Editor's choice - thirty day outcomes and costs of fenestrated and branched stent grafts versus open repair for complex aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To compare 30 day outcomes and costs of fenestrated and branched stent grafts (f/b EVAR) and open surgery (OSR) for the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA).

METHODS

The multicenter prospective registry WINDOW was set up to evaluate f/b EVAR in high risk patients with para/juxtarenal AAA, and infradiaphragmatic and supradiaphragmatic TAAA. A control group of patients treated by OSR was extracted from the national hospital discharge database. The primary endpoint was 30 day mortality. Secondary endpoints included severe complications, length of stay, and costs. Mortality was assessed by survival analysis and uni/multivariate Cox regression analyses using pre- and post-operative characteristics. Bootstrap methods were used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of f/b EVAR versus OSR.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty eight cases and 1,678 controls were included. There was no difference in 30 day mortality (6.7% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.40), but costs were higher with f/b EVAR (€38,212 vs. €16,497, p < .001). After group stratification, mortality was similar with both treatments for para/juxtarenal AAA (4.3% vs. 5.8%, p = .26) and supradiaphragmatic TAAA (11.9% vs. 19.7%, p = .70), and higher with f/b EVAR for infradiaphragmatic TAAA (11.9% vs. 4.0%, p = .010). Costs were higher with f/b EVAR for para/juxtarenal AAA (€34,425 vs. €14,907, p < .0001) and infradiaphragmatic TAAA (€37,927 vs. €17,530, p < .0001), but not different for supradiaphragmatic TAAA (€54,710 vs. €44,163, p = .18).

CONCLUSION

f/b EVAR does not appear justified for patients with para/juxtarenal AAA and infradiaphragmatic TAAA fit for OSR but may be an attractive option for patients with para/juxtarenal AAA not eligible for surgery and patients with supradiaphragmatic TAAA.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01168037; identifier: NCT01168037 (WINDOW registry).

New bacteriological patterns in primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms: a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVES

To assess causative pathogens and surgical outcomes in patients with primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms at our institution.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of patients treated at a university hospital between 1992 and 2009.

RESULTS

We identified 26 patients (median age, 63 years) with primary infected aneurysms on the aorta (descending thoracic, n = 2; thoraco-abdominal, n = 3; suprarenal, n = 2; infrarenal, n = 15) or iliac arteries (n = 4). Among them, 22 were symptomatic, including 13 with ruptured aneurysms. The causative organisms, identified in 25/26 patients, were Campylobacter fetus, n = 6; Streptococcus pneumoniae, n = 4; Listeria, n = 3; Salmonella, n = 2; Mycobacterium tuberculosis, n = 2; Staphylococcus aureus, n = 1; and other, n = 7. Immune suppression was a feature in 10 (38.4%) patients. Revascularisation was performed in situ in 23 patients (10 allografts, eight grafts, three superficial femoral veins, and 2 stentgrafts) and by extra-anatomic bypass in three patients. Hospital mortality was 23% (in situ group, 17.4%; extra-anatomic group, 66.7%; χ(2)(Yates), P = 0.24). During follow-up in the 20 survivors (median, 48.5 months), there were two non-infection-related deaths (five and 24 months) and six (30%) vascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The bacteriological spectrum of primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms was wider than previously reported. The availability of new diagnostic tests and increased prevalence of immunosuppression may explain this finding.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm sac behavior following Cook Zenith graft implantation: a five-year follow-up assessment of 212 cases

AIM

Aneurysm shrinkage is an expected outcome after stent-grafting for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A worrying problem following repair is progressive enlargement indicating persistent sac pressurization: in this setting not all grafts are equal. The Cook Zenith device (CZ) became available on the European market in 1999. While multicenter studies on the device have shown favorable clinical results at mid-term follow-up, few have focused on sac behavior. This study evaluated AAA sac behavior and predictive factors of its evolution by assessing the five-year results obtained with the CZ graft in a single-institution experience.

METHODS

All consecutive elective surgery patients treated with a CZ graft for infrarenal aortic or aortoiliac aneurysm repair from January 2000 to November 2004 in our institution were included prospectively in the study and followed at 1, 6, 12, 18, 24 months and yearly thereafter. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were recorded in a computerized database. Computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed by a senior radiologist to identify any abnormalities including endoleak and graft malfunction. Pre- and postoperative maximum sac diameters were derived from measurements of CT findings and then compared. A change of at least 8 mm in sac size was considered significant. Overall results are expressed according to the Committee on Reporting Standards of AAA treatment. Factors that may have influenced sac behavior were analyzed by dividing the patients into 3 groups according to whether the sac diameter remained unchanged (group 1), had increased (group 2) or regressed (group 3). Statistical analysis of the demographic and CT-scan data was then performed.

