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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2021A dissection of the aorta is a separation or tear of the intima from the media. This tear allows blood to flow not only through the original aortic flow channel (known...
BACKGROUND
A dissection of the aorta is a separation or tear of the intima from the media. This tear allows blood to flow not only through the original aortic flow channel (known as the true lumen), but also through a second channel between the intima and media (known as the false lumen). Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition which can be rapidly fatal. There is debate on the optimal surgical approach for aortic arch dissection. People with ascending aortic dissection have poor rates of survival. Currently open surgical repair is regarded as the standard treatment for aortic arch dissection. We intend to review the role of hybrid and open repair in aortic arch dissection.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of a hybrid technique of treatment over conventional open repair in the management of aortic arch dissection.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and AMED databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 8 February 2021. We also undertook reference checking for additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs), which compared the effects of hybrid repair techniques versus open surgical repair of aortic arch dissection. Outcomes of interest were dissection-related mortality and all-cause mortality, neurological deficit, cardiac injury, respiratory compromise, renal ischaemia, false lumen thrombosis (defined by partial or complete thrombosis) and mesenteric ischaemia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened all records identified by the literature searches to identify those that met our inclusion criteria. We planned to undertake data collection and analysis in accordance with recommendations described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We planned to assess the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified one ongoing study and two unpublished studies that met the inclusion criteria for the review. Due to a lack of study data, we could not compare the outcomes of hybrid repair to conventional open repair for aortic arch dissection.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review revealed one ongoing RCT and two unpublished RCTs evaluating hybrid versus conventional open repair for aortic arch surgery. Observational data suggest that hybrid repair for aortic arch dissection could potentially be favourable, but conclusions can not be drawn from these studies, which are highly selective, and are based on the clinical status of the patient, the presence of comorbidities and the skills of the operators. However, a conclusion about its definitive benefit over conventional open surgical repair cannot be made from this review without published RCTs or CCTs. Future RCTs or CCTs need to have adequate sample sizes and follow-up, and assess clinically-relevant outcomes, in order to determine the optimal treatment for people with aortic arch dissection. It must be noted that this may not be feasible, due to the reasons mentioned.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vascular Grafting
PubMed: 34304394
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012920.pub2 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Sep 2015Improved critical care, pre-operative optimization, and the advent of endovascular surgery (EVAR) have improved 30 day mortality for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Long-term survival After Elective Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair 1969-2011: 5 Year Survival Remains Poor Despite Advances in Medical Care and Treatment Strategies.
BACKGROUND
Improved critical care, pre-operative optimization, and the advent of endovascular surgery (EVAR) have improved 30 day mortality for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. It remains unknown whether this has translated into improvements in long-term survival, particularly because these factors have also encouraged the treatment of older patients with greater comorbidity. The aim of this study was to quantify how 5 year survival after elective AAA repair has changed over time.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed identifying studies reporting 5 year survival after elective infrarenal AAA repair. An electronic search of the Embase and Medline databases was conducted to January 2014. Thirty-six studies, 60 study arms, and 107,814 patients were identified. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine 5 year survival and to report whether 5 year survival changed over time.
RESULTS
Five-year survival was 69% (95% CI 67 to 71%, I(2) = 87%). Meta-regression on study midpoint showed no improvement in 5 year survival over the period 1969-2011 (log OR -0.001, 95% CI -0.014-0.012). Larger average aneurysm diameter was associated with poorer 5 year survival (adjusted log OR -0.058, 95% CI -0.095 to -0.021, I(2) = 85%). Older average patient age at surgery was associated with poorer 5 year survival (adjusted log OR -0.118, 95% CI -0.142 to -0.094, I(2) = 70%). After adjusting for average patient age, an improvement in 5 year survival over the period that these data spanned was obtained (adjusted log OR 0.027, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.042).
