Transcaval embolization for type II endoleak after endovascular aortic repair of infrarenal, juxtarenal, and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the outcomes of transcaval embolization (TCE) for type II endoleak after infrarenal endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and fenestrated/branched EVAR (F/BEVAR).

METHODS

A retrospective single-center cohort study of all consecutive TCE procedures between August 2015 and August 2019 was performed to investigate technical success, in-hospital morbidity, and 30-day mortality as well as clinical success during follow-up. The indication for TCE was an aneurysm sac growth of 5 mm or more owing to a type II endoleak after EVAR for infrarenal or F/BEVAR for juxtarenal and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

RESULTS

A total 25 TCE procedures in 24 patients (95.8% male) were included. Technical success was 96.0% (24/25); selective and nonselective TCE were performed in 48% of patients. The in-hospital morbidity and 30-day mortality were 0%. The median follow-up was 23.1 months (interquartile range, 10.9-40.1 months). Freedom from type II endoleak-related reintervention was 84.6% at 12 months. Comparing clinical success after TCE, reintervention was necessary in 16.7% of patients after nonselective and 20% of patients after selective TCE. Regarding TCE after EVAR vs F/BEVAR, reintervention was performed in 12.5% of EVAR and 33.3% of F/BEVAR patients during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TCE is an acceptable treatment alternative for type II endoleak with aneurysm sac enlargement and can be used after EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and F/BEVAR for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair is a safe and effective option for octogenarians in treating complex aortic aneurysm compared with nonoctogenarians

OBJECTIVE

Open repair of complex aortic aneurysms is frequently not an option for octogenarians because of prohibitive surgical risks. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) in octogenarians (≥80 years old) compared with nonoctogenarians (<80 years old).

METHODS

We reviewed 893 patients with pararenal or extent I to V thoracoabdominal aneurysms, enrolled in six prospective physician-sponsored investigational device exemption studies from 2012 to 2018. All patients were treated with either company-manufactured off-the-shelf or patient-specific F-BEVAR stent grafts. Data analyzed included demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, history of active cancer, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, aortic anatomy characteristics, and procedural data. End points included mortality, major adverse events (all-cause mortality, stroke, paralysis, acute kidney injury [RIFLE criteria], dialysis, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, and bowel ischemia), technical success, hospital length of stay, target artery instability (occlusion/stenosis, endoleak, rupture or death), and secondary interventions.

RESULTS

During the study period, 195 octogenarian patients (22%) and 698 (78%) nonoctogenarian patients were treated with F-BEVAR. Octogenarians presented more frequently with a history of cancer (17% vs 11%; P = .01), whereas nonoctogenarians more frequently had hyperlipidemia (76% vs 65%; P = .003), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (42% vs 33%; P = .04) and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III to V (78% vs 70%; P = .02). Male sex was similar between groups (68% [octogenarians] vs 70% [nonoctogenarians]; P = .62). Octogenarians had a larger mean aneurysm diameter (67 ± 1 mm vs 65 ± 1 mm; P = .002). The thoracoabdominal classification and the use of upper extremity access were similar between groups. Estimated blood loss was also similar (484 ± 454 mL [octogenarian] vs 416 ± 457 mL [nonoctogenarian]; P = .07). Octogenarians had an increased mean number of vessels incorporated into the repair (3.1 ± 1.4 vs 2.7 ± 1.7; P < .001). The technical success rate was 99% for octogenarians and 97% for nonoctogenarians (P = .19). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.5% for octogenarians and 1.3% for the nonoctogenarians (P = .70). Major adverse events (9.2% vs 9.7%), types I/III endoleak (4.6% vs 2.4%) access complication (3.1% vs 3.3%), and length of stay (8.2 ± 27 days vs 5.7 ± 6.3 days) were all similar between the groups. Freedom from target artery instability and freedom from secondary interventions at 3 years were similar between the groups. Octogenarian survival was lower at 3 years compared with nonoctogenarians on univariate analysis (log-rank P < .01) and on multivariable analysis after adjusting for history of active cancer, hyperlipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite small differences in demographics, anatomic factors, and procedural data, F-BEVAR was safe and effective with nearly identical early outcomes in octogenarians in these experienced aortic centers. More extensive clinical experience and longer follow-up are needed to better delineate factors impacting longer term mortality.