RESULTS

The study sample was 212 consecutive patients (mean age 72.8+/-9.0 years); the mean aneurysm diameter before treatment was 55.5+/-9.8 mm. All stent grafts were successfully implanted. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.94% (2/212); the morbidity rate was 11.7% (25/212). The primary technical success rate was 93.40%; the assisted primary technical success and secondary technical success rates were 96.63% and 99.52%, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 17.7+/-14.7 (1-60) months. The cumulative survival probability was 94%, 84.2%, and 72.9% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The endoleak-free survival probabilities at 12 and 24 months were 75.7% and 62.8%, respectively. The free of intervention survival rates were 82.1%, 68.9% and 60.6% at 12, 24 and 38 months, respectively. At five years follow-up, the overall clinical success rate was 49.5%. If changes in sac diameter occurred, they were noted at 13 months on average. Sac size remained unchanged in 115 (54.3%) patients (group 1), increased in 9 (4.2%) (group 2), and regressed in 88 (41.5%) (group 3). Neither preoperative patient demographics nor aneurysm characteristics were found to be predictive of sac behavior. Aortouniliac graft configuration was predictive of sac shrinkage (P=0.020). Endoleak was more frequent among patients in groups 1 (27/115; 23%) and 2 (5/9; 56%) than among those in group 3 (9/88;10%) (P=0.001). Reduction in aneurysm sac diameter was less marked in patients with any type of endoleak (P=0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The CZ grafts offered satisfactory overall results up to five years of follow-up; nevertheless, sac diameter increased in 4.25% of patients. Endoleak was a predictive factor of a lack of sac shrinkage, while aortouniliac graft configuration was predictive of sac shrinkage.

Embolization of hypogastric artery aneurysm: 17 cases

Surgical management of hypogastric artery aneurysm is associated with high morbidity due to hemorrhage and ischemia. Occlusion by embolization is an attractive alternative treatment. Between 1991 and 1995, we used Gianturco coils to embolize 17 hypogastric aneurysms in 14 patients. All patients were men with a mean age of 77 years. Ten patients had previously undergone aortic repair. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 16 cases but placement of an iliac stent was required in 1 case. Embolization failed in one case involving rupture of a large aneurysm. No complications were observed. Moderate buttock claudication was noted after bilateral embolization in three cases. Embolization of hypogastric artery aneurysm using coils resolves the long-term problems associated with surgical ligation. Extensive aneurysm of the origin to the bifurcation is the main indication for nonresective treatment but embolization can also be a useful alternative to open surgery for high-risk patients. Availability of stent grafts may extend the indication for endovascular treatment.

[Aneurysm of the iliac artery in an elderly subject. Role of treatment with covered endoprosthesis]

BACKGROUND

Coated stents can be an alternative to open surgery for arterial aneurysms, particularly in patients with high operative risk.

CASE REPORT

A 90-year-old man with advanced stage cardiopathy developed a 52 mm aneurysm of the iliac artery. Perioperative imaging (arteriography with marked catheter, CT-scan and endovascular ultrasonography) provided a precise description. The material used (PTFE coated thermal memory endoprosthesis, balloon in the hypogastric) provided effective exclusion.

DISCUSSION

Endovascular treatment can be a useful alternative to open surgery for arterial aneurysm in the very elderly.

[Pulmonary textiloma revealed by hemoptysis 12 years after thoracotomy]

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary textiloma or retained surgical sponge is rare but can have detrimental consequences. Its diagnosis is difficult, even when using computerized tomography (CT) scan and is always a medical and legal problem.

EXEGESIS

We report the case of a 46-year-old man with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed by thoracotomy in 1986, who was admitted to hospital for hemoptysis. CT scan showed the existence of a pulmonary lesion. Clinical, radiological and fiberoptic endoscopy features mimicked an abscess or bronchiectasis. The patient underwent left inferior lobectomy. Anatomical findings led to the diagnosis of textiloma.

CONCLUSION

This case shows the difficult in diagnosing pulmonary textiloma, even when using CT scan. Textiloma should be considered when an atypical pulmonary mass is found in a patient with past history of thoracotomy.

[Long-term outcome of infra-inguinal endovascular surgery for critical ischemia]

STUDY AIM

Endovascular surgery can be proposed as an alternative to infrainguinal conventional surgery in critical ischemia. The aim of this study was to report the latest results of our series of 186 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-six patients (100 women and 86 men; mean age 74.5 +/- 13 years) were treated for pain during rest (31.5%), gangrene (58%), or ischemic ulcer (10.5%). The lesions were unilateral (n = 172) or bilateral (n = 14). Two hundred eighty-seven target lesions were treated: for stenosis (n = 168) or occlusion (n = 119): of superficial femoral artery (31.7%), popliteal artery (40%) or tibial arteries (28.3%).

