Internal iliac artery embolization in the stent-graft treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms: analysis of outcomes and complications

Multicenter, CT image-based anatomic assessment of patients with aortoiliac aneurysm undergoing endovascular repair with iliac branch devices

OBJECTIVE

The Global Iliac Branch Study (NCT05607277) is an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study of anatomic predictors of adverse iliac events (AIE) in aortoiliac aneurysms treated with iliac branch devices (IBDs).

METHODS

Patients with pre- and post-IBD CT imaging were included. We measured arterial diameters, stenosis, calcification, bifurcation angles, and tortuosity indices using a standardized, validated protocol. A composite of ipsilateral AIE was defined, a priori, as occlusion, type I or III endoleak, device constriction, or clinical event requiring reintervention. Paired t-test compared tortuosity indices and splay angles pre- and post-treatment for all IBDs and by device material (stainless steel and nitinol). Two-sample t-test compared anatomical changes from pre- to post-treatment by device material. Logistic regression assessed associations between AIE and anatomic measurements. Analysis was performed by IBD.

RESULTS

We analyzed 297 patients (286 males, 11 females) with 331 IBDs (227 stainless steel, 104 nitinol). Median clinical follow-up was 3.8 years. Iliac anatomy was significantly straightened with all IBD treatment, though stainless steel IBDs had a greater reduction in total iliac artery tortuosity index and aortic splay angle compared to nitinol IBDs (absolute reduction -.20 [-.22 to -.18] versus -.09 [-.12 to -.06], P<.0001 and -19.6° [-22.4° to -16.9°] versus -11.2° [-15.3° to -7.0°], P=.001, respectively). There were 54 AIEs in 44 IBDs in 42 patients (AIE in 13.3% of IBD systems), requiring 35 reinterventions (median time to event 41 days; median time to reintervention 153 days). There were 18 endoleaks, 29 occlusions, and five device constrictions. There were no strong associations between anatomic measurements and AIE overall, though internal iliac diameter was inversely associated with AIE in nitinol devices (nAIE,nitinol=8).

CONCLUSIONS

Purpose-built iliac branch devices effectively treat aortoiliac disease, including that with tortuous anatomy, with a high patency rate (91.5%) and low reintervention rate (9.1%) at four years. Anatomic predictors of AIE are limited.

The Use of an Iliac Branch Device: Single-Center Study of Endovascular Preservation of Internal Iliac Artery Flow

Purpose

To determine the efficacy and safety of iliac branch device (IBD) implantation and to evaluate its limitations based on 7 years of experience in a single center.

Materials and Methods

This single-center study included patients with bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs). We investigated follow-up CT and reviewed the internal iliac artery (IIA) patency and complications related to IBD. A retrospective analysis was performed and the overall survival rate and freedom from reintervention rate were reported according to the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Of the 38 patients with CIAAs, only 10 (12 CIAAs) were suitable for IBD treatment. Five patients underwent unilateral IBD insertion with contralateral IIA embolization, and three (60%) showed claudication; however, symptoms resolved within 6 months. The 7-year freedom from IBD-related reintervention rate was 77.8%. No procedure-related deaths occurred.

Conclusion

IBD has good technical success and long-term patency rates; however, anatomical factors frequently limit its application, particularly in Asians. Additionally, unilateral IIA embolization showed relatively mild complications and a good prognosis; therefore, it can be performed safely for anatomically complex aortoiliac aneurysms.

Iliac Branch Devices in the Repair of Ruptured Aorto-iliac Aneurysms: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of preserving the internal iliac artery (IIA) with iliac branched devices (IBDs) during acute endovascular repair of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing acute endovascular repair of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysm with an IBD at 8 aortic centers between December 2012 and June 2020. A control group was used where the IIA was intentionally occluded from the same study period. The main outcome measures were 30-day mortality, major adverse events, technical success, and clinical success. Secondary outcomes were buttock claudication, primary patency, primary-assisted and secondary patency of the IBD, occurrence of endoleak types I/III, and reintervention. Values are presented as numbers and percentages or interquartile range in parenthesis.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included in the study: 24 with IBD and 24 with IIA occlusion. There was no difference in demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and aneurysm extent. Twenty (83%) of them were hemodynamically stable during the procedure as opposed to 14 (58%, p=.23) with the IIA occlusion. Technical success was achieved in all cases with a procedure time of 180 (133-254) minutes, 45 (23-65) of which were from IBD. There were 2 (8%) deaths during the first 30 days and 2 (8%) major complications unrelated to the IBD, whereas in the IIA occlusion, the figures were 10 (42%) and 7 (29%), respectively. No patient in the IBD group developed buttock claudication compared to 8 (57%, p<.0001) in the IIA occlusion group; 1 (4%) patient developed bowel ischemia on both groups, with 1 in the IIA occlusion group needing resection. The median follow-up duration was 17 months (interquartile range 2-39) for the IBD group, with a primary patency of 60±14% at 3 years that went up to 92±8% with reinterventions (8 reinterventions in 6 patients). When the first 90 days were disregarded, there were no differences in survival between the groups.

CONCLUSION

IBD is a valid alternative for maintaining the pelvic circulation for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms. The technical success and midterm outcomes are very satisfactory but require patient selection particularly regarding hemodynamic stability. The reintervention rate is considerable, mandating continuous follow-up.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This multicenter study demonstrates that ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms do not necessarily require mandatory occlusion of hypogastric arteries. Iliac branch devices are shown to be a valid alternative in highly selected cases, with good midterm results, even if reinterventions are required in a significant proportion of patients.

Prospective clinical study for claudication after endovascular aneurysm repair involving hypogastric artery embolization

Purpose

This prospective study aimed to assess the prognosis of claudication after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) involving hypogastric artery (HGA) embolization.

