Editor's Choice - Trend-break in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Decreasing Surgical Workload

Creation of a Shared Medical Decision Support Tool for the Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Patients with unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the surgical threshold may benefit from aneurysmal exclusion either by open surgery or endovascular repair. A patient decision aid (PtDA) could be useful to help patients and their surgeons choose between the 2 techniques. The aim of this study was to develop a shared medical decision support tool, in french language, for the surgical treatment of AAA.

METHODS

Following the steps recommended by the International Patient Decision Aids Standards, we carried out a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients and vascular surgeons and focus group with patients to identify their main points of interest. After analyzing the interviews using grounded theory with independent double coding, the verbatims were discussed at a steering committee, at the end of which a prototype of the tool was created.

RESULTS

Four surgeons and 14 patients were interviewed. No new codes emerged from the last 2 interviews. At the end of the steering committee meeting, the information selected for inclusion in the PtDA tool were the definition of an AAA, a description of the 2 surgical techniques (approach, duration of operation), the main complications, the peri-operative mortality rate, and postoperative follow-up (length of hospital stay, monitoring frequency, and risk of re-intervention). It had to be produced on a synthetic paper format, with 6 illustrations and a simple vocabulary.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a PtDA tool for use in a sharing decision making process with the patient during consultation with the vascular surgeon and the general practitioner. Further studies are needed to validate the tool and to test it in clinical practice.

Trends in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Incidence, Comorbidity, Treatment, and Mortality: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study, 1996-2018

Background

Significant changes in Western populations' abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) epidemiology have been reported following the introduction of screening, endovascular AAA repair, and reduced tobacco consumption. We report incidence and mortality of AAA repair in Denmark from 1996 to 2018, where AAA screening was not implemented.

Methods

Nationwide cohort study of prospective data from population-based Danish registries covering 1996 to 2018. We identified 15,395 patients undergoing first-time AAA repair using the Danish Vascular Registry. Comorbidity was assessed by Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI). Incidence rate (IR) ratios and mortality rate ratios (MRR) were estimated by multivariable Poisson and Cox regression, respectively.

Results

Overall AAA repair IR decreased by 24% from 1996 through 2018, mainly reflecting a 53% IR reduction in ruptured AAA repairs in men. Overall, the IR decreased 52-63% in age groups below 70 years and increased 81% among octogenarians. The proportion of intact AAAs repaired endovascularly increased from 2% in 1996-1999 to 42% in 2015-2018. For both ruptured and intact AAAs the CCI score increased by 0.9% annually independently of age and sex. The adjusted five-year MRR in 2016-2018 vs.1996-2000 was 0.46 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39-0.54) following ruptured and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.44-0.59) following intact AAA repair.

Conclusion

In Denmark, overall AAA repair incidence decreased between 1996 and 2018, primarily reflecting a reduction among males and a shift to an older population requiring intervention. These trends mirror changes in tobacco consumption in Denmark. Regardless of age and comorbidity, AAA repair mortality decreased markedly during the study period.

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.

Estimation of the Added Cancer Risk Derived From EVAR and CTA Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of radiation-induced cancer development in patients that have undergone an infrarenal EVAR, stratifying the relative contributions of the procedure and the preoperative and postoperative CTAs.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The organ-specific absorbed radiation doses from CTA and the EVAR procedure were estimated from the radiation exposures of 95 and 45 male patients, respectively. Lifetime attributable risk (LAR) cancer predictions were calculated for 14 different organs. Life expectancy was assumed from a previous cohort of patients undergoing infra-renal EVAR.

RESULTS

The calculated total excess cancer risk was 0.0046, ie, 1 out of 220 patients will develop a neoplasm after being exposed to the ionizing radiation from the preoperative CTA, the EVAR and annual CTA examinations for 15 years. The procedure and the preoperative CTA contributed with 38% of the total excess risk, while the rest was derived from the follow-up. If the entire CTA based follow-up would have been eliminated, an excess risk of 0.0018 (1/560) would remain.

CONCLUSIONS

1 out of 219 patients who have undergone EVAR of an infra-renal AAA have a lifetime risk of developing cancer secondary to the radiation exposures related to the procedure and the CTAs used preoperatively and during follow-up. This risk derives mostly from the yearly postoperative CTAs, underlining the potential benefits of reducing or replacing their use.

CLINICAL IMPACT

A simulation-based estimation reinforced the potential deleterious effects of the radiation exposure for patients undergoing Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) and subsequently followed by yearly Computer Tomography Angiographies (CTAs). The risk could be as high as 1 out 219 patients developing a neoplasm after 15 years. The largest exposure derives from the follow-up CTAs and efforts to minimize their use as well as the intraoperative radiation are greatly needed. The simulation-based estimations done in this study reinforce potential deleterious effects of the radiation exposure for patients undergoing EVAR of AAA. Efforts should be done to minimize the intraoperative radiation and the number of CTAs used during follow-up.

Disturbed hemodynamics and oxidative stress interaction in endothelial dysfunction and AAA progression: Focus on Nrf2 pathway

Hemodynamic shear stress is one of the major factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), through its modulatory effect on the endothelial cell's redox homeostasis and mechanosensitive gene expression. Among important mechanisms, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress activation, and the subsequent endothelial dysfunction are attributed to disturbed blood flow and low shear stress in the vascular curvature and bifurcations which are considered atheroprone regions and aneurysm occurrence spots. Many pathways were shown to be involved in AAA progression. Of particular interest from recent findings is, the (Nrf2)/Keap-1 pathway, where Nrf2 is a transcription factor that has antioxidant properties and is strongly associated with several CVDs, yet, the exact mechanism by which Nrf2 alleviates CVDs still to be elucidated. Nrf2 expression is closely affected by shear stress and was shown to participate in AAA. In the current review paper, we discussed the link between disturbed hemodynamics and its effect on Nrf2 as a mechanosensitive gene and its role in the development of endothelial dysfunction which is linked to the progression of AAA.

German nation-wide in-patient treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm-trends between 2005 and 2019 and impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

PURPOSE

Aim of this study was to analyze hospitalizations due to ruptured and non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA, nrAAA) in Germany between 2005 and 2021 to determine long-term trends in treatment and the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fully anonymized data were available from the research data center (RDC) of the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). All German hospitalizations with the ICD-10 code "I71.3, rAAA" and "I71.4, nrAAA" in 2005 and 2010-2021 were analyzed.

RESULTS

We report data of a total of 202,951 hospitalizations. The number of hospitalizations increased from 2005 to 2019 (14,075 to 16,051, + 14.0%). The rate of open repair (OR) constantly decreased, whereas the rate of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) increased until 2019. During the pandemic, the number of hospitalizations due to nrAAA dropped from 13,887 (86.5%) in 2019 to 11,278 (85.0%) in 2021. The strongest decrease of hospitalizations for AAA was observed during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic in spring 2020 (-25.5%).

CONCLUSION

Over the past decades, we observed an increasing number of hospitalizations due to AAA accompanied by a shift from OR to EVAR especially for nrAAA. During the lockdown measures due to the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic, a decrease in hospitalizations for nrAAA (but not for rAAA) was shown in 2020 and furthermore in 2021 with no rebound of treatment of nrAAA suggesting an accumulation of untreated AAA with a potentially increased risk of rupture.

The Management of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: An Ongoing Challenge

BACKGROUND

despite improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of elective AAAs, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) continue to cause a substantial number of deaths. The choice between an open or endovascular approach remains a challenge, as does postoperative complications in survivors. The aim of this manuscript is to offer an overview of the contemporary management of RAAA patients, with a focus on preoperative and intraoperative factors that could help surgeons provide more appropriate treatment.

METHODS

we performed a search on MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus from 1 January 1985 to 1 May 2023 and reviewed SVS and ESVS guidelines. A total of 278 articles were screened, but only those with data available on ruptured aneurysms' incidence and prevalence, preoperative scores, and mortality rates after emergency endovascular or open repair for ruptured AAA were included in the narrative synthesis. Articles were not restricted due to the designs of the studies.

RESULTS

the centralization of RAAAs has improved outcomes after both surgical and endovascular repair. Preoperative mortality risk scores and knowledge of intraoperative factors influencing mortality could help surgeons with decision-making, although there is still no consensus about the best treatment. Complications continue to be an issue in patients surviving intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

RAAA still represents a life-threatening condition, with high mortality rates. Effective screening and centralization matched with adequate preoperative risk-benefit assessment may improve outcomes.

Trends in Hospital Admissions, Operative Approaches, and Mortality Related to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in England Between 1998 and 2020

OBJECTIVE

To assess trends in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) hospital admissions, interventions, and aneurysm related mortality in England, and to examine the impact of endovascular repair on mortality for the years 1998 - 2020.

