The influence of gender on 30-day adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing carotid surgery

BACKGROUND

We aimed to further evaluate sex differences of perioperative and 30-day complications after carotid surgery in patients with both asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study including 2013 consecutive patients, who were treated surgically due to extracranial carotid artery stenosis and prospectively followed. Patients who underwent carotid artery stenting and who were treated conservatively were excluded. The primary endpoints for this study were hospital stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA) and overall survival rates. Secondary outcomes included all other hospital adverse events, 30-day stroke/TIA, and 30-day mortality rates.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was higher in female patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (3% vs. 0.5%, P=0.018). Bleeding requiring re-intervention occurred more often in female patients with both asymptomatic (1.5% vs. 0.4%, P=0.045) and symptomatic carotid stenosis (2.4% vs. 0.2%, P=0.022). 30-day stroke/TIA and mortality rates were higher in female patients with both asymptomatic (stroke/TIA 4.4% vs. 2.5%, P=0.041; mortality 3.3% vs. 1.6%, P=0.046) and symptomatic carotid stenosis (stroke/TIA 8.3% vs. 4.2%, P=0.040; mortality 4.1% vs. 0.7%, P=0.006). After adjusting for all confounding factors, female gender remained an important predicting factor for 30-day stroke/TIA in asymptomatic (OR=1.4, 95%CI 1.0-4.7, P=0.041) and symptomatic patients (OR=1.7, 95%CI 1.1-5.3, P=0.040), as well as for 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with asymptomatic (OR=1.5, 95%CI 1.1-4.1, P=0.030) and symptomatic carotid artery disease (OR=1.2, 95%CI 1.0-5.2, P=0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender is important predicting factor for stroke/TIA and all-cause mortality, both perioperative and during the first 30 days after carotid surgery.

Preoperative Anxiety is Associated With Postoperative Complications in Vascular Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety is associated with increased morbidity and/or mortality in surgical patients. This study investigated the incidence, predictors, and association of preoperative anxiety with postoperative complications in vascular surgery.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing aortic, carotid, and peripheral artery surgery, under general and regional anesthesia, from February until October 2019 were included in a cross-sectional study. Anesthesiologists assessed preoperative anxiety using a validated Serbian version of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Patients were divided into groups with low/high anxiety, both anesthesia- and surgery-related. Statistical analysis included multivariate linear logistic regression and point-biserial correlation.

RESULTS

Of 402 patients interviewed, 16 were excluded and one patient refused to participate (response rate 99.7%). Out of 385 patients included (age range 39-86 years), 62.3% had previous surgery. High-level anesthesia- and surgery-related anxieties were present in 31.2 and 43.4% of patients, respectively. Independent predictors of high-level anesthesia-related anxiety were having no children (OR = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.239-0.821, p = 0.01), personal bad experiences with anesthesia (OR = 2.294, 95% CI: 1.043-5.045, p = 0.039), and time since diagnosis for ≥ 4 months (OR = 1.634, 95% CI: 1.023-5.983, p = 0.04). The female sex independently predicted high-level surgery-related preoperative anxiety (OR = 2.387, 95% CI: 1.432-3.979, p = 0.001). High-level anesthesia-related anxiety correlated with postoperative mental disorders (r_pb = 0.193, p = 0.001) and pulmonary complications (r_pb = 0.104, p = 0.042). Postoperative nausea (r_pb = 0.111, p = 0.03) and postoperative mental disorders (r_pb = 0.160, p = 0.002) correlated with high-level surgery-related preoperative anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Since preoperative anxiety affects the postoperative course and almost every third patient experiences anxiety preoperatively, routine screening might be recommended in vascular surgery.