Methods

Patients who were scheduled to undergo EVAR involving bilateral or unilateral HGA embolization (BHE or UHE, respectively) between May 2017 and January 2019 were included in this study. Patients underwent the walk test preoperatively, one week postoperatively, and monthly thereafter for six months. The presence of claudication and the maximum walking distance (MWD) were recorded. A near-infrared spectroscopy monitor was placed on the buttocks, and the recovery time (RT) was determined. A walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ) was completed to determine subjective symptoms.

Results

Of the 13 patients who completed the protocol, 12 experienced claudication in the 6-min walk test. The MWD was significantly lower at one week postoperatively than preoperatively. The claudication prevalence was significantly higher at five and six months postoperatively after BHE than after UHE. BHE was associated with longer RTs and lower WIQ scores than UHE.

Conclusions

We noted a trend in adverse effects on the gluteal circulation and subjective symptoms ameliorating within six months postoperatively, with more effects being associated with BHE than with UHE. These findings should be used to make decisions concerning management strategies for HGA reconstruction.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00595-022-02502-x.

Endovascular management of an isolated common iliac artery aneurysm: a case report

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are rare, and treatment by conventional surgery gives good results. Endovascular repair of such aneurysms has recently become the preferred form of treatment, provided the appropriate anatomy for endovascular repair exists. We report the case of a 60-year-old man admitted in our department for an aneurysm of the left primitive iliac artery revealed by intermittent claudication and treated by a covered stent after embolization of the hypogastric artery by an Amplatzer Vascular Plug with a good result. This case highlights the importance of preservation of the collaterals of the hypogastric artery when you treat such entity; in order to avoid transient gluteal claudication and sexual dysfunction.

[Endovascular treatment of common iliac artery aneurisms]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate endovascular management of common iliac artery aneurysms with iliac branch devices and to discuss some technical aspects of these interventions including bilateral procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with concomitant implantation of iliac branch devices was performed in 9 patients at the Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery for the period from January 2019 to December 2020. Mean age of patients was 64.8± years (min 52; max 72 years). Preoperative planning and morphometric analysis were based on CT data with a slice thickness of 1 mm. Angiographic reconstruction was made using Osirix 3D software (OsiriX Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland). Abdominal aortic aneurysm was combined with common iliac artery aneurysm in 7 patients (77.7%). Three (33.3%) patients had isolated common iliac artery aneurysm without significant abdominal aorta enlargement (Reber type I). Bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms were detected in 1 (11.1%) patient. All patients had iliac artery aneurysms over 4 cm. Iliac branch device implantation was accompanied by endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in all patients.

RESULTS

Technical success rate was 100%. Six-month results were followed-up in 5 patients (55.5%), annual outcomes - in 2 patients (22.2%). Control examination consisted of a telephone interview, ultrasound of abdominal aorta, pelvic and lower limb arteries and computed tomography. All patients had no endoleaks, stent-graft thrombosis, as well as signs of ischemia of pelvic organs and lower extremities. Incidence of iliac artery aneurysm combined with abdominal aortic aneurysms is about 20%. Until recently, treatment of these patients was performed exclusively with covering of internal iliac artery. Improvement of technologies and development of iliac branch devices made it possible to preserve blood flow in internal iliac artery after endovascular management. This approach allowed avoiding of ischemic complications associated with embolization of internal iliac arteries.

Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair with Hypogastric Preservation via Balloon-Expandable Covered Stents Using the Eyelet Technique-Iliac Branched Devices Still Inappropriate in Many Patients

BACKGROUND

Common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) are seen in 20-40% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Historically treated with sacrifice of the hypogastric artery, which can result in significant morbidity related to pelvic ischemia, new devices have made hypogastric artery preservation more feasible but are only applicable to a small subset of aneurysm anatomy. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy or a novel technique for hypogastric artery preservation applicable to a wider variety of patients with CIAAs.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients with CIAAs treated with a novel endovascular technique at the UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center or the San Diego Veterans Affairs Hospital between March 2016 and December 2017. The endovascular technique involved stent placement in both the internal and external iliac arteries, with balloon expansion to minimize gutters between the endografts. Primary end points included technical success, limb patency, and presence of endoleaks (ELs).

RESULTS

A total of 14 limbs (12 patients) were treated for CIAAs with 100% technical success and limb patency at an average of 6.8 months of follow-up. No patients experienced type I or type III ELs or evidence of pelvic ischemia. Two patients required reintervention, and one patient died of causes unrelated to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique was performed with excellent short- and mid-term safety in patients with varying aneurysm anatomy. The high rates of technical success and low rate pelvic ischemia represent improvement over conventional techniques that sacrifice the hypogastric artery and warrant further testing in a larger patient series with longer term follow-up.

Impact of Compliance with Anatomical Guidelines of "Bell-Bottom" Iliac Stent Grafts for Ectatic or Aneurysmal Iliac Arteries

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of compliance with anatomical guidelines on outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair using "bell-bottom" stent grafts (BBSGs).

METHODS

This is a retrospective review from January 1999 to May 2012 of patients who underwent endovascular infrarenal abdominal aneurysm repair and whose iliac limbs were greater than 18 mm in diameter. Computed tomography angiography was utilized for compliance with anatomical guidelines as stated in manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU). The primary outcome observed was iliac limb events. The secondary outcome observed was the need for re-intervention due to BBSG failure.