METHODS

Hospital admission and operative approach (endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, or open surgical repair [OSR]) using Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES), and aneurysm related mortality data from the Office for National Statistics for England standardised to the 2013 European Standard Population, were analysed using linear regression and Joinpoint regression analyses. Aneurysm related mortality was compared between the pre-endovascular era (1998 - 2010) and the endovascular era (2011 - 2019).

RESULTS

A declining trend in hospital admission incidence was observed, mainly due to a decline in ruptured admissions from 34.6 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 33.5 - 35.6) to 13.5 per 100 000 (95% CI 12.9 - 14.2; βi = -1.04, r2 = .97, p < .001). Operative interventions have been declining over the last 23 years mainly due to the statistically significant decline in open procedures (41.2 per 100 000 in 2000 [95% CI 40 - 42.3] to 9.6 per 100 000 [95% CI 9.1 - 10.1]; βi = -1.92, r2 = .95; p < .001). There was an increasing trend toward endovascular procedures (5.8 per 100 000 [95% CI 5.3 - 6.2] in 2006 to 16.9 per 100 000 [95% CI 16.2 - 17.5] in 2020; βi = .82, r2 = .30, p = .040). Reductions in aneurysm related mortality due to AAAs were observed for males and females, irrespective of age and rupture status.

CONCLUSION

A significant decrease in hospital admissions for AAAs was observed over the last 23 years in England, paralleled by a shift toward endovascular repair and a decline in OSR. Declines in aneurysm related mortality were observed overall, and in the endovascular era irrespective of age, sex, and rupture status.

Pulsatile Changes of the Aortic Diameter May Be Irrelevant Regarding Endograft Sizing in Patients With Aortic Disease

PURPOSE

Endovascular aortic repair has become the preferred elective treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Aortic pulsatility may pose problems regarding endograft sizing. The aims of this study are to determine the aortic pulsatility in patients with aortic disease and to evaluate the effect of pulsatility on the growth of aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, analyses of computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of 31 patients under conservative treatment for small abdominal aortic aneurysms were performed. Reconstructions of the raw electrocardiography (ECG) gated dataset at 30% and 90% of the R-R cycle were used. After lumen segmentation, total aortic cross-sectional area was measured in diastole and systole in the following zones: Z0, Z3, Z5, Z6, Z8, and Z9. Effective diameters (EDs) were calculated from the systolic (ED_sys) and diastolic (ED_dia) cross-sectional areas to determine absolute (ED_sys - ED_dia, mm) and relative pulsatility [(ED_sys - ED_dia) / ED_dia, %]. Diameter of the aneurysms was measured on baseline images and the last preoperative follow-up study of each patient.

RESULTS

A total of 806 measurements were completed, 24 pulsatility and 2 growth measurements per patient. The mean pulsatility values at each point were as follows: Z0: 0.7±0.8 mm, Z3: 1.0±0.6 mm, Z5: 1.0±0.6 mm, Z6: 0.8±0.7 mm, Z8: 0.7±1.0 mm, Z9: 0.9±0.9 mm. Follow-up time was 5.5±2.2 years during which a growth of 13.42±9.09 mm (2.54±1.55 mm yearly) was observed. No correlation was found between pulsatility values and growth rate of the aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

The pulsatility of the aorta is in a submillimetric range for the vast majority of patients with aortic disease, thus probably not relevant regarding endograft sizing. Pulsatility of the ascending aorta is smaller than that of the descending segment, making an additional oversize of a Z0 implantation questionable.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Endovascular aortic repair reqiures precise preoperative planning. Pulsatile changes of the aortic diameter may pose issues regarding endograft sizing. In our retrospective single-centre study, aortic pulsatility of patients with AAA was measured on ECG gated CTA images. Pulsatility values reached a maximum at the descending aorta, however absolute pulsatility values did not exceed 1 mm at any point along the aorta. Therefore, significance of aortic pulsatility regarding the sizing of EVAR prostheses is questionable. Correlation between pulsatility and AAA growth was not found.

Inter-Hospital Transfer of Patients With Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Switzerland

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between inter-hospital transfer and hospital mortality in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) in Switzerland.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis of case related hospital discharge data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for the years 2009 - 2018. All cases with rAAA as primary or secondary diagnosis were included. Cases with rAAA as a secondary diagnosis without surgical treatment and cases that had been transferred to another hospital without surgical treatment at the referring hospital were excluded. Logistic regression models for hospital mortality were constructed with age, sex, type of admission, van Walraven comorbidity score, type of treatment, insurance class, hospital level, and year of treatment as independent variables.

RESULTS

A total of 1 798 cases with rAAA were treated either surgically (62.5%) or palliatively (37.5%) in Switzerland from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2018. Of these cases, 72.9% were treated directly (surgically or palliatively) at the hospital of first presentation, whereas 27.1% of all cases with rAAA were transferred between hospitals. The overall crude hospital mortality was 50.3%; being 23.1% in the surgically treated cohort and 95.7% in the palliatively treated cohort. Inter-hospital transfer was associated with better survival compared with patients who were admitted directly (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.36 - 0.75; p < .001). Treatment in major hospitals was associated with significantly higher mortality rate compared with university hospitals (OR 1.98; 1.41 - 2.79; p < .001). There was no evidence of an association between open repair and hospital mortality (OR 1.06; 0.77 - 1.48; p = .72) compared with endovascular repair.

CONCLUSION

In a healthcare system such as Switzerland's with a highly specialised rescue chain, transfer of haemodynamically stable patients with rAAA is probably safe. In this setting, centralised medical care might outweigh the potential disadvantages of a short delay due to patient transfer. Further studies are needed to address potential confounding factors such as haemodynamic and anatomical features.

Incidence and Outcomes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in New Zealand from 2001 to 2021

Purpose: The burden of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) has changed in the last 20 years but is still considered to be a major cause of cardiovascular mortality. The introduction of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and improved peri-operative care has resulted in a steady improvement in both outcomes and long-term survival. The objective of this study was to identify the burden of AAA disease by analysing AAA-related hospitalisations and deaths. Methodology: All AAA-related hospitalisations in NZ from January 2001 to December 2021 were identified from the National Minimum Dataset, and mortality data were obtained from the NZ Mortality Collection dataset from January 2001 to December 2018. Data was analysed for patient characteristics including deprivation index, repair methods and 30-day outcomes. Results: From 2001 to 2021, 14,436 patients with an intact AAA were identified with a mean age of 75.1 years (SD 9.7 years), and 4100 (28%) were females. From 2001 to 2018, there were 5000 ruptured AAA with a mean age of 77.8 (SD 9.4), and 1676 (33%) were females. The rate of hospitalisations related to AAA has decreased from 43.7 per 100,000 in 2001 to 15.4 per 100,000 in 2018. There was a higher proportion of rupture AAA in patients living in more deprived areas. The use of EVAR for intact AAA repair has increased from 18.1% in 2001 to 64.3% in 2021. The proportion of octogenarians undergoing intact AAA repair has increased from 16.2% in 2001 to 28.4% in 2021. The 30-day mortality for intact AAA repair has declined from 5.8% in 2001 to 1.7% in 2021; however, it has remained unchanged for ruptured AAA repair at 31.6% across the same period. Conclusions: This study highlights that the incidence of AAA has declined in the last two decades. The mortality has improved for patients who had a planned repair. Understanding the contemporary burden of AAA is paramount to improve access to health, reduce variation in outcomes and promote surgical quality improvement.

Long-term Survival After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Is Improving Over Time: Nationwide Analysis During Twenty-four Years in Sweden (1994-2017)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term survival after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) repair in Sweden during twenty-four years (1994-2017).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Management of rAAA has seen significant changes in the past decades, with the shifting from open (OAR) to endovascular (EVAR) being the most striking, thereby enabling treatment of elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.

METHODS

A registry-based nationwide cohort study was performed, and three 8-year periods (1994-2001, 2002-2009, 2010-2017) were compared for crude long-term survival with Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses. Relative survival compared to matched general population referents was estimated.

RESULTS

Overall, 8928 rAAA repair subjects were identified (1994-2001 N = 3368; 2002-2009 N = 3405; 2010-2017 N = 2155). The proportion of octogenarians (20.6%; 27.5%; 34.0%; P < 0.001), women (14.3%; 18.5%; 20.6%; P < 0.001), and EVAR procedures (1.5%; 14.9%; 35.5%; P < 0.001) increased over time. The crude 5-year survival was 36%; 44%; 43% (P < 0.0001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis displayed a decreasing mortality hazard ratio (HR) over time (1.00; 0.80; 0.72; P < 0.001). Use of EVAR was associated with reduced hazards of crude long-term mortality (HR = 0.80, P < 0.001). Relative survival for patients surviving the perioperative period (ie, 90 days) was lower than matched general population referents, and was stable over time (relative 5-year survival: 86% vs 88%, vs 86% P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nationwide analysis of long-term outcomes after repair of rAAA in Sweden during 24 years (1994-2017) has revealed that, despite changes in the baseline population characteristics as well as in the treatment strategy, long-term survival improved over time.

