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To improve the clinical safety and effectiveness of vascular prostheses, influence laws of the wall structure of textile based vascular prostheses on the properties were studied in this article. Polyester multifilament was utilized to weave four types of vascular prostheses samples with varying specifications based on the number of weft yarns and warp density. The total tightness of the fabric ranged from 79.6%, 82.0%, 89.2% to 96.1%. The impact of different wall structures on the water permeability and biomechanical properties of the vascular prostheses were examined. The results demonstrate an exponential correlation between total tightness and both water permeability and biomechanical properties of the tubular wall. When the warp density is 900 pieces/10 cm, and the weft yarn is double-ply (222 dtex/96 f) with total tightness of 96.1%, he performance of vascular prostheses is optimal. At this time, the porosity is 50.95% and the water permeability is only 12.1 mL/(cm²⋅min). Furthermore, the circumferential tensile strength can reach 213.5 x 10-5 kN/mm, and the probe burst trength can reach 595.23 X 10-3 kN, which are both superior to the compared domestic commercial woven polyester vascular prostheses and have a certain significance for reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis has a wide application value in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, but the problem of graft failure due to early thrombosis needs to be solved. OBJECTIVE: To summarize research progress on early thrombosis and prevention of small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis. METHODS: The relevant literature published on CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from 2000 to 2020 was retrieved by the first author. The Chinese search terms were “small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis, small-diameter tubular stents, tissue-engineered blood vessels, antithrombotic, thrombosis, hemocompatibility, hydrophilicity, endothelialization”. The English search terms were “small-caliber vascular graft, vascular tissue engineering applications, endothelialization, hemocompatibility, surface modification”. The relevant literature on the pathophysiological mechanism and prevention of small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis thrombosis in China and abroad was retrieved, and the surface modification and endothelialization of biological materials were taken as the inclusion criteria. Finally, 57 articles were selected for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Prevention of thrombosis is a hotspot and a difficulty in the study of small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis. The research progress at home and abroad in recent years shows that the early thrombosis of small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis is related to plasma protein adsorption and contact activation of coagulation factors. By improving the surface hydrophilicity, releasing antithrombotic substances, planting seed cells and target gene induction, the thrombosis of small-diameter blood vessel prosthesis has been improved to a certain extent, but it is still in the experimental stage, and there is still a certain distance from clinical application. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore or optimize a more suitable vascular material to provide more choices for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, significant progress has been made in the field of endovascular repair of complex aortic disease involving the major branches (aortic arch disease and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms). Open surgery was considered the "gold standard" for the treatment of these complicated aortic diseases, but was challenged by the huge surgical trauma and high risk of post-operative complications. However, the rapid development of branched and fenestrated endografts has provided an alternative safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for patients who cannot tolerate open surgery. Preliminary evidence has also shown that branched and fenestrated endografts have achieved significant technical success rates and clinical outcomes and have gradually become an important direction of innovation and development for endovascular repair of complex aortic disease. Nevertheless, both branched and fenestrated endografts are currently in the early stages of experience and a series of high-quality research studies are needed in the future to further compare them with open surgery and within different endovascular techniques.

Endovascular aortic repair has become a pivotal treatment option for aortic pathologies. For lesions involving the aortic arch, multiple approaches have been developed to reconstruct supra-arch branches, including hybrid surgery, parallel graft, in-situ fenestration, physician-modified stent-graft, and commercial branched or fenestrated stent-graft. Despites, the implementation of these techniques and the application of new devices are still faced with great challenges such as ambiguous indications, non-standardized operational procedures, difficulties in mastering technical tactics, and uncertainties about long-term outcomes. Consequently, the Vascular Surgery Group of Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, Vascular Surgery Group of Cross-straits Medicine Exchange Association and Thoracic Aorta Group of Vascular Surgeons Society of Chinese Medical Doctor Association convened relevant experts to engage in comprehensive discussions leading to this "Expert consensus on the application of supra-arch branch reconstruction technique in endovascular aortic repair（2024 edition）" based on contemporary evidence-based medicine and clinical practices both domestically and internationally, delineating the methods, challenges, key points, scope of application, and precautions related to supra-arch branch reconstruction during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. This consensus aims to provide principled guidance for the application of these techniques in treating lesions involving the aortic arch.

Cardiovascular diseases are major diseases, and there is lack of artificial blood vessels with small diameters which can be applied in coronary artery bypass surgery. The conventional vascular scaffold preparation techniques in tissue engineering have shortcomings in regulating the diameter, geometric shape, and interconnectivity of the scaffold. 3D bioprinting can simulate the natural structure of the vascular tissue, accurately print live cells and biomaterials, and regulate the microstructure and porosity of scaffolds on the nanoscale, providing new ideas for vascular tissue engineering. This article systematically evaluates the classification of 3D bioprinting technologies and reviews the latest research progress of 3D bioprinting in vascular tissue engineering. It summarizes the advantages of 3D bioprinting and points out the problems that need to be solved, such as the immune rejection of blood vessel materials, providing reference for the further research.

A total of 309 (138 males and 171 females) end-stage renal disease patients who underwent implantation of early cannulation arteriovenous grafts (Acuseal) for hemodialysis in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University between December 2016 and May 2021 were retrospectively included. The age of patients was (61.5±10.3) years. There were 244 patients (119 males and 125 females) who received regular follow-up. During the follow-up period, 24 patients died. Perioperative complications included graft infection (4.5%, 11/244), hematoma (4.5%, 11/244) and steal syndrome (4.1%, 10/244). No seroma or anastomotic rupture occurred. The rates of the first postoperative puncture time within 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after implantation were 42.2%(103/244), 32.4% (79/244) and 16.4% (40/244), respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the primary patency rates at 6 months and 12 months were 66.5% and 48.4%, respectively, and the secondary patency rates at 6 months and 12 months were 96.7% and 91.8%, respectively. The current study indicates that the Acuseal graft is safe for vascular access in patients requiring hemodialysis, with satisfactory patency and acceptable complication rates at 1-year follow-up.