Expanded Use of Preloaded Branched and Fenestrated Endografts for Endovascular Repair of Complex Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the expanded use of preloaded catheters and wires of fenestrations and directional branches to facilitate access to renal and mesenteric target arteries during endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms.

METHODS

This was an observational retrospective cohort multicentre study. Prospectively collected data from six physician sponsored investigational device exemption studies at US centres were analysed. Patients were treated with fenestrated and branched aortic endografts for pararenal and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) between 2012 and 2017. Technical success was defined as successful intra-operative catheterisation and stenting of all intended target visceral arteries. Univariable and stratified analyses were performed to identify differences in outcomes between repairs using preloaded and standard devices.

RESULTS

There were 564 patients (73% men, mean age 73 ± 8 years) treated for 168 pararenal aortic aneurysms (29.8%), 216 type IV TAAAs (38.3%), and 180 type I - III TAAAs (31.9%). Preloaded grafts (PGs) were used in 387 (68.6%) patients and standard grafts (SGs) in 177 (31.4%). PGs were used preferentially for type IV TAAAs (45% vs. 24%; p < .001), whereas standard devices were used more frequently among patients with type I - III TAAAs (24% vs. 49%; p < .001). The majority of custom made devices were preloaded (95% vs. 21%; p < .001). A total of 2 157 target arteries were incorporated (mean 3.9/patient) utilising 1 469 fenestrations (68.1%), 603 directional branches (27.9%), and 85 double wide scallops (3.9%). Most PGs included fenestrations (80% vs. 43%; p < .001), whereas directional branches were more frequent in standard devices (17% vs. 53%; p < .001). Contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and operative time were not significantly different between preloaded and standard devices. Upper extremity access was more frequent for PGs (87% vs. 72%; p < .001). Overall technical success was 98.8% and comparable for both preloaded and standard grafts (99.5% vs. 97.2%; p = .022). The 30 day stroke rate was similar for PGs and SGs (2.3% and 1.7%%, respectively). The 30 day mortality rate was 1.9%, and low for both PGs and SGs (0.8% vs. 4.5%; p = .003).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms is safe and effective. The expanded use of preloaded catheters and wires of fenestrations and directional branches for target artery incorporation is associated with a high technical success and low early mortality.

Effect of celiac axis compression on target vessel-related outcomes during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

OBJECTIVE

To report the effect of median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression on outcomes and technical aspects of celiac artery (CA) stenting during fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) or pararenal aortic aneurysms.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and anatomic data on 300 consecutive patients enrolled in a prospective nonrandomized physician-sponsored investigational device exemption study from 2013 to 2018. From this group, 230 patients with CA incorporation by fenestration or directional branch were included. MAL compression was defined by preoperative computed tomography angiogram as a J-hook narrowing of the proximal CA at the level of the ligament; the shift angle between the downward and upward segments within the CA was measured. End points were technical success, rates of intraoperative or early (30-days) CA branch revision, and freedom from target vessel instability, defined by any death or rupture owing to target vessel complication, occlusion, or reintervention for stenosis, endoleak, or disconnection.

RESULTS

CA incorporation was performed using fenestrations in 118 patients (51%) and directional branches in 112 (49%). MAL compression was present in 97 patients (42%), resulting in a stenosis of more than 50% in 48 (49%). MAL compression was more often present in patients with extent I to III TAAAs compared with extent IV TAAA-pararenal aortic aneurysms (56% vs 31%; P < .001). Technical success rate was 99%. Patients with MAL compression more often received a directional branch (65% vs 37%; P < .001), self-expanding bridging stent grafts (32% vs 16%; P = .007), adjunctive bare metal stents (46% vs 24%; P = .001), and coverage of the gastric artery (44% vs 22%; P < .001). An intraoperative (n = 6, 2.6%) or early (n = 1, 0.4%) revision of the CA branch was required in seven patients (3%) owing to dissection/occlusion (n = 2 [0.9%]), kinking/stenosis (n = 3 [1.3%]), stent dislodgement (n = 1 [0.4%]), or type IC endoleak (n = 1 [0.4%]). A shift angle of less than 120° was the most significant factor associated with CA branch revision (odds ratio, 10.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.3-88.9; P = .013). Freedom from CA branch instability was 97 ± 2% at 4 years, and this outcome was not associated with MAL compression (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-5.02; P = .588) or any other predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

MAL compression was more common in extent I to III TAAAs, and related to additional challenges for CA stenting in fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair. This process may include bare metal stenting, gastric artery coverage, or early revision, especially in presence of an angulation of less than 120°. However, durable results can be achieved for CA incorporation despite these difficulties.