Scoping review of radiologic assessment and prognostic impact of skeletal muscle sarcopenia in patients undergoing endovascular repair for aortic disease

OBJECTIVE

The primary objectives of our scoping review were to evaluate the methods used by research groups to assess the incidence of sarcopenia in patients with aortic disease and the extent of the evidence base that links sarcopenia to the survival of patients undergoing elective endovascular aortic repair and to identify the recurring themes or gaps in the literature to guide future research.

METHODS

A scoping review in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) protocols extension for scoping reviews was performed. The available studies included those fully reported in English (last query, April 30, 2022). The following PICO question was used to build the search equation: "in patients with aortic disease [population] undergoing endovascular repair [intervention], what was the prevalence and prognosis of radiologically defined sarcopenia [comparison] on the short- and long-term outcomes?"

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies were considered relevant, and 18 were included in the present scoping review. In brief, 12 studies had focused on standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), 2 on thoracic EVAR, and 4 on complex EVAR. All but two studies were retrospective in design, and only one study had included patients from a multicenter database. Sarcopenia had generally been defined using the computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings of the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at L3 or L4, sometimes with normalization against the height. Overall, despite the heterogeneity in the methods used for its definition, sarcopenia was highly prevalent (range, 12.5%-67.6%). The patients with sarcopenia had had higher rates of mortality (ratio ranged from 2.28 [95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.84] to 6.34 [95% confidence interval, 3.37-10.0]) and adverse events (41% vs 16%; P = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia, as identified using computed tomography angiography-based measurements of the skeletal muscle mass, was prevalent among patients undergoing elective EVAR, thoracic EVAR, or complex EVAR. The presence of sarcopenia has been shown to have a negative prognostic impact, increasing the operative risk and has been linked to poorer long-term survival.

Time Distribution of Mortality After Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair is still associated with high mortality. The aim of this population-based study was to analyze the time distribution of mortality and short-term mortality trends after rAAA repair.

METHODS

This was a nationwide retrospective registry study including all patients (n = 3,927) who underwent endovascular (EVAR) (n = 935) or open surgical repair (OSR) (n = 2,992) for rAAA between 2000 and 2018. The National Patient Register was used as a source to extract patient and medical data. The register was cross-linked with the national all-cause mortality registry. The postoperative time of death was divided into <48 hours, 2 to 5 days, 6 to 10 days, 11 to 20 days, 21 to 30 days, and 31 to 90 days during the year intervals 2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2018, respectively. The proportion of patients who died within each postoperative time interval was calculated.

RESULTS

The overall median age was 75.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 69.0-80.0) and females were 19.6% (n = 769). The EVAR cohort was older (77 vs. 65 years; P < 0.001) and had significantly more cardiovascular risk factors and a history of malignancy. The overall postoperative 90-day mortality was 33.2%, EVAR 25.7%, and OSR 35.5%. There was an overall improvement in 90-day mortality over time (odds ratio [OR] 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.87; P = 0.001) but not separately for EVAR or OSR. Analyzing all postoperative mortalities within 90 days, 43.4% of deaths occurred within 48 hours followed by 16.3% in 2-5 days. The distribution of mortality proportions in each time interval after OSR was 15.4% in < 48 hours, 7.3% in 2-5 days, 4.4% in 6-10 days, 8.6% in 11-30 days, and 6.0% in 31-90 days and after EVAR 11.1% < 48 hours, 3.6% 2-5 days, 3.1% 6-10 days, 4.6% 11-30 days, and 6% 31-90 days. The overall mortality proportions for patients who died <48 hours after aortic repair had decreased over time (P = 0.024). A logistic regression analysis found the following risk factors associated with mortality <48 hours after rAAA, open repair (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.17-1.89; P = 0.001), female gender (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.14-1.75; P = 0.002), and history of heart failure (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.19-2.22; P = 0.002) or angina pectoris (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.03-1.81; P = 0.03). The recent operative year interval, 2015-2018, was associated with a lower risk for mortality <48 hours (OR 0.72; 95% 0.53-0.98; P = 0.04) and <90-days (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.49-0.80; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall mortality after rAAA repair had decreased but early deaths remained a significant challenge. The mortality was highest within two days of surgery but the proportion of patients who died <48 hours after aortic repair had decreased in recent years. Open repair, female gender, and cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with mortality within 48 hours after surgery. More focused research in the early postoperative phase after rAAA is warranted.

Association Between Psoas Muscle Sarcopenia and Long-Term Survival Following Elective EVAR

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were as follows: i) to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing elective endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for intact abdominal aortic aneurysm; ii) to assess its association with perioperative morbidity and long-term survival; and iii) to estimate its diagnostic accuracy for prediction of 5-year mortality following the intervention.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent elective EVAR from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2019. The lean psoas muscle area (LPMA; cm² × HU) was calculated on computed tomography angiography by multiplying psoas muscle area and psoas muscle density. The main exposure variable for this study was the presence of preoperative sarcopenia (LPMA value < 350), and the study cohort was divided in two groups for all subsequent analyses. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The study cohort eventually comprised 338 patients who underwent elective EVAR for intact abdominal aortic aneurysm. In the overall population, 154 patients (45.5%) were classified as sarcopenic. At baseline, patients with sarcopenia were older (mean age: 78 ± 5 versus 75 ± 7 y, P < 0.001) and had lower proportion of males (73.5% versus 93.5%, P < 0.001). At 5 y, the estimated survival rates were 52% versus 74% in sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients, respectively (P < 0.001). Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression, an independent association was identified between sarcopenia and all-cause mortality in the whole cohort (hazard ratio: 2.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.43-3.36, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia, defined as LPMA <350 as measured on preoperative computed tomography angiography, can be highly prevalent in patients undergoing elective EVAR. Although the intervention remains safe in the short term, presence of sarcopenia was significantly associated to lower long-term survival irrespective of patients' age or gender.

Predictive factors for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in octogenarians after elective endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in octogenarians who received elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

Consecutive patients aged ≥ 80 years undergoing elective EVAR from 2009 to 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The primary outcome was long-term MACCE. All independent risk factors for outcomes were determined by multivariate logistic analysis or Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 81 (interquartile range, IQR, 80-84) years and 85.9% (140/163) of them were male. MACCE happened in 2.5% (4/163) patients within 30 days. With median follow-up of 28 (IQR, 15-46) months, the incidence of long-term MACCE was 26.4% (43/163). Arrythmia was significantly associated with long-term MACCE (hazard ratio, HR = 2.64, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.16-6.03, P = .021). Carotid artery disease was found a significant association with 2-year MACCE (odd ratio, OR = 6.50, 95% CI, 1.07-39.51, P = .042). Besides, we found that arrythmia and congestive heart failure (CHF) were predictors for overall survival (arrythmia, HR = 2.56, 95% CI, 1.05-6.28, P = .039; CHF, HR = 8.96, 95% CI, 2.12-37.79, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

EVAR in octogenarians had acceptable perioperative risk and long-term outcome. Considering high risk of 2-year MACCE, intervention strategy should be more cautious for patients with carotid artery disease. Octogenarians with arrythmia and CHF should receive stricter postoperative management in case of MACCE.

Safety of the endovascular aneurysm repair procedure: real-world evidence using interrupted-time series analysis

OBJECTIVES

In Taiwan, endovascular aneurysm repair for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) was introduced in 2004 and became reimbursable in February 2010. We evaluated the real-world practice and safety of endovascular aneurysm repair in Taiwan.

METHODS

Patients who underwent repair operations for AAA (open or endovascular) from 2000 to 2016 were enrolled (n = 11485). Outcome statistics (during the index hospitalization: length of stay, rate of ischaemic bowel disease and 30-day mortality; after discharge: 30-day readmission rate, 2-year mortality, 2-year reintervention rate and 2-year paraplegia rate) were calculated for each half-year cohort. Propensity score-based stabilized weights were used to balance covariates among each half-year cohort. Interrupted time-series analysis was then performed.