Artificial vascular graft (AVG) fistula is widely used for hemodialysis treatment in patients with renal failure. However, it has poor elasticity and compliance, leading to stenosis and thrombosis. The ideal artificial blood vessel for dialysis should replicate the structure and components of a real artery, which is primarily maintained by collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of arterial cells. Studies have revealed that in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become hyperactive and produce excessive ECM fibers. Furthermore, mechanical stimulation can encourage ECM secretion and remodeling of a fiber structure. Based on the above factors, we transfected HSCs with the hepatitis B viral X ( HBX ) gene for simulating the process of HBV infection. Subsequently, these HBX -HSCs were implanted into a polycaprolactone-polyurethane (PCL-PU) bilayer scaffold in which the inner layer is dense and the outer layer consists of pores, which was mechanically stimulated to promote the secretion of collagen nanofiber from the HBX -HSCs and to facilitate crosslinking with the scaffold. We obtained an ECM-PCL-PU composite bionic blood vessel that could act as access for dialysis after decellularization. Then, the vessel scaffold was implanted into a rabbit's neck arteriovenous fistula model. It exhibited strong tensile strength and smooth blood flow and formed autologous blood vessels in the rabbit's body. Our study demonstrates the use of human cells to create biomimetic dialysis blood vessels, providing a novel approach for creating clinical vascular access for dialysis.

