Endovascular repair versus open repair in the treatment of ruptured aortic aneurysms: a systematic review

A Comparison of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair and Open Repair for Ruptured Aortic Abdominal Aneurysms

Management modalities of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) include ruptured open aneurysm repair (rOAR) and ruptured endovascular aneurysm repair (rEVAR). In this study, we aim to systematically review all the previously published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared rOAR and rEVAR. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Clinical trials, and others with all the potentially relevant keywords that were adjusted to meet the search strategy for each database to collect all the relevant studies that were published up to January 2021. A total of 11 studies were identified through our comprehensive search. Among these studies, seven represented the IMPROVE trial, two represented the AJAX trial, and two represented the Nottingham and ECAR trials, each, while the remaining four studies were not RCTs; however, these were included in the discussion as they obtained data from the IMPROVE trial. The IMPROVE trials preferred EVAR use due to the potential survival benefit and improved quality of life, although the EVAR and OAR had similar mortality rates. In the AJAX and ECAR, the mortality rates favored EVAR over OAR with no significance while the opposite was noticed in the Nottingham trial with no significance also. Similar rates of re-interventions and complications were also noticed and some studies reported that EVAR is cost-effective. Overall evidence slightly favors EVAR over OAR and further studies are needed.

Surgical treatment for common hepatic aneurysm. Original one-step technique

Introduction

Hepatic artery aneurysms are rare, and their treatment represents a challenge for the surgeons.

Materials and methods

A new technique is presented for common hepatic artery (CHA) aneurysm: it requires minimal vascular surgical dissection and only one linear vascular stapler is applied at the bottom of aneurysm. Aneurysm exclusion is easily obtained, which allowed retrograde thrombosis. Liver blood supply is ensured to the right and left hepatic artery, through the gastroduodenal artery, and can be previously monitored, with temporary clamping of the section area, by visual control, enzyme evaluation and intraoperative ultrasound examination. We reported an open surgical treatment, with simultaneous removal of hepatic and adrenal metastases, secondary to colon cancer.

Results

The duration of vascular surgery was 30 min and did not involve complications. Postoperative controls confirmed the efficacy of the procedure.

Discussion

This original technique can be added to the various open and endovascular techniques so far described for the treatment of a CHA aneurysm. It is advisable as open surgery, mostly in case of associated pathologies.

Conclusions

The authors believe that this "one shot" technique by vascular staple of the distal part of CHA is minimally invasive and effective to obtain the exclusion of the aneurysm.

Repeat Rupture of a Giant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm after EVAR

Introduction

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are known to be associated with high fatal outcomes. Giant AAAs are often defined as having a maximum diameter over 13 cm. Large AAAs over 8 cm have demonstrated a yearly rupture rate of 30–50%, which explains the rarity of giant AAAs. Endovascular repair of ruptured AAAs (rAAAs) is increasingly advocated because of the shorter hospital stay and fewer post-operative complications. Nonetheless, outcomes regarding mortality and cost-effectiveness show a large variability and long-term outcomes are lacking. Few data have been published on treatment of giant AAAs and rAAAs; however, open surgery is generally the preferred option.

Report

An 83 year old presented to the Emergency Department with a history of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with an aorto-uni-iliac endograft and a femorofemoral crossover bypass. During follow up, this was complicated by a symptomatic type III endoleak, which was treated by endovascular repair. During the current admission, he presented with a re-rupture of his former aneurysm, which now was 18 cm diameter because of a type IA endoleak. Open surgical repair was performed and the post-operative course was without complications.

Discussion

The current case underlines the value of vascular surgeons being able to perform both open and endovascular surgery in rAAA.