RESULTS

The elective and emergency ratio of AAA repair was 50:50 from 2000 to 2004 and became 60:40 from 2010 to 2016. The half-year rate of endovascular aneurysm repair was 0% in 2000 to 2004/06, 83.16% in 2010 and 98.1% in 2016. Interrupted time series analysis revealed that after endovascular aneurysm repair became reimbursable, both elective and emergency groups had a reduction in length of stay (-4.2 days, P < 0.0001; -1.5 days, P = 0.0928) and 30-day mortality (-5.22%, P = 0.0702; -7.76%, P = 0.0086) but a significant increase in the reintervention rate (5.05%, P = 0.0031; 4.36%, P = 0.0097).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular aneurysm repair was predominantly used in treating AAAs after it was reimbursed in Taiwan. Endovascular aneurysm repair is efficacious regarding short-term outcomes but increased the 2-year reintervention rate in both groups.

Outcomes of EVAR Conversion in Octogenarians Treated at a High-Volume Aorta Center

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair(EVAR) is the dominant treatment strategy for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms(AAA) but is especially preferred among octogenarian(age ≥80-years) patients due to concerns surrounding comorbidity severity and physiological frailty. Correspondingly, EVAR failure resulting in subsequent open conversion(EVAR-c) has been increasingly reported in older patients but there is a paucity of literature focusing on outcomes in this subgroup. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate our experience with EVAR-c in octogenarians(≥80-years) compared to younger patients(age <80-years).

METHODS

A retrospective review of all non-mycotic EVAR-c procedures(2002-2020) at a single high-volume academic hospital with a dedicated aorta center(https://www.uf-health-aortic-disease-center) was performed. Patients(n=162) were categorized into octogenarian(age ≥80; n=43) and non-octogenarian(age<80; n=119) cohorts and subsequently compared. The primary end-point was 30-day mortality. Secondary end-points included complications, 90-day mortality, and overall survival. Cox regression determined effects of selected covariates on mortality risk. Kaplan-Meier methodology estimated survival.

RESULTS

No difference in pre-admission EVAR re-intervention rates was present(octogenerians-42% vs. non-octogenerians-43%;p=1) although time to first re-intervention was greater in octogenarians(41 vs. non-octogenarians, 15-months;p=.01). Concordantly, time to EVAR-c was significantly longer among octogenarian patients(61 vs. non-octogenarians, 39-months;p<.01). No difference in rupture presentation was evident(14% vs. 10%;p=.6); however, elective EVAR-c occurred less frequently(octogenerians-42% vs. non-octogenerians-59%;p=.07). AAA diameter was significantly larger for elective octogenarian EVAR-c(7.8±1.9cm vs. non-octogenarians, 7.0±1.5cm;p=.02) and type 1a endoleak was the most common indication overall(58%;n=91). Among all presentations, a trend in higher 30-day mortality was evident for octogenarian patients(16% vs. non-octogenarians, 7%;p=.06). Similarly 90-day mortality was greater among octogenarians(26% vs. non-octogenarians, 10%;p=.02). However, incidence of any complication(56% vs. 49%;p=.5), readmission(12% vs. 6%;p=.3), unplanned re-operation(10% vs. 5%;p=.5) and LOS(11 vs. 9 days;p=.3) was not significantly different. Age ≥80 was predictive of short-term mortality after non-elective but not elective cases; however, increasing comorbidity number, non-elective admission and renal/mesenteric revascularization had the strongest association with mortality risk. One- and three-year survival was not different between groups when comparing all patients after the first 90-days postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Although higher unadjusted peri-operative mortality occurred among octogenarian patients, risk-adjusted elective outcomes were comparable to younger EVAR-c subjects when treated at a high-volume aortic surgery center. This underscores the importance of appropriate patient selection and modulation of operative complexity when feasible to achieve optimal results. Providers caring for octogenarian patients with EVAR failure should consider timely elective referral to high-volume aorta centers to reduce resource utilization and frequency of non-elective presentations.

Treatment Outcome Trends for Non-Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) initiative was established in 2013 to monitor and improve nationwide outcomes of aortic aneurysm surgery. The objective of this study was to examine whether outcomes of surgery for intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAA) have improved over time.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary repair of an iAAA by standard endovascular (EVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) between 2014 and 2019 were selected from the DSAA for inclusion. The primary outcome was peri-operative mortality trend per year, stratified by OSR and EVAR. Secondary outcomes were trends per year in major complications, textbook outcome (TbO), and characteristics of treated patients. The trends per year were evaluated and reported in odds ratios per year.

RESULTS

In this study, 11 624 patients (74.8%) underwent EVAR and 3 908 patients (25.2%) underwent OSR. For EVAR, after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no improvement in peri-operative mortality (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] 1.06, 95% CI 0.94 - 1.20), while major complications decreased (2014: 10.1%, 2019: 7.0%; aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88 - 0.95) and the TbO rate increased (2014: 68.1%, 2019: 80.9%; aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10 - 1.16). For OSR, the peri-operative mortality decreased (2014: 6.1%, 2019: 4.6%; aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 - 0.98), as well as major complications (2014: 28.6%, 2019: 23.3%; aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 - 0.99). Furthermore, the proportion of TbO increased (2014: 49.1%, 2019: 58.3%; aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.10). In both the EVAR and OSR group, the proportion of patients with cardiac comorbidity increased.

CONCLUSION

Since the establishment of this nationwide quality improvement initiative (DSAA), all outcomes of iAAA repair following EVAR and OSR have improved, except for peri-operative mortality following EVAR which remained unchanged.

Outcomes after Elective Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Octogenarians Compared to Younger Patients in Korea

BACKGROUND

Although the first choice of treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is endovascular aneurysm repair, especially in elderly patients, some patients require open surgical repair. The purpose of this study was to compare the mortality outcomes of open AAA repair between octogenarians and younger counterparts and to identify the risk factors associated with mortality.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent elective open AAA repair due to degenerative etiology at a single tertiary medical center between 1996 and June 2020 were included in this retrospective review. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed to collect the following information: demographics, comorbid medical conditions, clinical presentations, radiologic findings, surgical details, and morbidity and mortality rates. For analysis, patients were divided into two groups: older and younger than 80 years of age. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mortality after elective open AAA repair.

RESULTS

Among a total of 650 patients who underwent elective open AAA repair due to degenerative AAA during the study period, 58 (8.9%) were octogenarians and 595 (91.1%) were non-octogenarians. Patients in the octogenarian group were predominantly female and more likely to have lower body weight and body mass index (BMI), hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and lower preoperative serum hemoglobin and albumin compared with patients in the non-octogenarian group. Maximal aneurysm diameter was larger in octogenarians. During the median follow-up duration of 34.4 months for 650 patients, the median length of total hospital and intensive care unit stay was longer in octogenarians. The 30-day (1.7% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.374) and 1-year (6.9% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.108) mortality rates were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that low BMI was associated with increased 30-day (odds ratio [OR], 16.339; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.192-224.052; P = 0.037) and 1-year (OR, 8.236; CI, 2.301-29.477; P = 0.001) mortality in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Because the mortality rate of octogenarians after elective open AAA repair was not significantly different compared with their younger counterparts, being elderly is not a contraindication for open AAA repair. Low BMI might be associated with increased postoperative mortality.

Quality-adjusted life year comparison at medium term follow-up of endovascular versus open surgical repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm in young patients

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the quality of life and cost effectiveness between endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) in young patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Design

This was a single-center, observational, and retrospective study.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with AAA, who were <70 years old and underwent EVAR or OSR between January 2012 and October 2016. Only patients with aortic morphology that was suitable for EVAR were enrolled. Data on the complication rates, medical expenses, and expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were collected, and the cost per QALY at three years was compared.

Results

Among 90 patients with aortic morphology who were eligible for EVAR, 37 and 53 patients underwent EVAR and OSR, respectively. No significant differences were observed in perioperative cardiovascular events and death between the two groups. However, during the follow-up period, patients undergoing OSR showed a significantly lower complication rate (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.11; P = .021). From the three-year cost-effectiveness analysis, the total sum of costs was significantly lower in the OSR group (P < .001) than that in the EVAR group, and the number of QALYs was superior in the OSR group (P = .013). The cost per QALY at three years was significantly lower in the OSR group than that in the EVAR group (mean: $4038 vs. $10 137; respectively; P < .001)

Conclusions

OSR had lower complication rates and better cost-effectiveness than EVAR Among young patients with feasible aortic anatomy.

How often will midwives and obstetricians experience obstetric emergencies or high-risk deliveries: a national cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate how often midwives, specialty trainees and doctors specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology are attending to specific obstetric emergencies or high-risk deliveries (obstetric events).

DESIGN

A national cross-sectional study.