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 81% (15% amputations). The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.5%. The cumulative patency rate was 61 +/- 3% at 12 months, and 52 +/- 6% at 48 months. The limb salvage rate was 87 +/- 3% at 12 months and 82 +/- 4% at 48 months. Thirteen potential factors of patency were analyzed: the only predictive factors affecting patency were occlusion versus stenosis, and the use of atherectomy (Log rank test: P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Despite a risk of technical failure and of mid-term restenosis, endovascular surgery for critical ischemia provides a fair long-term limb salvage rate.

Angioscopy in the operating room

Angioscopy has been used in the superficial femoral artery for many years, as well as in the control of vascular surgery procedures. It is more reliable than angiography, which often misses such features as intimal flaps, residual valves in "in situ" vein bypasses or persisting thrombus after embolectomy. As fluid irrigation allows visualization of the iliac arteries, and as smaller atraumatic fibres allow safe visualization of the tibial arteries, new fields are opened for the use of angioscopy in peripheral vascular disease. This technique has been proved to be useful: (1) as a diagnostic tool, (2) as a control device in new endovascular procedures (percutaneous angioplasty, atherectomy and stents), and (3) as a therapeutic tool (thromboembolectomy, simplification of bypass procedures). In a modern operating room, angioscopy does not replace angiography, but these two imaging techniques are complementary, as they help the surgeon to provide the patients with a less invasive vascular surgery.

[Emboligenic aortopathies. Cholesterol embolisms: surgical treatment]

Emboligenic aortopathies are defined as lesions of the aortic wall leading to the production of thromboatheromatous material which can migrate in fragments or entirely. Emboligenic aortopathy can occur in all parts of the aorta. Localized lesions are rare and usually involve the subrenal abdominal aorta or the isthma. Diffuse lesions involving several segments of the aorta are encountered more often. There are three anatomic types of lesions: ulcerated plaques, atheromatous ulcerations, an evrysmal disease of the aorta. Therapeutic indications depend on: 1) clinical presentation: fibrinocruoric emboli, distal microemboli, disseminated cholesterol emboli; 2) the unique or multiple nature of the emboli; 3) the anatomic lesion; 4) localization.

Infrapopliteal polytetrafluoroethylene and composite bypass: factors influencing patency

Between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 1988, 149 infrapopliteal polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypasses were performed in 145 patients with chronic, critical, limb-threatening ischemia. These operations represented 27.9% of 534 infrapopliteal bypasses performed during the same period. There were 92 males and 53 females. Mean age was 71.8 +/- 12.3 years. Signs and symptoms of critical ischemia were gangrene, ulceration, and isolated rest pain in 101 (69%), 23 (15.3%), and 25 (16.7%) cases, respectively. A composite (PTFE-saphenous vein) graft was used in 53 (35%) cases. In 96 prosthetic bypasses the distal anastomosis was performed using vein patch angioplasty in 65 (44%) cases and directly in 31 (21%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.3%. Patency, limb salvage, and patient survival rates were plotted according to the actuarial method and the curves obtained were compared using the log-rank test. Actuarial survival rates were 68% +/- 5% and 57% +/- 7% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Primary patency and lower limb salvage rates were 41% +/- 5% and 68% +/- 6% at 3 years and 35% +/- 9% and 65% +/- 10% at 5 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference noted in primary patency rates at 3 years according to the type of bypass (composite or all-prosthetic: 36% vs. 44%), the type of distal anastomosis (direct or vein patch angioplasty: 43% vs. 45%), the site of distal anastomosis (upper or lower half of the leg: 38% vs. 46%), lateral or medial placement of the bypass (39% vs. 43%), or according to whether or not it was a repeat operation (40% vs. 44%). In conclusion, patency rates using infrapopliteal PTFE bypasses are low. Certain technical approaches, although they do not seem to improve patency, definitely increase the feasibility of bypass and in our opinion decrease the risk of early failure in unfavorable anatomic settings. The limb salvage rates following infrapopliteal PTFE and composite bypass are encouraging and justify the use of routine distal revascularization, even in the absence of autogenous vein graft.