Objective: To analyze the effects of endovascular stent-graft repair on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB) levels in patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection. Methods: A total of 150 Stanford type B aortic dissection aneurysms admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from June 2015 to June 2017 were divided into two groups according to different treatment methods. The control group (75 cases) was treated with drugs,and the observation group(75 cases) was treated with stent-graft endovascular repair. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)and nuclear factor-KB(NF-κB) were compared before and after treatment. Interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation(APACHE II) score, SF-36 scale score change, the complication(endoleak, arterial embolism, left upper limb weakness, stent displacement, etc.), the incidence and mortality of reoperation or interventional therapy. Results: After treatment,the levels of serum VEGF, NF-κB, IL-1β and IFN-γ in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The APACHE II scores in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the amount of SF-36 was decreased.Table scores were higher than those before treatment, and the improvement of APACHE II and SF-36 scales in the observation group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total incidence rate of complications in the observation group was 4%, and the incidence of reoperation or interventional treatment rate was 5.33%, the case fatality rate was 1.33%, which was significantly lower than those of the control group(17.33%, 21.33%, 10.67%, P<0.05). Conclusion: Intraluminal prosthesis can significantly improve the quality of life and survival rate as well as complications and retreatment rates of patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection aneurysm,besides, improve their condition, which may be related to the reduction of VEGF and NF-κB levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A proper scaffold is the basis for construction of tissue-engineered small diameter blood vessels. Preliminary study has shown non-ionic detergents with limited effects of decellularization, and combined application of ionic detergents exhibits more effective decellularization. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different preferable methods for preparing porcine carotid artery derived extracellular matrix scaffold, and to explore the optimal preparation method. METHODS: Porcine carotid arteries (n=30) were obtained and randomized into five groups (n=6 per group). Then porcine carotid arteries were decellularized, followed by treatment with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 1% sodium deoxycholate (group B), 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate (group C), 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 1% Triton X-100 (group D), 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.5% Triton X-100 (group E). Native procine carotid aitery served as control (group A). Tissue samples of each group underwent hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Movat’s pentachrome staining, scanning electron microscope, immunohistochemistry and biomechanical test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Movat’s staining revealed that the cellular components were completely removed in the groups B and C; however, cellular residues were visualized in the groups D and E. Under the scanning electron microscope collagen and elastin fiber bundles were well preserved in the decellularization groups; however, the morphology and size of porous structure in the group B were superior to those in the groups C, D and E. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the xenogeneic antigen, α-1,3-Gal, expressed in the decellularization groups; however, the expression of α-1,3-Gal was lower in the group B than the other groups. Biomechanical test indicated that burst pressure, suture-holding capacity and suture-holding strength were significantly decreased in the decellularization groups compared with group A (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the compliance, longitudinal elongation at brake, circumferential ultimate tensile stress, circumferential elongation at break and circumferential Young’s modulus compared with control group (P > 0.05). Decellularization caused a significant decrease in the longitudinal ultimate tensile stress and longitudinal Young’s modulus in the decellularization groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the longitudinal ultimate tensile stress and longitudinal Young’s modulus in the groups B and C were significantly lower than those in the groups D and E (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the novel decellularization method based on 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 1% sodium deoxycholate optimizes the extracellular matrix scaffold for the construction of tissue-engineered small-diameter blood vessel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As one of the most important therapeutic methods of vascular diseases, vascular grafts, especially small-diameter vascular grafts (inner diameter ≤ 4 mm), have become trends of research. OBJECTIVE: To review the states of commercial vascular grafts, and further introduce the research hotspot area and new technology development of vascular grafts. METHODS: A computer retrieval of CNKI, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Springerlink databases was performed with “vascular graft, vascular pro-tissue engineering” as key words for relevant articles published from 2000 to 2018. Initially, 150 articles were retrieved, and finally 52 articles were included in result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The commercial vascular grafts are mainly made of animal-derived acellular matrix, natural materials and polymer materials. For improving the clinical performance, new technologies, including bio-coatings, electrospinning and tissue engineering have been explored in the research of vascular grafts, which are considered as big advantages for antithrombus, anti-histogenesis and anti-inflammation as well as increasing long-term patency rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Due to limited sources, poor hemocompatibility and poor anticoagulation performance, small-diameter tissue-engineered blood vessels cannot be applied in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To explore the physicochemical and mechanical properties of sheep carotid arteries after the decellularization in order to find appropriate materials for the preparation of tissue-engineered blood vessels. METHODS: Fresh carotid arteries from sheep were randomly divided into two groups: control group, in which, the sheep carotid arteries were cryopreserved for use after trimming and cleaning; experimental group, in which, after trimming and cleaning, the carotid arteries were decellularized by Triton X-100, sodium deoxycholate and EDTA for 24 hours, rinsed for 72 hours, digested with RNA/DNA enzymes for 24 hours, rinsed for 24 hours and reserved for later use. In both groups, blood samples were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin staining, collagen fiber staining, elastic fiber dyeing, and electron microscopy observation. The physical and chemical properties of the blood vessels are tested by tensile strength, wall tension and thickness. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The collagen fibers in both two groups were neat and compact in alignment, with no obvious fracture. (2) Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that: in the control group, the nuclei were distributed in the inner membrane, middle lamella and outer membrane of the vessels, and the fibers ran regularly; in the experimental group, the fibers ran in order but loosely, and there were no nuclei in the inner membrane, middle lamella and outer membrane of the vessels. (3) Elastic fibers in the control group were regular in alignment and mainly distributed in the middle lamella and outer membrane of the vessels, while in the experimental group, the elastic fibers ran regularly but loosely, and mainly distributed in the middle lamella and outer membrane of the vessels. (4) Under the scanning electron microscope, the originally formed vessels were observed in the experimental group, with no cell residues, and the collagen fibers ran orderly with no fracture and with uniform pore structure. (5) The vessel thickness was lower in the experimental group than the control group (P < 0.01), but the tensile strength showed no difference between the two groups, which was 46.55 kPa in the two groups. To conclude, the decelluarized sheep carotid artery can retain the necessary mechanical properties of the blood vessels after achieving the maximum removal of antigenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Based on our previous findings, the mechanical properties of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) tubes were improved by composite with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using phase separation method. However, the biocompatibility of the composite tubes is rarely reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biocompatibility of BNC and BNC/PVA composite tubes. METHODS: Two types of BNC tubes (S-BNC and D-BNC) with different structures were online prepared in two bioreactors (single-silicone tube bioreactor and double-silicone tubes bioreactor respectively). BNC/PVA composites were prepared based on both BNC tubes using a phase separation method. The hemocompatibility of these tubes including hemolytic ratio, plasma recalcification and platelet adhesion were compared. Living/dead staining method was used to evaluate the cell growth after 3 and 7 days incubation since the endothelial and smooth muscle cells were seeded on the lumen surfaces of the BNC and BNC/PVA composite tubes, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Hemocompatibility: The hemolytic ratios of four kinds of tubes were all below 0.5%. The plasma recalcification time of D-BNC tube was significantly shorter than that of S-BNC tube (P < 0.05). The plasma recalcification processes of two composites were slowed as compared with corresponding BNC tubes (P < 0.05). No significant difference in plasma recalcification was detected between the two composites. The platelets adhered on the inner surface of two pure BNC tubes showed greater deformation and aggregated distribution, which led to the formation of platelet plugs. The platelet adhesion of BNC/PVA composites was dramatically reduced. The D-BNC/PVA composite tube showed more platelet adhesion than the S-BNC/PVA composite tube. (2) Cytocompatibility: Pig iliac endothelial cells could grow on the lumen surface of these four kinds of tubes. And the composites showed better growth as compared with corresponding pure BNC tubes. Human vascular smooth muscle cells could also grow on the lumen surface of four kinds of materials. As compared with the pure BNC tubes, the composites led to improvement in cell growth, and the D-BNC/PVA composite tube showed the best result. To conclude, the BNC/PVA composite tube has good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There are still no applicable vascular grafts for clinical replacement of the small-diameter blood vessels (< 6 mm). OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of bacterial nano-cellulose (BNC)/chitosan (CH) composite tubes as small-diameter artificial blood vessels. METHODS: BNC/CH tubes were fabricated by introducing chitosan (0.5%, 1%, 2%) into BNC tubes. Physicochemical properties of BNC/CH tubes were analyzed including macro-morphology, microstructure, density, water-holding capacity, burst pressure, mechanical properties, blood compatibility and cytocompatibility. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results indicated that, as compared with the BNC tubes, the water permeability of BNC/CH tubes reduced, the density and water-holding capacity increased, as well as the axial and radial mechanical performance was enhanced, but ductility and elasticity of BNC/CH tubes were weakened. Regarding blood compatibility, hemolysis ratios of BNC and BNC/CH met the requirements of medical grade composites, while the plasma recalcification time showed that anticoagulation of BNC/CH tubes was slightly weaker than that of the BNC tubes. Cell compatibility experiments showed that porcine hip artery endothelial cells stably proliferated on the inner surface of both BNC and BNC/CH tubes, but the proliferation was more obvious on the BNC surface than on the BNC/CH surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new domestic distal perforated stent graft (Talos stent) in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods: Twenty-five patients with TBAD treated with Talos stent in Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University from February 2018 to December 2019 were selected as the research subjects. Intraoperative angiography was performed to determine the number of branch arteries that remained after stent release. On postoperative day 5 (POD5), the pain intensity of the patients was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). The computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the patients before operation, 6 months and 12 months after operation were compared including aortic diameter, true lumen diameter, and false lumen diameter at the level of tracheal bifurcation. Follow-up was performed 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery, and the occurrence of stent-related adverse events, reoperation and survival rate were recorded. Results: The enrolled patients included 19 males and 6 females, aged (52.6±11.1) years. Intraoperative angiography showed that 4 (1, 7) branch arteries were preserved, and the VAS score was 1 (0, 1) on POD5. The aortic diameters at the level of the tracheal bifurcation were (34.9±1.1) mm, (34.6±0.9) mm and (34.8±1.0) mm before surgery, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, and there was no significant difference ( P =0.926); the diameters of the main true lumen at the level of the tracheal bifurcation were (13.3±1.6) mm, (21.8±1.0) mm and (22.3±1.1) mm before surgery, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively, while the diameters of the main false lumen at the level of the tracheal bifurcation were (20.8±2.2) mm, (4.5±1.5) mm, and (4.6±1.7) mm, respectively. Compared with before surgery, the diameter of true lumen increased significantly 6 months and 12 months after surgery (both P <0.001), while the diameter of false lumen decreased (both P <0.001). No stent-related adverse events occurred within 30 days after surgery, no secondary operations occurred within 12 months after surgery, no type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ endoleaks, no deaths or cases of paraplegia were reported, and the stent structure and position remained good. There were no deaths or paraplegia cases 24 months postoperatively, and no stent-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Using Talos stent in the treatment of TBAD can effectively help remodel the aorta, while preserve the intercostal artery and spinal artery, with good clinical effect and safety.

