Editor's Choice – Treatment of Aortic Prosthesis Infections by Graft Removal and In Situ Replacement with Autologous Femoral Veins and Fascial Strengthening

Physician Made Bovine Pericardial Tube Grafts in Aortic Infection: A European Multicentre Study

OBJECTIVE

This study examines outcome and durability of physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts in aortic infections in all anatomical locations.

METHODS

This was a retrospective and prospective international multicentre study. Peri-operative and long term outcomes of patients undergoing in situ aortic reconstruction for native or graft infections with physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts between January 2008 and December 2020 in four European tertiary referral centres were analysed. The primary endpoint was recurrent aortic infection. Secondary endpoints were persistent infection, aortic re-operation for infection, graft related complications, and death.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty eight patients (77% male, mean age 67 ± 11 years) were identified: 38 (23%) with native and 130 (77%) with aortic graft infection. The thirty day mortality rate was 15% (n = 26) overall, 11% (n = 4), and 17% (n = 22) for native and aortic graft infections, respectively (p = .45). Median follow up was 26 months (interquartile range [IQR] 10, 51). Estimated survival at one, two, three, and five years was 64%, 60%, 57%, and 50%, and significantly better for native (81%, 77%, 77%, and 69%) than for graft infections (58%, 55%, 51%, and 44%; p = .011). Nine patients (5.3%) had persistent infection and 10 patients (6%) had aortic re-infection after a median of 10 months (IQR 5, 22), resulting in an estimated freedom from re-infection at one, two, three, and five years of 94%, 92%, 90%, and 86%. Estimated freedom from graft complications at one, two, three, and five years was 91%, 89%, 87%, and 87%.

CONCLUSION

This multicentre study demonstrates low re-infection rates when using physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts, comparable to those of other biological grafts. The rate of graft complications, mainly anastomotic aneurysms and stenoses, was low, while graft degeneration was absent. Physician made bovine pericardial tube grafts are an excellent tool for in situ reconstruction in the setting of native aortic infection or aortic graft infection.

Outcomes Following Use of Bovine Pericardium (Xenoprosthetic) Grafts for Reconstruction of Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms and Infected Aortic Grafts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Infected aortic grafts and mycotic aneurysms represent one of the most complex challenges faced by vascular surgeons. Treatment has progressed from extra-anatomical bypass to in situ reconstruction. Additionally, bovine pericardium reconstruction (BPR) has increased, due to accessibility and reduced lower limb morbidity. There remains, however, limited evidence for its use. The aim is to pool all known data to understand outcomes following BPR of mycotic aneurysms or infected vascular grafts.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in November 2021 with subsequent computerized meta-analysis of the pooled results and a final search in March 2022. Three databases, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and National Institutes of Health PubMed (PubMed), were searched for the search term "(bovine OR xenoprosthetic) AND (aneurysm)", according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

From 9 studies, there were 133 patients: 67% graft infections and 33% mycotic aneurysms. Fifty-seven percent of reconstructions were in the abdominal aorta and 33% were in the thoracic aorta. One hundred fifty-eight pathogens were identified, including Staphylococcus aureus (23%), Candida albicans (13%), and Escherichia coli (13%). In 12%, no microorganisms were identified. Thirty-day mortality was 19.14% (CI 10.83-28.71), late mortality was 19.08% (confidence interval [CI] 7.76-32.83), and overall mortality was 40.20% (CI 29.82-50.97). One patient died intraoperatively. There were a total of 151 in-hospital complications after 30 days postoperation. Common complications were acute renal failure (17%), pneumonia (14%), delirium (12%), respiratory insufficiency (11%) and renal insufficiency (7%). Lower limb ischemia was low, occurring in 5.66% (CI 0.54-13.82) of patients. Loss of graft patency leading to reintervention occurred in 1.20% (CI 0.00-7.71) of the grafts. Reinfection rate was 0.00% (CI 0.00-1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis highlights low reinfection and high graft patency using BPR with medium-length follow-up; however, there remain limited long-term and comparative data regarding options for aortic reconstruction. As expected in this complex cohort, the complication rate and 30-day mortality remain high.

Iliac artery-enteric fistulas following failed pancreatic transplant

Arterial-enteric fistulas occur from a multitude of causes, especially following surgical manipulation of vasculature. The development of an iliac artery-enteric fistula (IEF) occurs rarely in patients with failed pancreatic transplants. IEFs warrant urgent intervention due to the high mortality from hemorrhagic and septic shock. The diagnosis can be delayed by a lack of suspicion, the low sensitivity of diagnostic tests, and the nonspecific signs of fistulas on computed tomography. The management of IEFs is adapted from guidelines for arterial-enteric fistulas of other causes, with little consensus on ideal vascular reconstruction and postoperative antimicrobial management. The outcomes are limited to the short-term results from case reports and case series. We report two cases of IEFs in patients with a history of simultaneous pancreatic kidney transplant. Our patients underwent successful resolution of gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis, with definitive management of fistula resection and interposition iliac artery bypass. The index of suspicion for IEFs should be high, and they should be considered as a source of anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding of an unknown source in patients with failed pancreatic transplant. Definitive management should be pursued in patients who can tolerate fistula resection, allograft explant, and arterial reconstruction.

Coaxial electrospun Ag-NPs-loaded endograft membrane with long-term antibacterial function treating mycotic aortic aneurysm

The use of endovascular stent-graft has become an important option in the treatment of aortic pathologies. However, the currently used endograft membranes have limited ability to prevent bacterial colonization. This makes them unsuitable for the treatment of mycotic aneurysms, as the infection is prone to progress after endograft implantation. Moreover, even in non-mycotic aortic pathologies, endograft infections can occur in the short or long term, especially for patients with diabetes mellitus or in immune insufficiency conditions. So, this study aimed to develop a kind of Ag-NPs-loaded endograft membrane by coaxial electrospinning technique, and a series of physical and chemical properties and biological properties of the Ag-NPs-loaded membrane were characterized. Animal experiments conducted in pigs confirmed that the Ag-NPs-loaded membrane was basically non-toxic, exhibited good biocompatibility, and effectively prevented bacterial growth in a mycotic aortic aneurysm model. In conclusion, the Ag-NPs-loaded membrane exhibited good biocompatibility, good anti-infection function and slow-release of Ag-NPs for long-term bacteriostasis. Thus, the Ag-NPs-loaded membrane might hold potential for preventing infection progression and treating mycotic aortic aneurysms in an endovascular way.

Early and late outcomes of surgical repair of mycotic aortic aneurysms: A 30-year experience

OBJECTIVE

Mycotic aortic aneurysm and its associated complications are often catastrophic. In this study, we examined the early and late outcomes of surgical repair of mycotic aortic aneurysm at our center over the last 3 decades.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained aortic surgery database with supplemental adjudication of medical records. Aortic infection was confirmed through clinical, radiological, intraoperative, pathological, and treatment evidence.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 62-74) who underwent surgical repair of a mycotic aortic aneurysm between 1992 and 2021 were included. Almost all patients (n = 72; 96%) presented with symptoms, including 26 patients (35%) with rupture, and many underwent urgent or emergency repair (n = 64; 85%). Sixty-one patients underwent open repair, and 14 patients underwent hybrid or endovascular repair. Infection-specific adjunct techniques included rifampin-soaked grafts (n = 16), omental pedicle flaps (n = 21), and antibiotic irrigation catheters (n = 8). There were 15 early deaths (20%), including 10 of the 26 patients (38%) who presented with rupture; however, persistent stroke, paraplegia or paraparesis, and renal failure necessitating dialysis were uncommon (each <5%). Almost all early survivors (52/60; 87%) were discharged with long-term antibiotic therapy. Estimated survival at 2, 6, and 10 years was 55.7% ± 5.8%, 39.0% ± 5.7%, and 26.9% ± 5.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of patients with mycotic aortic aneurysm present with rupture and generally require urgent or emergency repair. Operative mortality and complications are common, especially for patients who present with rupture, and late survival is poor.

Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy.

METHODS

The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

In situ reconstruction of an infected infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula with self-made pericardium graft

Infectious aortic disease is a challenging life-threatening disease in cardiovascular surgery. A 70-year-old man patient presented with an infected infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm and right iliac artery- left iliac vein fistula (arteriovenous fistula). He underwent total infected tissues excision, debridement, in situ reconstructions of the aorta using a self-made pericardium graft with omental coverage and arteriovenous fistula patch repair to prevent leakage. One-year follow-up revealed the absence of clinically relevant infection with patency of the graft and the absence of biochemical inflammatory markers.

Semi-Conservative Treatment Versus Radical Surgery in Abdominal Aortic Graft and Endograft Infections

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal aortic graft and endograft infections (AGIs) are rare complications following aortic surgery. Radical surgery (RS) with resection of the infected graft and reconstruction with extra-anatomical bypass or in situ reconstruction is the preferred therapy. For patients unfit for RS, a semi-conservative (SC), graft preserving strategy is possible. This paper aimed to compare survival and infection outcomes between RS and SC treatment for AGI in a nationwide cohort.

METHODS

Patients with abdominal AGI related surgery in Sweden between January 1995 and May 2017 were identified. The Management of Aortic Graft Infection Collaboration (MAGIC) criteria were used for the definition of AGI. Multivariable regression was performed to identify factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-nine patients with surgically treated abdominal AGI were identified, comprising 43 SC (14 endografts; 53% with a graft enteric fistula [GEF] in total) and 126 RS (26 endografts; 50% with a GEF in total). The SC cohort was older and had a higher frequency of cardiac comorbidities. There was a non-significant trend towards lower Kaplan-Meier estimated five year survival for SC vs. RS (30.2% vs. 48.4%; p = .066). A non-significant trend was identified towards worse Kaplan-Meier estimated five year survival for SC patients with a GEF vs. without a GEF (21.7% vs. 40.1%; p = .097). There were significantly more recurrent graft infections comparing SC with RS (45.4% vs. 19.3%; p < .001). In a Cox regression model adjusting for confounders, there was no difference in five year survival comparing SC vs. RS (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6 - 1.5).

CONCLUSION

In this national AGI cohort, there was no mortality difference comparing SC and RS for AGI when adjusting for comorbidities. Presence of GEF probably negatively impacts survival outcomes of SC patients. Rates of recurrent infection remain high for SC treated patients.

Surgical Repair of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Prosthetic Graft Infections: A Nationwide Japanese Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Prosthetic graft infection (PGI) after open abdominal aortic and iliac artery reconstruction is life threatening. However, because it is rare and frequently difficult to diagnose, robust evidence on its treatment and optimal management strategies are lacking. This study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment outcomes of this condition and to identify pre-operative and operative factors affecting its prognosis.

METHODS

This was a nationwide cohort study. Using a nationwide clinical registry system, patients who were treated surgically for PGI after open abdominal aortic and iliac artery reconstruction between 2011 and 2017 were investigated, and their profiles and clinical courses were analysed. The relationships between the pre-operative and operative factors and the post-operative outcomes, including death and persistent or recurrent graft related infection, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 213 patients. The median duration between the index arterial reconstruction and surgical treatment for PGI was 644 days. Fistula development to the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed during surgery in 53.1% of patients. The cumulative overall survival rates at 30 and 90 days, one, three, and five years were 87.3%, 74.8%, 62.2%, 54.5%, and 48.1%, respectively. Pre-operative shock was the only factor independently associated with 90 day and three year death. Short term and late mortality rates, as well as the rate of persistent or recurrent graft related infection, did not differ significantly between patients treated with total removal of the infected graft and those treated with partial removal of the graft.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for PGI after open reconstruction of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries is complex, and the post-operative mortality rate remains high. Partial removal of the infected graft may be an alternative in selected patients with limited extent of infection.

Performance of the BioIntegral Bovine Pericardial Graft in Vascular Infections: VASCular No-REact Graft Against INfection Study

BACKGROUND

Vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEI) and native vessel infections (NVI) remain considerable challenges in vascular surgery, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates. Although in situ reconstruction is the preferred treatment, the material of choice is still a source of debate. Autologous veins are considered the first choice; however, xenografts may be an acceptable alternative. The performance of a biomodified bovine pericardial graft is assessed when implemented in an infected vascular area.

METHODS

This is a prospective multicenter cohort study. Patients who underwent reconstruction for VGEI or NVI with a biomodified bovine pericardial bifurcated or straight tube graft were included from December 2017 until June 2021. The primary outcome measure was reinfection at mid-term follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included mortality, patency, and amputation rate.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients with vascular infections were included, of which 23 (68%) had an infected Dacron prosthesis after primary open repair and 8 (24%) had an infected endovascular graft. The remaining 3 (9%) had infected native vessels. At secondary repair, 3 (7%) patients had an in situ aortic tube reconstruction, 29 (66%) had an aortic bifurcated reconstruction, and 2 (5%) had an iliac-femoral reconstruction. At 1-year follow-up after the BioIntegral bovine pericardial graft reconstruction, the reinfection rate was 9%. The 1-year infection-related and procedure-related mortality rate was 16%. The occlusion rate was 6% and in total 3 patients underwent a lower limb amputation during the 1-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ reconstruction as treatment of (endo)graft and native vessel infections remains a challenge and reinfection looms as a potential consequence. In cases where time is of essence or when autologous venous repair is not feasible, a swift available solution is needed. The BioIntegral biomodified bovine pericardial graft may be an option as it shows reasonable results in terms of reinfection, in aortic tube and bifurcated grafts.

Aortoiliac graft-enteric fistula presenting as gastrointestinal hemorrhage: A report on a complex case management

Key Clinical Message

Iliac artery-enteric fistula is a rare cause of lower GI bleeding and can cause life-threatening consequences. A high degree of clinical suspicion is needed in patients with previous aortic surgery to allow early multidisciplinary intervention.

Abstract

This case study discusses the staged management of a 78-year-old patient presenting with life-threatening lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding secondary to an aortoiliac graft-enteric fistula (GEF) into the sigmoid colon on the background of an adenocarcinoma and diverticular disease. The patient had an aorto bi-iliac synthetic dacron graft repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) some 20 years ago. Here, we present a case of successful endovascular treatment of massive hemorrhage as a bridge to definitive second-stage dacron graft explant and autologous vein reconstruction with a simultaneous anterior resection.

Emergencies during oncovascular surgery: Strategies and pitfalls

In a growing number of pathologies, vascular invasion is no longer considered a contraindication for surgery with a curative intention. This has led vascular surgeons to be more involved in the treatment of pathologies that they are not used to. These patients should be managed in a multidisciplinary manner. New types of emergencies and complications have emerged. Emergencies in oncovascular surgery are mostly avoidable with careful planning and good collaboration between oncological surgeons and a dedicated vascular surgery team. The operations often involve difficult vascular dissection and complex reconstructive techniques in a potentially contaminated and irradiated field, and the risk of postoperative complications and blow out is increased. However, after a successful operation and immediate postoperative course, the patients often recover faster than the typical fragile vascular surgical patient. This narrative review focuses on emergencies that are more or less specific to oncovascular procedures. A scientific approach and international collaboration are needed, so that we can better identify which patients should be operated, what problems to anticipate and could be avoided with better planning, and which solutions improve patient outcome.