[Arterial disease of the lower limbs in diabetic patients]

Lower limb arterial disease in diabetics resembles that in non diabetics. However, some important differences include the vessels involved and the extent of the involvement. In the diabetic, the arteries most frequently involved are those below the knee. Arterial occlusions are bilateral, multisegmental, and involve unusual vessels such as the internal iliac artery, the deep femoral artery, the small branches and the collateral circulation. Arterial disease in the diabetic appears at a younger age, advances more rapidly, is more diffuse, and is almost as common in women as in men. Interaction of arterial disease, neuropathy and infection produces a wide away of clinical findings, including callus formation, foot ulcers, cellulitis, osteomyelitis and patchy areas of gangrene. Foot abscess and cellulitis require emergency debridement and drainage. Arterial reconstruction, including endovascular procedures, lessen the rate of amputation, allow partial foot amputation, and prevent from recurrent foot ulcer. Soft tissue repair, and especially fasciocutaneous flaps or musculocutaneous flaps, provide the means to heal most of the patients without infection, and avoid below-knee amputation.

Outcome of infrainguinal endovascular revascularization procedures for limb-threatening ischemia

This report describes the results of 96 infrainguinal endovascular revascularization procedures performed in 86 patients with limb-threatening ischemia over a 3-year period. There were 41 women and 45 men (mean age 72.9 +/- 11.9 years) including 47 patients (51.1%) with diabetes and 13 (15.1%) with renal insufficiency. All patients had severe ischemia characterized by rest pain (18.8%), ulceration (12.5%), or gangrene (68.8%). Twelve procedures were carried out in association with conventional surgical reconstruction and in eight patients with mixed ulcers a venous procedure was performed during the same session. A total of 143 arterial lesions were treated including 61 occlusions (mean length 5.9 +/- 3.5 cm) and 82 stenoses (mean length 4.6 +/- 3 cm). The following techniques were used: transluminal angioplasty in 99 cases, laser in five cases, Rotablator in 24 cases, and aspiration thrombectomy in 15 cases. Nine patients (10.5%) died in the hospital. Initial failure was observed in 32 patients, of whom 18 underwent subsequent surgical revascularization and 14 required amputation of the extremity within 2 months. Analysis of variance was used to assess the following 12 risk factors for initial failure of endovascular revascularization: sex, age, diabetes, renal insufficiency, associated surgery, treatment of multiple lesions, artery treated, type of lesion, length of lesion, quality of runoff, use of an atherotome, and stent placement. Results showed a significant correlation between initial failure and both quality of runoff (12.9% in patients with two or more patent leg arteries vs. 36.5% in patients with one or fewer patent leg arteries; p < 0.05) and type of lesion (14.5% for stenosis vs. 45.9% for occlusion). Mean follow-up was 9.98 +/- 9.9 months and 4.7% of patients were lost. Restenosis was observed during follow-up of 16 of the 74 initially successful procedures. ANOVA was used to assess the same 12 risk factors for restenosis. Results showed a significant correlation between restenosis and both sex (10.8% in women vs. 32.4% in men; p < 0.05) and age (8% for patients > 80 years of age vs. 28.6% for patients < 80 years; p < 0.05). Primary patency, secondary patency and limb salvage rates calculated according to the actuarial method were 65%, 75%, and 84%, respectively, at 6 months and 47%, 67%, and 81%, respectively, at 1 year. Limb salvage rates for the endoluminal techniques used in this study were satisfactory, especially in elderly patients with either segmental lesions or contraindications for distal bypass.

[Aorto-arteriography of the lower limbs using carbon dioxide]

OBJECTIVES

Carbon dioxide is often used as a contrast medium for angiocardiography and has recently been proposed for peripheral arteriography. We therefore evaluated this method of opacification in comparison with iodine medium.

METHODS

From December 1992 to February 1993, arteriographies using carbon dioxide contrast medium were performed in 13 patients (age range 57-83) with severe arteriopathies requiring revascularization: 2 aorta plus renal arteries, 2 aorta plus iliac and lower limb arteries, 9 lower limb arteries only. The intraarterial injections of carbon dioxide were delivered rapidly (< 20 sec) at a rate of 30 cm3/s (50 cm3/injection) for the aorta and 10-15 cm3/s (15-60 cm3/injection) for peripheral arteries. In 8 of the patients, control arteriographies were performed with iopamidol.

RESULTS

The injections of carbon dioxide were well tolerated being painless in 12/13 patients. Digital subtraction images were satisfactory in 6, mediocre but conclusive in 5 and poor in 2. Images of distal arteries were the most difficult to interpret and images of the aorta were generally good. The low viscosity of carbon dioxide allowed the use of small 4F catheters.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbon dioxide can be routinely used as a contrast medium, notably in diabetic patients, patients with renal impairment and those who are allergic to iodine based compounds.

