Percutaneous Endovascular Treatment of Innominate Artery Lesions: A Single-centre Experience on 77 Lesions

Hybrid repair of tandem high-grade innominate and carotid artery stenosis in an asymptomatic male

Tandem atherosclerotic lesions of the innominate artery (IA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) are challenging and represent an inherent risk of cerebrovascular accident. Treating asymptomatic patients is controversial; therefore, it is critical to minimize the risk of a cerebrovascular accident if repair is undertaken. An asymptomatic 78-year-old man with a chronically occluded left ICA and tandem stenoses of the IA and right ICA underwent a hybrid intervention with stenting of the IA lesion and right ICA endarterectomy. The intra- and postoperative course was successful, without any signs of neurological sequelae. Sixteen months later, the patient remained asymptomatic, with patent reconstructions.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Outcome of Different Treatments for Innominate Artery Stenosis or Occlusion

The present study reported the outcomes of different treatments for innominate artery (IA) atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion. We performed a systematic review of the literature (4 database searched; last search February 2022), including articles with ≥5 patients. We performed meta-analyses of proportions for different postoperative outcomes. Fourteen studies were included (656 patients; 396 underwent surgery, 260 endovascular procedures). IA lesions were asymptomatic in 9.6% (95% CI 4.6-14.6). Overall estimated technical success (TS) rate was 91.7% (95% CI 86.9-96.4); weighted TS rate was 86.8% (95% CI 75-98.6) in the surgical group (SG), 97.1% (95% CI 94.6-99.7) in the endovascular group (EG). Postoperative stroke in SG was 2.5% (95% CI 1-4.1) and 2.1% in EG (95% CI .3-3.8). Overall, 30-day occlusion was estimated .9% (95% CI 0-1.8) in SG and .7% (95% CI 0-1.7) in EG. Thirty-day mortality was 3.4% (95% CI .9-5.8) in SG and .7% (95% CI 0-1.7) in EG. Estimated mean follow-up after intervention was 65.5 months (95% CI 45.5-85.5) in SG and 22.4 months (95% CI 14.72-30.16) in EG. During follow-up, restenosis in SG were 2.8% (95% CI .5-5.1) and 16.6% (95% CI 5- 28.1) in EG. In conclusion, the endovascular approach seems to offer good short to mid-term outcomes, but with a higher rate of restenosis during follow-up.

Current Transthoracic Supra-Aortic Trunk Surgical Reconstruction Has Similar 30-Day Cardiovascular Outcomes Compared to Extra-Anatomic Revascularization but With Higher Morbidity Burden

BACKGROUND

Operative risk for supra-aortic trunk (SAT) surgical revascularization for occlusive disease, particularly transthoracic reconstruction (TR), remains ill-defined. This study sought to describe and compare 30-day outcomes of TR and extra-anatomic (ER) SAT surgical reconstruction for an occlusive indication across the United States over a contemporary 15-year period.

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, TR and ER performed during 2005-2019 were identified. Procedures performed for nonocclusive indications and those concomitant with coronary or valve operations were excluded. Rates of stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI) and these as composite outcome (S/D/M) were compared. Logistic regression with stabilized inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to compare groups via average treatment effect (ATE) while adjusting for covariate imbalances.