SETTING

All hospital labour wards in Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS

Midwives (n=1303), specialty trainees (n=179) and doctors specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology (n=343) working in hospital labour wards (n=21) in Denmark in 2018.

METHODS

Categories of obstetric events comprised of Apgar score <7/5 min, eclampsia, emergency caesarean sections, severe postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, umbilical cord prolapse, vaginal breech deliveries, vaginal twin deliveries and vacuum extraction. Data on number of healthcare professionals were obtained through the Danish maternity wards, the Danish Health Authority and the Danish Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. We calculated the time interval between attending each obstetric event by dividing the number of events occurred with the number of healthcare professionals.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The time interval between attending a specific obstetric event.

RESULTS

The average time between experiencing obstetric events ranged from days to years. Emergency caesarean sections, which occur relatively frequent, were attended on average every other month by midwives, every 9 days for specialty trainees and every 17 days by specialist doctors. On average, rare events like eclampsia were experienced by midwives only every 42 years, every 6 years by specialty trainees and every 11 years by specialist doctors.

CONCLUSIONS

Some obstetric events occur extremely rarely, hindering the ability to obtain and maintain the clinical skills to manage them through clinical practice alone. By assessing the frequency of a healthcare professionals attending an obstetric emergency, our study contributes to assessing the need for supplementary educational initiatives and interventions to learn and maintain clinical skills.

Nationwide Study of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms During Twenty Years (1994-2013)

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemiology of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA) in Sweden over 20 years, and assess the effect of endovascular repair (EVAR) on surgical treatment rate and outcome.

METHODS

All Swedish citizens >50 years with RAAA 1994 to 2013 were extracted from 3 national (Cause of Death, Patient, and Vascular Surgical) registries. Incidence, proportion repaired, surgical techniques, and 90-day mortality were assessed based on sex and age groups, with regression analysis.

RESULTS

18,726 individuals with RAAA were identified, 74.0% men. The incidence of RAAA decreased from 33.1/100,000: 1994 to 21.3/100,000: 2013 (relative change -35.6%, P < 0.001). The proportion of men with RAAA undergoing repair was 44.5%: 1994-1998, 49.7%: 2009-2013 (+11.7%, P < 0.001). In women, 22.3% were repaired in 1994-1998, versus 28.2%: 2009-2013 (+26.4%, P < 0.001). The proportion undergoing repair increased in octogenarians (men: +44.3%, P < 0.001; women +49.3%, P = 0.001). EVAR increased from 0% initially to 42.3% in men and 41.2% in women 2013. Overall, mortality rate among all individuals with RAAA decreased, men 75.8%: 1994-1998, 64.8%: 2009-2013 (-14.5%, P < 0.001); women 88.5%: 1994-1998, 82.2%: 2009-2013 (-7.1%, P < 0.001). Among those who underwent repair, mortality was 47.0% in men: 1994-1998, 31.8%: 2009-2013 (-32.3%, P < 0.001); women 51.8%: 1994-1998, 41.4%: 2009-2013 (-20.1%, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

RAAA mortality among men decreased, mainly attributed to falling incidence of RAAA. The mortality was further reduced by more patients being offered repair, increasingly often with EVAR, and improved survival after repair. Incidence of rupture remained unchanged among women, who had higher RAAA mortality. Focused efforts to reduce RAAA mortality among women are warranted.

Editor's Choice - Variation in Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Outcomes by Country: Analysis of International Consortium of Vascular Registries 2010 - 2016

OBJECTIVE

Outcomes for intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair vary over time and by healthcare system, country, and surgeon. The aim of this study was to analyse peri-operative mortality for intact AAA repair in 11 countries over time and compare outcomes by gender, age, and geographical location.

METHODS

Prospective data on primary repair of intact AAA were collected from 11 countries through the International Consortium of Vascular Registries (ICVR) and analysed for two time periods, 2010 - 2013 and 2014 - 2016. The primary outcome was peri-operative mortality after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for differences in patient characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 103 715 patients were included. The percentage of patients undergoing EVAR increased from 63.6% to 71.2% (p < .001) over the study period. This proportion varied by country from 35% in Hungary to 81% in the United States. Overall peri-operative mortality decreased from 2.1% to 1.6 % (p < .001). Mortality also declined significantly over time for both OSR 4.2% to 3.6 % (p = .002) and EVAR 1.0% to 0.7% (p = .002). Mortality was significantly higher for female than male patients (3.0% vs. 1.6% p < .001). The percentage of patients > 80 years old undergoing AAA repair remained constant at 23.6% (p = .91). Peri-operative mortality was higher for patients > 80 years than for those < 80 years old (2.7% vs. 1.6% p < .001). Forty-six per cent (n = 275) of all EVAR deaths occurred in the over 80s.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of AAA repairs performed using EVAR has increased over time. Peri-operative mortality continues to decline for both OSR and EVAR. Outcomes however were significantly worse for both women and those aged over 80, so efforts should be focused on these patient groups to further reduce elective AAA mortality rates.

Outcomes in Octogenarians and the Effect of Comorbidities After Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands: A Nationwide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Age is an independent risk factor for mortality after both elective open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). As a result of an ageing population, and the less invasive nature of EVAR, the number of patients over 80 years (octogenarians) being treated is increasing. The mortality and morbidity following aneurysm surgery are increased for octogenarians. However, the mortality for octogenarians who have either low or high peri-operative risks remains unclear. The aim of this study was to provide peri-operative outcomes of octogenarians vs. non-octogenarians after OSR and EVAR for intact aneurysms, including separate subanalyses for elective and urgent intact repair, based on a nationwide cohort. Furthermore, the influence of comorbidities on peri-operative mortality was examined.

METHODS

All patients registered in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) undergoing intact AAA repair between 2013 and 2018, were included. Patient characteristics and peri-operative outcomes (peri-operative mortality, and major complications) of octogenarians vs. non-octogenarians for both OSR and EVAR were compared using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine whether age and the presence of cardiac, pulmonary, or renal comorbidities were associated with mortality.

RESULTS

This study included 12 054 EVAR patients (3 015 octogenarians), and 3 815 OSR patients (425 octogenarians). Octogenarians in both the EVAR and OSR treatment groups were more often female and had more comorbidities. In both treatment groups, octogenarians had significantly higher mortality rates following intact repair as well as higher major complication rates. Mortality rates of octogenarians were 1.9% after EVAR and 11.8% after OSR. Age ≥ 80 and presence of cardiac, pulmonary, and renal comorbidities were associated with mortality after EVAR and OSR.

CONCLUSION

Because of the high peri-operative mortality rates of octogenarians, awareness of the presence of comorbidities is essential in the decision making process before offering aneurysm repair to this cohort, especially when OSR is considered.

Endovascular Aortic Repair in Nonagenarian Patients

BACKGROUND

The increasing proportion of elderly patients being treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the endovascular era is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared 30-day outcomes of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in nonagenarians (NAs) with non-nonagenarians (NNAs).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database included EVAR procedures performed from 2011 to 2017. Multivariate logistic regression in the unadjusted cohort, followed by propensity-score matching (PSM), was performed. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 12,267 patients were included (365 NAs). Ruptured aneurysms accounted for 6.7% (n = 819): 15.7% (n = 57) in NAs versus 6.5% (n = 762) in NNAs (p < 0.001). Mean aneurysm diameter was 6.5 ± 1.8 cm in NAs versus 5.8 ± 1.7 cm in NNAs (p < 0.001). The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 9.9% in NA versus 2.2% in NNAs (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥90 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.36), male sex (OR: 1.78), functional status (OR: 4.22), pre-operative ventilator dependency (OR: 3.80), bleeding disorders (OR: 1.52), dialysis (OR: 2.56), and ruptured aneurysms (OR: 17.21) as independent predictors of mortality. After PSM, no differences in 30-day mortality (intact AAA [iAAA]: 5.3% NA vs. 3% NNA [p = 0.15]; ruptured AAA [rAAA]: 38% NA vs. 28.6% NNA [p = 0.32]) or 30-day major adverse events (iAAA: 7% NA vs. 4.6% NNA [p = 0.22]; rAAA: 28% NA vs. 36.7% NNA [p = 0.35]) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality after EVAR on multivariate analysis. However, no differences were found after PSM, suggesting that being ≥90 years of age but with similar comorbidities to younger patients is not associated with a higher short-term mortality after EVAR. Age ≥90 years alone should not exclude patients from EVAR, and tailored indications and carefully balanced risk assessment are advised.

