast volume and procedural times relative to primary TEVAR patients. Following risk-adjustment, compared with primary TEVAR, TEVAR after prior EVAR was associated with higher perioperative mortality (9.7% vs 3.9%; odds ratio [OR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-12; P < .001) and 5-year mortality (40% vs 24%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.1; P = .001). Specifically, among octogenarians (n = 375; 25%), the perioperative and 5-year mortality differences were even more pronounced (perioperative mortality: 17% vs 8.4%; OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 2.2-21; P = .001; 5-year mortality: 50% vs 27%; HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-5.7; P = .010). However, in-hospital complications, including SCI (2.6% vs 2.8%; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.33-3.3; P = .77), were not notably different. In contrast, TEVAR after previous OAR was associated with comparable perioperative mortality (4.4% vs 3.9%; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.32-3.8; P = .73), 5-year mortality (28% vs 24%; HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.80-2.1; P = .54), and in-hospital complications, including SCI (2.6% vs 0.7%; OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.01-1.1; P = .16).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing TEVAR of M-TAAs after prior EVAR, particularly octogenarians, have higher perioperative and 5-year mortality and therefore, represent a high-risk group. Future efforts should strive to discern the underlying factors leading to these poorer outcomes; meanwhile, these findings emphasize the need for careful patient selection and appropriate preoperative counseling in these high-risk individuals.

Long-Term Outcomes in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection or Intramural Hematoma Depending on Proximal Landing Zone

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the preferred treatment for complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) or intramural hematoma (IMH). This study aimed to investigate the association of the proximal landing zone and its morphology with long-term outcomes in patients with TBAD or IMH. A total of 94 patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD or IMH between 10/2003 and 01/2020 were included. The cohort was divided according to the proximal landing in Ishimaru zone 2 or 3 and the presence of a healthy landing zone (HLZ; non-dissected or aneurysmatic, ≥2 cm length). Primary outcome was freedom from aortic reintervention. Secondary endpoints were freedom from aortic growth, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, retrograde dissection, proximal stent-graft induced new entry (pSINE), debranching failure, and mortality. Outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models with mortality as a competing risk. A proximal TEVAR landing in zone 2 was associated with higher rates of reinterventions compared to zone 3 (33% vs. 15%, p = 0.031), spinal cord ischemia (8% vs. 0%, p = 0.037), and pSINE (13% vs. 2%, p = 0.032). No difference was found for the other outcomes, including mortality. Landing in dissected segments was not associated with impaired results. Proximal TEVAR landing in zone 3 may be preferable with regard to long-term aortic reintervention in patients with TBAD or IMH.

Spontaneous Recovery of Paraplegia in a Polytrauma Patient following Spinal Cord Ischemia due to Type B Traumatic Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening acute condition characterized by the separation of the aortic wall's layers. It is caused by a tear in the internal vascular wall (intimal layer and middle layer), which results in bleeding between the layers and causes abrupt and excruciating pain. The appropriate consideration must be given to the condition's dynamic nature, and variations in clinical presentation, without neglecting the urgency for intervention. In this case study, a 65-year-old male engaged in a car accident is admitted to urgent care with a traumatic aortic dissection diagnosis that included the aortic arch, a segmental exposed fracture of 1/3 distal of the right femur AO 32C3k, and an intertrochanteric fracture AO 31A1.3. The patient developed transient paraplegia as the initial manifestation of acute aortic dissection, which represents a high mortality and morbidity entity without adequate and prompt treatment, and prompt diagnosis and management were critical. A patient with severe thoracic and abdominal trauma caused by high-energy injury should be properly evaluated for the possibility of traumatic aortic dissection. The endovascular aortic repair was performed, resulting in a positive clinical evolution due to the important participation of the multidisciplinary trauma team involved in patient management and prompted decision-making.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair with Supra-Aortic Trunk Revascularization is Associated with Increased Risk of Periprocedural Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a devastating complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This risk may be higher in more proximal aneurysms that require arch manipulation. The purpose of this study is to (1) describe 30-day stroke and death rates in patients undergoing TEVAR, (2) compare stroke rates in patients undergoing TEVAR for arch versus descending aneurysm pathology, and (3) identify predictive factors associated with stroke after TEVAR.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative registry was queried (2015-2021) for TEVAR procedures performed for degenerative aneurysms. Our primary outcomes were any stroke or death at 30 days. Patient-, procedure-, and hospital-level predictors of stroke were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Among 3,072 patients with degenerative aneurysms (197 [6.4%] arch versus 2,875 [93.6%] descending) treated with elective TEVAR, the median age was 73 years (interquartile range 67-79) and 54.8% were male. Within the arch aneurysm group, there were 27.4% zone 0, 22.8% zone 1, and 49.8% zone 2 interventions. Overall 30-day stroke and death rates were 3.2% and 3.8%. The distribution of stroke events was bilateral (52.9%), left carotid (20.7%), left vertebrobasilar (11.5%), right carotid (9.2%), and right vertebrobasilar (5.7%). Although mortality was similar between groups, the rate of ischemic stroke was higher for patients undergoing TEVAR for arch aneurysm versus descending aneurysms (7.1% arch versus 2.9% descending, P = 0.001). Factors that were associated with ischemic stroke after TEVAR included age (>79 years, relative risk [RR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-2.98 vs. <79 years), dependent functional status (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.78), procedural time (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.36), and endovascular intervention for supra-aortic trunk revascularization (RR 2.66, 95% CI 1.06-6.70 versus no intervention).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic stroke risk after TEVAR was increased for arch aneurysms compared to descending aneurysms. More proximal zone coverage and endovascular interventions on the supra-aortic trunks were associated with increasing risk for stroke. Adequate preparation for stroke prevention is necessary prior to TEVAR with supra-aortic trunk revascularization.

Spinal cord ischemia following simultaneous EVAR and TEVAR for concomitant thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

In patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, 10-20% have concomitant thoracic aortic pathologies. These are typically managed with staged endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) due to a perceived higher risk of spinal cord ischemia from a simultaneous intervention. We aimed to determine the outcomes of patients undergoing simultaneous EVAR and TEVAR for concomitant aneurysms.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Vascular Quality Initiative registry from December 2003 to January 2021. Patients undergoing same-day EVAR and TEVAR were included and analyzed in accordance with the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. Primary outcomes were technical success and spinal cord ischemia.