CONCLUSION
Five-year survival remains poor after elective AAA repair despite advances in short-term outcomes and is associated with AAA diameter and patient age at the time of surgery. Age-adjusted survival appears to have improved; however, this cohort as a whole continues to have poor long-term survival. Research in this field should attempt to improve the life expectancy of patients with repaired AAA and to optimise patient selection.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Elective Surgical Procedures; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26116489
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.05.004 -
International Journal of Surgery... Nov 2021To study the mid- and long-term outcomes of type II endoleak treatment after EVAR and the technical aspects of different techniques to exclude endoleaks which different... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To study the mid- and long-term outcomes of type II endoleak treatment after EVAR and the technical aspects of different techniques to exclude endoleaks which different embolic agents.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using the approach recommended by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for meta-analyses of interventional studies. The comprehensive search was conducted using the following database: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Patient characteristic, intervention approaches, embolic agents, and results at mid and long term follow up were studied.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies corresponding to a total of 141 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 73-78.6 years and a mean duration of follow up varying from 25 to 42 months. There were different techniques for embolization used (translumbar, transarterial, and transcaval approach) with various types of embolic agents. In all studies, the indication for embolization of the type II endoleaks was sac enlargement of more than 5 mm. A wide range of technical success rate was reported regardless of the intervention strategy being used (17,6%-100%). The overall technical success rate of all studies was 62%.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review shows that there is a wide variety of techniques to exclude a persistent type II endoleak. Different kinds of embolic agents have be used. Due to a lack of peer reviewed data on longterm follow-up, it was not possible to come to recommendations what treatment would be the best for a durable exclusion of a persistent type II endoleak after an initially successful EVAR. There remains an urgent need for proper executed studies, either randomized or with close observation in relation to longer follow-up.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Embolization, Therapeutic; Endoleak; Endovascular Procedures; Humans
PubMed: 34637951
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106138 -
Radiology Research and Practice 2022Typically, the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery branch off separately from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta. The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Typically, the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery branch off separately from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta. The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a rare variant in which those arteries share a common origin. We sought to compare the prevalence of CMT in the Caribbean with the global prevalence as calculated by a systematic review.
METHODS
In this study, we evaluated all consecutive patients who had multiphase contrast-enhanced CT scans at two major referral centres in the Caribbean from August 30, 2017, to September 1, 2019. In patients with a CMT, we recorded demographic and anatomic details. We then conducted a systematic literature search and retrieved raw data to calculate the global prevalence (number of individuals with a CMT divided by the sum total of study samples). We compared CMT prevalence in our sample with the global prevalence using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was considered to be present when the value was <0.05.
RESULTS
From 832 CTs, 665 scans met the inclusion criteria. There were 16 (2.41%) CMTs: 3 (0.45%) classic CMTs, 12 (1.8%) hepato-mesenteric trunks, and 1 (0.15%) hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk. Forty-two studies reported on CMTs in a total of 74,320 persons. The global CMT prevalence was comparable (3.88%; = 0.054), but the incidence of hepato-mesenteric variants was significantly lower in our sample (1.8% vs. 3.24%; = 0.0352).
CONCLUSION
There was no difference in the prevalence of a classic CMT in the Caribbean compared to the global prevalence. However, the hepato-mesenteric trunk (incomplete CMT variant) was significantly less prevalent in the Caribbean. Advances in Knowledge: Healthcare professionals performing hepatobiliary interventions must be aware of these differences in order to minimize morbidity during their interventions.
PubMed: 36267126
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1715631 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Apr 2022Increased aortic stiffness (AoS) has been recognised as a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Increased aortic stiffness (AoS) has been recognised as a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of aortic repair on AoS.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched systematically for relevant studies evaluating the consequences of endovascular and open aortic repair on AoS.
REVIEW METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement was followed to perform the research process. Papers containing data on AoS before and after both thoracic (TEVAR) and abdominal (EVAR) endovascular repair, as well as open surgical repair (OSR), were included for detailed evaluation. A fixed effects model was used to perform analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was calculated for each included study.
RESULTS
The first article cluster comprised 367 papers. After removal of duplicates and the adoption of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 14 articles remained, 13 of which were selected for meta-analysis. Ten studies analysed EVAR and three analysed TEVAR. Five of the selected papers were case control studies, with OSR adopted in four of these as the EVAR comparator. Several graft types were used in the endovascular group. AoS increased after TEVAR and EVAR, in terms of pulse wave velocity (PWV), even though several spatial levels and measurement modalities were adopted. No differences were described after OSR, although no pooled data could be analysed.
CONCLUSION
EVAR and TEVAR both demonstrated a significant increase in AoS measurement (PWV). Although the heterogeneity and the low number of available studies limit the strength of the results, this review highlights the potential deleterious endograft role in the cardiovascular system although further studies are needed to achieve robust evidence. Further studies are needed to improve the mutual interaction between aorta and endograft, minimising their impact on the native aortic wall properties.
