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Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024The operative outcomes of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are challenged by high operative mortality and disabling complications. This study aimed to explore... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Differential impacts of clinical, anatomical, and procedural factors on early and late mortality following open thoracoabdominal aortic repair: a retrospective observational study.
BACKGROUND
The operative outcomes of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are challenged by high operative mortality and disabling complications. This study aimed to explore the baseline clinical, anatomical, and procedural risk factors that impact early and late outcomes following open repair of TAAAs.
METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of 290 patients who underwent open repair of TAAAs between 1992 and 2020 at a tertiary referral center. Determinants of early mortality (within 30 days or in hospital) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models, while those of overall follow-up mortality were explored using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and landmark analyses.
RESULTS
The rates of early mortality and spinal cord deficits were 13.1% and 11.0%, respectively, with Crawford extent II showing the highest rates. In the logistic regression models, older age (P < 0.001), high cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (P < 0.001), and low surgical volume of the surgeon (P < 0.001) emerged as independent factors significantly associated with early mortality. During follow-up (median, 5.0 years; interquartile range, 1.1-7.6 years), 82 late deaths occurred (5.7%/patient-year). Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that older age (P < 0.001) and low hemoglobin level (P = 0.032) were significant risk factors of overall mortality, while the landmark analyses revealed that the significant impacts of low surgical volume (P = 0.017), high CPB time (P = 0.002), and Crawford extent II (P = 0.017) on mortality only remained in the early postoperative period, without significant late impacts (all P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
There were differential temporal impacts of perioperative risk variables on mortality in open repair of TAAAs, with older age and low hemoglobin level having significant impacts throughout the postoperative period, and low surgical volume, high CPB time, and Crawford extent II having impacts in the early postoperative phase.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Aged; Postoperative Complications; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Time Factors; Hospital Mortality; Aorta, Thoracic
PubMed: 38915060
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02933-2 -
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and... Jun 2024Diameter-based risk stratification for elective repair of ascending aortic aneurysm fails to prevent type A dissection in many patients. Aneurysm wall stresses may...
OBJECTIVES
Diameter-based risk stratification for elective repair of ascending aortic aneurysm fails to prevent type A dissection in many patients. Aneurysm wall stresses may contribute to risk prediction; however, rates of wall stress change over time are poorly understood. Our objective was to examine aneurysm wall stress changes over three to five years and subsequent all-cause mortality.
METHODS
Male veterans with <5.5-cm ascending aortic aneurysms and computed tomography at baseline and 3 to 5-years follow-up underwent three-dimensional aneurysm model construction. Peak circumferential and longitudinal wall stresses at systole were calculated using finite element analysis. Temporal trends were assessed by mixed-effects modelling. Changes in aortic wall stresses, diameter, and length over time were evaluated as predictors of subsequent 3-year all-cause mortality by Cox proportional hazards modelling.
RESULTS
Sixty-two male veterans were included in the study. Yearly changes in geometric and biomechanical measures were 0.12 mm/yr (95% CI, 0.04-0.20) for aortic diameter, 0.41 mm/yr (0.12-0.71) for aortic length, 1.19 kPa/yr (-5.94-8.33) for peak circumferential stress, and 0.48 kPa/yr (-3.89-4.84) for peak longitudinal stress. Yearly change in peak circumferential stress was significantly associated with hazard of death-hazard ratio for peak circumferential stress growth per 10 kPa/yr, 1.27 (95% CI, 1.02-1.60; p = 0.037); hazard ratio for peak circumferential stress growth ≥ 32 kPa/yr, 8.47 (95% CI, 2.42-30; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
In this population of nonsurgical aneurysm patients, large temporal changes in peak circumferential stress, but not aortic diameter or length, was associated with all-cause mortality. Biomechanical stress and stress changes over time may be beneficial as additional risk factors for elective surgery in small aneurysms.
PubMed: 38913870
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivae116 -
Cureus May 2024This case report revolves around a 73-year-old male patient who initially sought medical attention due to left lower extremity weakness. Suspicions of a potential...