Outcomes of Candida and Non-Candida Aortic Graft Infection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the outcomes of Candida- and non-Candida-associated aortic graft infections.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients treated for aortic graft infection from 2015 to 2021 in our hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients (56 men; median age, 69 years; range, 50-87 years) were admitted with aortic graft infection, including 21 (32%) patients in the Candida group and 45 (68%) in the non-Candida group. The average time between initial operation and presentation of aortic graft infection was 50 months (range, 1-332 months). Graft-enteric fistulas (GEFs) were more often in the Candida group (57% vs 27%, P = .017). The most proven causative fungal specimen was C. albicans in 16 (76%) patients. Non-albicans Candida was found in 9% of all patients and 29% of the Candida patients. The median ICU length of stay was longer in the Candida group than non-Candida (10 vs 9 days, P = .012). Additionally, the median hospital length of stay was longer in the Candida group (33 vs 22 days, P = .048). There were no statistically significant differences between Candida and non-Candida groups according to the in-hospital mortality (24% vs 24%, P = .955), and 1-year mortality (38% vs 38%, P = .980).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bacterial and fungal aortic graft infections have high rates of morbidity and mortality. We found no significant differences in postoperative morbidity and mortality between Candida and non-Candida patients. However, the ICU and hospital length of stay were longer in the Candida group.

Secondary Aorto-Colonic Fistula: A Case Report and Literature Review of a Rare Complication after EVAR

Background: Aorto-enteric fistula (AEF) is a rare but fatal condition. The incidence of the overall AEF was approximately 0.36–2%, but the incidence of the aorto-colonic fistula was scarcely reported. A history of abdominal pain, fever, or gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in a patient with a history of aortic intervention should be highly suspected of this condition. This report describes a patient with lower GIB after an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for a symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Case Presentation: A 65-year-old man with a history of EVAR for symptomatic AAA presented with a massive lower GIB for two weeks. He also had a history of left lower quadrant pain and low-grade fever. Diverticular disease was suspected, and medical treatment was administered. After the initial conservative treatment, a colonoscopy was performed. The findings showed a fistula that exposed an aortic stent graft at the left-sided colon. An aorto-colonic fistula was diagnosed. After administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics, a staged axillo-bifemoral bypass graft with aortic stent graft explantation was performed. The patient recovered well and was discharged home after a month of hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Conclusion: In a patient with a history of aortic intervention, any abdominal pain, unknown fever, or even GIB should be suspected of complications of aortic intervention. Highly suspicious of this rare condition is the key to an early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

In situ repair or reconstruction of the abdominal aorta-iliac artery by autologous fascia-peritoneum with posterior rectus sheath for the treatment of the infected abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms: A case series and literature review

Background

Infected abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms are considered acute and severe diseases with insidious onset, rapid development, and high mortality in vascular surgery. Currently, there is no better treatment, either anatomic or extra-anatomical repair.

Case presentation

From February 2018 to April 2022, 7 patients with infected abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms did not have sufficient autologous venous material for repair. With the consent of the Ethics Committee of the hospital, it uses the autologous peritoneal fascial tissue with rectus sheath to repair or reconstruct the infected vessels in situ. There were 5 cases of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm, 1 case of an infected common iliac aneurysm, and 1 case of the infected internal iliac aneurysm. Aortoduodenal fistula was found in 3 cases, all of them were given duodenal fistula repair and gastrojejunostomy and cholecystostomy. Three cases of infected abdominal aortic aneurysms were repaired with the autologous peritoneal fascial tissue patch, and 2 cases of infected abdominal aortic aneurysms were reconstructed by the autologous peritoneal fascial tissue suture to bifurcate graft in situ, the autologous peritoneal fascial tissue suture reconstructed the rest 2 cases of infected iliac aneurysm to tubular graft in situ. It was essential that Careful debridement of all infected tissue and adequate postoperative irrigation and drainage. Antibiotics were administered perioperatively, and all patients were subsequently treated with long-term antibiotics based on bacterial culture and susceptibility results of infected tissues and blood. All 7 patients had underwent surgery successfully. But there were 2 cases died of anastomotic infection or massive hemorrhage after the operation, the other 5 cases survived. The follow-up time was 2–19 months. The enhanced CT of postoperation showed that the reconstructed arteries were smooth without obvious stenosis or expansion, and no abdominal wall hernia occurred.

Conclusion

In situ repair or reconstruction with autologous peritoneal fascial tissue with rectus sheath is a feasible treatment for the infected aneurysm patients without adequate autologous venous substitute, but it still needs long-term follow-up and a large sample to be further confirmed.

Management and Clinical Outcome of Aortic Graft Infections: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of various treatment options for aortic graft infection (AGI) patients and identify factors affecting their prognosis.

METHODS

The data of AGI patients from January 2008 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The primary endpoints were 30-day mortality and perioperative complication-related morbidity; the secondary endpoints were re-infection (RI) rates, primary and secondary graft patency, overall mortality, duration of antibiotic therapy, and the number of antibiotic types used in treatment.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality and perioperative-related complications between the conservative treatment, in-situ reconstruction (ISR), and extra-anatomic reconstruction (EAR) groups. The ISR group had lower re-infection rates and better overall survival rates than the EAR and conservative treatment groups. Different bypass graft conduits had no significant influence on the RI rate or primary and secondary graft patency. AGI patients infected with high-virulence pathogens had higher RI and overall mortality rates than those infected with low virulence pathogens, but this was not statistically significant. Initial procedures prior to the AGI also had no influence on the prognosis of AGI patients. Patients undergoing ISR or EAR surgery received antibiotic therapy for a longer duration than patients undergoing conservative treatment. Patients without RI received more types of antibiotics than patients with RI.

CONCLUSIONS

ISR had lower RI rates and better overall survival rates than EAR and conservative treatment and may be a better choice for patients with AGI. Several factors were found to have no influence on patients' prognosis however, further studies are required.

Long Term Results of Pancreatectomy With and Without Venous Resection: A Comparison of Safety and Complications of Spiral Graft, End-to-End and Tangential/Patch Reconstruction Techniques

OBJECTIVE

Roughly 10% - 20% of pancreatic cancer patients are candidates for curative intent surgical treatment. In the 2000s, many studies showed similar survival rates comparing pancreatic surgery with or without vein resection and reconstruction. The aim was to identify the best method of venous reconstruction.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 1 375 patients undergoing pancreatectomy between 2005 and 2018 were identified. Patients undergoing a combined pancreatic resection and venous reconstruction were included retrospectively. When tumour infiltration to the portal/superior mesenteric vein was detected, excision and reconstruction with tangential suturing/patch, end to end anastomosis, or a spiral graft from the great saphenous vein was performed. Next, 90 day and long term survival and outcomes across reconstruction techniques were analysed.

RESULTS

Overall, 198 patients had venous involvement visible in pre-operative scans or detected during surgery, broken down as follows: 171 (86%) pancreaticoduodenectomy, 12 (6%) total pancreatectomy, and 15 (8%) distal pancreatectomy. In total, 69 (35%) spiral graft reconstructions, 77 (39%) end to end anastomoses, and 52 (26%) tangential/patch reconstructions were performed. Tumour histology revealed pancreatic adenocarcinomas in 162 (82%) patients, intraductal mucinous pancreatic neoplasia in 14 (7%), cholangiocarcinoma in five (3%), neuro-endocrine neoplasia in nine (5%), and eight other diagnoses. Overall, 183 (92%) were malignant and 15 (8%) benign. Two patients died within 90 days, one in hospital and one on post-operative day 38 due to thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein and intestinal necrosis, a Clavien-Dindo grade 5 complication. In addition, 50 (23%) patients had Clavien-Dindo grade 3 - 4 complications. No differences in complications comparing vein reconstruction techniques or in the long term survival of pancreatectomy patients with or without venous reconstruction were detected.