Recurrent deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities as a result of compression of large horseshoe kidney cysts in double inferior vena cava - Successfully treatment with sclerotherapy

Background

Horseshoe kidney is a well-known congenital anomaly and the most common anomaly of the upper urinary tract. This condition is rarely associated with anomalous inferior vena cava (IVC). Polycystic horseshoe kidney is a very rare occurrence and however IVC anomalies common with polycistic disease are an increasingly recognized risk factor for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Method

We present a case of 75-year-old patient with recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of right leg as a result of compression of large horseshoe kidney cysts in double inferior vena cava.

Results

Large renal cyst were successful treated percutaneously punctured for the relief of compression and received injection of acidic solutions of 95% ethanol under ultrasound guidance for prevention against re-accumulation of cyst fluid.

Conclusion

Percutaneous aspiration with ultrasound guidance with injection of sclerosing solutions as a relatively simple procedure and can be the method of choice for treatment of renal cysts. Also, any recurrent deep vein thrombosis on lower extremity requires additional evaluation in the form of an ultrasound or multidetector computed tomography examination of the abdomen.

Hybrid repair of aortic arch with zone zero endografting-Case series with review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

We present single-institution results of types I and II hybrid procedures for aortic arch disease with 30-day and long-term results and review of the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of all patients that underwent zone 0 endografting and open bypass from ascending aorta to the arch vessels at our institution between January 2013 and 2020. The following data for the systematic review were extracted from eligible studies: 30-day/in-hospital mortality, stroke rate, spinal cord ischemia (SCI) rate, renal failure requiring dialysis, development of retrograde dissection, early (<30 days) types I and III endoleak, follow-up length, late (>30 days) endoleak, and late (>30 days) mortality.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent hybrid aortic arch treatment in our institution. The most common aortic arch pathology was degenerative aortic aneurysm. The rate of retrograde dissection and SCI was 8.33%. Regarding the literature data, a total of 768 patients undergoing types I and II hybrid aortic arch debranching procedure. The pooled rate of 30-day/in-hospital mortality was 10.96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.21-14.06), SCI pooled rate was 2.91% (95% CI, 1.76%-4.33%), and retrograde dissection pooled rate was 3.22% (95% CI, 1.99-4.72).

CONCLUSION

Hybrid arch techniques provide safe alternative to open repair with acceptable short- and midterm results.

Influence of perioperative risk factors on the development of transmural colonic ischemia after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Development of colonic ischemia (CI) after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) treatment is a lethal complication with perioperative mortality reported to be high as 50%. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to identify pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors associated with CI in patients undergoing open repair (OR) due to RAAA, that might help to select patients who are more prone to develop CI.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study on patients with RAAA undergoing OR between January 1st 2018 and July 1st 2019, at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia. During this period 89 patients were treated due to RAAA and all were included in the study. The primary endpoint was grade III CI, or transmural necrosis, diagnosed by laparotomy.

RESULTS

Out of 89 patients operated due to RAAA, CI was diagnosed in 14 (15.73%). During the operation, patients with CI had a longer duration of hypotension (42.86±35.82 vs 24.13±23.48, p=.021) and more common significant hypotension (54.54% vs 14.66%, p=.024). In the postoperative course, patients with CI had more common signs of abdominal compartment syndrome (71.42% vs 25.33%, p=.001) and higher mortality rate (78.57% vs 29.33%, p=.001). The univariate regression model showed that one of the most significant factors that were associated with CI were age higher than 75 years, significant hypotension lasting more than one hour, organ lesion, development of abdominal compartment syndrome and higher potassium values on third and fourth quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Grade III colon ischemia (transmural) remains the important cause of mortality after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We identified pre- and intraoperative and postoperative risk factors that could improve the selection of patients for primary open abdomen treatment or early exploratory laparotomy in order to prevent or timely diagnose colon ischemia.

Impact of Bypass Flow Assessment on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Transit time flow meter (TTFM) allows quick and accurate intraoperative graft assessment. The main study goal is to evaluate the influence of graft flow measurements on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) undergoing bellow the knee (BTK) vein bypass surgery.