Three-dimensional ultrasound is a reliable alternative in endovascular aortic repair surveillance

OBJECTIVE

Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) has already demonstrated improved reproducibility with a high degree of agreement (intermodality variability), reproducibility (interoperator variability), and repeatability (intraoperator variability) compared with conventional two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) when estimating the maximum diameter of native abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The aim of the present study was, in a clinical, multicenter setting, to evaluate the accuracy of 3D-US with aneurysm model quantification software (3D-US abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA] model) for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) sac diameter assessment vs that of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and 2D-US.

METHODS

A total of 182 patients who had undergone EVAR from April 2016 to December 2017 and were compliant with a standardized EVAR surveillance program were enrolled from five different vascular centers (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, Netherlands; L'hospital de la Timone, Paris, France; Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; and The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio) in four countries. All image acquisitions were performed at the local sites (ie, 2D-US, 3D-US, CTA). Only the 2D-US and CTA readings were performed both locally and centrally. All images were read centrally by the US and CTA core laboratory. Anonymized image data were read in a randomized and blinded manner.

RESULTS

The sample used to estimate the accuracy of the 3D-US AAA model and 2D-US included 164 patients and 177 patients, respectively. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the mean difference between CTA and 3D-US was -2.43 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], -5.20 to 0.14; P = .07) with a lower and upper limit of agreement of -8.9 mm (95% CI, -9.3 to -8.4) and 2.7 mm (95% CI, 2.3-3.2), respectively. For 2D-US and CTA, the mean difference was -3.62 mm (95% CI, -6.14 to -1.10; P = .002), with a lower and upper limit of agreement of -10.3 mm (95% CI, -10.8 to -9.8) and 2.5 mm (95% CI, 2-2.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D-US AAA model showed no significant difference compared with CTA for measuring the anteroposterior diameter, indicating less bias for 3D-US compared with 2D-US. Thus, 3D-US with AAA model software is a viable modality for anteroposterior diameter assessment for surveillance after EVAR.

Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms

Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms has been the subject of rigorous scientific scrutiny. Prevalence studies have directed the formation of screening programmes, and observational studies and randomised controlled trials have defined aneurysm growth and treatment thresholds. Pre-emptive intervention with traditional open surgical repair has been the bedrock of improving long-term outcome and survival in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms but it is associated with a significant procedural morbidity and mortality. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has substantially reduced these early complications and has been associated with promising results in both elective and emergency aneurysm repair. However, the technique has brought its own unique complications, endoleaks. An endoleak is the presence of blood flow within the aneurysm sac but outside the EVAR graft. Although in randomised control trials EVAR was associated with a reduced early mortality compared with open repair, its longer-term morbidity and mortality was higher because endoleak development is associated with a higher risk of rupture. These endoleak complications have necessitated the development of postoperative imaging surveillance and re-intervention. These contrasting benefits and risks inform the selection of the mode of repair and are heavily influenced by individual patient factors. An improved strategy to predict endoleak development could further help direct treatment choice for patients and improve both early and late outcomes. This article reviews current EVAR practice, recent updates in clinical practice guidelines and the potential future developments to facilitate the selection of mode of aneurysm repair.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04577716.

Nineteen-year outcomes with the Anaconda stent graft system from two tertiary centers

OBJECTIVE

The Anaconda stent graft device presents peculiar and unique features in its design and deployment sequence, available on the market for many years with minor modifications, among different generations. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term, real-life, outcomes obtained in two high-volume centers with this endograft for infrarenal aortic aneurysms treatment over a period of 19 years.

METHODS

All patients treated with the investigated device between 2000 and 2019, with at least 1 year of follow-up, were entered into a prospective database and data were reviewed retrospectively. The long-term results were assessed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Primary outcomes were overall survival, freedom from AAA rupture, and freedom from AAA-related death. Secondary outcomes were freedom from late reintervention, freedom from late conversion to open repair, freedom from late limb occlusion, and freedom from late EVAR failure.

RESULTS

A total of 260 consecutive patients were treated during the study period. Technical success was achieved in 98.5% (256/260) of the cases. Two perioperative deaths (0.8%) and four major complications (1.5%) were recorded. At a mean follow-up of 54 ± 38 months (summary follow-up index = 0.86), the late survival estimate was 94.8% at 1 year, 75.2% at 5 years, 50.5% at 10 years, and 43.3% at 13 years, with no case of late AAA rupture or late AAA-related death. Late freedom from conversion was 99.2% at 1 year, 96.9% at 5 years, 94.0% at 10 years, and 94.0% at 13 years. Freedom from late limb thrombosis was 96.8% at 1 year and 91.0% at 5, 10, and 13 years. Estimates of freedom from late reintervention was 95.6% at 1 year, 87.0% at 5 years, 77.4% at 10 years, and 77.4% at 13 years. Estimates of limb thrombosis at 11 years were significantly different in patients receiving or not intraoperative iliac kissing balloon maneuver with noncompliant angioplasty catheters (98.0% vs 88.4%; P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

The Anaconda stent graft demonstrated effective and durable outcomes for AAA treatment over a 19-year period, with no case of late AAA rupture or AAA related death in the studied population. Late limb occlusion was the leading cause of reintervention; however, a positive prevention strategy was found in intraoperative kissing balloon, which was associated with significant reduced rate of iliac thrombosis over time.

Vascular Surgery During COVID-19 Emergency in Hub Hospitals of Lombardy: Experience on 305 Patients

Objective

During the most aggressive phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, the Regional Authority of Lombardy identified a number of hospitals, named Hubs, chosen to serve the whole region for highly specialised cases, including vascular surgery. This study reports the experience of the four Hubs for Vascular Surgery in Lombardy and provides a comparison of in hospital mortality and major adverse events (MAEs) according to COVID-19 testing.

Methods

Data from all patients who were referred to the Vascular Surgery Department of Hubs from 9 March to 28 April 2020 were collected prospectively and analysed. A positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction swab test, or symptoms (fever > 37.5 °C, upper respiratory tract symptoms, chest pain, and contact/travel history) associated with interstitial pneumonia on chest computed tomography scan were considered diagnostic of COVID-19 disease. Patient characteristics, operative variables, and in hospital outcomes were compared according to COVID-19 testing. A multivariable model was used to identify independent predictors of in hospital death and MAEs.

Results

Among 305 included patients, 64 (21%) tested positive for COVID-19 (COVID group) and 241 (79%) did not (non-COVID group). COVID patients presented more frequently with acute limb ischaemia than non-COVID patients (64% vs. 23%; p < .001) and had a significantly higher in hospital mortality (25% vs. 6%; p < .001). Clinical success, MAEs, re-interventions, and pulmonary and renal complications were significantly worse in COVID patients. Independent risk factors for in hospital death were COVID (OR 4.1), medical treatment (OR 7.2), and emergency setting (OR 13.6). COVID (OR 3.4), obesity class V (OR 13.5), and emergency setting (OR 4.0) were independent risk factors for development of MAEs.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Lombardy, acute limb ischaemia was the most frequent vascular disease requiring surgical treatment. COVID-19 was associated with a fourfold increased risk of death and a threefold increased risk of major adverse events.

Paradigm shifts in abdominal aortic aneurysm management based on vascular registries

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a relatively common and potentially fatal disease. The management of AAA has undergone extensive changes in the last two decades. High quality vascular surgical registries were established early and have been found to be instrumental in the evaluation and monitoring of these changes, most notably the wide implementation of minimally invasive endovascular surgical technology. Trends over the years showed the increased use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) over open repair, the decreasing perioperative adverse outcomes and the early survival advantage of EVAR. Also, data from the early EVAR years changed the views on endoleak management and showed the importance of tracking the implementation of new techniques. Registry data complemented the randomized trials performed in aortic surgery by showing the high rate of laparotomy-related reinterventions after open repair. Also, they are an essential tool for the understanding of outcomes in a broad patient population, evaluating the generalizability of findings from randomized trials and analysing changes over time. By using large-scale data over longer periods of time, the importance of centralization of care to high-volume centres was shown, particularly for open repair. Additionally, large-scale databases can offer an opportunity to assess practice and outcomes in patient subgroups (e.g. treatment of AAA in women and the elderly) as well as in rare aortic pathologies. In this review article, we point out the most important paradigm shifts in AAA management based on vascular registry data.

Impact of Gradual Adoption of EVAR in Elective Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Retrospective Cohort Study from 2009 to 2015

INTRODUCTION

The recommendations about the preferred type of elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) still divides guidelines committees, even nowadays. The aim is to assess outcomes after AAA repair focusing on differences between endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR).

METHODS

The observational retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients submitted to elective AAA repair at a tertiary center, 2009-2015. Exclusion criteria were as follows: nonelective cases or complex aortic aneurysms. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, survival, freedom from aortic-related mortality, and vascular reintervention. Time trends were assessed along the period under analysis.

