Vascular

To explore the relationship between abdominal aortic aneurysm development and inflammation in the rabbit through the establishment of a rabbit infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm model and the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.

Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were administered an elastase intracavity perfusion to induce an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm model. Prior to surgery, the rabbits underwent abdominal aorta ultrasonic testing and blood collection from the ear veins. Of the original 20 rabbits, 10 rabbits were euthanized two weeks after the operation following ultrasonic testing, PET/CT scanning and blood collection, and their arterial tissue samples were prepared for pathological and immunohistochemical staining. The remaining 10 rabbits were euthanized four weeks after the operation following ultrasonic testing, PET/CT scanning and blood collection, and the arterial tissue samples were prepared for pathological and immunohistochemical staining.

Compared with the preoperative measurement, the maximum growth rate of the aneurysm diameter is 89.21 ± 0.02% (the absolute increase in diameter is 2.040 ± 0.376 mm) two weeks after the operation. Compared with the two-week postoperative value, the maximum growth rate of the aneurysm diameter is 15.8 ± 0.01% (the absolute increase in diameter is 0.684 ± 0.115 mm) four weeks after the operation. Compared with the preoperative values, the blood MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels significantly increase two weeks after surgery, P < 0.05. Compared with the two-week postoperative values, the blood MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels significantly decrease after four weeks post-surgery, P < 0.05. At two weeks after the operation, the SUVmax and the TBR of the 18F-FDG PET/CT of the AAA wall are 0.90 ± 0.03 and 1.19 ± 0.09, respectively. At four weeks after the operation, the SUVmax and the TBR of the 18F-FDG PET/CT of the AAA wall are 0.35 ± 0.05 and 1.15 ± 0.12, respectively. Compared with two weeks after the operation, the SUVmax significantly decreases at four weeks after the operation, P < 0.05. Compared with two weeks after the operation, there is no significant difference in the TBR at four weeks after the operation, P > 0.05. Immunohistochemical staining shows that the CD68-positive cell rate at four weeks after the operation significantly decreases (P < 0.05) compared with the CD68-positive cell rate at two weeks after the operation.

In the early stages of abdominal aortic aneurysm development, the inflammatory response of the arterial wall is significant, the local metabolic activity is strengthened, the SUVmax value of 18F-FDG is high, and the abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter experiences rapid growth. In the later stages of abdominal aortic aneurysm development, the diameter continues to increase; however, there are decreases in the wall inflammatory response, the local metabolic activity, and the SUVmax value of 18F-FDG. Thus, inflammation plays an important role in the early development of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Common femoral artery endarterectomy (CFE) is the standard treatment for common femoral artery occlusive disease. We aim to assess the medium term outcomes of CFE with or without further concomitant procedures.

A retrospective observational study.

All patients who underwent either isolated CFE (ICFE), CFE with angioplasty for occlusive arterial disease (CFEA) or concomitant CFE with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (CFEE) were included. Patient demographics follow up, clinical improvement, types of CFE closure, patency rates, and survival-free amputation were noted.

From 2002 to 2015, 1512 patients were referred with a diagnosis of critical limb ischemia. Of those, 1134 required revascularization. Sixty-one patients underwent 66 CFE. Ten limbs underwent an ICFE, 35 had CFEA, and 21 underwent CFEE. Demographics were comparable in all groups. Twenty-seven were closed primarily, while 39 required patch closure (12 venous, 8 Dacron, 19 biological). Technical success was 100% in ICFEs, 94% in CFEA, and 100% for CFEE (p = 0.274). Immediate clinical success was 100% in both CFE and CFEE, but was 85.7% in CFEA (p = 0.035). Immediate hemodynamic success was similar in all three groups (p = 0.73). Sustained hemodynamic success was 30% in ICFE, 54.3% in CFEA, and 23.8% in CFEE (p = 0.056).

At two years, the primary patency was 90% in ICFE, 74.3% in CFEA, and 100% in CFEE (p = 0.049). Primary-assisted patency was 90% in ICFE, 82.9% in CFEA, and 100% in CFEE (p = 0.17). Secondary patency was 90% in ICFE, 94.3% in CFEA, and 100% in CFEE (p = 0.409).