Learning curve of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair for pararenal and thoracoabdominal aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the learning curve for fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data of 334 consecutive patients (255 males, mean age 75 ± 7 years) who underwent F-BEVAR between 2007 and 2016 in a single institution. Outcomes were analyzed in four quartiles of experience (Q1-Q4). Study outcomes included trends in patient characteristics, device design, procedural variables, 30-day mortality, and major adverse events (MAEs).

RESULTS

There were 178 patients (53%) treated for pararenal aneurysms and 156 (47%) for TAAAs. During the study period, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of TAAAs and in the number of vessels incorporated. Despite this, there was a steady decrease in 30-day mortality (6% in Q1 to 0% in Q4; P < .04) and in the rate of MAEs (60% in Q1 to 29% in Q4; P<.001). By linear regression analysis, there was significant decline in estimated blood loss (1358 ± 1517 mL in Q1 to 486 ± 520 mL in Q4; P < .001), total operating time (325 ± 116 minutes in Q1 to 248 ± 92 minutes in Q4; P < .001), total fluoroscopy time (121 ± 59 minutes in Q1 to 85 ± 39 minutes in Q4; P < .001), contrast volume (201 ± 92 mL in Q1 to 160 ± 61 mL in Q4; P = .002), and radiation dose (4141 ± 2570 mGy in Q2 to 2543 ± 1895 mGy in Q4; P < .001). Independent predictors of MAEs were total operating time (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-1.8; P < .001), Society for Vascular Surgery total score (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.02-1.2; P = .009), and quartile 1 (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.7-5.2; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates significant improvement in perioperative mortality, MAEs, procedural variables, and secondary interventions in patients treated by F-BEVAR, despite the increase in complexity of aneurysm pathology during the study period. Also, better patient selection contributed to improve outcomes.

Outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair in patients with a solitary functional kidney

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) in patients with a solitary functional kidney (SFK).

METHODS

We analyzed the outcomes of 287 consecutive patients (206 male; mean age, 74 ± 8 years old) enrolled in a prospective nonrandomized study to investigate use of F-BEVAR for treatment of patients with pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms or TAAAs between 2013 and 2018. Outcomes were analyzed in patients with solitary kidney (functional or congenital) and compared with control patients who had two functioning kidneys. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined using Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal disease criteria, and renal function deterioration (RFD) was defined by a decline in estimated glomerular filtration the estimated glomerular filtration rate of more than 30% from baseline. End points included 30-day mortality and major adverse events, AKI, freedom from RFD, and patient survival.

RESULTS

There where 30 patients (10%) with a SFK and 257 patients with two functioning kidneys. Patients with a SFK were younger and had significantly (P < .05) higher baseline creatinine (+0.3 mg/dL), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (-16 mL/minute/1.73 m²) and more often had stage III to V chronic kidney disease (73% vs 43%). There were no differences in cardiovascular risk factors and aneurysm extent. Technical success was achieved in 98.9% of patients with SFK and in 99.8% of controls (P = .10). At 30 days, there was no significant differences in mortality (0% vs 1%) and major adverse events (40% vs 24%; P = .08), including rates of AKI (20% vs 12%) and new-onset dialysis (3% vs 1%) between patients with a SFK and the control group, respectively. Mean follow-up was 18 ± 15 months. At 2 years, there was no difference (P = .36) in patient survival (92 ± 5% vs 84 ± 3%) and freedom from RFD (100 ± 0% vs 84 ± 3%) for patients with SFK and controls, respectively. Presence of a SFK was not a predictor for AKI or RFD. By multivariable analysis, estimated blood loss of more than 1 L (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; P = .04) and total fluoroscopy time (OR, 1.8; P = .05) were predictors for AKI, and postoperative AKI (OR, 4.9; P < .001), renal branch occlusion/stenosis (OR, 3.1; P = .001), and Crawford extent II TAAA (OR, 2.4; P = .007) were predictors for RFD.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the worse baseline renal function, F-BEVAR is safe and effective with nearly identical outcomes in patients with a SFK as compared with patients with two functioning kidneys. Development of postoperative AKI is the most important predictor for RFD.