[Surgery of aneurysm of the subrenal abdominal aorta in patients over 80 years of age]

In patients aged over 80 years infrarenal aortic aneurysmectomy is controversial because of reduced life expectancy and multiple risk factors and associated vascular or non-vascular lesions. Our personal experience of 984 operations performed for unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms over a 6-year period showed a significantly higher perioperative mortality in patients aged more than 80 years (15.4 versus 2 percent). In contrast, for ruptured aneurysms, the difference of perioperative mortality was not significant (71 percent in the over 80 group versus 37 percent in other groups), but the number of patients (17 and 52 respectively, to a total of 69) was too small. In patients over 80, it seems reasonable to restrict elective surgery to aneurysms that are symptomatic or complicated, or to those which carry higher risks of rupture in view of their diameter and gradual enlargement. The best treatment, in fact, is early diagnosis and surgery before the age of 80, when perioperative mortality is much lower, less than 2 percent. Less aggressive treatments, including endoluminal aortic graft placement, are very promising but still experimental.

A randomised controlled trial of a low-molecular-weight heparin (Enoxaparin) to prevent deep-vein thrombosis in patients undergoing vascular surgery

The incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (PDVT) after aortic surgery and lower limb revascularisation has not been assessed by a large prospective study. In a prospective randomised trial the effect of a low-molecular-weight heparin fragment, Enoxaparin (ENX) 4200 anti factor Xa IU once daily was compared to that of unfractionated heparin (UFH) 7500 IU twice daily. Two hundred and thirty-three consecutive patients were classified into three groups, aortic or aortoiliac and aneurysmectomy (n = 75), aorto-femoral bypass for atherosclerotic disease (n = 71), and femoropopliteal or femorodistal bypass (n = 87). Patients were analysed for development of deep vein thrombosis by Duplex scanning and, if positive, by venography between the seventh and tenth postoperative day. PDVT was present in 10 patients in the ENX group and in four patients in the UFH group (8.2 and 3.6% respectively, NS). The incidence of PDVT was 8% after aortic or aortoiliac aneurysmectomy, 7% after aortofemoral revascularisation, and 3.4% after femoropopliteal or femorodistal bypass. The overall incidence of PDVT after aortic surgery was 7.5% (95% CI 5.4-9.7). There was no pulmonary embolism. Intra-operative blood loss and postoperative bleeding events did not differ significantly between the ENX and UFH groups. After 1 month follow-up, no clinical event or death could be related to PDVT or pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, in vascular surgery ENX is as safe and effective in the prevention of PDVT as is UFH.

Arterial thrombosis: a rare complication of the nephrotic syndrome

Arterial thrombosis is a rare complication of the nephrotic syndrome, occurring mainly in men. Two cases of arterial thrombosis are described, the first affecting a 54-year-old man in whom aortic thrombosis initiated the nephrotic syndrome and who relapsed 1 year later resulting in graft thrombosis, the second affecting a 15-year-old male patient with extensive popliteal and distal arterial thrombosis, followed by recurrent venous bypass thrombosis. A review of the literature shows that arterial thrombosis occurs primarily in the femoropopliteal, renal and coronary arteries. The genesis of arterial thrombosis in patients with nephrotic syndrome involves increased blood viscosity, platelet adhesion and aggregation, high levels of fibrinogen, low levels of serum antithrombin III, diuretic agents and steroid therapy. For high-risk patients with low levels of plasma albumin or those receiving steroids, anticoagulation therapy should be introduced to prevent thrombosis. Urine protein should be evaluated in patients with arterial thrombosis of unknown origin.

Infected infrarenal aortic aneurysms: when is in situ reconstruction safe?

Twenty-five infected infrarenal aortic aneurysms operated on between 1968 and 1989 were reviewed. They were classified into post-embolic (mycotic) aneurysms (group I), infective aortitis (group II), and infected atherosclerotic aneurysms (group III). Aortoduodenal fistulas were found in eight patients and aortocaval in two. Five patients were operated on in a state of shock, and 12 had preoperative positive blood cultures. Surgical procedures included in situ reconstruction of the aorta (n = 21) and extra-anatomic bypass associated with aneurysmal resection (n = 4). In 19 patients, prostheses were covered with omental flaps, and antibiotics were continued for more than 6 weeks in all patients. In patients who underwent in situ reconstruction, three deaths were related to the initial surgery. All surviving patients were regularly followed up, and none showed any sign of late septic recurrence. In patients who underwent extra-anatomic bypass, two died in the postoperative period, one underwent reoperation 2 years after the initial surgery, and the last patient is doing well. Positive postoperative blood cultures (n = 4) revealed persistent sepsis: two cholecystitis, one spondylitis, and one aortic infection. An exhaustive review of the literature was performed; clinical, bacteriologic, and operative features and results were analyzed; prognostic factors were evaluated; and a practical therapeutic approach was suggested. The importance of preoperative diagnosis, complete resection, debridement of infected tissues, omental flap coverage, and long-term antibiotic therapy with regular computerized tomographic scanning follow-up is stressed.