Objectives: To isolate aortic arch pathologies and keep the branches superior in arch patent, it always need physicians to do in-vivo fenestration or in-situ fenestration when performing the thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, both of those fenestration techniques need structure modification of the stent-graft, which may affect their long-term stability. We designed an adjustable pre-fenestration aortic stent-graft to treat pathologies in this area and obtained a patent branch arteries. This study used this new designed stent-graft to perform fenestrated-TEVAR (f-TEVAR) in canine aorta. This study aims to identify its feasibility and safety through animal experiments, which might provide preliminary data for potential human implantation., Methods: A total of 8 Labrador Retrievers were underwent f-TEVAR by using the new devices. Digital subtraction angiography was performed before and after f-TEVAR to evaluate the success of the procedures. All the canines were divided into a 4-week group (feeding for 4 weeks after operation) and a 12-week group (feeding for 12 weeks after operation). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed before euthanasia., Results: The success rate of operation was 100%. During the operation, there was no accident of major bleeding or failure to be released by fenestration. Adjustable fenestration worked well. No stent-graft migration was found in CTA at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the operation. All branch arteries kept by the adjustable fenestration were patent., Conclusions: The result of feasibility and safety of the new designed adjustable pre-fenestration aortic stent-graft in f-TEVAR of canine is acceptable. This study provides a reference for further optimization of this stent and human f-TEVAR implantation involving aortic arch lesions.

This study aims to investigate whether displacement force on stents can accurately represents the displacement of the stent after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) by comparing the measured stent displacement with the displacement forces calculated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). And the effect of cross-limb and parallel-limb EVAR on stent displacements is further studied. Based on our objective, in this study, ten cross-limb EVAR patients and ten parallel-limb EVAR patients in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were enrolled. Patient-specific models were first reconstructed based on the computed tomography angiography images, then the stent displacements were measured, and the displacement forces acting on the stents were calculated by CFD. Finally, the c o s α value of the angle between the displacement force and the displacement vector was used to analyze the matching degree between the displacement and the displacement force. The results showed that the displacement forces on cross-limb stents and parallel-limb stents were (2.67 ± 2.14) N and (1.36 ± 0.48) N, respectively. Displacements of stent gravity center, stent displacements relative to vessel, and vessel displacements of cross-limb and parallel-limb stents were (4.43 ± 2.81) mm and (6.39 ± 2.62) mm, (0.88 ± 0.67) mm and (1.11 ± 0.71) mm, (3.55 ± 2.88) mm and (5.28 ± 2.52) mm, respectively. The mean c o s α for cross-limb and parallel-limb stents were 0.02 ± 0.66 and - 0.10 ± 0.73, respectively. This study indicates that the displacement force on the stent can't accurately represent the displacement of the stent after EVAR. In addition, the cross-limb EVAR is probably safer and more stable than the parallel-limb EVAR.

Objective: To explore the risk factors of abdominal aortic enlargement (AAE) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair using two-stent graft implantation (TEVAR-TSI) for Stanford type B aortic dissection., Methods: The clinical and imaging data of patients who underwent TEVAR-TSI for Stanford type B aortic dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2013 through September 2020 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. CT angiography (CTA) scans were performed before the procedure. Follow-up CTA scans were scheduled and performed in 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure and annually thereafter. The primary outcome was AAE. The risk factors of AAE after TEVAR-TSI were selected and survival analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted accordingly., Results: A total of 146 patients were regularly followed up at our hospital, with the median followup time of the entire cohort being 48 months (ranging from 12 to 84 months). During the followup period after TEVAR-TSI, the incidence of AAE was 19.9% (29/146). A total of 29 patients developed AAE (the AAE group), while 117 patients did not develop AAE (the non-AAE group). There were a total of 27 deaths, including 13 in the non-AAE group versus 14 in the AAE group. Distal aortic reoperation was performed on 10 patients, including 4 in the non-AAE group versus 6 in the AAE group. The cumulative long-term survival and freedom from distal aortic reoperation of the non-AAE group were both significantly better those of the AAE group ( P <0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that independent risk factors of AAE after TEVAR-TSI included the following, partial thrombosis of the false lumen (odds ratio [ OR ]=4.090, 95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 1.539-10.867, P =0.005), the longer cumulative diameter of residual intimal tear above the level of the lowest renal arteries ( OR =1.290, 95% CI : 1.164-1.429, P =0.000), and shorter cumulative diameter of residual intimal tear below the level of the lowest renal arteries ( OR =0.487, 95% CI : 0.270-0.878, P =0.017)., Conclusion: The prognosis of patients who developed AAE after TEVAR-TSI was not good. During followup visits, as precautions against the development of AAE, close attention should be paid to partial thrombosis of the false lumen, cumulative diameter of residual intimal tear above the level of the lowest renal arteries, and cumulative diameter of residual intimal tear below the level of the lowest renal arteries., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Objective To explore the cause and the treatment strategies of iliac limb occlusion after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair(EVAR). Methods The patients receiving EVAR in PUMC Hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Sixteen(2.7%)cases of iliac limb occlusion were identified,among which 6,9,and 1 cases underwent surgical bypass,endovascular or hybrid procedure,and conservative treatment,respectively. Results Fifteen cases were successfully treated.During the 10.6-month follow-up,2 cases receiving hybrid treatment underwent femoral-femoral bypass due to re-occlusion of the iliac limb. Conclusions Iliac limb occlusion mostly occurs in the acute phase after EVAR,and endovascular or hybrid treatment can be the first choice for iliac limb occlusion.It is suggested to focus on the risk factors for prevention.

Once an abdominal aortic graft infection occurs,it is often catastrophic associated without high morbidity and mortality.Standard surgical treatment includes removing infected grafts,arteries,and surrounding tissues,and revascularization of blood supply to organs and limbs. Extra-anatomical vascular bypass and in-situ reconstruction are the main surgical treatment methods,and many factors affect the prognosis of surgical treatment. So far,there are a variety of vascular grafts used to restore revascularization in clinical practice,mainly including rifampicin or silver-coated artificial blood vessels,autologous veins,cryopreserved allogeneic blood vessels,or bovine pericardium and other biological materials. There is no consensus on the selection of the best vascular graft. In recent years,clinical application studies have confirmed that the results of cryopreserved allogeneic blood vessels for the treatment of graft infectious diseases are acceptable,but the complications related to grafts should not be ignored. This article reviews the clinical application progress of cryopreserved allogeneic blood vessels for the treatment of abdominal aortic graft infection.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of semiconductor laser in situ fenestration of type A aortic dissection during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Methods: The clinical data of 68 patients with type A aortic dissection treated by semiconductor laser in situ fenestration from June 2016 to January 2020 in Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University were analyzed retrospectively. Of the patients, 45 were male, 23 were female, the mean age was (52±14) years. The technical success rate and complication rates were assessed. Results: The technical success rate of 68 patients was 92.6% (63/68), only 5 patients failed due to the complex aortic arch type, 3 patients underwent chimney stent implantation, 2 patients underwent artificial vessel bypass. During the perioperative period, 1 patient died due to severe pulmonary infection, 4 patients developed neurological symptoms such as cerebral infarction after surgery, and the remaining patients had no related complications. Postoperative CTA follow-up indicated that the primary intercalation rupture was completely closed, and the main and branch stents were patency, 8 (8.8%) type Ⅰ leakage were occurred. Conclusion: It showed that in situ semiconductor laser fenestration is a feasible, effective and safe method to treat type A aortic dissection.

