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Journal of Vascular Surgery Nov 2021The standard surgical approach to Stanford type A aortic dissection is open repair. However, up to one in four patients will be declined surgery because of prohibitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The standard surgical approach to Stanford type A aortic dissection is open repair. However, up to one in four patients will be declined surgery because of prohibitive risk. Patients who are treated nonoperatively have an unacceptably high mortality. Endovascular repair of the ascending aorta is emerging as an alternative treatment for a select group of patients. The reported rates of technical success, mortality, stroke, and reintervention have varied. The objective of the study was to systematically report outcomes for acute type A dissections repaired using an endovascular approach.
METHODS
The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. We performed online literature database searches through April 2020. The demographic and procedural characteristics of the individual studies were tabulated. Data on technical success, short-term mortality, stroke, and reintervention were extracted and underwent meta-analysis using a random effects model.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies with 80 cases of aortic dissection (55 acute and 25 subacute) were included in the final analysis. A wide variation was found in technique and device design across the studies. The outcomes rates were estimated at 17% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10%-26%) for mortality, 15% (95% CI, 8%-23%) for technical failure, 11% (95% CI, 6%-19%) for stroke and 18% (95% CI, 9%-31%) for reintervention. The mean Downs and Black quality assessment score was 13.9 ± 3.2.
CONCLUSIONS
The technique for endovascular repair of type A aortic dissection is feasible and reproducible. The results of our meta-analysis demonstrate an acceptable safety profile for inoperable patients who otherwise would have an extremely poor prognosis. Data from clinical trials are required before the technique can be introduced into routine clinical practice.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Aneurysm; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Clinical Decision-Making; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Safety; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33592292
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.01.054 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2022Altered proteoglycan (PG) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution within the aortic wall has been implicated in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). This... (Review)
Review
Altered proteoglycan (PG) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution within the aortic wall has been implicated in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). This review was conducted to identify literature reporting the presence, distribution and role of PGs and GAGs in the normal aorta and differences associated with sporadic TAAD to address the question; is there enough evidence to establish the role of GAGs/PGs in TAAD? 75 studies were included, divided into normal aorta ( = 51) and TAAD ( = 24). There is contradictory data regarding changes in GAGs upon ageing; most studies reported an increase in GAG sub-types, often followed by a decrease upon further ageing. Fourteen studies reported changes in PG/GAG or associated degradation enzyme levels in TAAD, with most increased in disease tissue or serum. We conclude that despite being present at relatively low abundance in the aortic wall, PGs and GAGs play an important role in extracellular matrix maintenance, with differences observed upon ageing and in association with TAAD. However, there is currently insufficient information to establish a cause-effect relationship with an underlying mechanistic understanding of these changes requiring further investigation. Increased PG presence in serum associated with aortic disease highlights the future potential of these biomolecules as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Animals; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Disease Models, Animal; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Proteoglycans
PubMed: 36012466
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169200 -
Occupational and Environmental Medicine Jan 2021The individual peripheral vascular disease risk factors are well documented, but the role of work conditions remains equivocal. This systematic review aims to assess...
OBJECTIVES
The individual peripheral vascular disease risk factors are well documented, but the role of work conditions remains equivocal. This systematic review aims to assess relationships between lower limb peripheral venous diseases (lower limb varicose veins (LLVV), venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprising deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), peripheral arterial disease (intermittent claudication, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm) and occupational constraints among working adults.
METHODS
Several databases were systematically searched until February 2019 for observational studies and clinical trials. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method was used for article selection. Quality assessment and risk of bias were evaluated using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Newcastle-Ottawa scales.
RESULTS
Among the 720 screened articles, 37 remained after full-text evaluation. Among the 21 studies on LLVV, prolonged standing was significantly associated to a higher risk of varicose veins with a threshold probably around >3 to 4 hours/day but exposure duration in years was not sufficiently considered. Seated immobility was often observed in workers, with no sufficient evidence to prove that prolonged sitting at work is related to VTE. Carrying heavy loads, stress at work and exposure to high temperatures have emerged more recently notably in relation to varicose veins but need to be better explored. Only three studies discussed the potential role of work on peripheral arterial disease development.