RESULTS

Over the 15-year period, 166 TR and 1,900 ER patients were identified. The majority of ERs were carotid-subclavian bypass (n = 1,344; 70.7%) followed by carotid-carotid bypass (n = 261; 13.7%) and subclavian/carotid transpositions (n = 123; 6.5%). TR consisted of aorto-SAT bypass (n = 120; 72.3%) and endarterectomy (n = 46; 27.7%). The median age was 64 years for TR and 65 years in ER (P = 0.039). Those undergoing TR were more often women (69.0% vs. 56.9%; P = 0.001) and less likely to have undergone previous cardiac surgery (9.2% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.006). TR were also less frequently hypertensive (68.1% vs. 75.4%; P = 0.038) and had statistically lower preoperative creatinine levels (0.86 vs 0.91; P = 0.002). Unadjusted rates of MI (0.6% vs. 1.3%; P = 0.72) and stroke (3.6% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.15) were similar between groups with mortality (3.6% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.05) and S/D/M (6.6% vs. 3.9%; P = 0.10) trending higher with TR. IPWs could be calculated for 1,754 patients (148 TR; 1,606 ER). The estimated probability of S/D/M was 3.8% in the ER group and 6.2% in TR; no difference was seen in ATE (2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.5 to 6.2; P = 0.23). No differences were seen in individual component ATEs (stroke: 3.0% vs. 1.7%; ATE = 1.3%; 95% CI: -3.9 to 1.3; P = 0.32; mortality: 3.8% vs. 1.4%; ATE = 2.4%; 95% CI: -5.6 to 0.7; P = 0.13). Secondary outcomes showed TR patients were more likely to have non-home discharge (18.7% vs. 6.6%; ATE = 12.1%; 95% CI: 5.0-19.2; P < 0.001) and longer lengths of stay (6.1 vs. 4.0; ATE = 2.2 days; 95% CI: 0.9-3.4; P < 0.001). Moreover, TR patients were more likely to require transfusion (22.7% vs. 5.0%; ATE = 17.7%; 95% CI: 10.2-25.2; P < 0.001) and develop sepsis (2.7% vs. 0.2%; ATE = 2.5%; 95% CI: 0.1-5.0; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Transthoracic and extra-anatomic surgical reconstruction of the SATs for occlusive disease have similar operative cardiovascular risk. However, morbidity tends to be higher with TR due to higher transfusion requirements, sepsis risk, and need for facility stay. These results suggest ER as a first-line approach in those with proper disease anatomy is reasonable with lower morbidity, while TR remains justified in appropriate patients.

Preliminary experience with new generation balloon expandable stent-graft in the treatment of innominate artery obstructive disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe a single center preliminary experience with the use of a specific balloon expandable stent-graft for the treatment of innominate artery (IA) obstructive lesions.

METHODS

We report our experience with four male patients treated with Gore Viabahn balloon (Gore Medical, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) expandable stent-graft for different types of IA stenosis: three patients were symptomatic for vertebrobasilar insufficiency, while one patient was asymptomatic for cerebrovascular symptoms. The stent grafts were deployed using retrograde (N.=2) or antegrade approach (N.=2), aiming to cover the entire lesions length and to slightly protrude into the aortic arch. Post-dilatation was performed with a compliant balloon. One patient presented a tandem lesion (IA and right internal carotid artery) and after the stenting of the IA he was treated also with a carotid artery stenting during the same procedure.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients. No perioperative or postoperative complications had been reported and the neurological disorders disappeared for the three symptomatic patients. After a mean clinical and radiological follow-up of 24±5 months, all the stents were patent and perfectly adapted to the vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary clinical experience shows that the use of the Gore Viabahn balloon (Gore Medical) expandable stent-graft seems safe and feasible for the treatment of the IA obstructive lesions, also in presence of irregular plaques and hostile anatomies for an endovascular treatment. Larger experiences and long-term data are mandatory.

Usefulness of stent placement for innominate artery stenosis via the right brachial artery under protection by balloon guide catheter: a technical case report

A method of cerebral protection during endovascular treatment for innominate artery stenosis (IAS) has not been established. Herein, we report a case of symptomatic IAS in a 76-year-old woman. A balloon guide catheter (BGC) was inserted through the right brachial artery (BA) and guided distally to the stenosis. The BGC balloon was inflated, and stenting was performed with balloon protection of both the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation, without any complications. Stenting of the IAS with the BGC using the BA approach is useful, as it is a simple technique that can prevent distal embolization.

Cerebral protection during retrograde brachiocephalic artery stenting using a single filter and increased subclavian steal phenomenon: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Cerebral protection during brachiocephalic artery (BCA) stenting is important. However, the maneuver is sometimes challenging because both the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) should be protected. Herein, the authors present an alternative cerebral protection technique involving filter protection for the ICA and hemodynamic protection for the VA during retrograde BCA stenting.

OBSERVATIONS

A 64-year-old man with a thoracic aortic aneurysm presented with cold sensation and numbness in his right arm due to BCA stenosis. Endovascular stenting under cerebral protection was planned. Cerebral protection was attempted through the brachial access. Despite the successful placement of the filter in the ICA, selective catheterization of the VA failed. Furthermore, repeated transfemoral catheterization of the BCA was unsuccessful. Concerning a thoracic aortic aneurysm injury, the authors performed retrograde BCA stenting using a transbrachial approach. Hemodynamic protection of the VA was provided by increasing the subclavian steal phenomenon that resulted in successful recanalization of the BCA.