METHODS

Between January 1st, 1999 and January 1st, 2006, 976 CLTI consecutive patients underwent lower extremity bypass surgery. When applying the exclusion criteria, 249 patients were included in the final analysis. Control measurements were performed at the end of the procedure. Patients were divided according to the mean (more/less than 100 ml/min) and diastolic graft flow (more/less than 40 ml/min) values in four groups. The primary endpoints were a major adverse limb event (male) and primary graft patency.

RESULTS

After the median follow-up of 68 months, a group with the mean graft flow below 100 ml/min and the diastolic graft flow below 40 ml/min had the highest rates of male (χ² = 36.60, DF = 1, P < 0.01, log-rank test) and the worst primary graft patency (χ² = 53.05, DF = 1, P < 0.01, log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CLTI undergoing BTK vein bypass surgery, TTFM parameters, especially combined impact of mean graft flow less than 100 ml/min and diastolic graft flow less than 40 ml/min, were associated with an increased risk of poor long-term male and primary graft patency.

The TAXINOMISIS Project: A multidisciplinary approach for the development of a new risk stratification model for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) may cause future stroke and therefore patients with ACAS require best medical treatment. Patients at high risk for stroke may opt for additional revascularization (either surgery or stenting) but the future stroke risk should outweigh the risk for peri/post-operative stroke/death. Current risk stratification for patients with ACAS is largely based on outdated randomized-controlled trials that lack the integration of improved medical therapies and risk factor control. Furthermore, recent circulating and imaging biomarkers for stroke have never been included in a risk stratification model. The TAXINOMISIS Project aims to develop a new risk stratification model for cerebrovascular complications in patients with ACAS and this will be tested through a prospective observational multicentre clinical trial performed in six major European vascular surgery centres.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The risk stratification model will compromise clinical, circulating, plaque and imaging biomarkers. The prospective multicentre observational study will include 300 patients with 50%-99% ACAS. The primary endpoint is the three-year incidence of cerebrovascular complications. Biomarkers will be retrieved from plasma samples, brain MRI, carotid MRA and duplex ultrasound. The TAXINOMISIS Project will serve as a platform for the development of new computer tools that assess plaque progression based on radiology images and a lab-on-chip with genetic variants that could predict medication response in individual patients.

CONCLUSION

Results from the TAXINOMISIS study could potentially improve future risk stratification in patients with ACAS to assist personalized evidence-based treatment decision-making.

Influence of preoperative statins and aspirin administration on biological and magnetic resonance imaging properties in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Background: Main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of statins and/or acetylsalicylic acid on biochemical characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall and intraluminal thrombus (ILT). Patients and methods: Fifty patients with asymptomatic infrarenal AAA were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging on T1w sequence. Relative ILT signal intensity (SI) was determined as a ratio between ILT and psoas muscle SI. Samples containing the full ILT thickness and aneurysm wall were harvested from the anterior surface at the level of the maximal diameter. The concentration of enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, MMP2 and neutrophil elastase (NE/ELA) were analyzed in ILT and AAA wall; while collagen type III, elastin and proteoglycan 4 were analyzed in harvested AAA wall. Oxidative stress in the AAA wall was assessed by catalase and malondialdehyde activity in tissue samples. Results: Relative ILT signal intensity (1.09 ± 0.41 vs 0.89 ± 0.21, p = 0.013) were higher in non-statin than in statin group. Patients who were taking aspirin had lower relative ILT area (0.89 ± 0.19 vs 1.13. ± 0.44, p = 0.016), and lower relative ILT signal intensity (0.85 [0.73-1.07] vs 1.01 [0.84-1.19], p = 0.021) compared to non-aspirin group. There were higher concentrations of elastin in AAA wall among patients taking both of aspirin and statins (1.21 [0.77-3.02] vs 0.78 (0.49-1.05) ng/ml, p = 0.044) than in patients who did not take both of these drugs. Conclusions: Relative ILT SI was lower in patients taking statin and aspirin. Combination of antiplatelet therapy and statins was associated with higher elastin concentrations in AAA wall.