Re-intervention was required in 26.9% of primary closures, versus 12.8% with patch closures (p = 0.279). Amputation-free survival was 100% in ICFE, 80% in CFEA, and 100% in CFEE (p = 0.056).

CFE is a reliable and dependable procedure, even in the absence of good distal runoff.

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are the relatively uncommon condition. This study aims to evaluate the technical issues and clinical outcomes of endovascular repair in a cohort of isolated iliac artery aneurysms treated.

We retrospectively reviewed 22 consecutive patients with isolated iliac artery aneurysms between December 2006 and September 2016. Iliac artery aneurysms were treated in one of the three ways: (1) standard bifurcated aortic stent graft placement with limb extension; (2) coverage of iliac artery aneurysms with covered stent grafts; and (3) embolization of the arterial branches distal to the aneurysms with coils or vascular plugs.

Twenty-two patients (20 men) with a mean age 64.7 years underwent endovascular repair during the study period. The median diameter of the isolated iliac artery aneurysms was 5.9 ± 1.7 cm (2.9–9.0 cm). Technical success was 95.5%. Conversion to open surgery was performed in one patient with bilateral internal iliac artery aneurysms. Four patients underwent placement of a bifurcated stent graft. A covered stent graft was deployed in 16 patients, with embolization of internal iliac artery in 14 patients. Simple coil embolization of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm was performed in one patient. There was one sudden cardiac death on day 4 after the procedure due to heart failure. During the follow-up period (range: 1–50 months, mean 19.8 months), five patients died of causes not related to isolated iliac artery aneurysms, and transient buttock claudication was observed in one patient.

Our study documents the safety and effectiveness of endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms with low morbidity and mortality.

Computed tomography angiography represents one of the most important investigation modalities in the diagnosis and follow-up of vascular diseases. We prospectively compare between patients who have had preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography and others who had not, to analyze the influence of CT angiography on the diagnosis and postoperative outcomes in gunshot cases.

A Cohort study to compare between patients who underwent preoperative CT angiography and others who had not, to analyze the influence of CT angiography on the diagnosis and postoperative outcomes in patients who suffer from urgent vascular reconstruction due to gunshot wounds in extremities with concomitant vascular injuries, in the time period from 17 February 2011 to 31 December 2011 in Al-Jalaa Hospital, Benghazi, Libya.

During the study period, 89 patients were included, of whom 88 (99%) were males and 1 (1%) was female; the mean age was 29.5 years. Patients were arranged into two groups. The first group of 38 patients (43%) were operated urgently without preoperative CT angiographic evaluation. The second group of 51 patients (57%) have had a preoperative CT angiographic evaluation.

In the light of our study, we favor the immediate operative exploration of gunshot wounds in extremities with concomitant hard signs of vascular injuries without waiting for preoperative CT angiography, thereby minimizing the shock state and ischemic interval. CT angiography may be required for a more stable patient to avoid unnecessary surgical exploration.

The protective effect of diabetes mellitus on abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and growth has been repeatedly observed in population studies but continues to be poorly understood. However, recent investigations have suggested that metformin, a staple antihyperglycemic medication, may be independently protective against abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and growth. Therefore, we describe the effect of metformin in abdominal aortic aneurysm and at-risk patients on markers of inflammation, the driver of early abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and growth.

Peripheral blood was collected from patients previously diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm or presenting for their U.S. Preventive Task Force-recommended abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. Plasma and circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll density centrifugation. Circulating plasma inflammatory and regulatory cytokines were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. CD4⁺ cell phenotyping was performed using flow cytometric analysis and expressed as a proportion of total CD4⁺ cells. To determine the circulating antibody to self-antigen response, a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed against antibodies to collagen type V and elastin fragments.

Peripheral blood was isolated from 266 patients without diabetes mellitus (n=182), with diabetes mellitus not treated with metformin (n=34), and with diabetes mellitus actively taking metformin (n=50) from 2015 to 2017. We found no differences in the expression of Tr1, Th17, and Treg CD4⁺ fractions within diabetics ± metformin. When comparing inflammatory cytokines, we detected no differences in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. Conversely, no differences were observed pertaining to the expression to regulatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, TSG-6, or TGF-β. Lastly, no differences in expression of collagen type V and elastin fragment antigen and/or antibodies were detected with metformin use in diabetics.