LESSONS

Retrograde BCA stenting performed while protecting the ICA with a filter and the right VA by increasing the subclavian steal phenomenon was successful. This simple technique is feasible, especially in patients with steno-occlusive lesions of the BCA concurrent with the dominant vertebra/vertebral collateral pathway.

Significant Stenosis of the Brachiocephalic Trunk and Moderate Stenosis of the Left Circumflex Artery in Computed Tomography Angiography Images

Atherosclerosis, as a civilization disease, is a serious epidemiological problem. Significant carotid disease and significant coronary artery disease result in acute consequences, such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, which are the major causes of cardiovascular mortality. Typically, atherosclerosis of the aortic arch branches involves the bulbs of the common carotid arteries and the proximal segments of the internal carotid arteries, and can be effectively assessed by ultrasonography. Computed tomography angiography enables the identification of patients with less typical clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, e.g., brachiocephalic trunk stenosis with symptoms of the steal syndrome and moderate stenosis in the coronary arteries. We present examples of computed tomography angiography images of this type of changes.

Management of Innominate Artery Occlusion With Severe Left Common Carotid Artery Stenosis

Innominate artery occlusion is a rare entity, particularly when coupled with severe left common carotid artery stenosis. Innominate artery disease may present with varying degrees of symptomatology and can place patients at risk for both posterior fossa and hemispheric ischemic events. We present a symptomatic case of innominate artery occlusion with severe left common carotid disease. We reviewed the literature and current options for the treatment of innominate artery disease. The patient underwent successful hybrid repair with left carotid artery retrograde stenting and left carotid artery to right carotid artery bypass. She has been symptom and re-intervention free during her one-year follow-up. We describe a successful hybrid repair of symptomatic innominate artery occlusion with concomitant severe left carotid artery stenosis in a patient with a prohibitive open thoracic surgical risk.

Carotid-carotid crossover bypass after mechanical thrombectomy for internal carotid artery occlusion due to plaque from stenosed innominate artery

Background:

The treatment for internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) due to innominate artery stenosis is not well established. We herein describe a case of carotid–carotid crossover bypass and common carotid artery (CCA) ligation after mechanical thrombectomy for ICAO due to a plaque from the stenosed innominate artery.

Case Description:

A 70-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of left-sided hemiparalysis. Head magnetic resonance imaging/angiography showed a cerebral infarction in the right middle cerebral artery area and the right ICAO due to a plaque from the stenosed innominate artery. Immediately, we performed mechanical thrombectomy and successfully attained partial revascularization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Grade 2B). After a conference with cardiovascular group, we performed carotid–carotid crossover bypass and the right CCA ligation. The treatment was successful, and no complications occurred.

Conclusion:

Carotid–carotid crossover bypass and CCA ligation may be a better option for innominate artery stenosis in selected patients.

Endovascular Stent Grafting for Recurrent Strokes Due to Fragile Innominate Artery Plaque: A Case Report

Here we describe a case of recurrent ischemic strokes due to fragile innominate artery plaque successfully treated using endovascular stent grafting. An 80-year-old man presented with a history of recurrent strokes that were refractory to medical treatment. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images of the thorax revealed a gross intramural plaque in the innominate artery. He was successfully treated using endovascular stent grafting. An AFX stent graft device was used to prevent further embolic strokes. The AFX stent graft has a unique endoskeleton design with a thin-walled expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fabric—known as active sealing structure—attached to the implant. Postoperatively, the patient has experienced no recurrent strokes in over 2 years of follow-up. The stent grafting procedure could be an optimal treatment option for treating fragile innominate artery plaques.

Angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic stenosis of the left subclavian artery complicated with aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Aortic dissection is a rare but severe complication of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for stenosis of the subclavian artery (SA). This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the risk factors and outcomes of patients with severe stenosis of the SA who underwent PTAS complicated by aortic dissection.