Objective: To examine the outcome of endovascular treatment in patients of isolated abdominal aortic dissection. Methods: From February 2012 to June 2020, 61 patients (44 males, 17 females) with an age of (60.2±11.4) years (range: 43 to 87 years) of isolated abdominal aortic dissection who underwent the endovascular treatment, including bifurcated and straight aortic stent graft, in the Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were enrolled. There were 47 patients treated with bifurcated aortic stent grafts and 14 patients with straight aortic stent grafts. Patient demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, perioperative data were collected. Clinical follow-up data, including mortality, relative complications and aortic remodeling, were obtained. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test was used to calculate and compare the rates of survival and freedom from all adverse events. Results: The operative time was (142.4±47.9) minutes (range:70 to 310 minutes) and (95.7±23.7) minutes (range: 70 to 150 minutes) in bifurcated stent group and straight stent group, respectively. The perioperative mortality was 0. One patient had partial occlusion of the left renal artery, and 3 patients had type Ⅰa endoleak post-operation. The follow-up period was (37.1±22.1) months (range: 3 to 91 months). Three patents suffered from type B aortic dissection; one of them progressed into type A aortic dissection and died, another one was treated with secondary endovascular operation, and the remaining one was treated conservatively. One patient had type A aortic dissection and was treated conservatively for 57 months without any discomfort. Stent grafts in iliac artery occlusion happened in 2 patients treated with a bifurcated graft, one of them was treated with a secondary operation because of severe symptom. Aortic remodeling was well with the treatment of bifurcated and straight grafts. There was no difference in the cumulative survival ( P =0.584) and freedom from all adverse events ( P =0.309) between the two different endovascular treatment strategies. Conclusion: Endovascular aortic repair is an effective and safe treatment strategy for isolated abdominal aortic dissection with reliable mid-term result and excellent aortic remodeling.

Endovascular aortic arch repair provides treatment opportunity for patients with aortic arch dissection and aneurysm who are intolerant to open surgery. The aortic arch branches provide the blood flow for brain, the revascularization of these branches is part and parcel of the endovascular aortic arch repair. The anatomical configuration, high-speed blood flow and long access from femoral artery increase the difficulty of endovascular aortic arch repair. Debranch technique, combined with chimney, scallop, and fenestration, have partially simplified the endovascular aortic arch repair. The dedicated endografts for aortic arch is becoming a research focus. In the design of aortic arch endografts, fenestrated and branched stent-grafts are the two main strategies. A variety of innovative concepts have been applied in the design of aortic arch endografts, including modular and integrated design, inner branch and outer branch design, single branch and multi-branch design, etc. Today, these procedures of complex endovascular aortic arch repair still need to be limited to experienced centers. Endovascular aortic arch repair showed favorable short-term outcomes through the development of strict surgical plans, as well as effective teamwork. Long-term efficacy and safety in larger participants need further investigation.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term effect of left subclavian artery (LSA) reconstruction with pre fenestration and external branch thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the treatment of aortic arch descending lesions. Methods: The clinical data of 79 patients with aortic diseases who received LSA reconstruction in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from November 2015 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. According to different LSA reconstruction methods, they were divided into the fenestrated group (group f) 50 cases and the external branched group (group b) 29 cases. The surgical success rate, intraoperative and postoperative complication rate, re-intervention rate, mortality rate, and the change of the true and false lumen area of the dissection were compared and analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in the perioperative and recent total complication rate, secondary intervention rate and mortality between the two groups ( χ²= 0, 1.246, 0.156, all P> 0.05). The operation time of group f [(123.0±40.7 min)] was significantly longer than that of group b ((84.2±16.3) min, t =2.173, P= 0.034). The degree of false lumen thrombosis of the stent segment was better than that of the non-stent segment ( χ²= 7.213, 14.359, both P< 0.05) in the two groups after surgery, but no significant difference between the two groups ( χ²= 1.510, 0.886, both P> 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change rate of the true and false lumen on each plane of the dissection between the two groups (all P> 0.05). Conclusions: Both fenestrated and external branched TEVAR reconstruction LSA have good safety and effectiveness in treating aortic arch descending lesions. The external branched TEVAR takes less time, has higher effectiveness for lesions with shorter landing zone, and has better aortic remodeling effect in the stent segment soon; and the fenestrated TEVAR has better economy.

Objective: To examine the clinical treatment methods and short- and mid-term results of traumatic aortic injury (TAI). Methods: The clinical data of 30 patients suffering from TAI who were admitted to Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2010 to December 2018 were summarized and analyzed retrospectively. All patients were diagnosed as TAI by aortic CT angiography. There were 20 males and 10 females, aging (46.4±15.2) years (range: 17 to 76 years). One patient was diagnosed as extensive intramural hematoma (IMH). The other 29 cases had aortic intimal injury, and the primary intimal tear of all these patients was located in the isthmus of descending aorta. There were 2 cases of ulcer-like changes combined with IMH, and 27 cases of traumatic aortic dissection (TAD) including 23 cases of localized TAD and 4 cases of extensive TAD. Endovascular repair, artificial vascular replacement or conservative treatment were performed according to the patient's specific condition. The patients were followed up in outpatient or by telephone. The clinical data of all the patients of the in-hospital treatment and during follow-up period was analyzed retrospectively. Results: One patient with IMH was treated conservatively. Surgical intervention was performed in 29 cases with intimal injury, of which 14 cases underwent emergency surgery on the day of admission or the next day, and 15 cases underwent elective surgery. Twenty-seven cases underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and 2 cases underwent artificial vascular replacement. Nine cases suffered combined operations in early or late stage. All patients were cured and discharged with in-hospital stay of (13.2±5.4) days (range: 7 to 30 days). There was no in-hospital death. Two patients underwent tracheotomy, and the rest had no serious complications. Up to the last follow-up in June 2019, 4 patients were lost to follow-up, and the remaining 26 patients were followed up for (50.6±34.1) months (range: 6 to 112 months) and survived healthily without new aortic events. Conclusions: Most of TAD cases are ascribed to Stanford type B aortic dissection, and a satisfactory short-term and mid-term result can be achieved by emergency TEVAR in most patients. Some patients can achieve good long-term results by open surgery with artificial vascular replacement.