An Isolated Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome-A Case Report

We present a case of successfully treated abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 24-year-old patient with Marfan syndrome. After initial physical and ultrasound examination, the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scan revealed infrarenal aortic aneurysm of 6 cm in diameter, 10 cm long, along with slightly dilated iliac arteries. However, dimensions of aortic root, aortic arch, and descending suprarenal aorta were within normal limits. Further on, because the patient presented with signs of impending rupture, an urgent surgical intervention was performed. The patient was discharged in good general medical condition 7 days after surgery. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient's condition was satisfying and no MSCT signs of further aortic dissection/aneurysm were identified. To the best of our knowledge, a case of successful management of a patient with Marfans syndrome and truly isolated infrarenal and symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm has not been described in the literature before.

Evaluation of the renal function using serum Cystatin C following open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

Objectives

Controversies regarding renal function impairment after open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair still exist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renal function following open repair and endovascular aneurysm repair using Cystatin C.

Methods

This prospective, observational case–control study was conducted in tertiary referral centre over 3 years, starting from 2012. In total, 60 patients operated due to infrarenal AAA either by means of open repair (30 patients) or endovascular aneurysm repair (30 patients) were included in the study. Biochemical markers of renal function (sCr, urea, potassium) were recorded pre-operatively and at these specific time points, immediately after the operation and at discharge, home (third postoperative day, endovascular aneurysm repair group) or from intensive care unit (third postoperative day, open repair group). Multivariate and propensity score adjustments were used to control for the baseline differences between the groups.

Results

Creatinine levels in serum remained unchanged during the hospital stay in both groups without significant differences at any time point. Cystatin C levels in endovascular aneurysm repair patients significantly increased postoperatively and restored to values comparable to baseline at the discharge (0.865 ± 0.319 vs. *0.962 ± 0.353 vs. 0.921 ± 0.322, * p < 0.001). Cystatin C levels in patients treated with the open surgery was decreasing over time but not statistically significant comparing to Cystatin C values at the admission. However, decrease in Cystatin C serum levels in patients treated with conventional surgery resulted in statistically significant lower values compared to endovascular aneurysm repair patients both postoperatively and at the time of discharge (0.760 ± 0.225 vs. 0.962 ± 0.353, p < 0.05; 0.750 vs. 0.156, p < 0.05). Both multivariate linear regression models and propensity score adjustment confirm that, even after correction for previously observed intergroup differences, type of surgery, i.e. endovascular aneurysm repair is independently associated with the higher levels of Cystatin C both postoperatively and at the discharge.

Conclusions

Dynamics of Cystatin C levels have been proven as a more vulnerable marker of renal dysfunction. Endovascular aneurysm repair is associated with higher levels of kidney injury markers.

Open Surgical Treatment of Secondary Aortoesophageal and Aortobronchial Fistula after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and Esophagocoloplasty in a Second Procedure

Aortoesophageal (AEF) and aortobronchial fistula (ABF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are rare complications with catastrophic consequences without treatment. In this case report, we presented a patient with AEF and ABF after TEVAR successfully treated with endograft explantation and replaced by Dacron graft followed by esophagectomy and left principal bronchus repairing. We report a patient with AEF and ABF after TEVAR who was evaluated due to dysphagia and chest pain followed by hematemesis and hemoptysis. Endoscopic examination revealed lesion of the esophageal wall with chronic abscess formation and stent-graft protrusion into the cavity. Patient was operated on with extracorporeal circulation. AEF and ABF were confirmed intraoperatively. Endograft was explanted and in situ reconstruction of thoracic aorta was carried out with tubular Dacron 22-mm prosthesis wrapped with omental flap. After aortic reconstruction, esophageal mucosal stripping was performed with cervical esophagostomy, pyloromyotomy, and Stamm-Kader gastrostomy for nutrition. In addition, omentoplasty of the defect in the left principal bronchus was performed. To re-establish peroral food intake esophagocoloplasty was carried out 8 months after previous surgery utilizing transversosplenic segment of the colon and retrosternal route. In very selective cases, stent-graft explantation and in situ reconstruction with Dacron graft covered by omental flap followed by esophagectomy and bronchus repairing permit adequate debridement reducing the risk of mediastinitis and graft infection and allow a safe esophageal reconstruction in a second procedure.