CONCLUSION

The spiral graft technique, used when more advanced venous infiltration occurs, does not increase complications, with outcomes mirroring those accompanying shorter venous resections.

Outcomes of patients with aortic vascular graft and endograft infections initially contra-indicated for complete graft explantation

OBJECTIVE

Complete excision in patients with aortic vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEIs) is a significant undertaking, and many patients never undergo definitive treatment. Knowing their fate is important to be able to assess the risks of graft excision vs alternative strategies. This study analyzed their life expectancy and sepsis-free survival.

METHODS

VGEIs were diagnosed according to the Aortic Graft Infection (MAGIC) criteria, and patients turned down for graft removal from November 2006 to December 2020 were included. Primary endpoints were aortic-related and sepsis-free survival estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to compute the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as estimates of survival without sepsis.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients were included, with a median age of 71 years (range, 63-79 years). The index aortic repair was either open (n = 33; 44.6%), endovascular (n = 19; 25.7%), or hybrid (n = 22; 29.7%). Causative organisms were identified in 56 patients (75.7%). At presentation, 26 patients (35.1%) required salvage surgery, open (n = 22; 29.7%) or endovascular (n = 8; 10.8%), and 17 radiological drainage (23.0%). During follow-up, eight required drainage and 11 (14.9%) graft removal (five complete). Infectious complications included pseudoaneurysms (n = 14; 18.9%), rupture (n = 9; 12.2%), gastro-intestinal bleeding (n = 13; 17.6%), septic embolisms (n = 4; 5.4%), and thrombosis (n = 12; 16.2%). In-hospital mortality was 20.3% (n = 15), freedom from aortic-related death and overall survival was 77.1% (95% CI, 65.2%-85.3%) and 70.4% (95% CI, 58.3%-79.7%) at 1 year, and 61.7% (95% CI, 46.1%-74.0%) and 43.1% (95% CI, 29.2%-56.3%) at 5 years. Sepsis recurrence occurred in 37 patients (50.0%). Seven (16.3%) developed acquired antimicrobial resistance. Malnutrition (HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6; P = .005), hemorrhagic shock at presentation (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.0-8.2; P = .048), aorto-enteric fistulae (HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3-8.4; P = .011), fungal coinfection (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.2-11.5; P = .030), and infection with resistant micro-organisms (HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-8.3; P = .023) were significantly associated with worse survival without sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital and aortic-related mortality were significant, but with salvage surgery and antibiotic therapy, the median survival was 3 years. Sepsis recurrence remained frequent, and further procedures were needed. These outcomes should be considered when graft excision is proposed. Known predictors of adverse outcomes should become important points for discussion in multidisciplinary team meetings.

Carotid interposition in patients with head and neck tumors: clinical experience of 13 cases reconstructed with a great saphenous vein autograft

BACKGROUND

Carotid interposition graft (CIG) surgery in the setting of head & neck cancer (HNC) is a rare procedure with a limited number of cases described in the literature.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

To assess the outcomes of the surgery at Helsinki University Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent CIG in a head and neck tumor surgery were retrospectively analyzed over 15 years. Overall-survival (OS) was calculated until 1 May 2020. The primary-outcome was to measure the 30-day OS, postoperative stroke rate, and other complications. The secondary-outcome was to measure 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were identified, 11 with HNC and two with Shamblin III Carotid Body Tumors. The great saphenous vein was used for all vascular reconstructions, and shunting was routinely performed. The 30-day stroke incidence was nil. Two graft-blowouts were encountered, one of which lead to death and the other was successfully managed. For HNC patients, the locoregional recurrence-rate was 36%. The 5-year OS was 46.2%.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

CIG in HNC setting can achieve oncologic-control with an acceptable rate of complications. Routine shunting, heparinization, and elevating blood-pressure during closure seem to be safe protocols to maintain cerebral-circulation perioperatively. A moderate graft-blowout risk should be considered.

Neoaortoiliac system in treating aortic graft infections: a single center long-term experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Aortic graft infection represents one of the most challenging and life-threatening complication of surgical and endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies. The aim of this study was to report the results of a single center with in-situ revascularization for the treatment of aortic graft infections using the neo-aorto-iliac system (NAIS) and to review the literature about this surgical technique.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our aortic graft infection case series and in-situ revascularization using the neo-aorto-iliac system. The study was conducted from January 2009 to June 2020. The primary outcomes analyzed were early mortality (<30 days), late mortality (>30 days), reinfection rate. Secondary outcomes were the primary patency rate, the secondary patency rate, and the lower limb salvage rate. A literature review of the last twenty years was performed on international medical databases Pubmed (Medline), Scopus and Web of Science.

RESULTS

During study period, 12 patients, all male (median age of 69 years [range: 52-87 years]), underwent to infected graft explantation and revascularization by NAIS using femoral-popliteal veins. Six cases were complicated by aorto-enteric fistulas, five were duodenal and one was colon. Patients spent the immediate postoperative period in the Intensive Care Unit for a median time of 4 days (range: 0-9 days). The median length of hospital stay was 27.5 days (range: 1-66 days). The mean follow-up was 21.5 months (range: 0-120). The 30-day mortality rate was 25% (3 patients) due to postoperative complications. No patient dropped out of the follow-up protocol. The primary patency rate was 92% while the secondary patency rate was 100%. No patient underwent lower limb amputation. Persistence of infection occurred in 1 case (8.3%). Overall Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 75% for 30 days, 50% for 1 year, 48% for 5 years. Literature analysis identified 19 case series.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature regarding NAIS has low statistical evidence due to retrospective design of the studies. Our results are in agreement with retrospective studies in the literature. When the surgical team is confident with NAIS, this technique should be considered the preferred method, considering an acceptable and comparable mortality rate with other techniques and a better rate of patency, resistance to graft degeneration, recurrent infections and amputation rate.

OUTCOME IN PATIENTS AFTER AUTOLOGOUS FEMORAL VEIN RECONSTRUCTION FOR PRIMARY AORTIC INFECTION AND AORTIC GRAFT INFECTION: A CASE SERIES

OBJECTIVES

For surgical treatment of primary aortic infection and aortic graft infection, in situ reconstruction with autologous vein(s) has the lowest rates of re-infection and of graft thrombosis. In this study, we have assessed the outcome after autologous femoral vein reconstruction in patients with aortic (graft) infection and we provide insights into the specific technical surgical considerations of the procedure.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center study, all patients who underwent autologous femoral vein reconstruction because of primary aortic infection or aortic graft infection between January 2012 and January 2020 were included. The primary outcome parameter was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with autologous femoral vein reconstruction for a primary aortic infection (n = 3) or aortic graft infection (n = 26) were included. An aorto-enteral fistula was detected in 13 patients (49%). Venous reconstruction of the aorta was performed with a single femoral vein in 17 patients (59%), and two femoral veins in 12 patients (41%). Thirty-day mortality was 17%. Relapse of infection occurred in two patients (7%) and no amputations were needed. One year after surgery, only three patients (10%) still needed stockings and after two years none of the patients used stockings.

CONCLUSIONS

Central aortic reconstruction with femoral veins is a durable solution for primary aortic and aortoiliac graft infections with a low incidence of reinfections, amputations, and venous hypertension.

Vascular Graft Infections With Candida: A Factor for Increased Mortality in in-situ Reconstructions

BACKGROUND

The empiric antibiotic regimen started after deep cultures and explantation of the graft mostly do not cover antifungals. We retrospectively studied the outcome of candida compared to non-candida VGI and assessed whether these results could justify the addition of antifungals to the empiric antibiotics in the early postoperative period.