CONCLUSIONS
Although some observational studies showed that prolonged standing can be related to varicose veins and that seated immobility at work could be linked to VTE, very little is known about peripheral arterial disease and occupational constraints. Clinical trials to determine preventive strategies at work are needed.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42019127652.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Risk Factors; Sitting Position; Standing Position; Varicose Veins; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 32439829
DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-106375 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jul 2021The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of relevant published literature to investigate the impact of wide proximal aortic neck diameter on outcomes of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of relevant published literature to investigate the impact of wide proximal aortic neck diameter on outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed to examine the rate of clinical safety and effectiveness end points associated with wide proximal aortic neck diameter after EVAR for the treatment of AAA. A literature search was performed on August 9, 2019, using PubMed as the primary database and Cochrane as the secondary database. In all, there were 11 full articles included in the quantitative and qualitative analyses.
RESULTS
There was a total of 7448 patients who were treated for AAA with EVAR. Of these, 26.9% of patients were defined as having wide necks by the individual publications. The definition of wide neck varied in the literature and ranged from 25 mm or greater to 30 mm or greater. The percentage of male patients was 89.1% in the included articles. The mean or median age range was 72.7 to 76.5 years, which was similar for the wide and normal neck groups. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 5 years. Type I and Ia endoleaks occurred at a higher rate in the wide neck group compared with the normal neck group (11.3% vs 3.1%; P < .001). There was no difference in the rate of type Ib endoleaks between the wide and normal neck groups. The weighted averages of composite major adverse events and aneurysm-related mortality were all greater in the wide neck group (33.5% and 15.3%, respectively) compared with the normal neck group (21.2% and 3.9%, respectively) (P = .004).
CONCLUSIONS
The rates of type Ia endoleaks, reinterventions, and migrations were all significantly higher in the wide neck patient group compared with patients with normal aortic neck size through follow-up. The results of this literature review showed that, although EVAR for the treatment of AAA in patients with a wide aortic neck is feasible, there is a higher risk for complications, interventions, and mortality. In particular, type Ia endoleak is a risk, which could be mitigated by using proximal seal strategies.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endoleak; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Male; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Patency
PubMed: 33722632
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.02.043 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Oct 2023To support the development of clinical practice guidelines on the management of patients with genetic aortopathies and arteriopathies, a writing committee from the...
BACKGROUND
To support the development of clinical practice guidelines on the management of patients with genetic aortopathies and arteriopathies, a writing committee from the Society for Vascular Surgery has commissioned this systematic review.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and searched multiple databases for studies addressing six questions identified by the Society for Vascular Surgery guideline committee about evaluating and managing patients with genetic aortopathies and arteriopathies. Studies were selected and appraised by pairs of independent reviewers.
RESULTS
We included 12 studies in this systematic review. We did not identify studies about the long-term outcomes of endovascular repair for aortic aneurysm in patients with heritable aortopathy or about new aortic events in pregnant women with a history of aortic dissection (AD) or aneurysm. A small case series demonstrated a 100% survival rate and 100% aortic intervention-free survival at 15 months (range, 7-28 months) after endograft repair for type B AD. A positive genetic diagnosis was discovered in 36% of patients with aortic aneurysms and dissections who had no risk factors for hereditary aortopathies, and these patients had a mortality rate of 11% at a median follow-up duration of 5 months. Black patients had lower 30-day mortality than White patients (5.6% vs 9.0%, respectively), but they had a higher overall aortic reintervention rate at 30 days after AD repair (47% vs 27%, respectively). Aortic reinterventions owing to aneurysmal expansion and endoleak at 30 days were higher in Black patients than White patients. The certainty of evidence was judged to be very low across all the outcomes evaluated in this systematic review.
CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence suggests high survival after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B AD in young patients with heritable aortopathies, but with limited long-term follow-up. Genetic testing in patients with acute aortic aneurysms and dissections had a high yield. It was positive for most patients with risk factors for hereditary aortopathies and in more than one-third for all other patients, and was associated with new aortic events within 15 years.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Postoperative Complications; Endovascular Procedures; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37327953
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.06.004 -
Cardiovascular and Interventional... Oct 2023To compare the technical and clinical outcomes of fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (F-TEVAR) and chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (CH-EVAR) of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of Chimney and Fenestrated Techniques for Supra-Aortic Branch Revascularization During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
PURPOSE
To compare the technical and clinical outcomes of fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (F-TEVAR) and chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (CH-EVAR) of aortic disease.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were systematically searched to identify studies on the management of thoracic aortic pathologies using chimney or fenestrated techniques published between 2000 and 2022. Individual studies provided at least one of the following essential outcomes: technical success, immediate and follow-up type I endoleak, 30-day and aorta-related mortality, cerebral events and supra-aortic branch patency.
