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Cureus Mar 2024Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, though it comes with complications such as endoleaks and graft infections... (Review)
Review
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, though it comes with complications such as endoleaks and graft infections that may necessitate late open conversion (LOC). This systematic review and meta-analysis, drawing on studies from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, aimed to evaluate the incidence, outcomes, and factors leading to LOC after EVAR. The analysis of 11 selected studies revealed a 5.3% incidence of LOC, with a patient cohort predominantly male (79%) and an average age of 73.5 years. The interval between initial EVAR and LOC was 35.1 months on average, with the Excluder device most frequently necessitating LOC. A notable 68% of endovascular salvage attempts before LOC failed. The study highlighted rupture and type I endoleak as the primary reasons for urgent LOC, which exhibited a 10-fold higher mortality rate compared to elective LOC. Elective LOC procedures had a 30-day mortality rate similar to primary elective open aneurysm repairs. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant post-EVAR patient monitoring and suggest that the methodological quality of underlying research should be considered in interpreting these results.
PubMed: 38686244
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57271 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024Neural crest cells (NCCs) are multipotent and are attributed to the combination of complex multimodal gene regulatory mechanisms. Cardiac neural crest (CNC) cells,...
INTRODUCTION
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are multipotent and are attributed to the combination of complex multimodal gene regulatory mechanisms. Cardiac neural crest (CNC) cells, originating from the dorsal neural tube, are pivotal architects of the cardio-neuro-vascular domain, which orchestrates the embryogenesis of critical cardiac and vascular structures. Remarkably, while the scientific community compiled a comprehensive inventory of neural crest derivatives by the early 1980s, our understanding of the CNC's role in various cardiovascular disease processes still needs to be explored. This review delves into the differentiation of NCC, specifically the CNC cells, and explores the diverse facets of non-syndromic cardiovascular neurocristopathies.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted as per the PRISMA Statement. Three prominent databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, were searched, which yielded 1,840 studies. We excluded 1,796 studies, and the final selection of 44 studies formed the basis of this comprehensive review.
RESULTS
Neurocristopathies are a group of genetic disorders that affect the development of cells derived from the NC. Cardiovascular neurocristopathy, i.e., cardiopathy and vasculopathy, associated with the NCC could occur in the form of (1) cardiac septation disorders, mainly the aortico-pulmonary septum; (2) great vessels and vascular disorders; (3) myocardial dysfunction; and (4) a combination of all three phenotypes. This could result from abnormalities in NCC migration, differentiation, or proliferation leading to structural abnormalities and are attributed to genetic, familial, sporadic or acquired causes.
DISCUSSION
Phenotypic characteristics of cardiovascular neurocristopathies, such as bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic aneurysm, share a common embryonic origin and are surprisingly prevalent in the general population, necessitating further research to identify the underlying pathogenic and genetic factors responsible for these cardiac anomalies. Such discoveries are essential for enhancing diagnostic screening and refining therapeutic interventions, ultimately improving the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.
PubMed: 38660479
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1333265 -
PeerJ 2024Obesity is a well-known predictor for poor postoperative outcomes of vascular surgery. However, the association between obesity and outcomes of thoracic endovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a well-known predictor for poor postoperative outcomes of vascular surgery. However, the association between obesity and outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the roles of obesity in the outcomes of TEVAR.
METHODS
We systematically searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases to obtain articles regarding obesity and TEVAR that were published before July 2023. The odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) was used to assess the effect of obesity on TEVAR outcomes. Body mass index (BMI) was also compared between patients experiencing adverse events after TEVAR and those not experiencing adverse events. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the enrolled studies.
RESULTS
A total of 7,849 patients from 10 studies were included. All enrolled studies were high-quality. Overall, the risk of overall mortality (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.02-2.17], = 0.04) was increased in obese patients receiving TEVAR. However, the associations between obesity and overall complications (OR = 2.41, 95% CI [0.84-6.93], = 0.10) and specific complications were all insignificant, including stroke (OR = 1.39, 95% CI [0.56-3.45], = 0.48), spinal ischemia (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.64-1.47], = 0.89), neurological complications (OR = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01-2.37], = 0.17), endoleaks (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.46-2.29], = 0.96), wound complications (OR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.28-2.96], = 0.88), and renal failure (OR = 2.98, 95% CI [0.92-9.69], = 0.07). In addition, the patients who suffered from postoperative overall complications ( < 0.001) and acute kidney injury ( = 0.006) were found to have a higher BMI. In conclusion, obesity is closely associated with higher risk of mortality after TEVAR. However, TEVAR may still be suitable for obese patients. Physicians should pay more attention to the perioperative management of obese patients.