METHODS

All patients treated for infected aorto(ilio)femoral graft with excision and reconstruction at the vascular department of University Hospitals Leuven between January 2010 and 2017 (n = 56) were studied retrospectively. Patients were allocated to the candida group (n = 10) or non-candida group (n = 46) according to the presence of Candida in deep culture isolates.

RESULTS

All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the candida group compared to the non-candida group. All-cause 30-day mortality was 40% and 13% for both groups respectively (P = 0.066). At 5 years this was 90% and 46% respectively (P = 0.014). In the candida group 6 patients (60%) had to be revised in the operating room due to bleeding, compared to 5 patients (11%) in the non-candida group (P = 0.002).  Two patients (20%) and 5 patients (11%) had to be readmitted to the ICU, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Survival of candida related VGI is significantly worse, especially in the first 5 postoperative months. This could justify the addition of an antifungal to the early empiric postoperative antibiotic cocktail, especially in patients with an aorto-enteric fistula. A cost-benefit analysis could be useful to evaluate the yield.

Editor's Choice - Outcome of Radical Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Graft and Endograft Infections Comparing Extra-anatomic Bypass with In Situ Reconstruction: A Nationwide Multicentre Study

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal aortic graft and endograft infection (AGI) is primarily treated by resection of the infected graft and restoration of distal perfusion through extra-anatomic bypass (EAB) or in situ reconstruction/repair (ISR). The aim of this study was to compare these surgical strategies in a nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc) was used to identify surgically treated abdominal AGIs in Sweden between January 1995 and May 2017. The primary aim was to compare short and long term survival, as well as complications for EAB and ISR.

RESULTS

Some 126 radically surgically treated AGI patients were identified - 102 graft infections and 24 endograft infections - treated by EAB: 71 and ISR: 55 (23 neo-aorto-iliac systems, NAISs). No differences in early 30 day (EAB 81.7% vs. ISR 76.4%, p = .46), or long term five year survival (48.2% vs. 49.9%, p = .87) were identified. There was no survival difference comparing NAIS to other ISR strategies. The frequency of recurrent graft infection during follow up was similar: EAB 20.3% vs. ISR 17.0% (p = .56). Survival and re-infection rates of the new conduit did not differ between NAIS and other ISR strategies. Age ≥ 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.0, confidence interval [CI] 1.1 - 14.8), coronary artery disease (OR 4.2, CI 1.2 - 15.1) and post-operative circulatory complications (OR 5.2, CI 1.2 - 22.5) were associated with early death. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy (> 3 months) was associated with reduced long term mortality (HR 0.3, CI 0.1 - 0.9).

CONCLUSION

In this nationwide multicentre study comparing outcomes of radically treated AGI, no differences in survival or re-infection rate could be identified comparing EAB and ISR.

Contemporary management of infective native aortic aneurysms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Infective native aortic aneurysms (INAAs) are challenging and complex with both bacteraemia and an aneurysm prone to rupture. They are fatal unless recognized and treated promptly. The rarity of the disease makes it unfamiliar to most physicians, which might delay both diagnosis and treatment.The present review aims to outline the recently published diagnostic algorithm of INAAs, the main characteristics of the disease and present an overview of contemporary treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

New terminology, definition, diagnostic algorithm and reporting standards have recently been proposed for INAAs. Current evidence concerning the treatment of INAAs is founded on retrospective register-based multicentre studies and small single-centre studies. Recent findings encourage the use of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for surgical treatment of INAAs. Although EVAR, as a surgical approach, does not drain the infection, the postoperative infection-related complication rates (IRCs) are similar to the ones reported after open surgical repair (OSR) with aortic prosthetic reconstruction and extensive debridement. IRCs carry over 50% risk of being fatal. Postoperative mortality after EVAR remains considerably lower supporting the use of method for aged and comorbid group of patients. Biological grafts have the benefit of being more resistant to reinfection. OSR with biological reconstruction is a promising surgical approach for patients fit for open surgery; however, data are scarce and long-term follow-up is lacking.

SUMMARY

The treatment of INAAs should be guided by experienced multidisciplinary team and tailored individually based on patients' condition and centres' experience. An international consensus document is warranted to enable further research on this disease.

Deep Femoral Vein Reconstruction for Abdominal Aortic Graft Infections is Associated with Low Aneurysm Related Mortality and a High Rate of Permanent Discontinuation of Antimicrobial Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Aortic prosthesis infection is a devastating complication of aortic surgery. In situ reconstruction with the neo-aorto-iliac system (NAIS) bypass technique has become increasingly used and is recommended in recent treatment guidelines. The main aim was to evaluate NAIS procedural outcomes when undertaken after previous open or endovascular aortic repair in Sweden.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, The National Quality Registry for Vascular Surgery (Swedvasc) was used to identify Swedish centres that offered the NAIS bypass procedure for aortic prosthesis infection between 2008 and 2018. Variables of special interest were procedural details, short and long term survival, renal and other complications, and the durtion of antimicrobial treatment.

RESULTS

Forty patients (36 males, four females [mean age 69 years], 32 open repairs, seven endovascular aortic repairs [EVAR] and one fenestrated EVAR; 21 presented with aorto-enteric fistula) operated on with NAIS bypass were reviewed. The median time from the primary aortic intervention to the NAIS bypass procedure was 32 months (range 0 - 252 months). Mean ± standard deviation operating time was 645 ± 160 minutes, mean blood loss was 6 277 ± 6 525 mL, mean length of intensive care unit stay was 5.3 ± 3.7 days, and mean length of overall hospital stay was 21.2 ± 11.4 days. Thirty-five patients (88%) had a positive microbial culture; the most commonly isolated pathogen was Candida spp. The majority of patients survived for 30 days (n = 35 [88%]), and 33 (83%) and 32 (80%) patients survived for 90 days and one year, respectively. The number of surviving patients free from antimicrobial treatment at 90 days, six months, and one year was 19 (58%), 29 (88%), and 30 (94%). After a mean long term follow up of 69.9 ± 44.7 months, 20 patients were still alive.

CONCLUSION

The NAIS bypass procedure offered reasonable survival and functional outcomes, and was associated with a high cure rate, defined as freedom from any antimicrobial treatment.

Results of cryopreserved arterial allograft replacement for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic infections

BACKGROUND

Primary and secondary thoracic aortic infections are rare but associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is currently no consensus on their optimal treatment. Arterial allografts have been shown to be resistant to bacterial colonization. Complete excision of infected material, especially synthetic grafts, combined with in situ aortic repair is considered the best treatment of abdominal aortic infections. The aim of this study was to assess the management of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic infections using arterial allografts.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2017, all patients with thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic native or graft infections underwent complete excision of infected material and in situ arterial allografting. The end points were the early mortality and morbidity rates and early and late rates of reinfection, graft degeneration, and graft-related morbidity.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 65.6 ± 9.2 years were included. Twenty-one (60%) cases experienced graft infections and 14 (40%) experienced native aortic infections. Eight (22.8%) patients had visceral fistulas: 5 (14.4%) prosthetic-esophageal, 1 (2.8%) prosthetic-bronchial, 1 (2.8%) prosthetic-duodenal, and 1 (2.8%) native aortobronchial. In 12 (34.3%) cases, only the descending thoracic aorta was involved; in 23 (65.7%) cases, the thoracoabdominal aorta was involved. Fifteen (42.8%) patients died during the first month or before discharge: 5 of hemorrhage, 4 of multiorgan failure, 3 of ischemic colitis, 2 of pneumonia, and 1 of anastomotic disruption. Eleven (31.5%) patients required early revision surgery: 6 (17.1%) for nongraft-related hemorrhage, 3 (8.6%) for colectomy, 1 (2.9%) for proximal anastomotic disruption, and 1 (2.9%) for tamponade. One (2.9%) patient who died before discharge experienced paraplegia. One (2.9%) patient experienced stroke. Six (17.1%) patients required postoperative dialysis. Among them, four died before discharge. The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 11 ± 10.5 days; the mean length of hospital stay was 32 ± 14 days. During a mean follow-up of 32.3 ± 23.7 months, three allograft-related complications occurred in survivors (15% of late survivors): one proximal and one distal false aneurysm with no evidence of reinfection and one allograft-enteric fistula. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 49.3% and 42.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, aortic infections are highly challenging. Surgical management includes complete excision of infected tissues or grafts. Allografts offer a promising solution to aortic graft infection because they appear to resist reinfection; however, the grafts must be observed indefinitely because of the risk of late graft complications.

