Primary Stenting for Chronic Total Occlusion of the Infrarenal Aorta

Percutaneous treatment of severe diffuse stenosis in heavily calcified infrarenal abdominal aorta using iliac extender endoprosthesis: a case series

Severe, concentric calcific stenosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) is an uncommon but technically challenging problem. In diffuse, heavily calcific lesions are generally not treated with balloon expandable or self-expanding stents. There is concern of aortic rupture, incomplete apposition, and underexpansion. Such lesions are mostly treated with aortobifemoral or extra-anatomic bypass surgery. Using three case examples, we describe the feasibility of endovascular treatment for severely calcific IAA with use of iliac extender limbs of commercially available aortic stent grafts and discuss the role of preprocedural CT scan in case planning.

Endovascular treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic lesions with or without common iliac artery involvement

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of stent placement for obstructive atherosclerotic aortic disease with or without involvement of the common iliac artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients had self-expanding stents primarily or after balloon dilatation in the abdominal aorta between January 2005 and May 2011. All patients had trouble walking. Follow-up examinations were performed with clinical visits; these included color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomographic angiography.

RESULTS

Technical, clinical, and hemodynamic success was achieved in all patients. None of the patients underwent reintervention during the follow-up period, which ranged from 3 months to 6 years (median 24 months). Nine complications occurred in six patients. Of the nine complications, four were distal thromboembolisms, which were successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis or anticoagulation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of the obstructive aortic disease using self-expanding stents was safe and effective, with high technical success and long-term patency. Thromboembolic complications were high even though direct stenting was considered protective for thromboembolism formation. Particularly for infrarenal aortic stenosis, it can be recommended as the first-line treatment option for patients with obstructive atherosclerotic aortic disease.

Endovascular Therapies for Noncoronary Atherosclerosis in the Elderly: Aortoiliac and Femorotibial Lesions

Many interventional cardiologists are becoming interested in the interventional treatment of noncoronary atherosclerotic disease. The elderly may be especially benefited by the application of many new techniques for the treatment of lower limb atherosclerosis, such as protection and thromboaspiration devices, new atherectomy devices, and cryoplasty. In this review the authors offer geriatric cardiologists an overview and an update of the most recent advances in techniques and results in the field of interventional treatment of aortoiliac and femorotibial artery atherosclerosis in the elderly.

Long-term Results After Primary Stenting of Distal Aortic Stenosis

PURPOSE

To review the long-term results of primary stent placement in the distal aorta above the bifurcation.

METHODS

Fourteen patients (8 men; mean age 62 years, range 46-82) underwent primary stent implantation performed by an interdisciplinary radiosurgical team. In 10 patients, a long-term follow-up examination consisting of patient history, clinical examination, and duplex sonography was performed. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) for the posterior tibial artery was calculated on the basis of Doppler pressure measurements.

RESULTS

The clinical success rate at the first follow-up examination (mean 2.9 months, range 2.1-4.4) was 100% (n = 14). The mean baseline ABI of 0.64 +/- 0.12 had risen to 1.02 +/- 0.10 (p < 0.0001). At midterm follow-up (mean 22.8 months, range 14-42) in 12 patients, the ABI was 0.96 +/- 0.12 (p < 0.0001 versus baseline). At a mean 86 months (range 51-119) after stent treatment, the ABI in 10 patients was 0.90 +/- 0.20 (p < 0.0001 versus baseline). Over the long term, the clinical success rate was 70%. Deterioration was due to the progression of atherosclerosis distal to the aorta; duplex sonography showed no aortic restenosis or occlusion.

CONCLUSION

In view of the excellent long-term results in our small series, primary stent placement in focal abdominal aortic stenosis in properly selected patients is a durable treatment. In addition, the mortality and morbidity risks are markedly reduced compared with open surgery.

Complete Occlusion after Blunt Injury to the Abdominal Aorta

BACKGROUND

Injury to the abdominal aorta after blunt trauma is uncommon. When this injury results in complete vessel occlusion, the presentation is dramatic. Timely intervention is essential.

METHODS

After a case report, we examined all reported cases of complete occlusion after blunt injury to the abdominal aorta and reviewed the cause, presentation, and management of this injury.

RESULTS

Complete vessel occlusion arises from intimal injury. The most frequent mechanism is compression from a seat belt or steering wheel during a motor vehicle crash. Patients present with absent femoral and distal pulses in association with lower extremity neuropathy. Intervention commonly involves bypass grafting of the abdominal aorta.

CONCLUSION

Complete occlusion after blunt trauma to the abdominal aorta is rare. Neurologic deficits most commonly arise from peripheral nerve ischemia. Reperfusion within 6 hours confers a greater chance of limb salvage and neurologic recovery.