Topics: Humans; Obesity; Endovascular Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Aorta, Thoracic; Body Mass Index; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
PubMed: 38650653
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17246 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular... Jul 2024Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening emergency that is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. One of the complications is end-organ... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening emergency that is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. One of the complications is end-organ ischemia, a known predictor of mortality. The primary aims of this meta-analysis were to summarize the findings of observational studies investigating the utility of the Penn classification system and to analyze the incidence rates and mortality patterns within each class. The electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched through to April 2023. These were filtered by multiple reviewers to give 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The extracted data included patient characteristics, and primary outcomes were the incidence rates of different Penn classes, along with the corresponding mortality for each class. Out of 1,512 studies identified during the initial search, 10 studies, including 4,494 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled incidence of Penn A was highest at 0.55 (95% CI 0.52, 0.58), followed by Penn B at 0.21 (95% CI 0.17, 0.25), and finally Penn C at 0.14 (95% CI 0.11, 0.17). Patients with Penn BC were found to be at the highest risk of death, as their early mortality rates were 0.36 (95% CI 0.31, 0.41). Within those populations, the subtype with the highest individual mortality was Penn C at 0.21 (95% CI 0.15, 0.27), followed by Penn B at 0.19 (95% CI 0.15, 0.23) and Penn A at 0.07 (95% CI 0.05, 0.10). Among patients presenting with ATAAD, class A was most frequently observed, followed by classes B, C, and BC. These findings indicate an incremental increase in mortality rates with the progression of Penn classification.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Dissection; Incidence; Acute Disease; Aortic Aneurysm
PubMed: 38644098
DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.03.018 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Apr 2024This study aimed to investigate the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD)-related complications specifically in patients who underwent fenestrated and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD)-related complications specifically in patients who underwent fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR). This objective was chosen considering the limitations and uncertainties surrounding its efficacy in preventing spinal cord injury.
METHODS
A systematic review following Cochrane Handbook and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted (PROSPERO; #CRD42022359223). Literature searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were performed until May 1, 2023, focusing on studies published after January 1, 2000. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies reporting on F/B-EVAR, CSFD, and drain-related complications. Data extraction and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were performed by multiple reviewers to ensure accuracy and reliability. A proportion meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled rate and 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary and secondary outcomes were CSFD-related mortality and morbidity, respectively.
RESULTS
Six retrospective, observational, single-center studies were included, totaling 1079 patients and 730 CSFD placements (all prophylactic except for one). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale showed a high to moderate risk of bias. The analysis revealed a CSFD-related mortality rate of 1.4% (95% CI: 0.0-4.8; I = 67.7%) and an overall morbidity rate of 25.6% (95% CI: 13.6-39.7; I = 83.2%). The overall major, moderate, and minor estimated complication rates were 6.1% (95% CI: 4.1-8.5; I = 0%), 4.6% (95% CI: 2.4-7.3; I = 33.5%), and 26.4% (95% CI: 16.5-37.7; I = 84.9%), respectively. Severe complications included intracranial hemorrhage (2.8%), spinal hematoma (1.4%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (1.4%), and CSFD-related neurological deficits (1.1%). A pooled estimate of 11.4% for nonfunctioning drainage was found.
CONCLUSIONS
F/B-EVAR patients showed a notable incidence of CSFD-related death and substantial morbidity. This study highlights the limitations of the available data, the high prevalence of complications associated with CSFD, and the need for further research to better understand the risks and benefits of CSFD in F/B-EVAR. This calls for careful consideration regarding the routine use of prophylactic drainage due to the accumulating evidence of the risks associated with CSFD without proven benefit in this specific context.