RESULTS

Simultaneous EVAR and TEVAR was performed in 25 patients. Median age was 75.0 (IQR 63.0-79.0) years and 20 (80.0%) patients were male. Two (4.0%) patients were symptomatic and four (16.0%) presented with rupture. Median maximum infrarenal and thoracic aortic diameter was 57.0 (IQR 52.0-65.0). Infrarenal aortic neck length was 15.0mm (IQR 10.0-25.0), and diameter was 27.0mm (IQR 24.5-30.0). Median procedure time was 185.0 minutes (IQR, 117.8-251.3), fluoroscopy time 32.7 minutes (IQR, 21.8-63.1), and contrast volume 165 ml (IQR 115.0-207.0). There were three (12.0%) Type Ia endoleaks and three (12.0%) Type II endoleaks in EVAR's, with one (4.0%) Type Ia and one (4.0%) Type II endoleak in TEVARs. In-hospital mortality occurred in three (12.0%) patients (one elective, two ruptures). Spinal cord ischemia occurred in one (4.0%) patient. This patient had a symptomatic aneurysm. Thoracic coverage extended from Zone 4 to Zone 5 and an emergent spinal drain was placed postoperatively. Symptoms were present on discharge. There was one (4.0%) conversion to open repair which occurred in a ruptured aneurysm. Technical success was achieved in 19 (76.0%) patients, however when excluding ruptured aneurysms, was achieved in 17 (81.0%) patients. Follow-up data was available for 19 (76.0%) patients at a median of 426.0 (IQR 329.0-592.5) days postoperatively. A total of 3 (12.0%) patients died during the late mortality period, at a mean of 509.0 (±503.7) days. Median change in abdominal and thoracic aortic sac diameter was -1.35mm (IQR -11.5-2.5) and 8.0 (IQR -10.5-12.0) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous EVAR and TEVAR for concomitant abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms can be performed with low rates of spinal cord ischemia. Short- and mid-term outcomes are acceptable.

Risk profile analysis of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair: Laboratory and radiographic predictors

BACKGROUND

There is emerging evidence to support pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) intervention for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (unTBAD). Pre-emptive intervention would be particularly beneficial in patients that have a higher baseline risk of progressing to complicated TBAD (coTBAD). There remain debate on the optimal clinical, laboratory, morphological, and radiological parameters, which would identify the highest-risk patients that would benefit most from pre-emptive TEVAR.

AIM

This review summarizes evidence on the clinical, laboratory, and morphological parameters that increase the risk profiles of unTBAD patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was carried out on multiple electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, and Scopus to collate all research evidence on the clinical, laboratory, and morphological parameters that increase the risk profiles of unTBAD patients RESULTS: At present, there are no clear clinical guidelines using risk-stratification to inform the selection of unTBAD patients for TEVAR. However, there are noticeable literature trends that can assist with the identification of the most at-risk unTBAD patients. Patients are at particular risk when they have refractory pain and/or hypertension, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), larger aortic diameter, and larger entry tears. These risks should be considered alongside factors that increase the procedural risk of TEVAR to create a well-balanced approach. Advances in biomarkers and imaging are likely to identify more pertinent parameters in the future to optimize the development of balanced, risk-stratified treatment protocols.

CONCLUSION

There are a variety of risk profiling parameters that can be used to identify the high-risk unTBAD patient, with novel biomarkers and imaging parameters emerging. Longer-term evidence verifying these parameters would be ideal. Further randomized controlled trials and multicentre registry analyses are also warranted to guide risk-stratified selection protocols.

Staged Hybrid Treatment with Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm in the Presence of a Total Infrarenal Aortoiliac Occlusion

Aortoiliac occlusive disease may limit the use of branched endovascular aneurysm repair (BEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs). Thus, infrarenal aortoiliac occlusion may preclude the use of BEVAR. We present a case involving a 67-year-old patient with a fast-progressing TAAA (diameter: 70 mm) and a concomitant total aortoiliac occlusion. A multi-staged treatment concept included the creation of the access and the distal landing zone for the consecutive endovascular procedures through an aorto-right femoral-left popliteal bypass. At six-week intervals, thoracic endovascular aortic repair for the creation of the proximal landing zone and a 4-vessel BEVAR were accomplished. At 36 months, a type III endoleak occurred due to the fracture of the bridging stent-graft to the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery. It was successfully treated with VBX stent-grafts. This case illustrates the importance of a staged hybrid approach in the management of complex aortic pathologies with poor access and insufficient distal landing zone.

Spinal Cord Ischemia in the Setting of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: Successful Rescue with Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

We report 2 cases of successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) complicated with spinal cord ischemia (SCI). Case 1. A 70-year-old gentleman found with an uncomplicated ABAD with false lumen occluded, developed SCI shortly after admission during the initial medical management. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) was initiated followed by emergent TEVAR. SCI improved, and the patient was discharged. Case 2. A 52-year-old gentleman developed uncomplicated ABAD with patent false lumen. 5 hours after admission, he developed SCI during the initial medical management. Emergent TEVAR was performed followed by CSFD, and the SCI improved before discharge. These cases prompted us to address prompt TEVAR for primary entry closure and true lumen dilatation with postoperative hypertensive management to relieve the dynamic obstruction of the segmental arteries responsible for the compromised spinal cord circulation in complicated ABAD.

The short-term safety and effectiveness of a new distal perforating stent graft in Type B aortic dissection: a retrospective study

Background

Spinal artery ischemia (SCI) events can result from over coverage of the descending thoracic aorta with a coated stent during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR). The aim of this study was to determine whether a new distal perforating stent could reduce the incidence of spinal cord ischemia while remodeling the true lumen.

Methods

TBAD patients treated with Talos stent in the vascular surgery Department of Yan 'an Hospital affiliated to Kunming Medical University between December 2017 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the short-term safety and effectiveness of Talos stent.

Results

A total of the 20 patients, including 14 males and 6 females, with an average age of 52.65 ± 8.98 years (range 37–68 years), were included in the analysis. Stent-grafts were successfully implanted in all patients under local anesthesia, with a technical success rate of 100%. The average operation time was 50.75 ± 13.01 min. A total of 2 cases (10%) presented chest pain associated with intercostal artery ischemia that was relieved on the 3rd and 5th postoperative day, respectively. Postoperative mean follow-up was 16.15 ± 3.99 months. No paraplegia or other complications occurred. And stenting did not induce new tears. No migration, deformation, or fracture of the stents occurred. There was a significant difference in the remolding of the true lumen preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Talos stent has achieved satisfactory clinical treatment results in short term.