Long-term follow-up of positive cultures in 500 abdominal aortic aneurysms

Routine aneurysm culture is frequently performed as it is thought that a positive culture could be a risk factor for secondary graft infection. Five hundred aneurysms, in a series of 796 patients, had microbiologic examination of the thrombus and/or aneurysm wall. Cultures were positive in 185 cases (37%), mostly due to normal skin flora microorganisms (80%), whereas 16 patients (3.2%) had infectious aortitis. Gram-stained smears were positive in nine of these 16 patients compared with two of the other 169. Of the 185 patients with positive culture, after a mean length of follow-up of 35 months, only one had a graft infection that occurred 6 years later and was not due to the same microorganism. Graft sepsis was diagnosed in six of the 296 patients who did not have a positive culture, and was related to clinically obvious locoregional or systemic foci. In this series, positive cultures from aneurysm without rupture or signs of infection were not a risk factor for secondary graft sepsis. Therefore, in cases of asymptomatic unruptured aneurysm, routine culturing is not necessary as a positive result has no pathogenic significance or therapeutic implication.

Lower-limb revascularization from the supracoeliac aorta through a transcrural approach

From October 1978 to December 1989, 51 patients underwent lower-limb revascularization from the supracoeliac aorta through a transcrural approach. Symptoms were related to lower-limb ischaemia in all patients: 20 had critical ischaemia (three with severe acute ischaemia) and 31 claudication. One patient had renal failure with hypertension and stenosis of the renal arteries associated with an infrarenal aneurysm induced by Takayasu's disease. Indications for exposure of the supracoeliac aorta were Takayasu's disease in two patients and atheroma in 34 (implantation of the graft on the supracoeliac aorta because of the status of the aortic wall (calcification, inflammation) in 25 and because antegrade revascularization of the visceral arteries was required in nine). In 15 patients repeat aortic surgery was performed; four of these had undergone three previous aortic approaches. The postoperative mortality rate at 30 days was 2%. There were four (8%) acute postoperative graft occlusions and four late occlusions, which occurred between 13 months and 6 years. Life-table analysis showed a 5-year primary patency rate(s.d.) of 83(10)% and a 5-year secondary patency rate(s.d.) of 88(8)%. There are few indications for the transcrural approach to the supracoeliac aorta. Nevertheless, this technique can prove useful in selected cases, for example in those with a calcified aorta, for repeat aortic surgery and for aortic thrombosis near the renal arteries. It is also useful when combined revascularization of the lower limb and right renal or hepatic artery is being considered.

[Fifty-three atherosclerotic carotid stenoses in an irradiated environment]

Fifty-three atheromatous carotid stenosis in a previously irradiated zone were operated upon between January 1983 and December 1991. A case control (retrospective) study confirmed the reality, even within the context of multiple artery atheromatous localizations, of an atypical profile suggestive of incrimination of the radiation: extension of the atheromatous lesions distally in the common carotid, proximally beyond the bulb. An isolated atheromatous lesion in the common carotid is very suggestive of postradiation atheroma, which also presents specific histologic features: peri-adventitial inflammation, adventitial and medial sclerosis. These changes are not accompanied by any particular neurologic clinical manifestations, but require frequent changes in surgical strategy: bypass rather than endarterectomy; the extent of the lesions decides whether the proximal implantation of the bypass is in the lower part of the common carotid or the subclavian. Radiotherapy adds to the difficulty of dissection and provokes a slight increase in morbidity, but the long term prognosis is analogous to that of usual atheromatous lesions with, however, the risk of atherosclerotic changes proximally.

[Isolated dissecting aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery. Dysplasia, a rare cause of mesenteric ischemia. Report of a case]

We report a case of successful surgical revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery in a patient presenting with intestinal ischaemia due to fibrodysplasia. This is a rare pathology, with 5 cases operated in our institution and only 16 cases reported in the literature. Angiography may show other sites of arterial dysplasia. In such cases, success depends on early surgical revascularization.

Acute colorectal ischemia after aortic surgery: pathophysiology and prognostic criteria

Acute colorectal ischemia is a rare though potentially lethal complication of aortic surgery. We reviewed our recent experience with 16 cases in order to analyze its causative and prognostic factors. The incidence was 2.8%, and the inferior mesenteric artery was occluded in all cases. All patients also had severe occlusive disease of at least two of the hypogastric or deep femoral arteries. Hypoperfusion due to arterial ligation, prosthetic occlusion or embolism was responsible in half the cases. Ischemia and perfusion due to aortic cross-clamping or perioperative hemorrhage were involved in the rest of the cases. Postoperative mortality was 31%. The mortality was lower for partial, nontransmural necrosis, and for elective operations. Recurrent intestinal ischemia, transmural necrosis, surgery for ruptured aneurysm, intestinal hemorrhage and pulmonary edema were associated with a higher mortality rate. All patients with anuria or extrarenal epuration and hepatic cytolysis died. Although reconstruction of the inferior mesenteric artery might lessen the incidence of postoperative colonic ischemia due to hypoperfusion, the role of oxygen free radicals should be investigated in humans, in order to afford colonic protection against the consequences of ischemia-reperfusion.