PubMed: 38636609
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.04.038 -
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery Apr 2024We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the existing published evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of the endovascular aortic repair with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the existing published evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of the endovascular aortic repair with chimney technique (ch-EVAR) and physician-modified stent-grafts (PMSGs) for the treatment of pararenal aortic aneurysm repair.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic search of all relevant studies reported until October 2023 according to the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines was performed. The pooled 30-day mortality, peri- and postoperative complication rates were estimated using fixed or random effect methods.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 679 study titles were identified by the initial search strategy, of which 16 were considered eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 1094 patients (ch-EVAR N.=861 and PMSG N.=233) (90% male) were identified. The pooled 30-day mortality rate was 3.4% for ch-EVAR and 2.6% for PMSG. The major adverse events (MAE) in the early period was 14.7% for ch-EVAR and 18.5% PMSG, respectively. Higher occlusion rate was observed of the chimney stents grafts (8.2%) than the bridging stents (1.4%) during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS
Ch-EVAR and physician-modified technology are safe with low 30-day mortality in elective settings for pararenal aortic aneurysms repair. No significant differences were seen between the two surgical methods regarding the early major adverse events rate. However, higher occlusion rate for the chimneys can be expected over time.
Topics: Humans; Endovascular Procedures; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Prosthesis Design; Male; Female; Aged; Time Factors; Risk Assessment; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38635285
DOI: 10.23736/S0021-9509.24.12995-3 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2024The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic role of frailty and sarcopenia on the survival of patients with AAA undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR).... (Review)
Review
Impact of Frailty and Sarcopenia on Thirty-Day and Long-Term Mortality in Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic role of frailty and sarcopenia on the survival of patients with AAA undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR). A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). The association of frailty or sarcopenia with 30-day mortality and late survival was expressed as odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis random effects models were applied. The five-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) was used as a frailty metric and sarcopenia was determined using computed tomography angiography (CTA) with measurements of the total psoas muscle area. Frailty was defined as patients with mFI-5 ≥ 0.6 and sarcopenia was defined as the total psoas muscle area (TPA) within the lowest tertile. Thirteen observational cohorts reporting a total of 56,756 patient records were eligible for analysis. Patients with frailty (mFI-5 ≥ 0.6) had significantly increased 30-day mortality than those without frailty (random effects method: OR, 4.84, 95% CI 3.34-7.00, < 0.001). Patients with sarcopenia (lowest TPA tertile) had significantly increased 30-day mortality according to the fixed effects method (OR, 3.30, 95% CI 2.17-5.02, < 0.001), but not the random effects method (OR, 2.64, 95% CI 0.83-8.39, = 0.098). Patients with sarcopenia or frailty had a significantly increased hazard ratio (HR) for late mortality than those without frailty or sarcopenia according to the random effects method (HR, 2.39, 95% CI 1.66-3.43, < 0.001). The heterogeneity of the studies was low (I: 0.00%, = 0.86). The relation of frailty to age extracted from four studies demonstrates that the risk of frailty increases with age according to the random effects method (standard mean differences, SMD, 0.52, 95% CI 0.44-0.61, < 0.001). The heterogeneity of the studies was low (I: 0.00%, = 0.64). Patients with sarcopenia or frailty have a significantly increased risk of mortality following elective EVAR. Prospective studies validating the use of frailty and sarcopenia for risk prediction after EVAR are needed before these tools can be used to support decision making.
PubMed: 38610700
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071935 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Minimally Invasive Staged Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MISACE) is a novel technique of spinal cord preconditioning used to reduce the risk of paraplegia in... (Review)
Review
The Safety and Outcome of Minimally Invasive Staged Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MISACE) Prior Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Single-Center Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Minimally Invasive Staged Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MISACE) is a novel technique of spinal cord preconditioning used to reduce the risk of paraplegia in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. In this study, we report our experience with MISACE, including both degenerative and post-dissection TAAA, while we attempt to systematically summarize relevant data available in the literature.
DESIGN
single-center observational study with systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Initial retrospective analysis of 7 patients undergoing MISACE over 12 sessions with a subsequent systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the available published data (PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42023477411). Baseline patient and aneurysm characteristics, along with procedural technique and outcomes, were analyzed. One-arm pooling of proportions was used to summarize available published data.