METHODS

Between 1999 and 2018, 169 cases of severe symptomatic stenosis of the SA underwent PTAS at our institute. Of them, six cases complicated by aortic dissection were included in this study. We evaluated the demographic features, technical factors of PTAS, and clinical outcomes in these six patients.

RESULTS

Aortic dissection occurred in 5.3% (6/113) of all left SA stenting cases but in none of the right SA stenting cases. All patients had hypertension and a high severity of SA stenosis (85.0 ± 13.0%, 60%-95%). Five of the six patients received balloon-expandable stents (83.3%). All patients had spontaneous resolution of the aortic dissection with conservative treatment. In a 63.33 ± 33.07 (7-118) month follow-up, five of the six patients (83.3%) had long-term symptom relief and stent patency.

CONCLUSION

Aortic dissection occurred in patients who underwent PTAS for severe stenosis of the left SA, mainly with balloon-expandable stents. We suggest using self-expandable stents and angioplasty with an undersized balloon during PTAS for severe stenosis of the left proximal SA to prevent aortic dissection.

Impact of Adding Carotid Endarterectomy to Supra-aortic Trunk Surgical Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Up to 20% of patients requiring open supra-aortic trunk (SAT) reconstruction have significant carotid artery stenosis. The addition of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to SAT has been described. Yet, additive risks are not well defined and controversy remains as to whether concomitant CEA increases stroke risk. This study assessed the perioperative effects of adding CEA to SAT.

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), patients who underwent SAT from 2005 to 2015 were evaluated. SAT + CEA were identified. An isolated SAT (ISAT) cohort was created by removing patients who underwent concurrent secondary procedures. Nonocclusive indications were excluded. SAT + CEA were compared with ISAT as well as a propensity-matched ISAT cohort. Primary outcomes were 30-day stroke, death, and composite stroke/death/myocardial infarction (SDM). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

After review, 1,515 patients were identified: 1,245 ISAT (82%) and 270 SAT + CEA (18%). Most were women (56%), 86% were Caucasian, and 24% were symptomatic. Average age was 65 ± 12 years and SAT + CEA were older (69 vs. 64 years, P < 0.001). CEA + SAT were more likely to be men (53% vs. 42%, P < 0.001), have hypertension (86% vs. 75%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (26% vs. 20%, P = 0.04). SAT procedures included the following: carotid-subclavian bypass (68%), carotid-carotid bypass (16%), aorta-great vessel bypass (9%), and carotid-subclavian transposition (7%). ISAT were more likely to undergo carotid-subclavian bypass than SAT + CEA (71% vs. 54%, P < 0.001). Overall stroke was 2.3%, death 1.4%, and SDM 4.6%. There were no differences in 30-day stroke (ISAT 2.0% vs. SAT + CEA 3.7%, P = 0.09) or mortality (1.4% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.88). SAT + CEA had higher rates of SDM (7% vs. 4%, P = 0.03). On logistic regression, urgency was a predictor of SDM (operating room [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-8.4, P = 0.003); addition of CEA was not predictive of stroke (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.5-4.2, P = 0.52) or SDM (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.6-3.6, P = 0.40). After propensity matching, there were no longer differences in demographics or primary end points between the 2 cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of CEA does not confer increased perioperative stroke or SDM risk over ISAT. Perioperative outcomes appear to be more affected by disseminated disease risk factors than the addition of CEA. In patients undergoing SAT, it is reasonable to consider performing combined CEA in populations with tandem carotid bifurcation disease and appropriate operative risk profile.

Outcomes of Innominate Artery Revascularization Through Endovascular, Hybrid, or Open Approach

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic disease of the innominate artery (IA) is rare and can lead to cerebral, upper extremity, and vertebral steal symptoms. Nonocclusive lesions can be treated with endovascular interventions, often with a hybrid approach while performing a right carotid endarterectomy (RCEA). Calcified IA lesions have a high risk of embolization to bilateral cerebral hemispheres. Occlusive lesions may require treatment through a median sternotomy and bypass. The purpose of our study is to review our short-term and long-term outcomes of IA revascularization.