Successful treatment of graft-duodenal fistula after renovisceral debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair with limited graft resection based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography

We present the case of a patient with a graft-duodenal fistula after renovisceral debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography showed that the infection was localized to the renovisceral bypass grafts and the right kidney. Based on the preoperative imaging findings, a limited surgery with resection was performed in the fistula, right kidney, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positive bypass grafts, while preserving the fluorodeoxyglucose-negative grafts. No signs of reinfection were reported 2 years after the surgery. Accurate assessment of infection with ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography may be useful for performing adequate excision of infected lesions.

Long-term results of cryopreserved allografts in aortoiliac graft infections

OBJECTIVE

Different graft materials have been proposed for in situ reconstruction in the setting of vascular graft infection (VGI). We analyzed the long-term outcomes after in situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved allografts.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone in situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved arterial allografts for VGI from 2000 to 2015. The end points were the perioperative and long-term mortality and graft-related complications, including stenosis, occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, and reinfection.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients (91% male) with a median age of 67 years (range, 53-83 years) had undergone in situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved allografts. The 30-day mortality was 6% (n = 2); both deaths were related to the allograft (one early allograft-enteric fistula and one graft rupture). Another two patients had experienced early (≤30 days) graft-related events (one allograft-enteric fistula and one graft limb occlusion), for an early graft-related complication rate of 12% (n = 4). Of the 31 discharged patients, 13 (42%) had died after a median of 47 months (range, 2-97 months). The median follow-up for the 18 remaining patients was 96 months (range, 10-146 months). The estimated survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 88%, 81%, and 66%, respectively. Nine patients (29%) had experienced at least one of the following graft-related events during follow-up, including graft stenosis requiring intervention in five (16%), graft occlusion in four (13%), pseudoaneurysm in three (10%), and reinfection in two patients (6%). The estimated freedom from any first graft-related event at 1, 3, and 5 years was 78%, 71%, and 62%, respectively. The estimated primary patency and primary assisted patency at 1 and 3 years was 87% and 79%, and 90% and 83%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ aortoiliac reconstruction with cryopreserved allografts to treat VGI was associated with relevant perioperative graft-related complications. Although the reinfection rate was acceptable, other graft-related complications were frequent in the long term, in particular, graft occlusion and stenosis.

Microsurgical Salvage of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia after Iatrogenic Femoral Injury during Orthopedic Surgery in a Pediatric Patient

Acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) in the pediatric population is rare but may lead to limb loss and life-long complications. We report the technique and outcomes of microsurgical salvage of ALLI in a preterm newborn after open reduction of congenital hip dysplasia. A 2-month-old girl was born premature at week 36 with congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. The initial management attempted was conservative and entailed placement of bilateral Von Rosen splints. The treatment was successful on the left side, but the patient had recurrent unstable hip dislocation on the right side. Subsequently, 2 attempts at close reduction under general anesthesia were done and both were unsuccessful in maintaining the right hip in the acetabulum. Therefore, an open reduction of the right hip was planned through a medial/obturator approach. During the surgical procedure, the neurovascular femoral bundle (including the superficial femoral artery [SFA], femoral vein [FV], and femoral nerve) was accidently transected with subsequent development of ALLI. Therefore, the FV was harvested distally to the injury site and a 4-cm long healthy segment was obtained. It was reversed, flushed with heparin, spatulated at both extremities, and interposed to the SFA in end-to-end fashion using two 9/0 polypropylene interrupted sutures under microscope. Reperfusion of the limb was noted immediately after releasing the vascular clamps. The final ischemia time at completion of the surgical procedure was 6 hr. Thereby, prophylactic 4-compartment fasciotomies were performed in the right leg. The patient tolerated the procedure well and the postoperative clinical course was free from adverse events. Duplex ultrasound examination at 6 weeks after the intervention confirmed sustained clinical success and showed no signs of venous thromboembolism. At the same time, X-ray examination of the right hip confirmed adequate and stable reduction of the joint in the acetabulum. ALLI due to accidental arterial injury during orthopedic surgical procedures for congenital defects in newborns is a rare but potentially devastating complication. Microsurgical salvage is a safe, feasible, and effective option to restore limb flow. Multidisciplinary expertise and meticulous technique are mandatory in order to achieve satisfactory and durable outcomes.

Twenty-year experience with cryopreserved arterial allografts for vascular infections

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse outcomes over 2 decades using cryopreserved vascular allografts to treat vascular infection.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients identified from our institutional database who were treated for primary or secondary vascular infection using implanted allografts.

RESULTS

Between October 1992 and May 2014, 54 patients underwent surgery for vascular infection out of 118 patients implanted with cryopreserved vascular allografts. The 52 patients for whom we had full information form the basis of the study with a 96% follow-up. The average age was 64 ± 11 years; 87% were men; 65% had previous vascular surgery; 19% had emergency operations. A total of 75% of the patients had aortoiliofemoral infections. Five patients underwent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Fifty percent required more than 1 allograft and 15% had concomitant procedures. Seventy-three percent (38/52) of specimen cultures yielded positive results with polymicrobial flora in 29%. Surgical specimens most frequently grew coagulase-negative staphylococci. The early postoperative reoperation rate was 15% for allograft-related complications. There were 20 (38%) early deaths, including deaths of acute myocardial infarction, anastomosis rupture and persistent sepsis and shock. Uncontrolled infection leading to septic shock and multiple organ failure was the cause of death in 50% of the cases. The mean duration of freedom from allograft reintervention was 12.2 years. The mean duration of freedom from allograft occlusion or limb loss was 12.1 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.9-14.4]. Of the 32 surviving patients, we had patency information for 66% obtained by angiography or computed tomography. The mean survival for the cohort was 5.9 years (95% CI 3.9-7.8). Mean freedom from cardiovascular infection-related death was 9.3 years (95% CI 7.2-11.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Allografts can be indicated for treatment of primary/secondary infection and have remarkable results in multimorbid patients. Patients with vascular infection have a high-risk profile, around 40% mortality during the first 6 months, with reduction in overall mortality thereafter. We believe that allografts may play a role in the surgical treatment of vascular infection.

In situ reconstruction with autologous graft in the treatment of secondary aortoenteric fistulas: A retrospective case series

Infections caused by secondary aortoenteric fistulas (SAEF) may be extremely complex and threaten patient's life. We report our surgical approach to SAEF consisting in removal of the infected graft and in situ reconstruction using an autologous venous graft.

Seven consecutive patients with SAEF treated with graft removal and in situ reconstruction using an autologous venous graft from 2008 to 2017 were reviewed. Six of seven patients (86%) survived 30-day. In one case a graft thrombosis and acute lower limb ischemia occurred requiring re-operations. All patients received injective antibiotic therapy for 20 days, followed by oral therapy for 3 months. There were no major complications at long-term follow-up.