RESULTS

From a total of 211 included patients, those submitted to EVAR were older (74 ± 7 vs. 67 ± 9 years; P < 0.001), presented a higher prevalence of hypertension (83.5% vs. 68.5%, P = 0.004), obesity (28.7% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.029), previous cardiac revascularization (30.5% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.005), heart failure (17.2% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.013), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (32.8% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.002). Patients were followed during a median of 49 months. EVAR resulted in a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (median 4 and interquartile range 3 vs. 8 (9); P < 0.001), lower 30-day complications (10.6% vs. 22.8%, P = 0.017), lower aortic-related mortality, and similar reintervention after adjustment with a propensity score. Along the time under analysis, EVAR became the predominate type of repair (P = 0.024), the proportion of complications decreased (P = 0.014), and the 30-day mortality (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Although EVAR was offered to patients with more comorbidities, better and durable outcomes were achieved after EVAR, favoring its adoption for elective AAA repair.

Nationwide Analysis of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Portugal (2000-2015)

OBJECTIVE

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a lethal condition that requires acute repair to prevent death. This analysis aims to assess the nationwide trends in rAAA admission, repair and mortality in a country, Portugal, without national screening for AAA.

METHODS

rAAA registered in the hospital administrative database of the National Health Service and all nationally registered deaths due to rAAA based on death certificate data were analysed. Three time periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2015) were compared in patients ≥ 50 years old to assess the variations over time.

RESULTS

A total of 2 275 patients ≥50 years old with rAAA were identified in the two databases from 2000 to 2015. The age standardised incidence of rAAA was 2.78 ± 0.24/100 000/year in 2000-2004, 3.17 ± 0.39/100 000/year in 2005-2009 and 3.21 ± 0.28/100 000/year in 2010-2015 (p < .001). When comparing the time periods 2000-2004 to 2005-2009, the age standardised rate of admission (n = 1460) increased from 1.57 ± 0.25/100 000/year to 2.24 ± 0.32/100 000/year (p < .001). The operative mortality rates decreased during this time period (from 55.3 ± 4.7% to 48.8 ± 4.7%, p < .001). In 2010-2015, the age standardised rate of admissions due to rAAA decreased (1.98 ± 0.22/100 000/year). Operative mortality remained stable (48.9 ± 6.2%). The rate of patient deaths outside the hospital decreased from the first to the second period (1.21 ± 0.10/100 000/year and 0.93 ± 0.29/100 000/year, respectively) but later increased (1.14 ± 0.22/100 000/year). This resulted in a higher overall rAAA related mortality in Portugal in the third period (2.20 ± 0.18/100 000/year, 2.21 ± 0.27/100 000/year and 2.26 ± 0.26/100 000/year in 2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2015, respectively, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the incidence of rAAA in Portugal has been stable over the past 10 years. The rates of admission, repair, and death due to rAAA repair seem to have reached an inflection point and are now decreasing. Mortality outside the hospital remains a matter of concern, warranting further planning of streamlined transfer networks and vascular surgical departments.

Learn EVAR sizing from scratch: The results of a one-day intensive course in EVAR sizing and stent graft selection for vascular trainees

Background and aim

Recognition of structured training in endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for vascular trainees is increasing. Nevertheless, how trainees can achieve sufficient skills in EVAR sizing and graft selection is sparsely described. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of systematic training in basic EVAR sizing and graft selection on vascular surgery trainees using a validated assessment tool.

Methods

Sixteen vascular surgery trainees were included in an intensive 6-h hands-on workshop in aortic sizing and stent graft selection for EVAR with a trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:2. After 1-h lecture, participants did 5 h of supervised training on increasingly complex cases. Finally, the participants were tested using a validated assessment tool.

Results

All participants were able to size the test-case and select a stent graft combination in 24:35 (13:30–48:20) min (median and range). The participants’ overall test scores (lower is better) were in median 17.9 (11.9–28.4). This did not differ from the scores of experienced EVAR operators 14.7 (11.7–25.2) (<200 EVAR’s) ( p = .32) but was inferior to the score of EVAR experts 11.2 (9.8 –18.7) (≥200 EVAR’s) ( p = .01). The sub-score for anatomical measurements was 10.6 (3.9–18.8) and comparable with the experienced group 9.7 (8.1–12.8) ( p = .83) but inferior to the expert operators 6.5 (5.2–10.2) ( p = .04). The sub-score for stent graft selection was 7.5 (4.9–14.1) and comparable with experienced operators scoring 4.5 (3.6–12.3) ( p = .09) but inferior to the expert operators score of 5.0 (3.6–8.4) ( p = .01).

Conclusion

This study presents the results of a standardised one-day basic EVAR sizing and graft selection workshop. Vascular surgery trainees with no prior EVAR experience learned to size and select stent grafts for a simple infra-renal AAA on par with experienced EVAR operators.

Ensuring Competency in Open Aortic Aneurysm Repair - Development and Validation of a New Assessment Tool

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to develop a procedure specific assessment tool for open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, gather validity evidence for the tool and establish a pass/fail standard.

METHODS

Validity was studied based on the contemporary framework by Messick. Three vascular surgeons experienced in open AAA repair and an expert in assessment and validation within medical education developed the OPEn aortic aneurysm Repair Assessment of Technical Expertise (OPERATE) tool. Vascular surgeons with varying experiences performed open AAA repair in a standardised simulation based setting. All procedures were video recorded with the faces anonymised and scored independently by three experts in a mutual blinded setup. The Angoff standard setting method was used to establish a credible pass/fail score.

RESULTS

Sixteen novices and nine experienced open vascular surgeons were enrolled. The OPERATE tool achieved high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha .92) and inter-rater reliability (Cronbach's alpha .95) and was able to differentiate novices and experienced surgeons with mean scores (higher score is better) of 13.4 ± 12 and 25.6 ± 6, respectively (p = .01). The pass/fail score was set high (27.7). One novice passed the test while six experienced surgeons failed.

CONCLUSION

Validity evidence was established for the newly developed OPERATE tool and was able to differentiate between novices and experienced surgeons providing a good argument that this tool can be used for both formative and summative assessment in a simulation based environment. The high pass/fail score emphasises the need for novices to train in a simulation based environment up to a certain level of competency before apprenticeship training in the clinical environment under the tutelage of a supervisor. Familiarisation with the simulation equipment must be ensured before performance is assessed as reflected by the low scores in the experienced group's first attempt.

Platelets reflect the fate of type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

The management of type II endoleak (T2E) remains controversial because of the heterogeneous outcome. For blood-based screening to detect malignant T2E, we focused on platelets after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and compared them with the prognosis of T2Es.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2015, there were 249 patients treated with EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm who were evaluated retrospectively. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 ± 0.2 years. T2Es that had aneurysm sac enlargement or converted to type I or type III endoleak were defined as malignant; the other T2Es were considered benign. Cases without any complications, including T2E, were defined as completed. We compared the platelet count on postoperative days (PODs) 1 to 7 with preoperative baseline values among the three groups. Sequentially, we calculated the cutoff of the platelet ratio on POD 7 to the baseline value in relation to malignant T2E using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the cutoff ratio was 113% (sensitivity, 79%; specificity, 58%). We then reclassified T2E patients into T2E-high platelet (T2E-HP; ≥113%) or T2E-low platelet (T2E-LP; <113%) groups. The influence of platelets on T2E was evaluated with reintervention rate and cumulative aneurysm sac enlargement rate using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

T2Es were found in 70 patients (28%), and 179 patients were assigned to the completed group. Malignant and benign T2Es were found in 33 and 37 patients, respectively. No difference was found in the preoperative baseline values. On POD 7, the platelet count in the malignant T2E group was significantly lower than that in the completed and benign T2E groups (168 × 10³/μL vs 207 × 10³/μL and 201 × 10³/μL; P = .0124). Then, 27 and 43 patients were assigned to the T2E-HP and T2E-LP groups, respectively. The reintervention-free survival rate in the T2E-LP group was lower than that in the completed group (at 3 years, 66.4% ± 8.0% vs 71.9% ± 4.0%; P = .0031). Among T2E patients, the cumulative aneurysm sac enlargement rates in the T2E-LP group were significantly higher than those in the T2E-HP group (at 3 years, 34.6% ± 8.2% vs 20.6% ± 8.2%; P = .0105). Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis for the cumulative aneurysm sac enlargement rates among T2E patients showed that sex, dual antiplatelet therapy, and lower platelet ratio (<113%) were significant predictors; multivariate analysis showed that T2E-LP was the only significant predictor (hazard ratio, 2.60; P = .0355).