METHODS

Our operative database was used to identify patients who underwent IA revascularization between January 1998 and December 2018. Patients who underwent innominate artery stenting (IAS), combined with RCEA and IAS as well as aortoinnominate bypass (AIB), were identified. Our primary end points were freedom from neurologic event, all-cause mortality, and need for reintervention.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (18 females [55%]) who underwent IA revascularization were identified. Average age was 67 ± 8 years, and mean clinical follow-up was 51 ± 21 months. Most patients (30 [91%]) were on a statin and antiplatelet therapy. Twenty-one patients (64%) were symptomatic. Twelve patients (36%) were asymptomatic and underwent combined RCEA with retrograde IAS for critical right carotid stenosis and IA stenosis. Preoperative imaging included a carotid duplex and computed tomography angiography. Eighteen patients (55%) underwent RCEA + IAS, 11 patients (33%) underwent isolated IAS, and 4 patients (12%) underwent AIB. In our attempt to protect bilateral hemispheres during IAS for heavily calcified lesions, we used right common carotid artery (CCA) clamping although open exposure and left CCA embolic protection filter was placed through transfemoral approach. Patients who underwent AIB had chronic heavily calcified IA occlusions or occluded IA stents with failed endovascular interventions. Perioperative stroke rate was 3%, involving 1 patient who developed reperfusion syndrome after RCEA + IAS. Perioperative mortality was 0%. Long-term stroke rate was 0%, and long-term mortality was 15% (5 of 33) because of cardiac disease. Overall restenosis rate was 9%, involving 3 patients who required secondary interventions for IA in-stent restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

IA interventions through a hybrid approach or an open approach are safe, with acceptable perioperative stroke and mortality rates. Long-term patency of these interventions is acceptable. Bilateral cerebral embolic protection can be accomplished by clamping the right CCA through an open exposure and placing a filter in the left CCA through a transfemoral approach. Patients undergoing IAS appear to have a higher rate of restenosis compared with AIB, and therefore, close follow-up with noninvasive imaging is recommended.

Stenting for Innominate Artery Stenosis Under Double-Filter Protection of the Anterior and Posterior Circulation via the Right Brachial Artery

Several protocols for angioplasty and stenting for stenosis of an innominate artery (IA) are reported, but the protocols are sometimes complicated and have disadvantages. We report a case of IA stenosis presenting ischemic symptoms in a 58-year-old woman. Stenting for the IA stenosis was performed through the right femoral artery. The cerebral protection was placed via the right brachial artery, with a filter at the right internal carotid artery and another filter at the right vertebral artery. The symptomatic IA stenosis was resolved without any complications. Regardless of the direction of blood flow, simultaneous protection of both the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation is necessary during IA stenting. Double-filter protection can provide excellent cerebral protection during an IA stenting procedure.

Lower Rate of Restenosis and Reinterventions With Covered vs Bare Metal Stents Following Innominate Artery Stenting

Purpose: To determine any difference between bare metal stents (BMS) and balloon-expandable covered stents in the treatment of innominate artery atheromatous lesions. Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study involving 13 university hospitals in France collected 93 patients (mean age 63.2±11.1 years; 57 men) treated over a 10-year period. All patients had systolic blood pressure asymmetry >15 mm Hg and were either asymptomatic (39, 42%) or had carotid (20, 22%), vertebrobasilar (24, 26%), and/or brachial (20, 22%) symptoms. Innominate artery stenosis ranged from 50% to 70% in 4 (4%) symptomatic cases and between 70% and 90% in 52 (56%) cases; 28 (30%) lesions were preocclusive and 8 (9%) were occluded. One (1%) severely symptomatic patient had a <50% stenosis. Demographic characteristics, operative indications, and procedure details were compared between the covered (36, 39%) and BMS (57, 61%) groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine relative risks of restenosis and reinterventions [reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI)]. Results: The endovascular procedures were performed mainly via retrograde carotid access (75, 81%). Perioperative strokes occurred in 4 (4.3%) patients. During the mean 34.5±31.2–month follow-up, 30 (32%) restenoses were detected and 13 (20%) reinterventions were performed. Relative risks were 6.9 (95% CI 2.2 to 22.2, p=0.001) for restenosis and 14.6 (95% CI 1.8 to 120.8, p=0.004) for reinterventions between BMS and covered stents. The severity of the treated lesions had no influence on the results. Conclusion: Patients treated with BMS for innominate artery stenosis have more frequent restenoses and reinterventions than patients treated with covered stents.