[Femoro-distal revascularization for "critical" chronic atheromatous ischemia. 695 cases]

The results of the revascularizations carried out over a 10-year period for "critical" chronic ischaemia, using the femoropopliteal bypass technique, have been retrospectively analyzed. In all, 600 patients underwent femoro-distal revascularization in 644 limbs, and 695 bypasses were performed. The hospital mortality rate was 4.3 percent. Among these 695 bypasses, postoperative occlusion occurred in 16.5 percent of the cases, and major amputations were necessary in 9.8 percent. The probability of 5-year survival was 47 percent. The probabilities of bypass patency and limb salvage were 50 and 76 percent respectively. The failure of revascularization ending in amputation did not significantly increase the postoperative mortality rate (4.1 percent versus 4.6 percent), but the life expectancy of patients who were amputated was significantly lower than that of patients who were not (55 +/- 5 percent versus 63 +/- 3 percent at 3 years; P = 0.03). The factors predictive of successful bypass were examined; they included age, clinical stage, diabetes, bypass material, site of distal implantation, revascularization procedure and reoperation. Femoro-distal revascularization makes it possible to cope with the challenge of limb salvage, even when the receiving vessel is an artery of the foot.

[Surgical results in stage 2 arterial diseases]

The results of surgical treatment of peripheral artery disease at the stage of intermittent claudication may now be assessed with a 40 year follow-up. In selected cases the 10 year patency rate of aortoiliac revascularisation is 90% and the 5 year patency rate of femoropopliteal revascularisation is 85%. When the indications are widened to include less favourable lesions giving rise to severe claudication, the patency rate falls to 60% at 5 years. These results should improve with better preoperative assessment by Doppler ultrasonography the use of new material and methods (endovascular) and stricter control of the revascularisation procedure by angioscopy in patients with severe effort ischaemia which is the principal surgical indication; the association of endovascular revascularisation procedures has increased the therapeutic indications and improved the functional result.

Results of thrombolysis in the treatment of arterial ischemia of the limbs according to mode of administration

After reviewing the principles, results and complications of thrombolytic therapy with "classical" agents (Streptokinase and Urokinase) used via intravenous, intraarterial route, or intraoperatively, and with more "modern" agents (APSAC, scuPA, tPA), we discuss the future of thrombolysis in the treatment of arterial ischemia of the limbs. Several items need to be clarified: --indication of thrombolysis among other treatments, mainly surgery, of arterial ischemia depends on the clinical staging of ischemia, its causes and the site of arterial obstruction; --method of delivery of the thrombolytic agent must provide the highest local concentration and the lowest systemic side effects; --efficacy of each thrombolytic agent must be analyzed when used in peripheral arterial ischemia, but also in other diseases such as myocardial infarction.

[Antibiotic and antiseptic prophylaxis in thoracic surgery. Controlled study]

The aim of this report was to evaluate perioperative antibiotherapy and antiseptic irrigation of the operative site in the prevention of post-pneumonectomy empyema. From 1984 to 1986, 171 patients undergoing pneumonectomy at our institution for bronchogenic carcinoma were randomly selected in 2 groups: group I (85 patients) received a "classical" prophylaxis: irrigation of the operative site with saline, plus a 7-day antibiotherapy (minocycline 200 mg/24 h) started the evening following surgery; group II (86 patients): irrigation of the operative site was performed with Povidone iodine (dilution 5%); antibiotherapy (cefotiam was given for a short period (2 g intraoperatively, 2 g 12 hours and 24 hours following surgery). We used a "pragmatic" approach in order to choose, whatever the results would be, a type of perioperative antibiotherapy. We thus accepted the choice, without the help of statistical tests, of the therapy that would best prevent infection, and, if both regimens would demonstrate the same efficacy, to leave the choice at random. The only statistical test was to calculate the "gamma-risk" that we choose the worst among the 2 regimens. Although no significant difference in the overall infection rate was observed between the 2 groups, there were 9 empyemas (5 of those with bronchial fistula) in group I and 3 empyemas (2 of those with bronchial fistula) in group II. The cefotiam-povidone iodine regimen is thus better than the minocycline-saline regimen in the prevention of post-pneumonectomy empyema (3.5% v.s. 10.5%). The "gamma-risk", ie the probability that the minocycline-saline regimen is the best, calculated from these percentages, is 0.03.