Carotid replacement with Dacron graft in 292 patients

Introduction

In case of highly atherosclerotic carotid process, carotid graft replacement might be a potential solution for successful procedure. Many studies evaluated the results of vein and polytetrafluorethilen (PTFE) graft usage at the carotid bifurcation, while the experience on the Dacron graft due to extensive atherosclerotic process is missing. The aim of our study was to evaluate 30-day and long-term results of the Dacron graft on carotid artery used in patients with extensive atherosclerotic disease.

Material and methods

This retrospective study analysed early and long-term neurological outcome as well as Dacron graft patency in patients operated with carotid reconstruction. Early results were confirmed by follow-up clinical examination, whereas late results were assessed by follow-up clinical examination as well as duplex sonographic examination at least 1 year after the surgery. As for statistical methods we used descriptive analysis tests, Chi-square test, and logistic regression.

Results

Carotid graft replacement was performed in 292 patients, before endarterectomy in 155 (53.09%), or after already attempted unsuccessful eversion endarterectomy in 137 (46.91%). Nineteen (6.5%) patients had a stroke due to ipsilateral and contralateral ischaemia or haemorrhagic in 17 (5.8%), 1 (0.3%) and 1 (0.3%) patients, respectively. Significantly higher rate of strokes occurred when the graft reconstruction was used after the failure of endarterectomy (8.5% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.029). Stroke and death rate was 7.19%. Factors that increased risk of early stroke were the length of plaque in the internal carotid artery measured intraoperatively ( p = 0.025) and the surgical tactic to perform graft reconstruction after attempted extensive endarterectomy ( p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Low number of patients with carotid stenosis has extensive atherosclerotic process longer than 4 cm that might jeopardise eversion endarterectomy. Carotid graft replacement with Dacron graft provide early results that are comparable with other conduits; however, in such patients reconstruction should be selected individually based on surgical experience and anatomical distribution of stenotic disease. Due to high risk of stroke, only symptomatic patients with such extensive atherosclerotic disease should be operated.

Reborn of Internal-External Carotid Artery Transposition as a Repair Method for Shotgun Injury of Neck Zone 2

A 26-year-old male presented to the emergency center having been shot in the neck. Multislice computed tomography angiography revealed injury of the right internal carotid artery at level of the carotid bifurcation with hematoma and injury of right internal jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, transposition of internal carotid artery to external carotid artery, with ligation of internal jugular vein, was successfully performed. This case emphasizes the value of "old fashion" surgical treatment in modern endovascular age.

Chronic complete thrombosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm: An unusual presentation of an unusual complication

Although mural thrombosis frequently accompanies aneurysmal disease, complete thrombosis is distinctly unusual complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A case study of a patient with chronic, asymptomatic complete thrombosis of a large juxtarenal AAA is presented along with a literature review and discussion of the potential secondary complications, mandating aggressive management of this condition. A 67-year-old man with multiple atherogenic risk factors and unattended complaints consistent with a recent episode of a transient right hemispheric ischemic attack was referred to our clinic with a diagnosis of a thrombosed AAA established by computed tomography. Duplex ultrasonography and aortography confirmed the referral diagnosis and also revealed near occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. The patient underwent a two-stage surgery, with preliminary left-sided carotid endarterectomy followed three days later by an aneurysmectomy and aortobifemoral reconstruction. He had an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day 7, remaining asymptomatic at the 42-month follow-up. Complete thrombosis is an uncommon presentation of AAA and may be clinically silent. It is frequently associated with other manifestations of generalized atherosclerosis. Radical open repair yields durable result and is the preferred treatment modality.