In recent years, stent implantation has played an important role in solving femoropopliteal artery disease. Because part of the femoropopliteal artery is at the level of the knee joint, the deformation of this segment of the artery is greater when the lower limbs are bent, and the stent fracture rate is higher. Studies have showed that the deformation of the femoropopliteal artery mainly includes bending, twisting, axial compression and radial compression. The selection of stents with mechanical properties suitable for the deformation of artery in different sections can reduce the risk of fracture. The commonly used clinical stent designs (classic laser engraving stent, braided stent and covered stent) have large differences in mechanical properties. Braided stents with higher radial support are more suitable for treating popliteal artery disease, while covered stent has good compliance and can be used in all segments. Of course, the existing types of stents cannot meet all mechanical requirements. The design of the new stent needs to be studied, and its clinical results need to be confirmed by research.

In February 2018, a 67-year-old male patient with infected abdominal aortic aneurysm was admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University Medical College. After admission, abdominal aortic endovascular exclusion surgery, right iliac artery-double femoral artery vascular bypass+ infected abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy+ stent removal surgery, and active anti-infective treatment were performed in the department of vascular surgery. Seven days after the vascular prosthesis bypass surgery, the surface skin of the vascular prosthesis of the patient was red and swollen, and there was a purulent discharge, which was diagnosed as poor healing of sinus of vascular prosthesis. Surgeons of our department and the department of vascular surgery performed incision and debridement of sinus of vascular prosthesis+ vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the early stage under local anesthesia. After the local infection was controlled and wound blood supply was improved, stage Ⅱ surgery of resection of sinus of vascular prosthesis+ vascular prosthesis partial diversion+ local flap propulsion under general anesthesia was performed. The incision healed well after surgery, and the patient was discharged smoothly. During the follow-up of 6 months, the patient's flap was in good shape, and the wound was healed. This case prompts that after the diagnosis of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm vascular sinus poor healing, we can actively open the infected sinus, use VSD technology to treat granulation wounds, then divert the implanted vascular prosthesis to prepare fresh local flap which covers the vascular prosthesis, and use new silver ion dressing to cover the wounds, thus achieving satisfactory results.

Aortic disease is a dangerous and critical cardiovascular disease with a high mortality rate. In recent years, aortic stent grafts for endovascular treatment have become widely used, and the development of new aortic stent grafts has been a hot spot for cardiovascular medical devices. How to carry out a reasonable and scientific clinical trial is the key in the design confirmation of aortic stent graft system. The nature, location, segment, applicable population, biomechanics and other factors of aortic disease should be considered. The effectiveness and safety endpoint, trial design type should be carefully and reasonably studied.

Due to limited availability of autologous blood vessels (blood vessels from the same recipient used for vascular transplantation materials) and inadequate growth ability of non-autologous blood vessels (artificial blood vessel transplantation materials), more and more attention has been paid to tissue engineering blood vessels. In this study, we constructed an ammonium phosphate zwitterion modified acellular vascular scaffold with highly biocompatible bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells as the inner layer of a new vascular transplantation material. The vascular acellular scaffolds were modified by a simple method-co-precipitation method. The platelet adhesion test, hemolysis test, recalcification test and cytotoxicity of acellular vascular scaffolds in vitro were evaluated. Ammonium phosphate zwitterions modified endothelial progenitor cells on the surface of acellular scaffolds with concave and convex structure on the surface of natural vascular lumen can be effectively promoted by improving anticoagulant activity. Modified acellular scaffolds have similar mechanical properties to natural blood vessels and can effectively construct endothelialization in vitro. The results of this study provide a preliminary exploration for the modification of vascular acellular scaffolds to achieve anti-thrombosis and endothelialization in vitro.

The endovascular exclusion is an effective treatment of aortic aneurysm diseases in frail and elderly patients who cannot suffer the open surgery. However, as the key treatment device of this technique, traditional stent-grafts are not suitable to treat complex aortic aneurysm diseases in emergency. The emergence of the fenestrated stent-graft and in-situ fenestration has brought new dawn to the treatment of these patients. This study reviews the advances in complex aortic aneurysms treated by the fenestrated stent-graft and the in-situ fenestration. In addition, the novel concept of the fabric structure designed for "in-situ fenestrated stent-graft" is proposed for the in-situ fenestration technique. It is expected to break through the bottleneck of the present fenestrated stent-grafts. It would be beneficial to the bailout of complex aortic aneurysm diseases and thereby benefitting more patients.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the preferred treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection. Covered the left subclavian artery (LSA) directly may cause corresponding complications in Stanford type B aortic dissection with unfavourable proximal landing zone. TEVAR can be successfully implemented by reconstructing LSA to expand the proximal landing zone. Currently, the methods of reconstructing LSA mainly include hybridization technology (carotid-subclavian artery transposition), chimney technology (including branch stent technology) and fenestration (or slot technology), etc. These techniques are all valid for aortic dissection that needs to reconstructing LSA. The choices and applications of these techniques should follow the individualized principles.

In order to require ideal proximal landing zone and durable long-term outcome, it is necessary to reconstruct the left subclavian artery(LSA) blood supply as much as possible in thoracic aortic endovascular repair(TEVAR). With the advent and progress of diverse assisted techniques and devices, several procedures for the reconstruction of the left subclavian artery have been developed and widely utilized, including surgical LSA bypass or transposition, chimney technique, periscope technique, fenestration and branched stent-graft, which have expanded the proximal landing zone and widened the indication for original TEVAR. This article describes the advantages and pitfalls of each revascularization methods. Anatomies of aortic arch and LSA, urgency and types of pathologies, proficiency of the surgeon with different revascularization techniques and pre-operative risk score of patient should be evaluated in procedure selection. In clinical application, patient-specific evaluations and individualized considerations are essential for initialize the therapeutic strategy and decision making.