RESULTS

Of the 376 BBSGs, 55 (15%) in 27 patients met IFU. Aneurysm exclusion was achieved in all patients. The mean follow-up was 44 ± 30 months. Twenty-eight patients (11%) had 29 iliac limb events (12 type 1b endoleaks, 4 aneurysm sac growth, 4 stenosis/kink, 4 retrograde migrations, 2 component separations, 2 ruptures and 1 limb occlusion); all among patients treated outside of IFU (p < 0.04). The rate of aneurysm sac enlargement was similar between both groups, at 56%, respectively, between those treated within and those treated outside of IFU. On multivariate regression analysis, larger common iliac artery (CIA) (HR 1.088, 95% CI 1.016-1.166, p = 0.016), greater CIA tortuosity (HR 2.352, 95% CI 1.004-5.509, p = 0.048) and limbs with more than two characteristics that did not meet IFU criteria (HR 3.84, 95% CI 1.15-12.83, p = 0.03) were associated with higher rates of BBSG events and re-interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

BBSGs effectively seal ectatic CIAs. But rates of iliac limb events and re-interventions are higher among patients who do not meet IFU criteria. The larger CIA diameter, the greater CIA tortuosity and more than two criteria not met by IFU were associated with BBSG failure and re-intervention.

Clinical outcomes after internal iliac artery embolization prior to endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

Aortic anatomy is important in determining the success or failure of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Endoleak is another issue which should be addressed for a long-term durability of the procedure. Internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization is required to prevent type II endoleak when the iliac landing zone is not sufficient such that the iliac limb should be extended down to the external iliac artery (EIA). Pelvic ischemia is an important complication of IIA embolization, but its incidence and severity is not exactly known. Our experience suggests this to be common but not severe. In this study we reviewed the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent IIA embolization to facilitate EVAR at one of the major tertiary medical centers in South Korea.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the patients who underwent IIA embolization prior to EVAR between November 2005 and June 2018 at a single tertiary medical center in South Korea. Patients were interviewed via telephone to determine the severity of buttock claudication according to a previously defined pain scale.

RESULTS

The majority of 139 patients in both the unilateral and bilateral IIA embolization groups experienced no (N.=83, 60.0%) or mild (N.=51, 36.7%) buttock claudication. Only three patients in the unilateral IIA embolization group reported that their symptoms affected daily life, but without need for any measures for pain relief. Symptom duration was longer in the bilateral embolization group (12.6 months) compared to the unilateral group (6.6 months) without statistical significance (P=0.559). There were no critical complications such as buttock necrosis, spinal cord ischemia, or ischemic colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience, IIA embolization does cause buttock claudication of a certain degree. However, the most of them experienced mild discomfort rather than such symptoms severely affect their quality of life. Considering the risks of general anesthesia and complications of surgical procedures, IIA reconstruction along with EVAR may not be necessary.

Endovascular Repair of Aortoiliac or Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm Using the Lifetech Iliac Bifurcation Stent Graft System: A Prospective Multicenter Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Sacrifice of the internal iliac artery (IIA) may result in ischemic manifestations after aortoiliac aneurysm (AIA) or common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA) endovascular repair. This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new Iliac Bifurcation Stent Graft (IBSG; Lifetech Scientific, Shenzhen, China) system for revascularization of the IIA.

METHODS

Patients who underwent implantation of the IBSG at 8 centers in China from September 2015 to June 2018 were enrolled. Clinical and computed tomography angiography follow-up assessments were conducted at 30 and 180 days postoperatively. The primary end point was the IIA patency rate of the IBSG device at 180 days postoperatively. Secondary end points comprised the postoperative technical success rate and clinical success rate at 30 and 180 days. Descriptive statistics and the Clopper-Pearson exact method were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients (mean age, 69.6 years; 91.8% men) were eligible for this trial, and 59 patients were eligible for primary effectiveness end-point analysis. AIA was present in 55 patients (75.34%) and CIAA in 18 patients (24.66%). The iliac artery aneurysms were unilateral in 69 patients (94.52%) and bilateral in 4 patients (5.48%). Overall technical success was 89.04% (65 of 73 patients). IIA patency at 180 days was 96.61% (57 of 59 patients). Sexual dysfunction occurred in 1 patient (1.69%), and 2 patients (3.39%) experienced buttock claudication. There was no mortality, type III endoleak, stent migration, kinking, or fracture during the procedure and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The IBSG implantation system is a safe and effective technique for IIA preservation during AIA or CIAA endovascular repair. The high technical success rate, IIA patency rate, and low complication rate are promising. Follow-up will be continued for 5 years to confirm the durability of the device.

One Technique to Modulate a Device Implantation Path in a Short Treatment Length Using the Gore IBE Device

The GORE EXCLUDER Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE; W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) applicability is limited by the aorto-iliac length (AOL). The shortage may be a major exclusion criterion. An 85-year-old male presented with an abdominal aortic and left common iliac arterial aneurysm. The left-side AOL was 146-mm, which was deemed 19-mm too short for IBE usage. To increase implantation length, the contra-lateral connection stent graft was deployed along the implantation line, wound half-circumferentially around the ipsilateral limb. Any form of endoleak, limb occlusion, and device migration has not been observed for twelve months.

Preservation of pelvic perfusion with iliac branch devices does not decrease ischemic colitis compared with hypogastric embolization in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic colitis is a rare but devastating complication of endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Although it is rare (0.9%) in standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), the incidence increases to 2% to 3% in EVAR with hypogastric artery embolization (HAE). This study investigated whether preservation of pelvic perfusion with iliac branch devices (IBDs) decreases the incidence of ischemic colitis.