Metformin in diabetics at-risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm or diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm does not seem to alter the peripheral inflammatory environment.

Although the published literature has reported an inverse association between hospital volume and outcomes of coronary interventions, sparse data are available for percutaneous peripheral atherectomy (PPA). The aim of our study was to examine the effect of hospital volume on outcomes of PPA.

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of the year 2012, PPA with ICD-9 code of 17.56 was identified. The primary outcomes were mortality and amputation rates; secondary outcomes were peri-procedural complications, cost, and length of hospitalization and discharge disposition of the patient. Multivariate models were generated for predictors of the outcomes.

We identified a total of 21,015 patients with mean age of 69.53 years, with 56% males. Higher hospital volume centers were associated with a significantly lower mortality (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.30–0.57, p < 0.0001), amputation rates (5.34% vs. 9.32%, p < 0.0001), combined endpoint of mortality and complications (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.49–0.58, p < 0.0001), shorter length of hospital stay (LOS) (4.86 vs. 6.79 days, p < 0.0001) and lower hospitalization cost ($23,062 vs. $30,794, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis for acute and chronic limb ischemia showed similar results.

Hospital procedure volume is an independent predictor of mortality, amputation rates, complications, LOS, and costs in patients undergoing PPA with an inverse relationship.

A multidisciplinary approach is required to treat critical limb ischemia. We determined the poor prognostic factors of ischemic ulcer healing after optimal arterial revascularization, and assessed the efficacy of the medication therapy using cilostazol, which is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3.

In this retrospective, single-center, cohort study, 129 limbs that underwent infrainguinal arterial revascularization for Rutherford class 5 critical limb ischemia were reviewed. The primary end point was the ulcer healing time after arterial revascularization. The secondary end point was the amputation-free survival rate.

Of the 129 limbs, endovascular therapy was performed in 69 limbs, and surgical reconstructive procedures were performed in 60 limbs for initial therapy. Complete ulcer healing was achieved in 95 limbs (74%). The median ulcer healing time was 90 days. In multivariate analysis, no cilostazol use significantly inhibited ulcer healing (p = 0.0114). A white blood cell count >10,000 (p = 0.0185), a major defect after debridement (p = 0.0215), and endovascular therapy (p = 0.0308) were significant poor prognostic factors for ulcer healing. Additionally, ischemic heart disease (p < 0.0001), albumin levels <3 g/dl (p = 0.0016), no cilostazol use (p = 0.0078), and a major defect after debridement (p = 0.0208) were significant poor prognostic factors for amputation-free survival rate.

Ulcer healing within 90 days after arterial revascularization is impaired by no cilostazol use, a white blood cell count >10,000, a major defect after debridement, and endovascular therapy. Furthermore, cilostazol improves amputation-free survival rate in patients with critical limb ischemia.

To investigate the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) performed in cell proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and to assess the mechanisms.

Human aorta VSMCs were divided into control, NF-κB inhibitor, NF-κB overexpression + NF-κB inhibitor, control vector + NF-κB inhibitor, NF-κB overexpression, and control vector groups. NF-κB overexpression vector was constructed and transfected into VSMCs. Proliferation of VSMCs in each group was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide. Apoptosis of VSMCs was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of NF-κB, FasL, and hypertension-related gene (HRG-1) was measured by Western blotting.

NF-κB overexpression vector was constructed correctly by restriction endonuclease, and the results showed that the activation of NF-κB could inhibit the proliferation of VSMCs. The results of flow cytometry also confirmed that NF-κB overexpression promoted apoptosis of VSMCs. Mechanically, NF-κB overexpression could up-regulate the expression of FasL and HRG-1.

NF-κB overexpression promotes apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation of VSMCs. The mechanisms might be regulated by promoting FasL and HRG-1 expression.

Gender-related differences in outcomes in complex endovascular aortic repair have not been profoundly investigated. Use of low profile abdominal devices as in chimney endovascular repair may be beneficial for female patients with pararenal pathologies. With the chimney technique, there is no need for large introduction sheaths. This could be an advantage in case of smaller in diameter iliac access especially in combination with stenosis or elongation. Aim of the present study was to compare the perioperative and mid-term outcomes between males and females patients treated with the chimney/snorkel technique for pararenal aortic pathologies.