Our results suggest that superficial femoral vein reconstruction of the abdominal aorta for SAEF is effective with an acceptable in-hospital mortality and low rate of major complications. We stress the importance of the deep femoral veins to create the graft because the large saphenous vein is often affected by significant intimal hyperplasia that can cause steno-occlusive complications.

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In situ reconstruction for secondary aortoenteric fistulas is effective.

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We stress the importance of the deep femoral veins to create the graft.

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One of the largest series of secondary aortoenteric fistulas treated with venous graft.

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Morbidity and mortality are acceptable at long-term follow-up.

In Situ Composite Homograft Utilizing the Femoral Vein and the Occluded Superficial Femoral Artery after Eversion Endarterectomy for the Management of an Iliofemoral Synthetic Graft Infection

Aortic or iliac graft infection is a serious complication in vascular surgery, which carries significant risks for the patient's limb and life and requires complex treatment. We report a patient who presented sepsis due to a previous ilio(common iliac)-femoral(profunda femoris) graft infection. Taking into account that the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries were occluded (no suitable target vessel, except for the distal profunda femoral) and the fact that he presented methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-positive blood cultures, the patient was scheduled for excision of the contaminated graft and in situ reconstruction. Along with the femoral vein, a segment of the adjacent occluded superficial femoral artery was used after eversion endarterectomy to ensure adequate homograft length to perform the bypass. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this technique which can be particularly useful in similar settings.

Cryopreserved Venous Allografts in Supra-inguinal Reconstructions: A Single Centre Experience

OBJECTIVE

This study introduces a novel technique for supra-inguinal arterial reconstructions with cryopreserved femoral vein and caval allografts with a low re-infection rate and an acceptable graft re-intervention rate on early mid term analysis.

METHODS

Patients treated from February 2012 to March 2018 with cryopreserved venous allograft reconstructions owing to infection in the supra-inguinal area were reviewed retrospectively. The primary end points were re-infection and the treatment related mortality rate. Secondary end points were 30 and 90 day and overall mortality and graft re-intervention rate.

RESULTS

Of the 23 patients treated with cryopreserved venous allografts for infection in aorto-iliac area, 21 (91%) patients underwent reconstruction with cryopreserved femoral veins and two (9%) with vena cava. Indications for treatment were aortic graft infections (n = 12 [52%]), mycotic aneurysms (n = 5 [22%]), femorofemoral prosthetic infections (n = 3 [13%]), anastomotic pseudo-aneurysms (n = 2 [9%]), and aortic thrombosis with intestinal spillage (n = 1 [4%]). In hospital and 90 day mortality were 9% (n = 2); overall treatment related mortality during the median follow up of 15 months was 13% (n = 3). During the follow up, two allografts were re-operated on owing to anastomotic dilatation and one because of re-infection, resulting in a re-intervention rate of 13% (n = 3). None of the grafts was lost and there were no amputations. At the end of follow up 17 patients (74%) were alive. Kaplan-Meier estimation for survival was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57%-95%) at one year and 70% (95% CI 49%-91%) at two years.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreserved venous allografts appear to be an infection resistant and reasonably safe reconstruction material in the aorto-iliac axis based upon the early mid term analysis from a single centre experience. Further research is needed to compare their performance with other biological reconstruction material.

Aortic reconstruction in infected aortic pathology by femoral vein "neo-aorta"

The use of autologous femoral veins for in situ reconstruction of the aortoiliac segment is an effective technique to treat native aorta or prosthetic graft infections. The indications, technical details, and outcomes of this procedure are detailed. Graft infection involving the aortic segment, while rare, remains one of the most challenging vascular surgery conditions to treat. The original technique of "neo-aortoiliac surgery" with in situ autologous vein grafts has evolved over the past 25 years and remains a worthwhile alternative for the treatment of aortic graft infections, with lower mortality rates compared with other extra-anatomic or in situ surgical options. Acceptance of this surgical option is due to low graft re-infection rates, rare graft disruption, and low long-term aneurysmal degeneration. Excision of the femoral veins is associated with acceptable rates of lower limb edema. The use of an autologous femoral vein graft can be considered the standard of care in selected patients for the management of aortic graft infections. Optimal management of patients with aortic graft infections requires consideration of all potential therapeutic options because no single modality can be used, and individualizing treatment according to the clinical condition will yield the best patient outcomes.

Comparing Venous Reconstructions and Antimicrobial Graft Reconstructions in Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Graft Infections

BACKGROUND

The perioperative mortality and morbidity rates of surgical repair of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic graft infections are high, and the appropriate treatment is debated. This retrospective study compared venous and antimicrobial prosthetic aortic graft reconstructions.

METHODS

All patients of the Northwest Clinics and St. Antonius Hospital who were treated for mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms or aortic graft infections between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2018, were analyzed. Exclusion criterion was treatment other than venous or antimicrobial reconstructions. Primary end points were 30-day complications and mortality rates and 3-year overall survival. Secondary end points were reintervention-free survival, persistent infection and reinfection rates, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 32 underwent venous reconstructions and 19 antimicrobial prosthetic aortic graft reconstructions. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between these groups, except for duration of surgical repair, which was longer in the venous group. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates, reinfection rates, complication rates, and hospital length of stay did not significantly differ between the groups. The 3-year overall survival was 77% for venous reconstruction compared with 66% for antimicrobial reconstruction (P = 0.781). The 30-day reintervention rate was 19% for the venous group compared with 42% for the prosthetic group (P = 0.071). Reintervention-free survival at 3 years was 46% for the venous group compared with 52% for the prosthetic group (P = 0.615).

CONCLUSIONS

Venous reconstruction tends to have better 3-year overall survival and lower 30-day reintervention rates compared with antimicrobial prosthetic graft reconstruction in patients with mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms or abdominal aortic graft infections. In the acute setting, antimicrobial prosthetic graft reconstruction is a valuable solution due to the shorter operation time and similar 30-day mortality and complication rates.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Management of Open Abdominal Aortic Graft Infections

OBJECTIVE

Aortic graft infection (AGI) is a disastrous complication with an incidence of 0.2-6% in operated patients. With little or no high quality evidence, the best treatment option remains unclear. Therefore, the literature on the management of open abdominal AGI was systematically reviewed to determine optimal treatment.

METHODS

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted for AGI. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomised Studies (MINORS) score. Primary outcomes were 30 day mortality and one year survival. Secondary outcomes were survival, infection recurrence, limb salvage, and graft patency.

RESULTS

Of 1574 studies identified, 32 papers were included in the study. The overall quality of the studies was moderate, with an average MINORS score of 11.9. Pooled overall 30 day mortality and one year survival were 13.5% (95% CI 10.5-16.4) and 73.6% (95% CI 68.8-78.4), respectively. The lowest 30 day mortality and highest one year survival were found for in situ repair compared with extra-anatomic repair and for prosthetic grafts compared with venous grafts or arterial allografts. The infection recurrence rate was highest for prosthetic grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of well designed, qualitative comparative studies making conclusive recommendations impossible. The current best available data suggests that partial graft removal should be avoided and the lowest 30 day mortality and best one year survival are achieved with in situ repair using prosthetic grafts. Initiatives such as the MAGIC database to collaboratively collect prospective data are an important step forward in obtaining more solid answers on this topic.