METHODS

We used the targeted EVAR module in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify patients undergoing EVAR of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2012 to 2017. The cohort was further stratified into average-risk and high-risk groups. Average-risk patients were those who underwent elective repair for sizes of the aneurysms, whereas high-risk patients were repaired emergently for indications other than asymptomatic aneurysms. Within these groups, we examined the 30-day outcomes of standard EVARs, EVAR with HAE, and EVAR with IBDs. The primary outcome was the incidence of ischemic colitis. Secondary outcomes included mortality, major organ dysfunction, thromboembolism, length of stay, and return to the operating room. The χ² test, Fisher exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate regression models were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

There were 11,137 patients who had infrarenal EVAR identified. We designated this the all-risk cohort, which included 9263 EVAR, 531 EVAR-HAE, and 1343 EVAR-IBD procedures. These were further stratified into 9016 cases with average-risk patients and 2121 cases with high-risk patients. In the average-risk group, 7482 had EVAR, 411 had EVAR-HAE, and 1123 had EVAR-IBD. In the high-risk group, 1781 had EVAR, 120 had EVAR-HAE, and 220 had EVAR-IBD. There was no significant difference in 30-day outcomes (including ischemic colitis) between EVAR, EVAR-HAE, and EVAR-IBD in the all-risk and high-risk groups. In the average-risk cohort, EVAR-HAE was associated with a higher mortality rate than EVAR (2.2% vs 1.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.58; P = .01). Although EVAR-IBD was not superior to EVAR-HAE in 30-day mortality, major organ dysfunction, or ischemic colitis in this average-risk cohort, EVAR-IBD exhibited a trend toward lower mortality compared with EVAR-HAE in this cohort, but it was not statistically significant (1.0% vs 2.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.42; P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic colitis is a rare complication of EVAR. HAE does not appear to increase the risk of ischemic colitis, and preservation of pelvic perfusion with IBDs does not decrease its incidence. Although HAE is associated with significantly higher mortality than standard EVAR in average-risk patients, the preservation of pelvic perfusion with IBDs does not appear to improve mortality over HAE.

Tailor-made iliac branched device for preserving the internal iliac artery in patients with common iliac artery aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Endovascular repair with stent-graft is a treatment option for patient with common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA). However, the preservation of the internal iliac artery (IIA) is a concern. The commercially available iliac branched device (IBD) requires a common iliac length of at least 5 cm, which is usually too long for Asian people. Here, we report our medium-term results of using tailor-made IBD for patients with short common iliac artery (CIA) with and without abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

METHODS

A selected iliac limb of the AAA stent-graft was unloaded from the delivery system. A 6-mm fenestration hole was made at the length of the CIA from the proximal end. The edge of the hole was reinforced with the soft and radiopaque tip of a 0.014´´ wire. Then, the iliac limb was reloaded into the introduced sheath as the tailor-made IBD. It was inserted from the selected side of the femoral artery and deployed. The ipsilateral IIA was cannulated through the fenestration hole. Then, a balloon-expandable or self-expandable covered stent with an appropriate size was deployed as the bridging stent-graft.

RESULTS

Between March 2013 and March 2017, a total of 10 patients received the tailor-made IBDs. One patient died of systemic thromboembolism 2 days after the operation. The bridging stent-grafts remained patent in all patients, except one occluded at 1 year after operation.

CONCLUSION

A tailor-made IBD is an easy-to-apply, alternative option for preserving the IIA perfusion in short CIAA patients with and without AAA.

[Risk factors of pelvic ischemic symptoms after iliac artery occlusion during endovascular aneurysm repair]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze risk factors of pelvic ischemia after occlusion of the internal iliac artery during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) surgery.

METHODS

The clinical data, preoperative CT angiography (CTA) findings and follow-up results of 82 patients with unilateral embolization of internal iliac artery undergoing EVAR were analyzed retrospectively. Among 82 patients, pelvic ischemic symptoms were developed in 20 patients (ischemia group) and the remaining patients served as control group. The risk factors for pelvic ischemia after occlusion of internal iliac artery during EVAR surgery were explored using univariate and multivariate analysis, and the clinical value was evaluated using ROC curves.

RESULTS

The univariate analysis showed that the numbers of the contralateral internal iliac artery and the ipsilateral deep femoral artery stenosis in the pelvic ischemia group were less than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the decreased number of internal iliac artery branches (OR=8.383, 95%CI:1.469-47.841, P<0.05) was an independent risk of pelvic ischemia. The ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of the decreased number of contralateral internal iliac artery branches for predicting the incidence of pelvic ischemia was 0.816; when the number of 3.5 was taken as cut-off value, the corresponding sensitivity was 0.861 and the specificity was 0.167.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in number of the contralateral internal iliac artery branches on preoperative CTA is an independent risk factor for pelvic ischemia after occlusion of the internal iliac artery during EVAR surgery, but it does not show enough clinical value.

Endovascular management of iliac aneurysmal disease with hypogastric artery preservation

Common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) pose a challenge in endovascular aneurysm repair. Aneurysm repair of CIAA traditionally requires embolization of the ipsilateral hypogastric artery (HA). Symptoms of buttock claudication and more feared complications of pelvic ischemia make HA preservation an appealing addition to aneurysm repair. In this review, we discuss various methods of CIAA repair with devices specifically designed for aneurysm repair and other custom techniques of HA preservation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Internal Iliac Artery Branched Endovascular Stent Grafts

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to describe our institutional experience using iliac branch grafts (IBGs) in aortoiliac aneurysm repair.

METHODS

From October 2009 to April 2016, 41 consecutive patients (all men), mean age 71.7 years (range 55-87), underwent IBG implantation. Abdominal aortic aneurysm with common iliac artery involvement (n = 21) or bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 20) were indications. Computed tomography was used to evaluate patency and postoperative endoleaks within 1 month of implantation and after 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 42 IBGs were deployed in 41 patients successfully. One hundred percent of grafts implanted were patent at 1 month and at annual follow-up. There was 1 mortality at 30 days, due to acute renal failure. Sixteen type II and 1 type Ib endoleaks were found, for which 3 reinterventions were performed and the remainder treated conservatively. Five patients had complications which required reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

IBG placement has excellent short-term outcomes and potential to limit buttock claudication in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms involving the iliac arteries.

Proximal occlusion of unaffected internal iliac artery versus distal occlusion of aneurysmatic internal iliac artery prior to EVAR: a comparative evaluation of efficacy and clinical outcome

OBJECTIVE

Occlusion of the internal iliac artery (IIA) may be necessary prior to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to prevent endoleak Type II. We compared efficacy and clinical outcome after proximal occlusion of an unaffected IIA (ProxEmbx) using an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) I vs distal occlusion of aneurysmatic IIA with coils and plugs (DistEmbx).