RESULTS
We treated seven patients (5 males, 71%) with a median age of 69 years (IQR 55,69). According to the Crawford classification, five patients (1%) had extent II TAAA, and two (29%) had extent III TAAA. Five patients (71%) had post-dissection -TAAA; four of them were after Stanford type A dissection, and one had a chronic type B dissection. Three patients (43%) had connective tissue disease. Of the seven patients, six (86%) underwent previous aortic surgery, while the median aneurysm diameter was 58 mm (IQR 55,58). MISACE was successful in 11 sessions (92%). The median number of embolized arteries was 4 (IQR 1,4). There were no periprocedural complications in any embolization. The median embolization-operation time interval was 37.0 days (IQR 31,78). Two patients had open and five endovascular treatment. There were no events of spinal cord ischemia either after MISACE or after the aortic repair. Out of the 432 initially retrieved articles, we included two studies in the meta-analysis, including patients with MISACE for spinal cord preconditioning in addition to our cohort. The prevalence of pooled postoperative spinal cord ischemia among MISACE patients is 1.9% (95% CI -0.028 to 0.066, = 0.279; 3 studies; 81 patients, 127 coiling sessions).
CONCLUSIONS
While the current published data is limited, our study further confirms that MISACE is a technically feasible and safe option for spinal cord preconditioning.
PubMed: 38592242
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051408 -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... May 2024Endovascular aortic repair is an emerging novel intervention for the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is crucial to compare the effectiveness of different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison between the outcomes of transfemoral access and transfemoral access with adjunct upper extremity access in patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair: A pilot systematic review and meta-analysis.
Endovascular aortic repair is an emerging novel intervention for the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is crucial to compare the effectiveness of different access sites, such as transfemoral access (TFA) and upper extremity access (UEA). An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases. The primary endpoint was the incidence of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), while the secondary endpoints included technical success, access-site complications, mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), spinal cord ischemia, among others. Forest plots were constructed for the pooled analysis of data using the random-effects model in Review Manager, version 5.4. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Our findings in 9403 study participants (6228 in the TFA group and 3175 in the UEA group) indicate that TFA is associated with a lower risk of stroke/TIA [RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40-0.75; p = 0.0002], MI [RR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.38-0.69; p < 0.0001], spinal cord ischemia [RR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.32-0.53, p < 0.00001], and shortens fluoroscopy time [SMD: -0.62; 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.24; p = 0.001]. Moreover, TFA required less contrast agent [SMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.06; p = 0.02], contributing to its appeal. However, no significant differences emerged in technical success [p = 0.23], 30-day mortality [p = 0.48], ICU stay duration [p = 0.09], or overall hospital stay length [p = 0.22]. Patients with TFA had a lower risk of stroke, MI, and spinal cord ischemia, shorter fluoroscopy time, and lower use of contrast agents. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm and strengthen these findings.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Catheterization, Peripheral; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair; Femoral Artery; Pilot Projects; Punctures; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stroke; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 38584518
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.31048 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Jun 2024This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the influencing factors.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL covering the period January 2012 to October 2022.
REVIEW METHODS
This scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing health literacy, knowledge, perception, or awareness in patients with AAA or PAD. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts and full texts, resolving any discrepancies through discussion or by consulting a third author for consensus. All article types were included except letters, editorials, study protocols, reviews, and guidelines. No language restrictions were applied. Primary outcomes were health literacy and disease knowledge. Secondary outcomes were factors that could influence this. Quality assessment was done using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
RESULTS
The review included 32 articles involving a total of 5 268 patients. Four articles reported health literacy and the rest disease knowledge. Ten studies (31%) met all quality criteria. Twenty studies were quantitative, eight were qualitative, and four were mixed methods studies. The review revealed inadequate health literacy in the majority of patients, and disease knowledge was relatively low among patients with AAA and PAD, with disparities in measures and assessment tools across studies. Factors influencing health literacy and disease knowledge included socioeconomic status, education, income, and employment.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review revealed low health literacy and low disease knowledge in patients with AAA and PAD. Standardised health literacy assessment may contribute to improve communication strategies and decision aids to enhance patients' understanding and engagement in healthcare decisions, however further research is needed to prove its merits.
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Patient Education as Topic
PubMed: 38552837
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.03.040