CONCLUSIONS

The platelet count of patients with malignant T2Es on POD 7 was definitively lower than that of patients with completed EVAR or with benign T2Es. The lower platelet count on POD 7 could be a risk factor for aneurysm sac enlargement among patients with T2Es.

Assessment of Pull-out Forces in TEVAR and ANACONDA FEVAR Combination and Early Clinical Results: Creation of a Proximal Landing Zone for FEVAR in Patients with Extent I and Extent IV TAAAs

BACKGROUND

Although recent data on the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are promising, in some cases, the paravisceral segment of the aorta may not be suitable for a branched endograft due to space restrictions. A combination of a fenestrated aneurysm repair (FEVAR) with a thoracic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) may represent a feasible treatment option. The current investigation was performed to assess the stability of a fenestrated Anaconda device implanted into a set of thoracic endografts from different manufacturers. We then assessed our clinical results with the FEVAR/TEVAR combination.

METHODS

Pull-out forces were measured in vitro after docking a fenestrated Anaconda graft within the distal end of different TEVAR devices. Anaconda devices were implanted in 28- or 30-mm thoracic tube grafts (oversizing of at least 2 mm: 13.3-21.4; minimum overlap of 15 mm). Continuously increasing longitudinal pull forces of up to 100 N were applied on an Instron Tensile Tester. Initial break point and damage to the endografts were documented. Clinical results of patients treated with such an FEVAR/TEVAR combination at our institution are presented as a second part of this study.

RESULTS

Median pull-out forces ranged from 2.38 N to 55.0 N. The highest stability was achieved with 34-mm Anaconda devices in 28-mm thoracic tube grafts. Grafts with either thinner Dacron material or those featuring a polytetrafluorethylene membrane seemed especially vulnerable to punctures and tears caused by the downward-looking hooks of the Anaconda device. Between April 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018, in 28 of 172 patients treated with a fenestrated Anaconda device, prior implantation of a thoracic tube graft was necessary to create a sufficient proximal landing zone. In 25 cases (89.3%), the aneurysm was successfully treated. Although the 30-day reintervention rate in this subgroup was relatively high at 28.6%, none of these was due to a failure of the FEVAR/TEVAR combination. Upon an average follow-up of 15 months, no failure of the graft connection and no type III endoleak due to membrane damage were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a thoracic tube graft and a fenestrated Anaconda device is a viable option for the treatment of patients with Extent I or IV TAAAs with no adequate landing zone above the celiac trunk. Although pull-out testing has shown good stability with most assessed grafts, the thoracic devices with thicker Dacron membranes seemed to be especially suitable.

The effect of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair on Renal Function in Patients Treated for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Aim:

The effect of endovascular aneurysm repair in patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm has not been clearly defined. The objective of the present article was to provide a contemporary literature review and perform an analysis to determine the effect of EVAR on renal function in the early post-operative period and during follow-up.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify all studies reporting the effect of EVAR on renal function. Outcome data were pooled and combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed or random-effects models.

Results:

Thirty-two studies reporting on 24846 patients were included. Acute renal failure after EVAR occurred with an estimated frequency of 9% (95%CI: 5-16%; I2=97%). Median follow-up period was 19.5 months (range 1-60 months). The estimated frequency of chronic renal failure during follow-up was 7% (95%CI: 3-17%; I2=98%). Hemodialysis was required in 2% (1-3%; I2=97%) of the cases.

Conclusion:

High-level evidence demonstrating the effect of EVAR on the incidence of acute and chronic renal failure is lacking. Based on the current available data, nearly 10% of patients undergoing EVAR for AAA have an increased risk for renal dysfunction after the procedure. Whether this deterioration may lead to a worse outcome has not been adequately proved.

Disparities in Contemporary Treatment Rates of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Across Western Countries

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Several abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programs have demonstrated a similar prevalence of this disease in Westerns countries, ranging from 1.2% to 2.8%. However, the annual rate of AAA repair is significantly less even, and its relationship to AAA prevalence is not clear. The objective was to perform a systematic review, describing an international overview in the yearly rate of AAA repairs.

METHODS

The number of elective and emergency AAA repairs was obtained via thorough review of publications indexed in PubMed and Scopus from 2010 to October 2018. Portuguese data were obtained from the national administrative database of health care. Data from the UK were extracted from the National Vascular Registry's 2015 annual report. Each country's population was assessed from published national censuses, thus allowing estimation of the number of AAAs treated per 100,000 habitants.

RESULTS

Data from 14 countries were obtained. The yearly number of elective operations per 100,000 habitants was 2.2 in Hungary, 3.8 in Portugal, 5.3 in Spain, 5.9 in Iceland, 6.5 in Finland, 7.0 in New Zealand, 7.8 in the UK, 10.0 in Denmark, 10.2 in Sweden, 13.3 in the USA, 14.8 in Norway, 15.3 in the Netherlands, 15.6 in Italy, and 17.3 in Germany. The yearly rate of ruptured repairs was 0.5 in Hungary, 1.5 in Portugal, 1.8 in Spain, 1.7 in Iceland, 1.7 in Finland, 1.3 in New Zealand, 1.8 in the UK, 3.3 in Denmark (2013), 2.7 in Sweden (2013), 1.7 in the USA, 2.1 in Norway, 3.1 in the Netherlands, 2.3 in Italy, and 2.7 in Germany.

CONCLUSION

The rate of AAA treatment is highly variable, with a nearly eightfold variance between the countries with the highest and lowest rates of elective repair. Correlation between elective and ruptured repairs was not clear. A deeper understanding of the reasons for the disparities in AAA treatment among Western countries is of the utmost importance.

Application of Baseline Clinical and Morphological Parameters for Prediction of Late Stent Graft Related Endoleaks after Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of baseline clinical and morphological parameters on the occurrence of a late stent graft related endoleak (srEL; types 1 and 3) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

This is a retrospective case control study of patients who were routinely followed up after EVAR of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Pre-interventional, pre-discharge, and last available multislice computed tomography angiogram (MSCTA) of 279 patients were analysed. Stent graft related endoleaks detected by follow up MSCTA at least six months after EVAR were specified as late srEL. Baseline demographic characteristics and morphological variables were derived from the pre-interventional and pre-discharge MSCTA. Univariable and multivariable analysis with a Cox proportional hazards model were used to determine baseline factors associated with the occurrence of a late srEL.

RESULTS

Twenty-four (8.6%) of 279 patients suffered a late srEL, during a mean MSCTA follow up of 30.9 ± 25.8 (23.5, IQR 10.6-42.8) months. In the univariable analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09; p = .001), female sex (HR 3.25; p = .014), right iliac sealing diameter (HR 10.04; p = .03), left iliac sealing diameter (HR 8.65; p = .001), infrarenal aortic neck angulation (HR 1.02; p = .011), and suprarenal fixation level (HR 3.47; p = .014) were significantly associated with an increased incidence of late srEL. Age (HR 1.08; p = .012), female sex (HR 2.72; p = .049), and left iliac sealing diameter (HR 4.48; p = .033) proved to be risk factors significantly associated with a higher incidence of late srEL in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients, those with female gender, and those with larger left iliac sealing diameters seem to experience higher rates of late srEL. Independent confirmation of these must be addressed in larger studies.

A selective antagonist of prostaglandin E receptor subtype 4 attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive disease that has an increasing prevalence with aging, but no effective pharmacological therapy to attenuate AAA progression is currently available. We reported that the prostaglandin E receptor EP4 plays roles in AAA progression. Here, we show the effect of CJ-42794, a selective EP4 antagonist, on AAA using two mouse models (angiotensin II- and CaCl2 -induced AAAs) and human aortic smooth muscle cells isolated from AAA tissue. Oral administration of CJ-42794 (0.2 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks significantly decreased AAA formation in ApoE-/- mice infused with angiotensin II (1 μg/kg per min), in which elastic fiber degradation and activations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were attenuated. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) proteins were highly expressed in the medial layer of angiotensin II-induced mouse AAA tissues, whereas this expression was significantly decreased in mice treated with CJ-42794. AAA formation induced by periaortic CaCl2 application in wild-type mice was also reduced by oral administration of CJ-42794 for 4 weeks. After oral administration of CJ-42794 beginning 2 weeks after periaortic CaCl2 application and continuing for an additional 4 weeks, the aortic diameter and elastic fiber degradation grade were significantly smaller in CJ-42794-treated mice than in untreated mice. Additionally, in smooth muscle cells isolated from human AAA tissues, stimulation of CJ-42794 inhibited PGE2 -induced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner and decreased PGE2 -induced MMP-2 activity. These data suggest that inhibition of EP4 has the potential to be a pharmacological strategy for attenuation of AAA progression.