A meta-analysis of outcomes of in-situ reconstruction after total or partial removal of infected abdominal aortic graft

INTRODUCTION

There is currently a lack of evidence for the relative effectiveness of partial resection (PR) and total resection (TR) before managing abdominal aortic graft infection (AGI). Most authorities agree that TR is mandatory for intracavitary AGI in patients with favorable conditions but there is an increasing number of patients with severe comorbidities for whom this approach is not suitable, resulting in a prohibitive mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate indication for TR or PR.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A meta-analysis was conducted on the rates of early/late mortality, amputations and reinfection. A meta-regression was performed with eight variables: patient age, male prevalence, presence of virulent or nonvirulent organisms, urgency, omentoplasty and follow-up.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-one studies and 1052 patients were included. For TR and PR, the rates of early mortality and reinfection were 16.8% and 10.5%, 11% and 27%, respectively. For TR urgency and male gender were associated with increased rate of early mortality and male gender, PDF and virulent organisms were associated with increased risk of reinfection. For PR no statistical correlation was analyzable except for PDF with increased risk of reinfection.

CONCLUSIONS

Early mortality rates are higher for TR and reinfection rates are higher for PR. For TR early mortality increases in urgent cases and it is suggested that alternative option must be discussed, reinfection decreases in the presence of nonvirulent organisms and TR seems optimal. For TR and PR reinfection increases in presence of PDF and alternative technique may be more appropriate.

Deep Femoral Vein Reconstruction of the Abdominal Aorta and Adaptation of the Neo-Aortoiliac System Bypass Technique in an Endovascular Era

BACKGROUND:

Primary infection of the abdominal aorta is a rare pathology that may threaten the integrity of the aortic wall, while secondary aortic prosthesis infection represents a devastating complication to open surgical and endovascular aortic surgery. Curative treatment is achievable by removal of all infected prosthetic material followed by a vascular reconstruction.

DESIGN AND METHODS:

Twelve consecutive patients treated with the neo-aortoiliac system bypass (NAIS) procedure were reviewed. Nine were treated for a secondary aortic prosthesis infection (tube graft n = 3, bifurcated graft n = 4, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) stent graft n = 1, and fenestrated EVAR [FEVAR] stent graft n = 1), while 3 patients underwent NAIS repair due to an emergent primary mycotic aortoiliac aneurysm.

PRIMARY RESULTS:

Ten of 12 patients survived 30 days. Three patients were operated on acutely, and 9 patients had elective or subacute NAIS surgery. Two of 3 patients operated acutely died within 30 days, whereas no 30-day or 1-year mortality was observed in patients undergoing elective or subacute surgery. The median time from primary reconstruction to the NAIS procedure was 11 months (range: 0-201 months). Stent grafts (n = 5 of 12) were in 4 cases explanted using endovascular balloon clamping. Of the explanted endografts, 2 patients presented with a secondary graft infection after EVAR/FEVAR, while 3 patients had been emergently treated with endovascular cuffs as a "bridge-to-surgery" procedure due to aortoenteric fistula (AEF). Patients who received a "bridge-to-surgery" regimen were treated with the NAIS procedure within 8 weeks (median 27 days, range: 27-60) after receiving emergency stent grafting.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS:

Aortic balloon-clamping during explantation of infected aortic prosthetic endografts is feasible and facilitates complete endograft removal. Endovascular bridging procedures could be beneficiary in the treatment of AEF or anastomotic dehiscence due to graft infection, offering a possibility to convert the acute setting to an elective definitive reconstructive procedure with a higher overall success rate.

Open Repair of Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With Biological Grafts: An International Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

The treatment of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm requires surgery and antimicrobial therapy. Since prosthetic reconstructions carry a considerable risk of reinfection, biological grafts are noteworthy alternatives. The current study evaluated the durability, infection resistance, and midterm outcome of biological grafts in treatment of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients treated with biological graft in 6 countries between 2006 and 2016 were included. Primary outcome measures were 30- and 90-day survival, treatment-related mortality, and reinfection rate. Secondary outcome measures were overall mortality and graft patency. Fifty-six patients (46 males) with median age of 69 years (range 35-85) were included. Sixteen patients were immunocompromised (29%), 24 (43%) had concomitant infection, and 12 (21%) presented with rupture. Bacterial culture was isolated from 43 (77%). In-situ aortic reconstruction was performed using autologous femoral veins in 30 patients (54%), xenopericardial tube-grafts in 12 (21%), cryopreserved arterial/venous allografts in 9 (16%), and fresh arterial allografts in 5 (9%) patients. During a median follow-up of 26 months (range 3 weeks-172 months) there were no reinfections and only 3 patients (5%) required assistance with graft patency. Thirty-day survival was 95% (n=53) and 90-day survival was 91% (n=51). Treatment-related mortality was 9% (n=5). Kaplan-Meier estimation of survival at 1 year was 83% (95% confidence interval, 73%-94%) and at 5 years was 71% (52%-89%).

CONCLUSIONS

Mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with biological grafts is a durable option for patients fit for surgery presenting an excellent infection resistance and good overall survival.

Cryopreserved Cadaveric Arterial Allograft for Arterial Reconstruction in Patients with Prosthetic Infection

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report outcomes of cryopreserved arterial allografts used as a vascular substitute in the setting of prosthetic material infection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted including all consecutive interventions performed with cryopreserved arterial allografts used for vascular reconstruction in the setting of prosthetic material infection between January 2005 and December 2014. Five year outcomes included allograft related re-interventions, survival, primary patency, and limb salvage rates.

RESULTS

Fifty-three procedures were performed using cryopreserved allografts for vascular prosthetic infection: 25 procedures (47%) were performed at aorto-iliac level (Group 1) and 28 procedures (53%) at peripheral level (Group 2). The mean follow-up was 52 months. Five year allograft related re-intervention was 55% in Group 1 (6 allograft ruptures and 5 allograft aneurysm degenerations) and 33% in Group 2 (2 allograft ruptures and 7 allograft aneurysm degenerations). Five year survival was 40% and 68%, primary patency was 89% and 59% and limb salvage was 100% and 89% for Group 1 and 2 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Use of cryopreserved arterial allografts provides acceptable results but is tempered by suboptimal 5 year outcomes with high re-intervention rates.

Iliac Artery Reconstruction with Femoral Vein After Bare Metal Stent Infection

Introduction

Primary infection of a bare metal stent is a rare condition, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Definitive treatment includes stent removal and arterial reconstruction.

Report

This study details a common iliac stent infection after re-intervention for iliac stent occlusion, complicated by pseudoaneurysm formation and septic embolisation. Potential risk factors for stent infection were identified. An open surgical resection of the affected artery along with all stent material was performed, followed by reconstruction with autologous interposition superficial femoral vein. There were no complications and no recurrent infection at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusion

Although rare, bare metal stent infection may occur, and a high index of suspicion is required. Stent surgical removal and arterial in situ reconstruction with autologous femoral vein proved to be a definitive procedure with no mid-term morbidity.

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Iliac bare metal stent infection is a rare complication associated with morbidity.

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Pseudoaneurysm formation and septic embolization are presentation signs.

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Stent resection and in situ reconstruction with femoral vein is a definitive treatment.

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Re-intervention and use of local antimitotic drugs could be potential risk factors.

First Robinsoniella peoriensis aortic cross homograft mycotic pseudoaneurysm: A case report and review of the literature

Mycotic aortic aneurysm is a rare and challenging complication of aortic homografts caused by an infection and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report the first case of an aortic cross homograft mycotic pseudoaneurysm caused by Robinsoniella peoriensis in a 70-year-old man. Our patient underwent surgery for a recurrence of aortic cross mycotic pseudoaneurysm at the level of the aortic homograft he had had 7 years before. A clot-removal of the pseudoaneurysm was surgically carried out and the homograft was completely removed. Anaerobic culture from tissue samples yielded pure growth of a spore-forming Gram-positive rod, identified later as Robinsoniella peoriensis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The patient was then discharged with oral clindamycin according to the in vitro susceptibility testing. Identification of R. peoriensis might be challenging in clinical laboratories with no access to molecular methods.