This case report revolves around a 73-year-old male patient who initially sought medical attention due to left lower extremity weakness. Suspicions of a potential vascular etiology arose during the initial clinical examination, prompting further investigation. Unexpectedly, computed tomography (CT) imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed the presence of three giant aneurysms. Concurrently, positive syphilis titers were identified. The patient's presentation, marked by focal neurological deficits, unveiled the incidental discovery of a triad of aneurysms involving the distal abdominal aorta, right common iliac, and left common iliac. The neurological symptoms observed in the patient were attributed to the compression within the left common iliac artery, leading to compromised blood flow to the lower extremity. Alternatively, the neurological deficits could be linked to neurosyphilis or a combination of both factors. This case underscores the critical role of considering syphilis in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. The unique discovery of extensive aortic abnormalities through imaging studies, specifically CT angiography, emphasized the importance of such diagnostic tools in unraveling complex and potentially life-threatening vascular pathologies. Recognizing the diverse manifestations of syphilis in patients with vast neurological symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. This case emphasizes the need to keep a high index of suspicion for syphilis in individuals who have widespread aortic anomalies together with neurological symptoms, to sum up. The triad of aneurysms discovered incidentally in this 73-year-old patient underscores the intricate interplay between vascular and neurological manifestations. The timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of both the neurological and vascular aspects of this unique presentation are essential for ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38910719
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60944 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jun 2024To report the outcomes of endovascular urgent thoracoabdominal aortic (TAAA) repair, using an off-the-shelf preloaded inner branch device (E-nside, Artivion - Kennesaw,...
OBJECTIVES
To report the outcomes of endovascular urgent thoracoabdominal aortic (TAAA) repair, using an off-the-shelf preloaded inner branch device (E-nside, Artivion - Kennesaw, GA - USA).
METHODS
Data from a physician-initiated national multicenter registry, including patients treated with E-nside endograft (INBREED) were prospectively collected (2020-2024); only urgent cases were included in this study. Primary outcomes were technical success and mortality at 30 days. Secondary outcomes were spinal cord ischemia rate, stroke rate, major adverse events (MAE) as also branch instability at 12 months.
RESULTS
Of 185 patients enrolled in the INBREED, 64 (34.5%) were treated in a urgent setting and were included in the study. Reason for urgent repair was presence of aneurysm-related symptoms in 31 (48.4%) patients, a contained rupture in 8 (12.5%), and a large aneurysm >80 mm in 25 (39.1%). Extent of repair was I-III in 32 patients (50% and IV in 32 (50%); 18 (28%) had a narrow (<25 mm) paravisceral aortic lumen. An adjunctive proximal thoracic endograft was deployed in 29 patients (45.3%); a distal bifurcated abdominal endograft was used in 33 (51.5%). Two-hundred-forty-nine (97.2%) target vessels were successfully incorporated through an inner branch from an upper arm (81.2%) or femoral (18.8%) access. A balloon expandable stent was used in 184 (75.7%) target vessels, a self expandable stent in 59 (24.3%). Mean time for target vessel bridging was 39.9±28.4 min per target vessel. Thirty-days cumulative MAE rate was 28% and mortality occurred in 5 patients (9.1%). There were 1 postoperative stroke (1.6%) and SCI rate was 8% (n=5). For the 249 target vessels successfully incorporated through an inner branch, one-year freedom from target vessel instability was 93±3% after 1 year.
CONCLUSION
The E-nside represents a valid solution for the urgent treatment of TAAAs, including symptomatic and ruptured TAAAs, as well as large asymptomatic TAAAs that cannot wait for a custom-made device. The preloaded inner branches and available proximal and distal graft diameters might be useful in urgent settings, and provided satisfactory early and 1-year results, in terms of both endograft and target vessel stability. Further studies are required to assess the clinical role of E-nside for urgent TAAA repair.
PubMed: 38908806
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.05.056 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Aneurysms of the pulmonary arteries and the ascending aorta are rare, and both bear a high mortality risk if left untreated. In general, these entities are primarily...
BACKGROUND
Aneurysms of the pulmonary arteries and the ascending aorta are rare, and both bear a high mortality risk if left untreated. In general, these entities are primarily caused by etiologies such as hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, infection or congenital disorders. Treatment requires a rapid diagnostic work-up or even immediate surgical intervention in acute cases. Nevertheless, surgery entails serious perioperative risks, in particular in patients with multiple comorbidities.