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2012, 22 patients underwent EVAR. In 9 patients with unaffected IIA, occlusion was performed by a single AVP. In 13 patients with aneurysmatic IIA, more distal embolization (DistEmbX) was conducted by using several coils and additional AVPs. Retrospectively, technical success, clinical outcome and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Embolization of the IIA was successful in all patients. Three patients with more DistEmbX of aneurysmatic IIAs suffered from new onset of sexual dysfunction after occlusion without statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Transient buttock claudication was observed in three patients in each group. Bowel ischaemia did not occur. The procedure time (p = 0.013) and fluoroscopy time (p = 0.038) was significantly lower in the ProxEmbx group than in the DistEmbx group.

CONCLUSION

Proximal occlusion of an unaffected IIA and more distal occlusion of an aneurysmatic IIA prior to EVAR had the same technical and clinical outcome. However, proximal plug embolization of an unaffected IIA prior to EVAR was associated with shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time in comparison with more DistEmbX of aneurysmatic IIAs. Advances in knowledge: Proximal embolization of unaffected IIA and DistEmbX of aneurysmatic IIA before EVAR are both effective in preventing Type II endoleaks and have the same technical and clinical outcome.

Outcomes of Endovascular Repair of Aortoiliac Aneurysms and Analyses of Anatomic Suitability for Internal Iliac Artery Preserving Devices in Japanese Patients

BACKGROUND

Understanding that the common iliac arteries (CIA) are shorter in Asian patients, we investigated whether this anatomic difference affects the clinical outcomes of internal iliac artery (IIA) exclusion during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of aortoiliac aneurysm and thus limits the use of IIA-preserving devices in Japanese patients.Methods and Results:From 2008 to 2014, 69 Japanese patients underwent EVAR of aortoiliac aneurysms with 53 unilateral and 16 bilateral IIA exclusions. One patient had persistent buttock claudication during follow-up; however, colonic or spinal cord ischemia was not observed. Anatomic suitability was investigated for the iliac branch device (IBD) by Cook Medical and the iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) by WL Gore: 87 aortoiliac segments were analyzed, of which 17% met the criteria for the IBD, 25% met the criteria for the IBE and 40% met the criteria for either. Main exclusions for the IBD were IIA diameter >9 mm or <6 mm (47%) and CIA length <50 mm (39%). Main exclusions for the IBE were proximal CIA diameter <17 mm (44%) and aortoiliac length <165 mm (24%).

CONCLUSIONS

EVAR with IIA exclusions in Japanese patients showed low incidence of persistent buttock claudication and no major pelvic complications. Aorto-iliac morphology demonstrated smaller proximal CIA diameters and shorter CIA lengths, limiting the use of IIA-preserving devices.

Outcomes of Extended Endovascular Aortic Repair for Aorto-Iliac Aneurysm with Internal Iliac Artery Occlusion

Objective: Patients of aorto-iliac aneurysms who undergo endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) require internal iliac artery (IIA) occlusion with coil embolization and its coverage with the stent graft to prevent type II endoleak after extending the endograft into the external iliac artery. However, it has become well recognized that IIA occlusion cause buttock claudication and other various sequelae due to pelvic ischemia. We retrospectively analyzed IIA occlusion outcomes.

Methods: From October 2008 to February 2015, 71 patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms underwent IIA occlusion prior to EVAR. The relationship between pelvic circulation and symptom of pelvic ischemia was studied.

Results: Buttock claudication occurred in 17 patients (22.9%) of all. Eight patients (14.8%) in unilateral IIA occlusion group (54 patients) and nine patients (52.9%) in bilateral IIA group (17 patients) had sequelae of claudication. The sacrifice of the communication of superior gluteal artery (SGA) and inferior gluteal artery (IGA) led to buttock claudication in 18 (64.3%) of 28 limbs. Instead, only 4 of 60 limbs had buttock claudication, when we preserved the communication between SGA and IGA. In all patients, staged treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms with IIA occlusion and EVAR were done successfully without pelvic ischemic complications except for buttock claudication, and postoperative CT scanning showed no endoleakage.

Conclusion: IIA occlusion prior to EVAR is recognized as a safe and reasonable strategy. It is emphasized that preservation of the communication of SGA and IGA is important to prevent buttock claudication. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2016; 25: 240–245.)

Preservation of hypogastric flow and control of iliac aneurysm size in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms using the Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing endograft

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effectiveness of endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) in the treatment of complex aortoiliac aneurysms with preservation of hypogastric artery flow.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and common iliac aneurysms (CIAs) enrolled and treated in prospective studies of EVAS using the Nellix endograft (Endologix, Irvine, Calif) at two centers from 2008 to 2014. Patients with 1 year or more of computed tomography follow-up underwent quantitative morphometric assessment by two independent vascular radiologists blinded to clinical outcome results. Hypogastric patency and CIA diameter changes over time were assessed and compared in three treatment groups: totally excluded CIA, partially excluded CIA, and untreated CIA.