RESULTS
24 chimney (1106 patients) and 21 fenestrated technique studies (1040 patients) were included. The scope of the study encompassed various thoracic aortic conditions, such as thoracic aortic dissection, thoracic aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic ulcer, and other thoracic aortic diseases. Technical success was defined as the handling of the principal ailment affecting the aorta, devoid of any instances of complications. The technical success rates were higher in fenestrated group compared with chimney group (98.0% vs. 95.8% p < 0.001), and the rate of type I endoleak either immediately or during follow-up was higher in the chimney technique group (9.3% vs. 1.3% p < 0.001, 4.0% vs. 0.0% p < 0.001). The chimney technique group had higher 30-day mortality and aorta-related mortality than those in the fenestrated technique group (2.1% vs. 0.3% p < 0.001, 0.4% vs. 0.0% p < 0.001). Morbidity rates of cerebral events and supra-aortic branch patency were same in both groups (2.2% vs. 1.1% p = 0.116, 98.2% vs. 99.4% p = 0.094). The chimney technique group had longer operative time (110.0 min vs. 90.8 min p < 0.001). Two groups had same fluoroscopy time (34.0 min vs. 33.4 min p = 0.614).
CONCLUSIONS
The finding suggest that both the chimney and fenestrated techniques are efficacious in supra-aortic branch reconstruction. However, the fenestrated technique exhibits potential superiority as an interventional strategy, as it demonstrates a lower incidence of type 1 Endoleak, 30-day mortality, and aorta-related death following TEVAR.
Topics: Humans; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair; Stents; Endoleak; Treatment Outcome; Endovascular Procedures; Risk Factors; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37684487
DOI: 10.1007/s00270-023-03537-4 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jul 2023Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) is a safe and effective surgical procedure to treat aortic root aneurysm. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate how this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) is a safe and effective surgical procedure to treat aortic root aneurysm. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate how this procedure might differ in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).
DESIGN
Meta-analysis with meta-regression and systematic review.
SETTING
Systematic search in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase.
INTERVENTIONS
All observational studies of VSARR in patients with BAV or TAV were included in our study. Studies were included without any restrictions on language or publication date. A trial sequential analysis and a post-hoc meta-regression was performed on the main outcomes.
RESULT
Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1138 patients in BAV group, and 2125 patients in TAV group. No significant differences in gender and age were observed between BAV and TAV patients. BAV and TAV patients showed no differences in in-hospital mortality rate [0.00% vs. 1.93%; RR (95% CI) 0.33 (0.09, 1.26), I = 0%, P = 0.11] and the rate of in-hospital reoperation [5.64% vs. 5.99%; RR (95% CI) 1.01(0.59, 1.73), I = 33%, P = 0.98]. The overall long-term mortality rate of BAV patients was better than that of TAV patients [1.63% vs. 8.15%; RR (95% CI) 0.34 (0.13, 0.86), I = 0%, P = 0.02]. During the follow-up observation period, patients in TAV group showed small but no statistic advantage in 3-year, 5-year, and over 10-year incidences of reintervention. Regarding the secondary endpoints, the two groups showed similar aortic cross-clamping time and total cardiopulmonary bypass time.
CONCLUSION
The VSARR techniques yielded similar clinical outcomes in both BAV and TAV patients. Although patients with BAV might have a higher incidence of reinterventions after initial VSARR, it is still a safe and effective approach to treat aortic root dilation with or without aortic valve insufficiency. TAV patients showed small but no statistic advantage in long-term (over 10 years) reintervention rate, which means, patients with BAV may face a higher risk of reintervention in the clinic.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Valve; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Heart Valve Diseases; Aorta; Tricuspid Valve; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37400892
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02329-8 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Oct 2023This study aimed to investigate whether prophylactic use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in endovascular descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate whether prophylactic use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in endovascular descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair contributes to a lower rate of post-operative spinal cord ischaemia (SCI).
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL.
REVIEW METHODS
A literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021245893). Risk of bias was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), and the certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. A proportion meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled rate and 95% confidence interval (CI) of both early and late onset SCI. Pooled outcome estimates were calculated using the odds ratio (OR) and associated 95% CI. The primary outcome was SCI, both early and lateonset. Secondary outcomes were complications of CSF drainage, length of hospital stay, and peri-operative (30 day or in hospital) mortality rates.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight observational, retrospective studies were included, reporting 4 814 patients (2 599 patients with and 2 215 without CSF drainage). The NOS showed a moderate risk of bias. The incidence of SCI was similar in patients with CSF drainage (0.05, 95% CI 0.03 ‒ 0.08) and without CSF drainage (0.05, 95% CI 0.00 ‒ 0.14). No significant decrease in SCI was found when using CSF drainage (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.29 ‒ 1.55, p = .35). The incidence rate of CSF drainage related complication was 0.10 (95% CI 0.04 ‒ 0.19). The 30 day and in hospital mortality rate with CSF drainage was 0.08 (95% CI 0.05 ‒ 0.12). The 30 day and in hospital mortality rate without CSF drainage and comparison with late mortality and length of hospital stay could not be determined due to lack of data. The quality of evidence was considered very low.