Left subclavian artery revascularization in thoracic endovascular aortic repair: single center's clinical experiences from 171 patients

Background

Left subclavian artery revascularization (LSA) is frequently performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this study was to compare different techniques for LSA revascularization during TEVAR.

Methods

We performed a single center’s retrospective cohort study from 2016 to 2019. Patients were categorized by LSA revascularization methods, including direct coverage without revascularization (Unrevascularized), carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB), fenestrated TEVAR (F-TEVAR). Indications, demographics, operation details, and outcomes were analyzed using standard statistical analysis.

Results

171 patients underwent TEVAR with LSA coverage, 16.4% (n = 28) were unrevascularized and the remaining patients underwent CSB (n = 100 [58.5%]) or F-TEVAR (n = 43 [25.1%]). Demographics were similar between the unrevascularized and revascularized groups, except for procedure urgent status (p = 0.005). The incidence of postoperative spinal cord ischemia was significantly higher between unrevascularized and revascularized group (10.7% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.032). There was no difference in 30-day and mid-term rates of mortality, stroke, and left upper extremity ischemia. CSB was more likely time-consuming than F-TEVAR [3.25 (2.83–4) vs. 2 (1.67–2.67) hours, p = 0], but there were no statistically significant differences in 30-day or midterm outcomes for CSB versus F-TEVAR. During a mean follow-up time of 24.8 months, estimates survival rates had no difference.

Conclusions

LSA revascularization in zone 2 TEVAR is necessary which is associated with a low 30-day rate of spinal cord ischemia. When LSA revascularization is required during TEVAR, CSB and F-TEVAR are all safe and effective methods, and F-TEVAR appears to offer equivalent clinical outcomes as a less time-consuming and minimally invasive alternative.

Dynamics of Selected Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid During Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair - A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious complication of complex aortic repair. Prophylactic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, used to decrease lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, enables monitoring of CSF biomarkers that may aid in detecting impending SCI. We hypothesized that biomarkers, previously evaluated in traumatic SCI and brain injury, would be altered in CSF over time following complex endovascular aortic repair (cEVAR).

OBJECTIVES

To examine if a chosen cohort of CSF biomarker correlates to SCI and warrants further research.

METHODS

A prospective observational study on patients undergoing cEVAR with extensive aortic coverage. Vital parameters and CSF samples were collected on ten occasions during 72 hours post-surgery. A panel of ten biomarkers were analyzed (Neurofilament Light Polypeptide (NFL), Tau, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Soluble Amyloid Precursos Protein (APP) α and β, Amyloid β 38, 40 and 42 (Aβ38, 40 and 42), Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3LI or YKL-40), Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP).).

RESULTS

Nine patients (mean age 69, 7 males) were included. Median total aortic coverage was 68% [33, 98]. One patient died during the 30-day post-operative period. After an initial stable phase for the first few postoperative hours, most biomarkers showed an upward trend compared with baseline in all patients with >50% increase in value for NFL in 5/9 patients, in 7/9 patients for Tau and in 5/9 patients for GFAP. One patient developed spinal cord and supratentorial brain ischemia, confirmed with MRI. In this case, NF-L, GFAP and tau were markedly elevated compared with non-SCI patients (maximum increase compared with baseline in the SCI patient versus mean value of the maximal increase for all other patients: NF-L 367% vs 79%%, GFAP 95608% versus 3433%, tau 1020% vs 192%).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests an increase in all ten studied CSF biomarkers after coverage of spinal arteries during endovascular aortic repair. However, the pilot study was not able to establish a specific correlation between spinal fluid biomarker elevation and clinical symptoms of SCI due to small sample size and event rate.

Towards rapid intraoperative axial localization of spinal cord ischemia with epidural diffuse correlation monitoring

Spinal cord ischemia leads to iatrogenic injury in multiple surgical fields, and the ability to immediately identify onset and anatomic origin of ischemia is critical to its management. Current clinical monitoring, however, does not directly measure spinal cord blood flow, resulting in poor sensitivity/specificity, delayed alerts, and delayed intervention. We have developed an epidural device employing diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) to monitor spinal cord ischemia continuously at multiple positions. We investigate the ability of this device to localize spinal cord ischemia in a porcine model and validate DCS versus Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF). Specifically, we demonstrate continuous (>0.1Hz) spatially resolved (3 locations) monitoring of spinal cord blood flow in a purely ischemic model with an epidural DCS probe. Changes in blood flow measured by DCS and LDF were highly correlated (r = 0.83). Spinal cord blood flow measured by DCS caudal to aortic occlusion decreased 62%. This monitor demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.87 and specificity of 0.91 for detection of a 25% decrease in flow. This technology may enable early identification and critically important localization of spinal cord ischemia.

Antegrade Hybrid Chimney TEVAR Endograft in a Patient with Blunt Aortic Injury: A Challenging Case with Technical Success but Unfavorable Result

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has modified aortic medicine, particularly in patients with traumatic aortic injury (TAI). Conventional repair of TAI in the aortic arch is technically demanding as it requires cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic arrest with still a significant number of complications. Despite recent improvements in endovascular techniques, many patients have been excluded from endovascular repair due to unfavorable anatomy. To increase the feasibility of endovascular repair, adjunctive open extra-anatomical bypasses may be required to provide an adequate proximal landing zone. Several methods, for instance, chimney technique, hybrid technique, and fenestrated or branched stent-grafts, have been proposed as options to preserve the supra-aortic branches, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We herein present a patient with complex anatomical features and blunt aortic injury, who underwent antegrade chimney stent-graft deployment through the ascending aorta, not otherwise amenable to standard retrograde delivery because of severe peripheral artery disease. The remarkable aspect, in this case, is that both stents were placed antegrade, through the ascending aorta.

One-stop hybrid surgery for treatment of complex Stanford type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and prognosis of one-stop hybrid surgery using the elephant trunk procedure for treatment of complex Stanford type B aortic dissection.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2014 to July 2019. The patients were divided into those who underwent the elephant trunk procedure (n = 10) and those who underwent one-stop hybrid surgery (n = 10). The cardiopulmonary bypass time, mechanical ventilation time, length of hospital stay, and red blood cell usage were compared between the two groups. All patients' 3-month postoperative aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings were also reviewed.