With the continuous development of endovascular surgery, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has gradually replaced traditional open surgery and has become the preferred treatment strategy for Stanford type B aortic dissection. However, the disadvantage of the short proximal landing zone greatly limited the indication of TEVAR surgery and affected the prognosis. In recent years, many strategies such as hybrid surgery, in vitro fenestrated and branched aortic endo-graft, chimney technique, in-situ fenestration technique, etc., have been developed, which greatly broadens the TEVAR indication and improved the prognosis.

Endovascular treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection uses thoracic aortic stent-graft system, which consists of covered stent and delivery system. The system is different in the configuration of the stent, the delivery system and the mode of release. The principle of endovascular treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection is different from aortic aneurysm, so there are differences in stent selection. On the basis of preoperative assessment and measurement, it is suggested that the proximal diameter oversize of the stent is 0 to 5%, at 160 to 200 millimeters in length. The distal end of the stent should pass through the bend of the descending aorta to accommodate the descending aorta blood flow, and the oversize is 0. The postoperative complications and mortality including reverse dissection of proximal part and intima rupture of distal part induced by the stent will be effectively reduced with familiarity with the characteristics of stent-graft, understanding of the possible side effects of stent-graft, combining with the actual conditions and mastering the above principles.

Objective: To investigate the effect of emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injury. Method: From January 2014 to December 2016, a total of 35 patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injuries were treated with emergency TEVAR in our hospital, their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively in this study. Results: The patients were 42 (34, 55) years old,and there were 31 males.All cases were diagnosed by emergency aorta computed tomography angiography (CTA),and 5 cases were diagnosed as aortic transaction, 13 cases were diagnosed as aortic pseudoaneurysm, 7 cases were diagnosed as aortic dissection, and 10 cases were diagnosed as aortic intramural hematoma combined hemothorax.The concomitant injuries included cerebral contusion (3 cases, 8.6%), pulmonary contusion with rib fracture (31 cases, 88.5%), long bone fracture (7 cases, 22.5%), contusion of viscera or internal organs (3 cases, 8.6%).Emergency TEVAR were performed with vascular suture system preset under local anesthesia after diagnosis,and combined injury was treated in related departments.CTA was repeated after 1, 3 and 6 months and yearly thereafter. One patient died before transferring to catheter room,and 34 (97.1%) patients underwent TEVAR procedure successfully.Time from door to operating room was (88.6±26.6) minutes,and the procedure time was (52.0±9.4) minutes. A total of 69 Perclose Proglide vascular suture system were used,and 2 cases underwent surgical suture because of hematoma and pseudoaneurysm formation in femoral arteries.The involved length of thoracic aorta was (44.5±7.4)mm. A total of 46 stent-grafts were implanted, the length of stent-graft was (164.3±15.2)mm,and the proximal oversize rate was (22.3±8.6)%. The follow-up time was 24 (12,24) months, and there were no procedure related complication such as endoleak and paraplegia. Complete aortic remodeling was observed in 14 cases. Fully thrombolization at stent segments were observed in 7 cases. Fully thrombalization of pseudoaneurysms were observed in 13 cases. One patient complained mild left upper limb weakness due to left subclavian artery occlusion. Conclusion: Emergency TEVAR is safe and effective procedure for the treatment of patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injury.

Objective: To summarize the safety and efficacy of Pipeline embolization device in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms (maximum diameter ≥ 10 mm). Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 22 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated by Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) from February 2015 to July 2016 in the Zhengzhou University People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The results about postoperative clinical and imaging follow-up and complications were evaluated. Results: The PED were successfully implanted in 22 patients with 22 intracranial aneurysms. Two aneurysms were treated with PED alone, and 20 aneurysms were treated with PED assisted coil embolization. Perioperative complications occurred in 3 patients (13.6%), and 1 patient died because aneurysm ruptured 3 days after operation. Nineteen patients (19 aneurysms) obtain imaging follow-up visit 3-17 months after operation, 13 of the 19 aneurysms (68.4%) received complete and subtotal occlusion, with no aneurysm recurrence. Eighteen patients obtain clinical follow-up visit 16-32 months after operation, with mRS (modified Rankin scale) score 1 in 5 patients, mRS score 0 in 13 patients, none developed new neurologic symptoms. Conclusions: PED has showed the high rate of obliteration for the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms. But the complications needs to be further studied.

Objective: To evaluate the early results of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) using physician-modified stent grafts (PMSGs) for the treatment of patients with thoracoabdominal pathologies. Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients who underwent FEVAR using PMSGs between April 2012 and September 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The modality of FEVAR technique was assessed, perioperative clinical data was recorded and the early results were evaluated. Results: Indications were thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies, including juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) ( n =12), chronic thoracoabdominal aortic dissection with aneurysmal dilatation ( n =3), thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) ( n =1), infrarenal AAA with an accessory renal artery in the segment of the aneurysmal neck ( n =2) and type Ⅰ endoleak after EVAR for AAA( n =1). Nineteen fenestrated stent grafts were deployed , including custom-made Cook Zenith fenestrated stent graft( n =1), home-made Cook Zenith TX2 fenestrated stent graft( n =6), home-made Cook Zenith TFFB fenestrated stent graft( n =9), home-made Cook Zenith Cuff fenestrated stent graft( n =2), home-made Gore C3 fenestrated stent graft( n =1). Mean duration for stent graft modification was 110 (90-140) min. Mean operative time was 268.0 (59.0-334.0) min, and fluoroscopy time was 66.0 (15.0-175.0) min. There were a total of 50 target vessels, of which 45 (95%) were stented. Bare metal stents were used in 28 vessels, and covered stents were used in 17 vessels. Technical success rate was 100%. No intraoperative target vessel loss was observed. Perioperative mortality was 5.3% (1/19). Endoleaks were persisted even after ballooning in five patients. A small type Ⅰ proximal endoleak and type Ⅲ endoleak were found in 2 and 1 patients, respectively. Type Ⅲ endoleak combined with type Ⅱ endoleak were observed in 2 patients. All the endoleaks were accepted and needed watching. In two patients, iliofemoral artery problems were resolved after local endarterectomy and stenting. Two patients presented renal deterioration postoperatively and recovered after the conservative therapy. Median length of stay was 6.6 (2.0-12.0)d. No early reintervention (<30 days) was performed. The mean duration of follow-up was 11.2 (2.0-41.0) months. One patient died 6 months after FEVAR due to advanced renal carcinoma. All target vessels remained patent except for one accessory artery occlusion. Conclusion: FEVAR using PMSGs may be a viable alternative for high-risk patients with thoracoabdominal pathologies.