Topics: Aorta; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Pulse Wave Analysis; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Stiffness
PubMed: 35283000
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.01.008 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Mar 2023Previous studies imply a profound residual mortality risk following successful abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) repair. This excess mortality is generally attributed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Excess Mortality for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and the Potential of Strict Implementation of Cardiovascular Risk Management: A Multifaceted Study Integrating Meta-Analysis, National Registry, and PHAST and TEDY Trial Data.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies imply a profound residual mortality risk following successful abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) repair. This excess mortality is generally attributed to increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was (1) to quantify the excess residual mortality for patients with AAA, (2) to evaluate the cross sectional level of cardiovascular risk management, and (3) to estimate the potential of optimised cardiovascular risk management to reduce the excess mortality in these patients.
METHODS
Excess mortality was estimated through a systematic review and meta-analysis, and through data from the Swedish National Health Registry. Cardiovascular risk profiles were individually assessed during eligibility screening of patients with AAA for two multicentre pharmaceutical AAA stabilisation trials. The potential of full implementation of cardiovascular risk management was estimated through the validated Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) risk scores algorithm.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis showed a similarly impaired survival for patients who received early repair (small AAA) or regular repair (≥ 55 mm), and a further impaired survival for patients under surveillance for a small AAA. Excess mortality was further quantified using Swedish population data. The data revealed a more than quadrupled and doubled five year mortality rate for women and men who had their AAA repaired, respectively. Evaluation of the level of risk management of 358 patients under surveillance in 16 Dutch hospitals showed that the majority of patients with AAA did not meet therapeutic targets set for risk management in high risk populations, and indicated a more pronounced prevention gap in women. Application of the SMART risk score algorithm predicted that optimal implementation of risk management guidelines would reduce the 10 year risk of major adverse cardiovascular events from 43% to 14%.
CONCLUSION
Independent of the rupture risk, AAA is associated with a worryingly compromised life expectancy with a particularly poor prognosis for women. Optimal implementation of cardiovascular risk prevention guidelines is predicted to profoundly reduce cardiovascular risk.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Risk Factors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
PubMed: 36460276
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.11.019 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2013This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2011.Cervical cancer is the most common cause of death from... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2011.Cervical cancer is the most common cause of death from gynaecological cancers worldwide. Locally advanced cervical cancer, FIGO stage (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) equal or more than IB1 is treated with chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy. If there is metastatic para-aortic nodal disease, radiotherapy is extended to cover this area. Due to increased morbidity, ideally extended-field radiotherapy is given only when para-aortic nodal disease is confirmed. Therefore, accurate assessment of the extent of the disease is very important for planning the most appropriate treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pre-treatment surgical para-aortic lymph node assessment for woman with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stage IB2 to IVA).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2012, Issue 10), MEDLINE and EMBASE (up to November 2012). We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared surgical para-aortic lymph node assessment and dissection with radiological staging techniques, in adult women diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed whether potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria, abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. One RCT was identified so no meta-analyses were performed.
MAIN RESULTS
We found only one trial, which included 61 women, that met our inclusion criteria. This trial reported data on surgical versus clinical staging and an assessment of the two surgical staging techniques; laparoscopic (LAP) versus extraperitoneal (EXP) surgical staging. The clinical staging was either a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the abdomen and pelvis to determine nodal status.In this trial, clinical staging appeared to significantly prolong overall and progression-free survival compared to surgical staging. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of women who experienced severe (grade 3 or 4) toxicity.There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of death, disease recurrence or progression, blood loss, severe toxicity and the duration of the operational procedure between LAP and EXP surgical staging techniques.The strength of the evidence is weak in this review as it is based on one small trial that was at moderate risk of bias.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Since the last version of this review no new studies were found.From the one available RCT we found insufficient evidence that pre-treatment surgical para-aortic lymph node assessment for locally advanced cervical cancer is beneficial, and it may actually have an adverse effect on survival. However, this conclusion is based on analysis of a small single trial and therefore definitive guidance or recommendations for clinical practice cannot be made.Therefore, the decision to offer surgical pre-treatment assessment of para-aortic lymph nodes in locally advanced cervical cancer needs to be individualised. The uncertainty regarding any impact on survival from pre-treatment para-aortic lymph node assessment should be discussed openly with the women.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aorta, Abdominal; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 23543561
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008217.pub3 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Vascular calcifications in aorto-iliac arteries are emerging as crucial risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with profound clinical implications. This... (Review)
Review
Vascular calcifications in aorto-iliac arteries are emerging as crucial risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with profound clinical implications. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, investigated methodologies for measuring these calcifications and explored their correlation with CVDs and clinical outcomes. Out of 698 publications, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 7 studies utilized manual methods, while 4 studies utilized automated technologies, including artificial intelligence and deep learning for image analyses. Age, systolic blood pressure, serum calcium, and lipoprotein(a) levels were found to be independent risk factors for aortic calcification. Mortality from CVDs was correlated with abdominal aorta calcification. Patients requiring reintervention after endovascular recanalization exhibited a significantly higher volume of calcification in their iliac arteries. Conclusions: This review reveals a diverse landscape of measurement methods for aorto-iliac calcifications; however, they lack a standardized reproducibility assessment. Automatic methods employing artificial intelligence appear to offer broader applicability and are less time-consuming. Assessment of calcium scoring could be routinely employed during preoperative workups for risk stratification and detailed surgical planning. Additionally, its correlation with clinical outcomes could be useful in predicting the risk of reinterventions and amputations.