CASE PRESENTATION
We discuss a 70-year-old woman presented with decompensated heart failure based on severe pulmonary artery hypertension, coincided by a massive pulmonary artery aneurysm with secondary embolism. Additional diagnostic imaging also showed a chronic post-dissection, saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta. To our knowledge, this simultaneous diagnosis of a saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and a large aneurysm of the pulmonary artery with secondary embolism has not yet been described. Nonetheless, conservative treatment was chosen due to extensive pulmonal and cardiovascular comorbidities and the high-risk profile of surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Extensive aneurysmatic disease of the pulmonary arteries and ascending aorta come with a serious burden of disease, especially if coincided by severe pulmonal and cardiovascular comorbidities. Both conditions can be curatively treated by surgical intervention. However, in every case the risk of surgery and the patient's vitality, comorbidities and wishes should be taken into account to formulate an adequate treatment plan. Therefore, shared decision making is of utter importance.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pulmonary Artery; Aged; Aortic Dissection; Aorta; Aortic Aneurysm; Aneurysm
PubMed: 38907334
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02865-x -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (PMAIF) is a rare complication of infective endocarditis or aortic valve surgery. Surgical treatment is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (PMAIF) is a rare complication of infective endocarditis or aortic valve surgery. Surgical treatment is suggested, but the long-term follow-up of conservative management remains unclear.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 33-year follow-up of a patient who developed PMAIF six years after aortic valve replacement is reported. The patient presented to our center with dyspnea, and the echocardiography revealed an ejection fraction of 20% and a PMAIF measuring 7 × 10 mm. Despite being advised to undergo surgery, the patient declined due to fear of surgical outcomes. Consequently, conservative treatment with close observation but without surgery was initiated. During the 33-year follow-up period, the patient did not experience any adverse health effects.
CONCLUSION
Surgical intervention should be considered whenever the PMAIF is diagnosed. However, in any case that the surgery was not applicable, conservative management might lead to long-term survival, based on this and similar case reports in the literature.
Topics: Humans; Aneurysm, False; Mitral Valve; Aortic Valve; Male; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Aneurysm; Echocardiography; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38907323
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02885-7 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024We describe the echocardiographic features of a 22-year-old female with a giant aneurysm of membranous ventricular septum (AMVS). Both transthoracic echocardiography...
We describe the echocardiographic features of a 22-year-old female with a giant aneurysm of membranous ventricular septum (AMVS). Both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated significant dilatation of the aortic annulus and severe aortic regurgitation. A giant aneurysm was detected extending from a large membranous ventricular septal defect (MVSD) to the anterior surface of the aortic root. Contrast-enhanced CT and three-dimensional CT revealed a giant aneurysm located below the aortic root and connected to the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery and postoperative pathological examination.
Topics: Humans; Female; Heart Aneurysm; Young Adult; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Ventricular Septum; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Echocardiography
PubMed: 38907275
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02882-w -
European Journal of Vascular and... Jun 2024Complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAA) pose a clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the 30 day mortality and morbidity for open aneurysm repair...
OBJECTIVE
Complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAA) pose a clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the 30 day mortality and morbidity for open aneurysm repair (OAR) and fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR), and the effect of hospital volume in patients with asymptomatic cAAA in Switzerland.
METHODS
Retrospective, cohort study using data from Switzerland's national registry for vascular surgery, Swissvasc, including patients treated from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022. All patients with asymptomatic, true, non-infected cAAA were identified. Primary outcome was 30 day mortality and morbidity reported using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Outcomes were compared between OAR and F/BEVAR after propensity score weighting.
RESULTS
Of the 461 patients identified, 333 underwent OAR and 128 underwent F/BEVAR for cAAA. At 30 days, overall mortality rate was 3.3% after OAR and 3.1% after F/BEVAR (p = .76). Propensity scores weighted analysis indicated similar morbidity rates for both approaches: F/BEVAR (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45 - 1.05, p = .055); intestinal ischaemia (1.8% after OAR, 3.1% after F/BEVAR, p = .47) and renal failure requiring dialysis (1.5% after OAR, 5.5% after F/BEVAR, p = .024) were associated with highest morbidity and mortality. Treatment specific complications with high morbidity were abdominal compartment syndrome and lower limb compartment syndrome following F/BEVAR. Overall treatment volume was low for most of the hospitals treating cAAA in Switzerland; outliers with increased mortality were identified among low volume hospitals.
CONCLUSION
Comparable 30 day mortality and morbidity rates were found between OAR and F/BEVAR for cAAA in Switzerland; lack of centralisation was also highlighted. Organ specific complications driving mortality were renal failure, intestinal ischaemia, and limb ischaemia, specifically after F/BEVAR. Treatment in specialised high volume centres, alongside efforts to reduce peri procedural kidney injury and mesenteric ischaemia, offers potential to lower morbidity and mortality in elective cAAA treatment.