Atheroma of the Innominate Artery Presenting as a Transient Ischemic Attack

Supra-aortic atherosclerotic lesions, including innominate artery atheromas, are an uncommon but established cause of transient ischemic attacks, stroke, upper extremity ischemia, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

We present a patient with a transient ischemic attack admitted with right hemispheric symptoms who was found to have a severe ulcerated innominate artery atheroma. The patient underwent an aortic arch angiogram with stenting of the innominate artery.

The proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of innominate artery atheromas are imperative to prevent further cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients. Currently, both endovascular and surgical options are available for revascularization, and there have been no randomized controlled trials comparing endovascular versus open repair to standardize one as the standard of care over the other. No randomized controlled trials are examining the benefit of dual versus single antiplatelet therapy post-stenting in supra-aortic atherosclerotic lesions. We believe that this topic warrants further research and needs evidence-based guidelines to help direct physicians about treatment and management.

Endovascular treatment and morphology typing of chronic ostial occlusion of the subclavian artery

Chronic obstructive lesions of the subclavian artery (SCA) often result in subclavian steal syndrome, which leads to arm claudication, transient cerebral ischemia, and other serious complications. The lesions are classified as stenosis and occlusion, according to the degree of obstruction. Unlike totally occlusive lesions, including ostial occlusions, stenotic lesions have an excellent technical success rate. In the present study, ostial occlusions were classified into 4 types according to their angiographic appearance. A total of 8 patients (6 male, 2 female) with SCA occlusions were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting over a 4-year period. Mean patient age was 65.6 years (range, 60-72 years). In total, 9 self-expanding and 1 balloon-expandable stent were implanted at the ostia of the SCA in 7 of the patients. One female patient did not undergo stenting. Bleeding at the access site was noted in 2 patients and was controlled by gauze pressure. The patient that did not undergo stenting was lost to follow-up with symptoms of a transient ischemic attack at 3 months. The mean follow-up time for the remaining 7 patients was 15.7 months (range, 1-36 months). No ischemic symptoms, neointimal hyperplasia, or restenosis was observed in these patients. The transfemoral artery operation approach is preferred for rat-tail and peak type occlusions, whereas the dual approach involving both femoral and radial arteries is preferred for hilly and plain type occlusions. The angiographic morphology typing used in the present study may serve as a reference to decide upon the interventional operation strategy to be used for improving the technical success rate.

Multiterritory Atherosclerosis and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness as Cardiovascular Risk Predictors After Percutaneous Angioplasty of Symptomatic Subclavian Artery Stenosis

OBJECTIVES

To identify independent predictors of cardiovascular events among patients with subclavian artery stenosis.

METHODS

Two hundred eighteen consecutive patients with subclavian artery stenosis referred to angioplasty were examined for coexistent coronary, renal, or lower extremity artery stenosis of 50% or greater. Initial carotid intima-media thickness and internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis were assessed. Intima-media thickness was reassessed in 108 randomly chosen patients to evaluate the change over time. The incidence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and symptomatic lesion progression was recorded.

RESULTS

The patients included 116 men and 102 women (mean age ± SD, 62.1 ± 8.4 years). Isolated subclavian artery stenosis and involvement of 1, 2, and 3 or 4 other territories with stenosis of 50% or greater were found in 46 (21.1%), 83 (38.1%), 55 (25.2%), and 34 (15.6%) patients, respectively. Internal carotid artery stenosis of 50% or greater (relative risk [RR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.70; P < .001) and initial intima-media thickness (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.28; P = .005) were identified as independent markers of multiterritory atherosclerosis. The optimal intima-media thickness cutoff for atherosclerosis extent was 1.3 mm (sensitivity, 75.6%; specificity, 76.1%). During follow-up of 57 ± 35 months, cardiovascular death, MI, and ischemic stroke occurred in 29 patients (13.3%). Those patients had significantly higher intima-media thickness progression (+0.199 ± 0.57 versus +0.008 ± 0.26 mm; P = .039) and more widespread initial atherosclerosis (mean territories, 1.8 ± 1.1 versus 1.3 ± 1.1; P = .042). Independent predictors of cardiovascular death, MI, ischemic stroke, and lesion progression were coronary artery disease (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10-1.58; P = .003) and intima-media thickness progression (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02-1.46; P = .033; sensitivity, 75.0%; specificity, 61.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with symptomatic subclavian artery stenosis, baseline carotid intima-media thickness and ICA stenosis of 50% or greater are associated with multiterritory atherosclerosis, whereas intima-media thickness progression is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events.