RESULTS

The cardiopulmonary bypass time, mechanical ventilation time, and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter and red blood cell usage was significantly lower in the one-stop hybridization group. The aortic cross-clamp time was not significantly different between the two groups. Aortic CTA review after hybrid surgery showed that the true lumen of the descending aorta was almost completely restored at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

One-stop hybrid surgery effectively alleviated the occlusion of the aortic dissection, prevented the need for additional surgery, and expanded the indications for covered-stent endovascular repair.

Clinical Outcomes of Distal Tapered Restrictive Covered Stent Applied in Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Dissection Involving Zone 0

OBJECTIVE

The safety and efficacy of a distal tapered restrictive covered stent (RCS) applied in the endovascular treatment of aortic dissection involving Zone 0 was evaluated.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analysed 43 patients with acute aortic dissection involving Zone 0 who received in situ laser fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair with distal tapered RCS from January 2015 to February 2019. The indication for the distal tapered RCS procedure was an inappropriate distal size of the main stent graft. Technical success, aortic remodelling, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients. The 30 day post-operative mortality rate was 0%. All patients had complete false lumen thrombosis in the stent coverage segment. True lumen volume increased significantly (p < .001) with an average change of 87.0% ± 34.3%, while false lumen volume decreased significantly (p < .001) with an average change of -71.0% ± 13.5% between baseline and 12 months. During the follow up period (mean 28.7 months, range 12-63 months), no distal stent graft induced new entry (SINE) was observed. The average distance between the distal end of the RCS and the coeliac trunk was 57.5 mm. Two (4.7%) patients had spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) and recovered without permanent paraplegia after undergoing conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

The distal tapered RCS applied in the endovascular treatment of aortic dissection involving Zone 0 is considered to be a feasible and effective approach along with satisfactory aortic remodelling, a low risk of SINE, and SCI. The favourable results are partly explained by selection. No patients had an entry tear near the coronary artery, nor were the coronary arteries, pericardium, or aortic valve involved at the time of repair.

Early Outcomes of Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization Using Castor Single-Branched Stent-Graft in the Treatment of Type B Aortic Dissection or Intramural Hematoma

Background: More evidence was required to guide the management of left subclavian artery (LSA) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of LSA coverage with LSA revascularization. Another purpose of this study was to share our experience of LSA revascularization with castor single-branched stent-graft.

Methods: From January 2016 to December 2019, 134 patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) or intramural hematoma (IMH) were enrolled and divided into two groups, the LSA-covered group (n = 61) and the LSA-revascularized group (with castor single-branched stent-graft, n = 73). The results, such as in-hospital and 30-day mortality, stroke, paraplegia, left arm ischemia, operation time, endoleak, were compared between the two groups.

Results: The incidence of 30-day stroke in the LSA-covered group (8.2%) was significantly higher compared with the LSA-revascularized group (0%, P = 0.018). 30-day ischemia of left arm occurred in more patients in the LSA-covered group (11.5%, P = 0.003). No statistical difference was found in the incidences of paraplegia, endoleak, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality.

Conclusions: LSA should be revascularized during TEVAR to reduce the incidences of stroke and left arm ischemia. Castor single-branched stent-graft was feasible and safe for treating TBAD or IMH.

Low-density vulnerable thrombus/plaque volume on preoperative computed tomography predicts for spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair for thoracic aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Similar to open surgical repair, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) carries a risk of spinal cord ischemia (SCI). However, the generally lower incidence of SCI after TEVAR compared with that after open surgical repair, despite the inability to preserve the intercostal arteries, indicates different pathophysiologic mechanisms with the two procedures. We hypothesized that a microembolism from an aortic mural thrombus is the main cause of SCI. Thus, we evaluated the association between the density of a mural thrombus in the descending thoracic aorta and the development of SCI.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively assembled database was performed for all patients who had undergone surgery at a single institution from October 2008 to December 2018. Patient demographics and procedure-related variables were collected. The volume and Hounsfield unit (HU) value of mural thrombi in the whole descending thoracic aorta were estimated on preoperative computed tomography using a three-dimensional workstation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for SCI development.

RESULTS

Of the 367 patients who had undergone TEVAR during the study period, 155 were excluded because of previous arch surgery (n = 59), previous descending thoracic aortic surgery (n = 6), previous TEVAR (n = 6), unavailability of optimal preoperative computed tomography data (n = 17), double-barreled dissection (n = 40), and other reasons. The mean ± standard deviation age of the remaining 212 patients was 75.8 ± 6.4 years, and 42 (19.8%) were women. Of the 212 patients, 14 (6.6%) developed SCI after TEVAR. The low mean density of the mural thrombus, total thrombus volume, low-density (≥-100 HU but <30 HU) thrombus volume, intermediate-density (≥30 HU but <150 HU) thrombus volume, treatment length, urgent surgery, and baseline dialysis differed significantly between patients with and without SCI. Although subsequent multivariate analysis could not be performed owing to the small number of SCI events, vulnerable low-density thrombus/plaque was a stronger predictor among the aneurysm-related factors of SCI after TEVAR on univariate analysis. Well-known risk factors, such as distal coverage between T8 and L1, left subclavian artery coverage, previous abdominal aortic surgery, and prophylactic spinal drainage, did not show significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the present study have demonstrated that among aneurysm-related factors, a lower density mural thrombus/plaque in the descending thoracic aorta is a predictor of SCI development after TEVAR. These results suggest that microembolism is one of the important mechanisms of SCI after TEVAR, which might change the prophylactic strategy.

Paraplegia Following Type B Acute Aortic Dissection Can Spare the Spinal Cord

Ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy secondary to an acute aortic dissection is a rare condition that is usually unilateral and frequently accompanied by a simultaneous spinal cord infarction. The functional prognosis relies on the severity of the nervous system involvement being usually worse when the spinal cord is involved. We present a case of a 46-year-old man who suffered an acute type B aortic dissection presenting as acute paraplegia due to bilateral ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair. An up-to-date review of the literature on ischemic lumbosacral plexus injury is provided.

Early and Long-term Results of ePTFE (Gore TAG®) versus Dacron (Relay Plus® Bolton) Grafts in Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to compare early and late results of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE-Gore TAG®, group A) mesh structured endograft versus a Dacron one (Relay Plus® Bolton, group B) in thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR).