Combined ascending aorta rupture and left main bronchus disruption from blunt chest trauma

After blunt chest trauma, early diagnosis of associated bronchial, vascular, and esophageal injuries must be attempted, as those lesions may be produced by the same mechanism. We report a case of successful management of associated bronchial transection and injury of the ascending aorta. Aortic repair required cardiopulmonary bypass and the use of prosthetic materials, although gross contamination of the mediastinum from the bronchial disruption is a theoretical contraindication to such a procedure. A separate approach to the vascular and airway injuries allowed successful management of both lesions.

[Value of nuclear magnetic resonance in the detection of false aneurysm of the abdominal aorta]

Among the long-term complications that jeopardize bilateral aorto-femoral prostheses, the development of a false aneurysm on the aortic suture line, is indeed one of the most severe. Its frequency, approximately 1 p. cent of cases, is probably underestimated, since its diagnosis, with usual exploration methods, is difficult. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) examination is here particularly indicated and, when in doubt, must be systematically requested, especially in the presence of a false aneurysm of the femoral suture line.

[Polyaneurysmal dystrophy]

Polyaneurysmal dystrophy (PAD) is a strange disease. It is also an uncommon disease if only strict, arteriographic and pathological criteria, are considered. True varicose disease of the arteries, this disease develops slowly and its clinical manifestations, often severe, only occur in patients over 50. The frequent association with dolichomega arteries (DMA), especially at the aorto-iliac level, is certainly not accidental. A continuous dystrophy of the media would result in the occurrence of DAM; a segmental dystrophy these diseases under a single entity: ectatic mediadystrophy. Our small personal series of 9 cases is presented to analyse the course of this disease and specify its treatment.

Surgical management of acquired post-intubation tracheo-oesophageal fistulas: 27 patients

From 1962 to 1987, 27 patients with tracheo-oesophageal fistulae (TOF) were treated at our institution. Mean age was 43 years. The indications for respiratory support were blunt chest trauma (11), neurological dysfunction (8), and acute pulmonary distress syndrome (8). TOF symptoms occurred 12-200 days (mean 43) after initiation of ventilatory support and was caused by tracheostomy tube cuff (17), intubation tube cuff (8), or injury at the site of tracheostomy (2). The size of the fistula ranged from 0.3 to 5 cm (mean 2 cm). Seventeen of the 27 patients were operated upon. A simple repair of the TOF was performed via a cervical approach in 10 patients; tracheal resection and reconstruction was done in 4 patients presenting with tracheal stenosis, while 2 patients with slight tracheal stenosis had a simple repair of the TOF without the need for further tracheal surgery. Three patients underwent primary oesophagostomy, followed later by colon interposition. Five patients died. Ten cases were not operated upon: the TOF closed spontaneously in 1 patient, 1 patient was lost to follow-up and 8 died. In our series, significant tracheal stenosis occurred in only 6 patients (22%), only 4 of whom had tracheal resection. Simple repair of TOF provides excellent results with a low mortality (10%) considering the poor condition of the patients, and should be considered the procedure of choice. Surgical oesophageal diversion (i.e. cervical oesophagostomy and suture of distal oesophagus) is usually unnecessary.

Tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma: report of 55 cases

From 1966 to 1986, a total of 55 patients underwent a tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy (53 right and 2 left) for bronchogenic carcinoma. Preoperative radiotherapy was given in only 5 patients. The overall operative death rate was 10.9%, but no patient has died since 1975 (32 survivors). Seven patients had a postoperative empyema (12.7%); 4 of these patients had a bronchopleural fistula. Twenty-five patients had postoperative radiotherapy, 5 of whom also had chemotherapy. The actuarial survival rate, after exclusion of the 6 operative deaths, was 38% at 3 years and 23% at 5 years. Survival was correlated to regional lymph node involvement. The actuarial survival rate among patients with tumoral spread to bronchial lymph nodes was 43% at 3 years. Among the 13 patients with only subcarinal involvement, the actuarial survival rate was 34% at 3 years. None of the 8 patients with paratracheal lymph node involvement survived more than 30 months. These results indicate that tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma with extension to the carina is now fully justified considering the low operative mortality and the good results observed when lateral tracheal lymph nodes were not involved.

[Aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery]

Aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery is rare. Often unrecognized unless complicated, it is, today, demonstrated by sonography or tomodensitometry and confirmed by angiography. Usually observed in patients with atheroma, it presents a mechanical origin secondary to a "jet disorder" phenomenon occurring in an artery with a hyper-output, responsible for almost the entire gastro-intestinal vascularization. The prevention of its dangerous complications (rupture or thrombosis) justifies a systematic procedure usually requiring, in addition to the excision of the aneurysm, a revascularization of the digestive arteries, as in the case presented here.