RESULTS

Among 125 patients with EVAS, 68 patients (mean age, 75 ± 8 years; 79% men) had both AAA (mean diameter, 55.8 ± 2.0 mm) and CIA (median diameter, 23.4; interquartile range, 21.3-27.0 mm), with bilateral CIAs in 33 patients. Treatment of 101 CIAs included complete CIA exclusion in 40 (39.6%), partial CIA exclusion in 33 (32.7%), and no CIA treatment in 28 (27.7%), with successful AAA exclusion in all patients. Internal iliac flow was preserved in all 122 hypogastric arteries that were patent before treatment (14 hypogastric arteries were occluded at baseline). During the 5-year follow-up period (median follow-up, 24.7 months; range, 11.5-61.7 months), three patients required secondary treatment with hypogastric occlusion and graft extension to the external iliac. Thus, internal iliac flow was maintained in 98% of at-risk hypogastric arteries. There were no aneurysm-related clinical events, except for the three secondary treatments. Totally excluded iliac aneurysms did not change in diameter over time (P = .85), whereas untreated CIAs enlarged at a rate of 0.16 mm/y (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.23; P < .0001). Partially excluded CIAs enlarged at a higher rate of 0.59 mm/y (95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.71; P < .0001). Enlargement ≥3 mm occurred only in partially treated CIAs larger than 3 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

EVAS was effective in treating aortoiliac aneurysms with preservation of internal iliac patency in most cases. Complete CIA exclusion prevented aneurysm enlargement over time, whereas partial exclusion did not prevent continued CIA enlargement, particularly in larger aneurysms.

Clinical and Functional Impact of Hypogastric Artery Exclusion During EVAR

PURPOSE

Hypogastric artery (HA) revascularization during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is still open to debate. Moreover, exclusion-related complication rates reported in literature are not negligible. The aim of this study is to present and analyze the outcomes in patients undergoing EVAR with exclusion of 1 or both HAs at our academic center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our results in patients submitted to EVAR and needing HA exclusion, in terms of perioperative (30-day) and follow-up rates of intestinal and spinal cord ischemia, buttock claudication, buttock skin necrosis, and sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

From January 2008 to December 2014, a total of 527 patients underwent elective standard infrarenal EVAR; among those 104 (19.7%) had iliac involvement needing HA exclusion. In 73 patients with unilateral iliac involvement (70.1%, group UH), many single HAs were excluded. Thirty-one patients (29.9%) had bilateral iliac involvement (group BH), of which 16 (51.6%) had 1 HA excluded with revascularization of the contralateral one (group BHR); in the remaining 15 patients (48.4%) both HAs were excluded (group BHE). No 30-day or follow-up aneurysm-related mortality, intestinal, or spinal cord ischemia were recorded. At 30 days, skin necrosis was observed in 2 patients. Buttock claudication and sexual dysfunction rates were significantly greater in group BHE than in group BHR (P < .05). At a mean 18.6 months follow-up (range: 4-47), buttock claudication and sexual dysfunction rates in group BHE were persistently higher than that in groups UH and BHR (P < .05); HA coil embolization was significantly associated with buttock claudication and sexual dysfunction (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Whenever anatomically feasible, at least 1 HA should be salvaged in case of bilateral involvement. In case of unilateral HA exclusion, the rate of complications is not negligible. Coil embolization is related to a higher complication rate.

Outcome after Interruption or Preservation of Internal Iliac Artery Flow During Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aorto-iliac Aneurysms

AIM

The aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature investigating outcomes after interruption or preservation of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies reporting IIA management during EVAR. The search identified 57 articles: 30 reported on IIA interruption (1468 patients) and 27 on IIA preservation (816 patients).

RESULTS

The pooled 30 day buttock claudication (BC) rate was 29.2% (95% CI 24.2-34.7). Patients undergoing bilateral IIA interruption had a higher incidence of BC than patients with unilateral IIA interruption (36.5% vs. 27.2%, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.11-2.6, p = .01). During a median follow up of 17 months, the pooled rate of persistent BC was 20.5% (95% CI 15.7-26.2). Of the patients, 93.9% underwent an endovascular revascularization procedure for IIA preservation. Most patients (87.6%) had an iliac branched device, and technical success was 96.2%. Within 30 days of EVAR, 4.3% of internal iliac branches occluded. During a median follow up of 15 months, the pooled occlusion rate at the site of IIA revascularization was 8.8% (95% CI 6.8-11.3). In patients treated with an iliac-branched device, 5.2% of internal iliac branches and 1.7% of external iliac arteries occluded. The pooled BC rate on the side of the IIA revascularization during follow up was 4.1% (95% CI 2.9-5.9). Pooled rates of late device related endoleak type I or III and secondary procedures on the side of the previous IIA revascularization were 4.6% (95% CI 3.2-6.5) and 7.8% (95% CI 5.7-10.7) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral or bilateral IIA occlusion during EVAR seems to carry a substantial risk of significant ischemic complications in nearly one quarter of patients. Bilateral IIA occlusion was related to a significantly higher rate of BC. IIA preservation techniques represent a significant improvement in the treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms and have been associated with high technical success and low morbidity.

Dilatation of Common Iliac Arteries after Endovascular Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Repair with Bell-Bottom Extension

Objective

Endovascular techniques to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms results in lower morbidity and mortality rates. However, dilation of the common iliac arteries prevents adequate distal sealing, which compromises the procedure success. The aim of this study is report the long-term outcomes of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms associated with aneurysm of the common iliac artery following endovascular repair using a bifurcated bell-bottom stent graft.

Methods

This is a retrospective study that evaluated patients treated with bifurcated bell-bottom extension stent grafts to repair an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and who had at least one common iliac artery with dilatation > 1.5 cm for at least 12 months after the endovascular intervention.

Results

Thirty-eight patients with a mean age of 70.4±8.2 years were included. Stent graft placement was followed by dilation of the common iliac artery aneurysms in 35.3% of cases; endoleak and reoperation rates were 17.6% and 15.7%, respectively. Younger patients showed a higher rate of artery diameter increase following the procedure. The average arterial dilation was 16% in the first year, 29% in the second year, 57% in the third year and 95% from the fourth year until the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

Repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with bifurcated bell-bottom type stents when there is common iliac artery dilation is a good therapeutic option to preserve hypogastric flow. The rate of endoleak was 17.6%, and 15.7% of cases required reoperation. Younger patients are more likely to experience dilation of the common iliac artery after the procedure.