METHODS

A prospective database was used to extract information from anonymous patients who underwent TEVAR for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAAs) between February 2005 and February 2019 at 3 referral university hospitals. Cases treated by means of ePTFE endograft (Gore TAG, group A) and Dacron graft (Relay Plus Bolton, group B) in elective and urgent settings were included. Early and late outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 129 consecutive patients were included (115 men and 14 women). ePTFE-Gore TAG® and Dacron-Relay Plus® Bolton were used in 56 (43.4%) and 73 (56.5%) patients, respectively. Preoperative characteristics of patients were similar. Technical success was 100%. Urgent procedures were 22.4%. Mean aortic coverage and partial debranching were 217.5 ± 91.3 and 37.2%, respectively. Early mortality and spinal cord ischemia (SCI) were 8.5% and 2.3%, respectively, without differences between the 2 groups. Early reintervention was required in 5.4% (group A) and 11% (group B), P = 0.29. Median follow-up was 32 months (interquartile range 12-55 months, range 1-156 months), similar between the 2 groups. Type I endoleak (EL), type II EL, and type III EL were observed in 16.3%, 10.9%, and 3.1% of cases, respectively, without significant differences between the groups. The rate of sac shrinkage was 28.6% in group A vs. 39.7% in group B (P = 0.19). Freedom from reintervention in group A versus group B at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months was 94.0% vs. 97.1%, 94.0% vs. 95.5%, 90.8% vs. 86.9%, and 81.1% vs. 80.4%, respectively (log-rank 0.35, Breslow 0.54). Rate of survival at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months was 96.0% vs. 94.2%, 89.3% vs. 86.8%, 76.5% vs. 77.5%, and 63.3% vs. 64.2%, respectively (log-rank 0.30, Breslow 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

ePTFE-Gore TAG and Dacron-Relay Plus Bolton in DTAA presented similar early and late results in terms of mortality, SCI, EL, and TEVAR-related reinterventions. Effectiveness of TEVAR procedure was confirmed by the high rate of sac shrinkage and it was not influenced by endograft fabric.

Spinal Subdural Hematoma owing to the Removal of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage Tube During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage during the treatment of aortic disease is commonly performed to prevent spinal cord ischemia. Spinal subdural hematoma (SDH) has never been reported after CSF drainage during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We present a case of concurrent intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and spinal SDH after CSF drainage tube removal in a patient with TEVAR.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 73-year-old man was hospitalized to undergo TEVAR. The day before the procedure, a lumbar CSF drainage tube was inserted. Continuous CSF drainage was performed only during the procedure, and the tube was removed the following day. The patient complained of mild back pain on postoperative day 2; headache, bilateral lower limb paresis, and bladder and rectal disturbances developed on postoperative day 5. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal subdural or subarachnoid hematoma and intracranial SAH. Lumbar laminectomies for spinal SDH removal were performed; lower limb strength improved immediately after surgery. At postoperative 2 years, the patient returned to his preoperative activity level; only mild right lower limb numbness persisted.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a rare case of intracranial SAH and spinal SDH that developed after CSF drainage tube removal in a patient with TEVAR. CSF drainage should be carefully considered in patients undergoing aortic procedures, as SAH and spinal SDH may occur in addition to spinal cord ischemia.

Endovascular Thoracic Aortic Repair for Catheter Associated Aortic Injury During Thoracostomy Tube Placement

Background

Aortic injuries during non-aortic related procedures are rare but potentially catastrophic. Endovascular aortic repair has been described as a viable option in similar circumstances. However, most reports involve aortic injury from orthopaedic hardware after spine surgery or trocar injury during abdominal surgery.

Report

This is a report of a thoracic aortic injury during thoracostomy tube placement and summary of the management paradigm. The patient was treated with a thoracic stent graft and was seen at four-month follow up, with imaging showing the endograft in stable position.

Conclusion

Endovascular stenting can increase the treatment scope for management of emergent thoracic aortic pathology.

•

Iatrogenic aortic injuries during non-aortic related procedures are rare.

•

Such injuries can be catastrophic.

•

Most reported injuries involve orthopaedic hardware from spine surgery.

•

This is a case of thoracostomy tube placement leading to acute aortic injury.

•

Endovascular aortic endografts have simplified treatment of acute aortic injuries.

Outcomes of a Spinal Drain and Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring Protocol in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

BACKGROUND

Adjuncts for early detection and treatment of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in thoracic aortic surgery are supported by robust clinical experience in open repair. The utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and neurophysiologic monitoring (NPM) in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is less clear. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the influence of a selective institutional spinal cord protection protocol using prophylactic NPM and CSF on outcomes for standard TEVAR.

METHODS

Patients undergoing standard TEVAR entered into a prospectively maintained database from a single institution from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative characteristics, aneurysm extent, and etiology were reviewed. Utilization of CSF drains including volume of fluid removed, duration of drainage, and catheter-related complications were collected. NPM data were reviewed to determine the influence on intraoperative management. Exact logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of SCI.

RESULTS

Of 223 patients undergoing TEVAR, 130 met inclusion criteria for the study. CSF drains were used in 71 patients (54.6%), and 56 of 130 (43%) had NPM. SCI occurred in 7 patients (5.4%), of whom 5 had partial or complete recovery. Median time to symptoms of SCI was delayed in all cases (median 52 hr, range 8-312), and none of the 4 of 7 patients with adjunct NPM demonstrated intraoperative changes. Intraoperative changes in NPM occurred in 26 (46%), and represented unilateral leg ischemia in all but 2 cases. In both patients, changes consistent with SCI were associated with intraoperative hypotension and resolved with blood pressure augmentation. Neither patient developed postoperative SCI. Median length of stay (22 vs. 9 days, P = 0.012), operative room time (262 vs. 209, P = 0.040), and perioperative mortality (28.6% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.046) were significantly higher for patients with SCI versus those without. Length of aortic coverage was found to be the sole independent predictor of SCI (odds ratio 8.2, P = 0.026). Complications related to CSF drainage occurred in 4 patients (5.6%) with major complications occurring in 2 patients (2.8%), including 1 with an intrathecal hematoma and permanent bilateral paraparesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective use of prophylactic CSF drainage in TEVAR was associated with moderate risk and questionable benefit. The use of neurophysiological monitoring allowed for early detection and treatment of spinal ischemia, but its utility is limited by logistical factors and to the minority of patients with intraoperative spinal ischemic events.