PubMed: 38786352
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101053 -
Biomolecules & Biomedicine May 2024At present, research on blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) is limited, with the majority being case reports. Consequently, there is a significant knowledge gap...
At present, research on blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) is limited, with the majority being case reports. Consequently, there is a significant knowledge gap concerning this condition. To address this, we conducted a systematic review by extensively searching major databases. We included all literature that provided individual (non-identifiable) data on BAAI patients, irrespective of the study design. Furthermore, we undertook regression analyses to identify predictors of death after BAAI. The search yielded 2,099 results, leading to the inclusion of 102 case reports and one conference abstract. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for assessment, all studies were deemed of medium to high quality. In total, 133 patients were included, with a median age of 34 years, and 73.7% being male. The predominant clinical manifestation was pain, reported in 65.6% of patients. The most frequently observed aortic lesion severity was grade A (intimal tear or intramural hematoma) at 46.9%, and the most common lesion location was zone III (infrarenal aorta) in 88.3% of cases. The overall mortality after BAAI was 15.3%. Multivariate regression analyses revealed the following predictors of death after BAAI: lower limb ischemia (relative risk [RR] = 7.137, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.154 - 44.161), cardiopulmonary arrest (RR = 10.250, 95% CI 1.452 - 72.344), and injuries to body parts other than the abdomen and lumbar spine (RR = 2.593, 95% CI 1.189 - 5.655). In conclusion, this review provides a detailed quantitative summary of BAAI's clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, emphasizing its high mortality rate and identifying three critical variables as predictors of death.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Abdominal Injuries; Aorta, Abdominal; Prognosis; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 37865918
DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9831 -
Folia Morphologica 2021The aim of this study is to present the level of aortic bifurcation in a sample of Greek origin (case series) and to perform an up-to-date systematic review in the...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to present the level of aortic bifurcation in a sample of Greek origin (case series) and to perform an up-to-date systematic review in the existing literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventy-six formalin-fixed adult cadavers were dissected and studied in order to research the level of aortic bifurcation. Additionally, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for eligible articles concerning the level of aortic bifurcation for the period up to February 2020.
RESULTS
The mean level of aortic bifurcation according to our case series was the lower third of the L4 vertebral body (21/76, 27.6%). The level of aortic bifurcation ranged between the lower third of the L3 vertebral body and the lower third of the L5 body. No statistically significant correlation was found between the two sexes. The systematic review of the literature revealed 31 articles which were considered eligible and a total number of 3537 specimens were retracted. According to the recorded findings the most common mean level of aortic bifurcation was the body of L4 vertebra (1495/3537 cases, 42.2%), while the range of aortic bifurcation was described to occur from upper third of L3 vertebrae to the upper third of the S1 vertebrae in the 52.8% of the cases (1866/3537).
CONCLUSIONS
The mean level of AA corresponds to the body of L4 and presents a great range (form L3U to S1U). Knowledge of the mean level of aortic bifurcation and its probable ranges is of great significance for interventional radiologists and especially vascular surgeons that deal with aneurism proximal to the aortic bifurcation.
Topics: Adult; Aorta, Abdominal; Cadaver; Greece; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Sacrum
PubMed: 32488853
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2020.0064