The PERICLES registry collected the world wide experience with the chimney technique. According to the gender, patients were classified in two cohorts. Primary endpoints were freedom from occlusion of the chimney grafts and reintervention. Secondary endpoints included access site complications and need for surgical or interventional revision, Endoleak Type I rate, 30-day overall complications and mortality. Univariate comparison P-values were generated using either the likelihood ratio χ² test, the Fisher exact test, the Wilcoxon rank sum test, or the log rank test. Kaplan–Meier curves estimated the outcomes in the long run.

A total of 412 patients underwent Ch-EVAR, 71 (17%) females and 341 (83%) males with a mean age for both groups being 74 years were included in the present study. After 36 months of mean follow-up, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two cohorts regarding re-interventions (P= .44). Freedom from occlusion rates at 36 months did not differed between the two groups (females 84% vs. 80% for males (P= .033). For patients receiving more than one chimney stent, the odds of having a complication did not differ between males and females (M:F OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.6–6.4, P = 0.228); 30-day mortality was 0% in the female group, instead five male patients died within one month. (P = 0.59). The incidence of acute renal failure was low in both groups without statistical difference: 2 (3.1%) vs. 13 (4.6%) 58 (P = 1.00). Neither patient received an endoconduit to insert the abdominal device.

No statistically significant difference regarding the freedom from reintervention and chimney graft patency was observed between the two genders. The results highlight the beneficial use of the chimney technique in female patients who can have potentially higher risk of access complications.

To study the safety and feasibility of the E-liac Stent Graft System® in patients with aorto/iliac aneurysms.

A prospective multicentric European registry of patients receiving the E-liac Stent Graft System® was conducted. Endpoints of the study included the technical success as well as periprocedural events and 30-day endoleaks, reinterventions, internal and external iliac artery patency and mortality.

Between July 2014 and June 2016, a total of 45 patients (93% men, mean age 72 years, range 53–90 years) were enrolled at 11 sites in four European countries. Five patients received an isolated iliac treatment. Thirty-seven patients were treated with a combination of an abdominal stent graft and a unilateral E-liac and three in combination with bilateral E-liac. All E-liac Stent Grafts (48) were implanted in the intended position and the internal iliac arteries were successfully bridged. Two patients did not receive clinical success, due to endoleak type Ia of the aortic stent graft. At 30-day follow-up, clinical success rate was 96%. Three successful endovascular reinterventions were performed within the 30-day follow-up: one due to a type Ia endoleak in the common iliac artery, one due to type Ia endoleak of the aortic stent graft, and one due to bilateral lower limb claudication provoked by stent graft limb stenosis. At 30-day, a 100% survival rate and complete absence of pelvic or buttock ischemia/claudication were reported. Primary patency at 30 days was 100% for the internal iliac artery and 98% for the external iliac artery with an assisted patency of 100% in the latter.

The high clinical success rate, low rates of device-related reinterventions (2%), and excellent patency rate demonstrate the safety and feasibility of the E-liac Stent Graft System. Long-term results are awaited to state efficacy and durability.

Clinical Trials.gov. Identifier no. NCT02209194.

The clinical significance of Type II endoleak remains contentious; the strategies used for its management have continued to expand. We systematically review the literature and comprehensively appraise the effectiveness of laparoscopic intervention in the management of this common complication.

A systematic search was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for relevant articles reporting laparoscopic surgery of Type II endoleak post-endovascular aortic repair.

Thirteen studies representing 40 patients were investigated. Mean age was 72.7 years, and proportion of males was 90.0%. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade II and above and underwent standard infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair. The mean duration of operation was 130.2 min, with a mean blood loss across of 173.8 mL. The overall technical success rate was 90% (27/30). Two patients required reoperation within 24 h, with further lumbar ligations that were successful. One other patient required conversion to open surgery due to significant bleeding at the dorsal aorta. The perioperative and 30-day mortality rate was 2.5% (1/40). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 1 to 10 days). The mean length of follow-up was 36.7 months (range 3 to 103.2 months), where the rate of recurrence was 22.5% (9/40).

Laparoscopic ligation of feeding vessels causing Type II endoleak is potentially an alternative treatment after failed standard endovascular embolization, particularly in select centres with necessary resources and capabilities.