Endovascular treatment of complex diseases of the thoracic aorta-10 years single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Introduction of invasive endovascular techniques constituted a real a breakthrough in the treatment of aortic aneurysm dissection and rupture. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with thoracic aortic pathologies.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2017, 118 patients with thoracic aortic pathology underwent TEVAR. Among them, 20 (16.9%) patients required hybrid procedures. Stent grafts indication were thoracic aortic aneurysm in 46 (39.0%) patients, type B dissection in 68 (57.6%) patients and other indications in 4 (3.3%). Procedural success rate, in-hospital and late mortality and morbidity were evaluated.

RESULTS

The patients were followed-up for a mean of 55 months (range, 6-118 months). The technical success rate was 96%. Five patients died during the first 30 days after procedure (mortality 4.2%), four due to ischemic stroke followed by multi-organ failure and another one hemodynamically significant type I endoleak. Most of them were noted in the first years of our study. Five others died during post-discharged period. Four patients developed neurological complications, including stroke (n=2; 1.7%) and paraparesis (n=2; 1.7%). There were 6 (5.1%) primary (5 type I and 1 type II) and 3 (2.5%) secondary endoleaks (1 type I and 2 type III). Secondary interventions were required in 8 subjects. There was one case of stent collapse and two retrograde aortic dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of descending aortic diseases by using stent graft implantation has become the method of choice, decreasing the risk of open surgery, especially in patients with severe clinical state and comorbidities. However, effectiveness and safety may be achieved by experience team.

Early- and long-term results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury: a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular repair has been proposed as an alternative to classical surgical repair for the management of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury. However, the long-term outcomes of endovascular repair and the risks of left subclavian coverage remain unclear.

METHODS

From April 2001 to August 2018, 33 patients with blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury underwent endovascular repair in our institution. A follow-up computed tomography and a clinical examination were performed before discharge and at 1 month, and yearly or every 2 years thereafter.

RESULTS

The mean age was 45 ± 19 years. The technical success rate was 100%. Complete coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSCA) was performed in 20 patients (60.6%). Among 20 patients with coverage of the LSCA, revascularization was performed in 1 patient. No in-hospital deaths occurred. The clinical follow-up rate was 97%, with a mean period of 7 years and a maximum of 18 years. The survival rates were 100% at 1 year, 95% at 5 years and 88.7% at 10 years after the event. Among the 5 patients (20%) who developed neurological complications, 1 who had undergone implantation of a 200-mm long stent graft and LSCA coverage without revascularization developed paraplegia during the long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the endovascular treatment of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury is a safe and effective therapeutic method over a long-term follow-up period. LSCA coverage and long stent graft placement might be indications for revascularization to prevent spinal cord injury.

Neurological complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Does the left subclavian artery coverage without revascularization increase the risk of neurological complications in patients after thoracic endovascular aortic repair?

Introduction

One of the most severe complications after TEVAR is ischemic stroke and spinal cord ischemia (SCI) resulting in severe disability. These complications can be fatal up to 30% of cases, so it is very important to define risk factors associated with the occurrence of such events. The aim of this study was to define the causes and risk factors associated with the occurrence of neurological complications in patients after TEVAR.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 51 patients undergoing TEVAR in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Military Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw between 2014 and 2017. In 18 patients LSA coverage was managed without revascularization (35.29%), and in 33 patients LSA remained uncovered (64.71%).

Results

We did not find any statistically significant difference in the incidence of stroke and spinal cord ischemia in patients with covered and uncovered LSA (stroke p = 0.37, SCI p = 0.58). In the group of patients with covered and uncovered LSA, we did not find any significant differences in the incidence of additional comorbidities such as obesity, ischemic heart disease, hypertension or previous stroke.

Conclusions

There is no difference in stroke and SCI occurrence between patients with covered and uncovered LSA. Although there are many studies analysing the risk of such complications, there is no specific consensus regarding the treatment of LSA coverage. Randomised clinical trials on a large group of patients are still needed.

Aortic remodeling in Type B aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair with an aortic extender cuff implantation

Objective

This study investigated the safety and efficiency of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) plus an aortic extender cuff placement in treating Stanford Type B aortic dissections (TBADs).

Methods

Clinical data on 157 patients with TBADs who underwent TEVAR in two tertiary medical centers from February 2013 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. An estimated mismatch rate >120% was the indication for placement of an aortic extender cuff. Results in the perioperative and follow-up periods (≥3 months) were analyzed, especially those of aortic remodeling.

Results

In total, 106 patients (67.5%) underwent standard TEVAR, and 51 (32.5%) received TEVAR plus an aortic extender cuff placement. The primary technical success rate was 96.8% (152/157). Perioperative adverse events included endoleak (2%, 3/157), spinal cord ischemia (SCI) (1.3%, 2/157), and transient renal failure (0.6%, 1/157), with no between-group differences. The median follow-up was 15 months (range 3–71 months). Ten cases of late stent complications were observed, including three endoleak, one upper limb ischemia, one stent distortion, and five stent graft-induced distal re-dissection (SIDR). Patients with a cuff had less distal re-dissection and fewer second interventions, but the differences lacked significance. In the last follow-up, the TEVAR+Cuff group were found to have better true lumen recovery and false lumen shrinkage, and increased complete false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic and abdominal segments; however, no statistical difference was evident in comparison with the TEVAR group (P>0.05).

Conclusion

TEVAR plus an aortic extender cuff implantation improves remodeling of the dissected thoracic aorta, thus reducing the potential of SIDR. Furthermore, the covered stent with a length of 250 mm does not increase the rate of SCI or paraplegia. However, these results should be confirmed in a larger series of patients with longer follow-up.

Effect of Left Subclavian Artery Revascularisation in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an emerging therapy for thoracic aortic pathologies. However, the role of left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularisation in patients with LSA coverage in TEVAR has not been established. A systematic review and meta-analysis was done to investigate the effect of LSA revascularisation in TEVAR when the LSA was covered.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to find relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs and cohort studies respectively. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to express differences for dichotomous outcomes. Random effects models were used to combine outcomes for studies with I² > 50%; otherwise, fixed effects models were used. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to further validate the results.