A Comparison of AneuRx Aortic Cuff and Zenith Distal Flare Exclusion of Common Iliac Artery Ectasia for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Stent-grafts are ideally terminated within the common iliac artery (CIA). However, CIA ectasia may require hypogastric artery occlusion, with stent-graft extension to the external iliac artery. Alternatively, the diameter of the distal stent-graft may be increased, or flared, to allow exclusion of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. This report details the authors’ experience with this technique. Forty-one patients received bifurcated stent-grafts (BSG): 20 received an AneuRx device, and 21 received a Zenith device. CIA ectasia (diameter 15–25 mm) was treated with a distal flare of 2–4 mm greater than the CIA diameter. Patients were followed up with computed tomography scan at 1, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA within groups and unpaired two-tailed t test between groups. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Eight of 20 patients (40%) (11 CIA) received an AneuRx device and 13/21 (62%) (17 CIA) received a Zenith device, with a distal flare. Values are (n) mean (mm) ± SE. There were no deaths, endoleaks, migrations, or conversions to open repair. Follow-up mean was 24.7 and 20.6 (range 15–28) months for AneuRx and Zenith groups, respectively. In comparing initial and 12-month CIA diameters, AneuRx grafts 20 ±0.8 vs 21.5 ±1.0 were not significantly different, p= 0.2, nor was the same comparison for Zenith, 17 ±0.5 vs 19.1 ±0.4, significant, p= 0.57. At a mean follow-up of 12 months, distal flare of iliac limbs with either AneuRx or Zenith devices affords a seal for CIA ectasia and/or aneurysms complicating EVAR.

Fate of Enlarged Iliac Arteries After Endovascular or Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: To examine the fate of untreated ectatic and aneurysmal common iliac arteries (CIAs) after open treatment and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: Databases of scientific literature were searched between January 1980 and February 2016 to identify publications on the follow-up of ectatic and aneurysmal CIAs after open or endovascular AAA repair. The primary outcome measure was the increase of iliac artery diameter during follow-up. The secondary outcome was the subsequent reintervention rate during follow-up. Results: Only 3 open AAA and 3 EVAR studies containing 1239 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis. In the open AAA group, ectatic iliac arteries (defined as 12–18 mm) had a diameter progression of 1.7 to 1.8 mm during a follow-up period of 51.6 to 85.2 months. The aneurysmal iliac arteries (>18 mm) in the open repair group showed a faster growth (2.3–3.0 mm) in a follow-up period of 50.4 to 85.2 months. The pooled assessment of arteries ≥18 mm had a mean growth of 2.56 mm at 60 months of follow-up. In the entire open AAA cohort, the reintervention rate for CIA transformation was <1%. In the EVAR studies, arbitrary cutoff sizes of 16 to 20 mm for ectatic arteries and >20 mm for aneurysmal arteries were used. During a follow-up of 39.2 to 60 months, the diameter progression was 1.5 mm for the 16-mm iliac arteries and 2.7 mm for the 20-mm iliac arteries. The need for endovascular reinterventions was similar in patients with previously normal or enlarged CIAs. Conclusion: After open AAA repair, the overall size of CIA aneurysms grows slowly, but enlarged CIAs >20 mm in EVAR patients show faster growth during follow-up. However, the need for secondary interventions was similar in patients with normal or enlarged CIAs post EVAR.

Risk Factor Analysis for Buttock Claudication after Internal Iliac Artery Embolization with Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Purpose:

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) involving the common iliac artery requires extension of the stent-graft limb into the external iliac artery. For this procedure, internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization is performed to prevent type II endoleak. In this study, we investigated the frequency and risk factor of buttock claudication (BC) in patients having interventional embolization of the IIA.

Materials and Methods:

From January 2010 to December 2013, a total of 110 patients with AAA were treated with EVAR in our institution. This study included 27 patients (24.5%) who had undergone unilateral IIA coil embolization with EVAR. We examined hospital charts retrospectively and interviewed by telephone for the occurrence of BC.

Results:

Mean age of total patients was 71.9±7.0 years and 88.9% were males. During a mean follow-up of 8.65±9.04 months, the incidence of BC was 40.7% (11 of 27 patients). In 8 patients with claudication, the symptoms had resolved within 1 month of IIA embolization, but the symptoms persisted for more than 6 months in the remaining 3 patients. In univariate and multivariate analysis, risk factors such as age, sex, comorbidity, patency of collateral arteries, and anatomical characteristics of AAA were not significantly related with BC.

Conclusion:

In this study, BC was a frequent complication of IIA embolization during EVAR and there was no associated risk factor. Certain principles such as checking preoperative angiogram, proximal and unilateral IIA embolization may have contributed to reducing the incidence of BC.

Natural History of the Iliac Arteries after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair and Suitability of Ectatic Iliac Arteries as a Distal Sealing Zone

Purpose:

To investigate the natural history of dilated common iliac arteries (CIA) exposed to pulsatile blood flow after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the suitability of ectatic iliac arteries as sealing zones using flared iliac limbs.

Methods:

Follow-up computed tomograms of 102 CIAs in 60 EVAR patients were investigated. Diameter changes in CIAs ≤16 mm (group 1) were compared with changes in vessels where a dilated segment >16 mm in diameter continued to be exposed to pulsatile blood flow (group 2). Within group 2, cases in which the stent terminated proximal to the dilated artery segment (2a) were compared with those that had been treated with a flared limb (2b).

Results:

The mean CIA diameter increased by 1.0±1.0 mm in group 1 (p<0.001 versus immediately after EVAR) and by 1.5±1.7 mm in group 2 (p<0.001 versus immediately after EVAR) within an average follow-up of 43.6±18.0 months. Diameter increase was more pronounced in dilated CIAs (p=0.048), and it was not significantly different between groups 2a and 2b (p=0.188). No late distal type I endoleak or stent-graft migration associated with CIA ectasia was observed.