PubMed: 38906370
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.06.022 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jun 2024This study reports the 30-day outcomes of the primary arm of the GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) pivotal trial for complex abdominal aortic...
BACKGROUND
This study reports the 30-day outcomes of the primary arm of the GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) pivotal trial for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
METHODS
This multicenter, nonrandomized, prospective study of the TAMBE device included patients enrolled in the primary study arm of extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and pararenal aneurysms. Technical success and major adverse events were analyzed per the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines.
RESULTS
The 102 patients of the primary arm who underwent endovascular repair using the TAMBE device were a mean age of 73 ± 6.4 years (range, 58-82 years) and 84 (84.2%) were male. The mean body mass index was 28.3 ± 5.0 kg/m. Fifty-nine patients (57.8%) were treated for extent IV and 43 (42.2%) pararenal aneurysms; the mean maximum diameter of the aneurysms was 59.4 ± 7.8 mm. A prophylactic cerebral spinal fluid drain was used in 10 patients (9.8%). Technical success was achieved in 99% of patients, with the single failure owing to unsuccessful cannulation of the left renal artery. Mean procedure time was 315 ± 103 minutes (range, 163-944 minutes), estimated blood loss was 300 ± 296 mL (range, 10-2000 mL), and contrast administration was 153.6 ± 73.5 mL (range, 16-420 mL). The intensive care unit length of stay was 58.7 ± 52.7 hours (range, 1-288 mL). In 28 patients (27.5%), a total of 32 additional endovascular components were deployed to manage procedural complications including aortic and target vessel dissections and injuries not related to access. Bridging stent grafts were deployed to incorporate 407 target vessels (mean 1.6/per vessel; range, 1-4). Postoperative transfusion was required in 14 patients (13.7%). Major adverse events occurred in seven patients (6.9%) through 30 days. Events included respiratory failure (n = 2), disabling stroke (n = 1), new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis (n = 2), and paraplegia (n = 2). At 30 days, there was one patient with intraoperative rupture; no severe bowel ischemia or lesion-related/all-cause mortality were reported. The Core lab-reported patency was 100% in the aortic component, superior mesenteric artery, and celiac artery, and 95.9% in the left renal and 99.0% in the right renal branch components through 30 days of follow-up. Reinterventions through 30 days were performed in 9 of 96 patients (9.4%) and were all minor.
CONCLUSIONS
Early TAMBE device outcomes demonstrate a high technical success rate, no 30-day lesion-related mortality, and a low rate of safety events within 30 days of the index procedure.
PubMed: 38904579
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.05.020 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jun 2024Cervical arterial tortuosity is associated with adverse outcomes in Loeys-Dietz syndrome and other heritable aortopathies.
BACKGROUND
Cervical arterial tortuosity is associated with adverse outcomes in Loeys-Dietz syndrome and other heritable aortopathies.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A method to assess tortuosity based on curvature of the vessel centerline in 3-dimensional space was developed. We measured cervical carotid tortuosity in 65 patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome from baseline computed tomography angiogram/magnetic resonance angiogram and all serial images during follow-up. Relations between baseline carotid tortuosity, age, aortic root diameter, and its change over time were compared. Patients with unoperated aortic roots were assessed for clinical end point (type A aortic dissection or aortic root surgery during 4 years of follow-up). Logistic regression was performed to assess the likelihood of clinical end point according to baseline carotid tortuosity. Total absolute curvature at baseline was 11.13±5.76 and was relatively unchanged at 8 to 10 years (fold change: 0.026±0.298, =1.00), whereas tortuosity index at baseline was 0.262±0.131, with greater variability at 8 to 10 years (fold change: 0.302±0.656, =0.818). Baseline total absolute curvature correlated with aortic root diameter (=0.456, =0.004) and was independently associated with aortic events during the 4-year follow-up (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.64 [95% CI, 1.02-6.85]). Baseline tortuosity index correlated with age (=0.532, <0.001) and was not associated with events (adjusted OR, 1.88 [95% CI, 0.79-4.51]). Finally, baseline total absolute curvature had good discrimination of 4-year outcomes (area under the curve=0.724, =0.014), which may be prognostic or predictive.
CONCLUSIONS
Here we introduce cervical carotid tortuosity as a promising quantitative biomarker with validated, standardized characteristics. Specifically, we recommend the adoption of a curvature-based measure, total absolute curvature, for early detection or monitoring of disease progression in Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
PubMed: 38904248
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.124.035171