RESULTS

Sixteen cohort studies with a total of 2591 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The average score of the included studies was 7.56. Of the included patients, the peri-operative stroke rate was 6.8% (n = 176/2591). The peri-operative stroke rates of the with and without LSA revascularisation groups were 5.4% and 7.8%, respectively. Compared with no LSA revascularisation, patients with LSA revascularisation had a significantly lower peri-operative stroke rate (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.45-0.82; I² = 20%) and peri-operative spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) rate (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39-0.90; I² = 0). No significant difference was found between the with and without LSA revascularisation groups with respect to peri-operative mortality (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.60-1.21; I² = 35%) and peri-operative paraplegia (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.45-1.44; I² = 17%).

CONCLUSION

The results of this review reveal that LSA revascularisation was associated with significantly lower peri-operative stroke and SCI rates. LSA revascularisation should be recommended for patients with LSA coverage in TEVAR. High quality RCTs are needed to further validate the conclusion.

Early and midterm outcomes of endovascular treatment for chronic aneurysmal aortic dissection: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate endovascular treatment for enlarged Stanford type B chronic aneurysmal aortic dissection (CAAD). The conventional treatment for CAAD is open repair; however, the operative mortality is high in extensive prosthetic graft replacements.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was conducted on 74 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for CAAD in the past 8.5 years. In the partial exclusion (PE) group, entry sites in close proximity to the maximum diameter of CAAD were closed using a stent graft and reentry sites were left without closure. In the complete exclusion (CE) group, we attempted to close all entry and reentry sites.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients (PE group) and 31 patients (CE group) were included with mean ages of 59 and 63 years, respectively. Operative mortalities of 2.3% and 0% were observed in the PE and CE groups, respectively. Complete tear closure was successful in 17 of 31 patients (54.8%) in the CE group. In the PE group, complete thrombosis of the false lumen was achieved in only one case (2.3%). Freedom rates from reentry closure were 90.2%, 86.9%, and 78.2% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The diameter of the true lumen/aorta changed from 16.9/62.9 mm to 30.2/53.6 mm and from 13.7/55.1 mm to 25.8/51.0 mm in the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta, respectively. The freedom rates from secondary intervention in successful and unsuccessful CE cases were 92.9% and 69.1%, respectively, at 1 year and 92.9% and 53.7%, respectively, at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment for CAAD had favorable early and midterm outcomes.

The strategies and outcomes of left subclavian artery revascularization during thoracic endovascular repair for type B aortic dissection

This study was to analyze the outcomes of left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization during thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissections (TBAD). From 2011 to 2017, TBAD patients who underwent LSA revascularization during TEVAR were enrolled. Technical success, endoleaks, mortality, complication, reintervention, and patency of target vessels were analyzed. 38 patients were included, 14 underwent carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB), and 24 underwent chimney graft (CG) implantation. Technical success rates were 92.9% and 100% in CSB and CG group. Eleven immediate type I endoleak (EL-I) was detected, including one from CSB group and ten from CG group. Three immediate type II endoleak (EL-II) was detected in CSB group. Perioperative complications showed no difference, but CSB group had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay time. Median follow-up time was 26.2 months, and overall mortality was 14.3% and 0% in each group. Three EL-I and one EL-II underwent reintervention. All the LSA showed good patency, except one suffered from CG collapse. Both CSB and CG were feasible strategies to preserve the antegrade blood flow of LSA, and each strategy had its advantages and disadvantages. Based on our current experience, we preferred CG for high-risk patients. However, the evidence was still not strong enough, further well-designed studies are necessary to identify the criteria for LSA revascularization strategy during TEVAR.

Application of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in treating dwarfism with Stanford B aortic dissection: A case report

RATIONALE

To apply thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat dwarfism complicated with Stanford B aortic dissection.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In this report, we presented a 63-year-old male patient of dwarfism complicated with Stanford B aortic dissection successfully treated with TEVAR.

DIAGNOSES

He was diagnosed with dwarfism complicated with Stanford B aortic dissection.

INTERVENTIONS

After conservative treatment, the male patient underwent TEVAR at 1 week after hospitalization. After operation, he presented with numbness and weakness of his bilateral lower extremities, and these symptoms were significantly mitigated after effective treatment. At 1- and 3-week after TEVAR, the aorta status was maintained stable and restored.

OUTCOMES

The patient obtained favorable clinical prognosis and was smoothly discharged. During subsequent follow-up, he remained physically stable.

LESSONS

TEVAR is probably an option for treating dwarfism complicated with Stanford B aortic dissection, which remains to be validated by subsequent studies with larger sample size.

Post-traumatic acute thoracic aortic injury (TAI)-a single center experience

Background

We assess the effectiveness and our experience in emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with post-traumatic acute thoracic aortic injury (TAI) and associated multiorgan trauma. TAI is a life-threatening condition. It usually results from a sudden deceleration caused by vehicle accident, a fall or some other misfortune. Techniques of endovascular aortic repair have become promising methods to treat emergent TAI.

Methods

Since 2007, 114 patients with thoracic aorta pathologies have been treated by TEVAR. Our study involved 15 (incl. 14 men) of them (13%) who underwent stent graft implantation for post-traumatic either aortic rupture or pseudoaneurysm. The procedural access was limited to small skin incision in one groin and percutaneous puncture of the contralateral femoral artery. We evaluated technical success, early and long-term mortality, complication rate of procedure and throughout clinical and instrumental follow-up.

Results

Technical success rate was 100%. All patients survived the endovascular interventions. No additional procedures or conversions to open surgery were necessary. After the operation, none of the patients had symptoms of stroke or spinal cord ischemia (SCI). No serious stent-graft-related adverse events such as endoleak, infection or migration were noted during follow-up period that ranged from 6 to 108 months.

Conclusions

In our department, techniques of TEVAR with stentgraft implantation have become methods of choice in treatment of traumatic TAIs since they have enabled to minimize operational risk, particularly in unstable multitrauma patients in severe clinical status. TEVAR for TAI performed in emergency settings provide favorable long-term results.

Spinal cord injury after thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

PURPOSE

Thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has become a mainstay of therapy for aneurysms and other disorders of the thoracic aorta. The purpose of this narrative review article is to summarize the current literature on the risk factors for and pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) following TEVAR, and to discuss various intraoperative monitoring and treatment strategies.