Conclusion:

Dilatation of the CIA is significant after EVAR, and it is more pronounced in ectatic iliac arteries. Although ectatic iliac arteries appear to be suitable sealing zones in the short term, continued follow-up is mandatory.

Development of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit in Patients after Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Retrospective Evaluation of the Prevalence and Risk Factors

Delirium is an acute form of nervous system dysfunction often observed in patients in the intensive care unit. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is considered a minimally invasive surgical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Although the operation method is widely used, there are few investigations of the rate and risk factors of delirium development after the operation. In this study, we retrospectively examined the rate of delirium development in the intensive care unit (ICU) after EVAR, as well as the associated preoperative risk factors and effects on the lengths of ICU and hospital stays. We examined the 81 consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAR between November 2013 and August 2014. The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist was used to diagnose delirium. Twenty patients (24.7%) were diagnosed with delirium in this study. The ICU and hospital length of stays of patients with delirium were 3.3 ± 2.4 days and 14.5 ± 11.9 days, respectively, the latter of which was significantly longer than that of patients without delirium (p = 0.019). Additionally, renal dysfunction, preoperative benzodiazepine use, and intraoperative transfusion were found to be risk factors for the development of delirium after elective EVAR.

U Stent-Graft Technique as a Treatment for Homolateral Metachronous Common Iliac and Internal Iliac Arteries Aneurysms after Open Surgery

We report a case of a metachronous common iliac artery and the internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysm developed 8 years after an aortobi-femoral bypass for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm associated at chronic occlusion of the right iliac axis. To exclude the metachronous aneurysm on the left iliac axis and to maintain the pelvic circulation, an external to IIA endografts were positioned ("U stent-graft technique"). At 6-month follow-up, the computed tomography scan showed patency of the endografts, of the bypass and of the IIA, without endoleak, or other adverse events.

Open Surgery for Giant Bilateral Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms with Compression of Neighboring Abdominal Structures: A Case Report

We describe a patient with successfully treated giant bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms that were associated with acute renal failure secondary to bilateral hydronephrosis, lumbosacral plexopathy, and ileus. After hemodialysis for 1 month, the patient underwent graft replacement of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries, including complete obliteration of the internal iliac artery branches, reconstruction of the inferior mesenteric artery, and ureterolysis. Weaning from hemodialysis was achieved and postoperative renal function improved. Although the patient had serious preoperative co-morbidities, emergency traditional open surgery should be the gold standard for securely releasing compression of the neighboring organs instead of endovascular treatment.

Review of pelvic collateral pathways in aorto-iliac occlusive disease: demonstration by CT angiography

The pelvic collateral system is a robust network of communicating vessels that provide the functional reserve to withstand chronic aorto-iliac occlusive disease. For establishment of collateral circulation, the afferent vessel must originate proximal to the occlusion and anastomose with vessel/s distal to the occlusion. These collateral pathways can be classified as viscero-systemic, systemic-systemic, and visceral-visceral. CT angiography (CTA) is often the initial modality for evaluating patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, because it is non-invasive and has been shown to be comparable to conventional angiography. Most collateral pathways are well demonstrated on CTA, which therefore is a useful tool for preoperative planning and regional interventional procedures.

The "buddy balloon technique" facilitates retrograde ipsilateral access to postdilate an iliac side branch after endovascular aneurysm repair

If unilateral common iliac aneurysms occur simultaneously with abdominal aortic aneurysm, endovascular treatment consists of implantation of a bifurcated stent graft with extension into the external iliac artery while the ipsilateral internal iliac artery is often occluded. The internal iliac artery may be preserved by an iliac branch device (IBD). In this technical note, we describe a technique to probe the side branch of an IBD for postdilation through an ipsilateral retrograde access using one balloon to block the way upstream while directing a second percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon into the side branch despite the hostile angle of side branch and IBD.

Internal iliac artery embolization during an endovascular aneurysm repair with detachable interlock microcoils

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of detachable interlock microcoils for an embolization of the internal iliac artery during an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 40 patients with aortic aneurysms, who had undergone an EVAR between January 2010 and March 2012. Among them, 16 patients were referred for embolization of the internal iliac artery for the prevention of type II endoleaks. Among 16 patients, 13 patients underwent embolization using detachable interlock microcoils during an EVAR. Computed tomographic angiographies and clinical examinations were performed during the follow-up period. Technical success, clinical outcome, and complications were reviewed.

Results

Internal iliac artery embolizations using detachable interlock microcoils were technically successful in all 13 patients, with no occurrence of procedure-related complications. Follow-up imaging was accomplished in the 13 cases. In all cases, type II endoleak was not observed with computed tomographic angiography during the median follow-up of 3 months (range, 1-27 months) and the median clinical follow-up of 12 months (range, 1-27 months). Two of 13 (15%) patients had symptoms of buttock pain, and one patient died due to underlying stomach cancer. No significant clinical symptoms such as bowel ischemia were observed.

Conclusion

Internal iliac artery embolization during an EVAR using detachable interlock microcoils to prevent type II endoleaks appears safe and effective, although this should be further proven in a larger population.

Rectourethral fistula secondary to a bowel management system

A 67-year-old Caucasian male was admitted under the vascular team with critical lower limb ischaemia. Bypass surgery was performed and he was admitted to the intensive care unit post-operatively. The patient experienced a turbulent post-operative recovery complicated by pneumonia, poor respiratory wean and faecal incontinence. A bowel management system was inserted but after 18 days it was reported faecal matter was bypassing his catheter. A CT scan demonstrated an area of necrosis where the bowel management system had been sited which formed a rectourethral fistula. Bowel management systems are frequently used in intensive care unit settings where a high proportion of patients suffer from faecal incontinence. If used correctly they can reduce skin contamination, infection and maintain patient hygiene. However, appropriate assessment and investigations should be addressed before inserting such devices. This case report highlights serious adverse effects of these devices and describes the first documented case of these devices causing a rectourethral fistula.