Bilateral trans-radial approach in stenting of occluded right axillary artery

With recent advancement in percutaneous endovascular interventions, angioplasty and stenting of axillary artery lesions could become the treatment of choice vs. surgical intervention owing to its lower complication and mortality rates and shorter hospital stay.

We report a Caucasian female case with axillary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) with dual etiology (atherosclerotic and radiation induced), which was successfully managed with stent angioplasty. The strategy used was right radial retrograde approach with contralateral injections from left radial catheter. Two year follow-up revealed widely patent axillary stents.

[Traumatic dissection of the innominate artery. A case report]

INTRODUCTION

Lesions affecting the supra-aortic arterial trunks often occur in a contest of severe chest trauma. They are rarely isolated and can be life-threatening. We report a case of surgery for an isolated traumatic dissection of the innominate artery.

CASE REPORT

A 48-year-old patient had a road accident causing head injury, trauma of the left lower limb and blunt chest trauma. At the physical exam, the pulse at the upper right limb was weak compared to the contralateral member. A pressure gradient of 50mm Hg was recorded between the two upper limbs. A whole body scan revealed a dissection of the innominate artery sparing its origin and bifurcation. Cervicotomy and sternotomy was necessary to achieve control. After heparinization and clamping, a prosthetic bypass was inserted to replace the innominate artery. The postoperative course was uneventful and the pressure gradient between the two upper limbs disappeared.

CONCLUSION

Lesions of the brachiocephalic arterial trunk are not frequent but they are serious. A careful physical exam at admission helps detect them. Prognosis is directly linked to early diagnosis and management. Conventional surgery provides good results and remains the standard treatment for these lesions.

Endovascular stenting of symptomatic innominate artery stenosis under distal balloon protection of the internal carotid and vertebral artery for cerebral protection: a technical case report

The use of cerebral protection devices in endovascular treatment for innominate artery (IA) stenosis is not well established. We describe a novel technique for cerebral protection during endovascular stenting of symptomatic IA stenosis. An 82-year-old man presented with acutely scattered brain infarction by artery-to-artery embolism due to IA stenosis. Endovascular treatment for symptomatic IA stenosis was planned to prevent recurrent attacks. Endovascular stenting for IA stenosis via the right femoral artery approach was performed under simultaneous distal balloon protection of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) via the right brachial artery approach. Successful treatment of symptomatic IA stenosis was achieved with no complications. The technique with simultaneous distal balloon protection of the ICA and VA provided excellent cerebral protection in stenting of IA stenosis.

[Percutaneous, endovascular treatment of innominate artery lesions is a safe and effective procedure]

Percutaneous endovascular treatment (transluminar balloon angioplasty with or without stent implantation) of innominate artery lesions has become the treatment of choice prior to surgery in the past decades. Authors present the diagnostics, treatment and follow-up of two patients as examples from their largest series in the literature. A 74-year-old male patient with a history of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, nicotine abuse and lower limb claudication was admitted because of acute upper limb claudication and dizziness. Physical examination revealed blood pressure difference of 30 mmHg between his arms, and poststenotic flow pattern in the common carotid artery with retrograde flow in the vertebral artery on carotid duplex scan. Diagnostic angiography showed 80% stenosis of the innominate artery, which was treated with percutaneous transluminar balloon angioplasty with stent implantation. Follow-up examination at 5 months showed no significant restenosis or neurological complication. The second patient was a 59-year-old smoker female patient with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, who was evaluated for her upper limb claudication. Initial finding was the absence of radial pulse in the right side. Color duplex scan revealed proximal subocclusion, which was confirmed by angiography. In one stage, balloon angioplasty was made, with immediate pain relief. After 15 months the patient was symptom-free. These two cases demonstrate an excellent outcome of endovascular treatment of innominate artery lesions, as authors already reported in two retrospective studies. Balloon angioplasty with, or without stent deployment appears to be a safe procedure with excellent primary success rate. Review of international studies also indicates that endovascular therapy of the innominate artery is safe and effective.