SOURCE

The articles considered in this review were identified through PubMed using the following search terms: thoracic aortic aneurysm, TEVAR, paralysis+TEVAR, risk factors+TEVAR, spinal cord ischemia+TEVAR, neuromonitoring+thoracic aortic aneurysm, spinal drain, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, treatment of spinal cord ischemia.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Spinal cord injury continues to be a challenging complication after TEVAR. Its incidence after TEVAR is not significantly reduced when compared with open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Nevertheless, compared with open procedures, delayed paralysis/paresis is the predominant presentation of SCI after TEVAR. The pathophysiology of SCI is complex and not fully understood, though the evolving concept of the importance of the spinal cord's collateral blood supply network and its imbalance after TEVAR is emerging as a leading factor in the development of SCI. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage, optimal blood pressure management, and newer surgical techniques are important components of the most up-to-date strategies for spinal cord protection.

CONCLUSION

Further experimental and clinical research is needed to aid in the discovery of novel neuroprotective strategies for the protection and treatment of SCI following TEVAR.

Spinal cord injury as a complication of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a devastating complication of thoracic aortic aneurysm repair in the era of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). This review aims to clarify the causes of SCI during TEVAR and to propose ways that it may be prevented.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed an extensive literature search of SCI during TEVAR. Based on the existing literature, we examined the anatomy of the anterior spinal cord artery, which supplies blood to the anterior aspect of the spinal cord, and discuss reported effective ways to prevent SCI during TEVAR, including augmentation of arterial blood pressure and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.

CONCLUSION

After reviewing the mechanism of SCI during TEVAR, we evaluated promising preventative measures.

Perioperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage for the prevention of spinal ischemia after endovascular aortic repair

Endovascular treatment of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic diseases is accompanied by a risk of spinal ischemia in 1-19% of patients, depending on the entity and extent of the disease. The use of perioperative drainage of cerebrospinal fluid is one of the invasive measures to reduce the occurrence of this severe complication. This article reviews the incidence of spinal ischemia, its risk factors, the evidence for carrying out cerebrospinal fluid drainage and its modern use by means of an automated, pressure controlled system (LiquoGuard®7).

Simultaneous Endovascular Repair for Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Pathologies: Early and Midterm Results

BACKGROUND

To analyze information from a single clinical center, evaluating early and midterm results of simultaneous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for coexisting thoracic and abdominal aortic pathologies.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2014, 13 patients (8 men, 5 women; mean age, 75.3 years; range, 69-82 years) with concomitant thoracic and abdominal aortic disease (aneurysms, type B dissection, penetrating aortic ulcers) were treated with simultaneous TEVAR and EVAR. All patients had significant comorbidities. No preoperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage was performed. The follow-up rate was 100% during a period of 36 months (range, 1-60 months).

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all 13 patients, including deliberate partial or total coverage of the left subclavian artery in 3 patients, coverage of both internal iliac arteries in 1 patient, and coverage of left subclavian artery and unilateral internal iliac artery in 1 patient. The average procedural time was 160 min (range, 120-200 min). Mean blood loss was 140 mL (range, 100-250 mL). Four types of commercially available stent grafts (SGs) were used. The lengths of the thoracic SGs were 150-200 cm. Overall survival was 92.3% at 1- and 3-year follow-ups. None of the patients developed stroke or paralysis. The average hospital stay was 9 days (range, 7-12 days). No patients developed endoleak or SG migration.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined TEVAR and EVAR can be performed successfully with minimal morbidity and mortality. When anatomically feasible, simultaneous TEVAR and EVAR is a viable alternative to staged or hybrid repair.

Increased plasma VEGF levels following ischemic preconditioning are associated with downregulation of miRNA-762 and miR-3072-5p

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has protective effects against ischemia-perfusion injury of organs. In the present study, we investigated the associated mechanisms after performing remote IPC (rIPC) of lower limbs by clamping abdominal aorta in mice. Subsequent experiments showed decreased damage and paralysis of lower limbs following spinal cord injury (SCI). Concomitantly, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were increased 24 h after rIPC compared with those in sham-operated animals. In subsequent microRNA analyses, thirteen microRNAs were downregulated in exosomes 24 h after rIPC. Further studies of femoral CD34-positive bone marrow (BM) cells confirmed downregulation of these seven microRNAs 24 h after rIPC compared with those in sham-operated controls. Subsequent algorithm-based database searches suggested that two of the seven microRNAs bind to the 3′ UTR of VEGF mRNA, and following transfection into CD34-positive BM cells, anti-miR-762, and anti-miR-3072-5p inhibitors led to increased VEGF concentrations. The present data suggest that rIPC transiently increases plasma VEGF levels by downregulating miR-762 and miR-3072-5p in CD34-positive BM cells, leading to protection against organ ischemia.

Strategies to prevent TEVAR-related spinal cord ischemia

Spinal cord ischemia remains the Achilles’ heel of thoracic and thoracoabdominal diseases management. Great improvements in morbidity and mortality have been obtained with the endovascular approach TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair) but this devastating complication continues to severely affect the quality of life, even if the primary success of the procedure – dissection/aneurysm exclusion – has been achieved.

Several strategies to deal with this complication have been published in the literature over the time. Knowledge and technology have been evolving from identification of the risk factors associated with spinal cord ischemia, including lessons learned from open surgery, and from developments in the collateral network concept for spinal cord perfusion.

In this comprehensive review, the authors cover several topics from the traditional measures comprising haemodynamic control, cerebrospinal drainage and neuroprotective drugs, to the staged-procedures approach, the emerging MISACE (minimally invasive selective segmental artery coil-embolization) and innovative neurologic monitoring such as NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) of the collateral network.

Intensive Care Management of Thoracic Aortic Surgical Patients, Including Thoracic and Infradiaphragmatic Endovascular Repair (EVAR/TEVAR)

The patient with thoracic aortic disease can present for open or endovascular repair. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has emerged as a minimally invasive option for a multitude of aortic pathology, including dissections, aneurysms, traumatic injuries, and ulcers. Postoperative management of these patients depends on the extent of procedure, whether it was open or endovascular, and, finally, on the preoperative comorbidities present. While procedural success has catapulted TEVAR to popularity, midterm results have been mixed. Additionally, periprocedural complications such as paraplegia and renal failure remain a significant morbidity in these patients.