CONCLUSION
Pre-operative CSF drainage placement was not related to a favourable outcome regarding SCI rate in endovascular TAAA and DTAA repair. Due to the low quality of evidence, no clear recommendation on pre-operative use of CSF drainage placement can be made.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Retrospective Studies; Drainage; Endovascular Procedures; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracoabdominal; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Spinal Cord Ischemia; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
PubMed: 37182608
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.05.006 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular... Apr 2020The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the perioperative clinical outcomes in using local/regional anesthesia (LA/RA) or general anesthesia (GA) in patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the perioperative clinical outcomes in using local/regional anesthesia (LA/RA) or general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. A comprehensive electronic literature search was undertaken from inception to September 2018, identifying all randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing LA/RA versus GA in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent endovascular repair. A total of 12,024 patients (n = 1,664 LA/RA, n = 10,360 GA) were analyzed from 12 observational studies included in this analysis. No difference in mean age between LA/RA and GA group was noted (73.8 ± 7.8 y v 72.4 ± 7.6 y, 95% confidence interval 0.85 [-0.08 to 1.79]; p = 0.07). No differences in preoperative rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades were noted between the 2 groups (p = 0.21, p = 0.85, p = 0.46, and p = 0.67, respectively). Shorter total surgical time in LA/RA patients was reported (135 ± 40 min v 164 ± 43 min; p < 0.00001). Shorter hospital stay was observed in LA/RA patients (3.6 ± 3.3 d v 4.6 ± 5 d; p = 0.002). No difference in cardiac or renal complications was noted between the LA/RA and GA groups postoperatively (2.7% v 2.5%; p = 0.46 and 1.2% v 1.6%; p = 0.13). Similarly, no difference in vascular complications was noted in LA/RA versus GA patients (8.4% v 7.7%; p = 0.44). Thirty-day morality was not different between the 2 cohorts (2% v 1.7%; p = 0.97). Use of LA/RA in selective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair procedures provides satisfactory and comparable perioperative outcomes with those of GA, with the advantage of a shorter hospital stay. A large randomized controlled trial or multicenter study is required to confirm the present study's findings.
Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Local; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31473112
DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2019.07.007 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery May 2020Concerns about the long-term durability of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and the requirement for explantation of stents in the case of infection demonstrate the...
OBJECTIVE
Concerns about the long-term durability of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and the requirement for explantation of stents in the case of infection demonstrate the continued need for open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. However, with the increased complexity and decreasing volume of open cases performed, maintenance of skills and training of younger surgeons are challenging. The aim of this review was to identify and to examine studies pertaining to open AAA simulation, with focus on methods and outcomes.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify primary research pertaining to open AAA repair through the use of simulators. The primary outcome was to identify predominant modes of simulator design and validated assessment tools that could demonstrate improvement in trainee skills. Secondary outcomes included identifying participant numbers needed to power studies and whether tools not validated externally contributed to the studies.
RESULTS
There were 309 unique papers identified, from which five papers met the inclusion criteria. The selected papers used a combination of synthetic (commercial and homemade) and cadaveric simulators. A variety of validated and nonvalidated assessment metrics were used, including Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills, global rating scales, and realism surveys. Three of the five papers used blinding as part of their assessments. Mean participant numbers were 30.8 ± 25.7 and with the exception of one paper consisted entirely of surgical trainees in dedicated general or vascular surgery training programs.
CONCLUSIONS
Several options are currently available for open AAA simulation, all of which demonstrate improved scoring metrics after simulator use. Validated scoring systems, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in particular, were most frequently used to deliver objective results. Whereas junior trainees derive the most benefit, senior trainees also showed significant improvements, demonstrating that simulation benefits all levels of surgical trainees. Low numbers of participants were sufficient to achieve statistical benefit within individual studies.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Clinical Competence; Humans; Simulation Training; Stents; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 31831316
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.10.009