Objective: To assess application of reconstruction of retrohepatic inferior vena cava using artificial blood vessel in right lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond Milan Criteria. Methods: The clinical data of 9 HCC patients who underwent right lobe liver transplantation after reconstruction of retrohepatic inferior vena cava using artificial blood vessel between June 2015 and Nov 2016 at Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The liver of the patients was removed with retrohepatic inferior vena cava, and then the right donor graft was implanted by conventional orthotopic liver transplantation. Results: All 9 liver transplantations were performed successfully. The time of reconstruction of hepatic venous outflow of the donor graft was (22.6±3.0) min, anhepatic time was (45.0±7.1) min, and total operation time was (321.9±52.5) min. All patients recovered uneventfully, ICU and hospital stay day were (1.2±0.4) days and (18.4±3.0) days. 2 patients suffered from thrombosis of artificial blood vessel, one recovered after conservative treatment and another was treated by placement of vein stent. No abdominal/pulmonary infection and non-artificial blood vascular complications were found, and none died in perioperative period. Postoperative pathological results showed that all patients were hepatocellular carcinomas and vascular tumor thrombosis was found in 5 cases. All patients were follow up, 1 patient died of pulmonary and brain metastasis 10 months after operation. One patient survived with local recurrence of tumor in liver. The other patients had no tumor recurrence and metastasis. Conclusion: Replacement of retrohepatic inferior vena cava using artificial blood vessel in right lobe living donor liver transplantation is safe and feasible in the treatment of HCC beyond Milan Criteria, and might improve the resection rate of diseased liver and the prognosis of HCC patients after living donor liver transplantation.

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of coil embolization of septal branch in the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods: Eighteen patients with HOCM hospitalized in our department from September 2014 to October 2016 were enrolled in this study. There were 12 males and 6 females in this cohort and the age of patients ranged from 22 to 64 years old. Left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) was derived from echocardiographic apical five-chamber view at pre-operation and at 48 hours and 6 months post operation. 24-hour Holter ECG examination was performed to assess the ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block at 3 days and 6 months after the interventional operation. Routine ECG and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) examination were performed at pre-operation, at 6, 24 and 48 hours post operation. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was detected at pre-operation, at 24, 48 hours and 6 days post operation. The clinical symptoms (including chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope) and NYHA classification were assessed at 1, 6 months after the operation by telephone follow-up or outpatient clinic visit. Results: The average preoperative LVOTG detected by cardiac catheter was 103.6 (92.0, 115.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) , and the average LVOTG significantly reduced to 44.3 (41.6, 47.2) mmHg immediately after operation ( P< 0.01). The average ventricular septal thickness at 48 hours (19.2±3.1) mm and 6 months (17.8±2.8) mm after operation tended to be lower than the preoperative ventricular septal thickness ((20.4±3.5) mm, P> 0.05). The echocardiographic derived average LVOTG at 48 hours and 6 months after operation was 42.9 (41.1, 45.5) and 39.1 (37.5, 41.0) mmHg, which were significant lower than the preoperative average LVOTG (94.3 (88.5, 101.8) mmHg, both P< 0.01). LVOTG at 6 months after operation was significantly lower than that at 48 hours after the operation ( P< 0.05). The NYHA classification at 6 months after operation was significantly improved compared to pre-operation NYHA classification ( P< 0.01). During and after the operation, there was no complete atrioventricular block and ventricular tachycardia, no patient developed anterior wall and inferior myocardial infarction. Only one patient experienced transient left bundle branch block. During the 6 months following-up, there was no death, syncope, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, paroxysmal dyspnea and/or lower extremity edema, ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block and atrial fibrillation, complete atrioventricular block and ventricular arrhythmia. Conclusion: The coil embolization of septal branch is effective and safe for the treatment of patients with HOCM.

Objective: To summarize the classifications and optimize endovascular treatment of the dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery (DAVA). Methods: The clinical information of 39 cases of DAVA treated with endovascular methods in our department between January 2007 and September 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the location of the aneurysm in relation to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), the aneurysms were classified into three types: type pre-PICA, located proximally to the PICA; type in-PICA, located at the PICA origin; and type post-PICA located distally to the PICA.According to the hemodynamics of the contralateral vertebral artery, the aneurysms were classified into two types: compensatory type: including well-developed contralateral vertebral arteries and a guaranteed posterior circulation blood supply following the occlusion of the ipsilateral vertebral artery; and non-compensatory type: including contralateral vertebral arteries that were hypoplastic and provided an inadequate posterior circulation blood supply following ipsilateral vertebral artery occlusion.The choices of reconstructive or destructive methods were made according to the above-mentioned classification, combined with the consideration of morphological features and onset styles.Reconstructive surgery included stent-assisted coil embolization and the placement of multiple overlapping stents (6 patients). Destructive surgery referred to coil embolization combined with proximal coil trapping of the dissected segment of the parent artery (CE+ PT). Results: A total of 16 patients were type pre-PICA, of which 9 patients were compensatory type and 7 were non-compensatory type.In compensatory type, 4 underwent coil embolization combined with proximal coil trapping of the dissected segment of the parent artery (CE+ PT) and 5 underwent stent-assisted coil embolization (stent/coils). In non-compensatory type, 6 underwent stent/coils and 1 underwent multiple overlapping stents placement (stents). Nine patients were type in-PICA, of which 5 patients were compensatory type and 4 were non-compensatory type. In compensatory type, all patients underwent stent/coils.In non-compensatory type, 2 underwent stent/coils and 2 underwent multiple overlapping stents placement (stents). Fourteen patients were type post-PICA, of which 8 patients were compensatory type and 6 were non-compensatory type.In compensatory type, 6 underwent CE+ PT, 1 underwent stent/coils and 1 underwent stents. In non-compensatory type, 4 underwent stent/coils and 2 underwent stents.Totally, there were 10 underwent CE+ PT, 23 underwent stent/coils and 6 underwent stents.The incidence of perioperative complications was 7.7% (3/39), and the death rate associated with these complications was 5.1% (2/39). Of the 36 patients followed with long-term repeated angiographic examinations, 28(77.8%) patients had complete occlusion.Clinical outcome evaluations were performed using the Modified Rankin Scale and resulted in the following scores: 0-2 for 36 patients, 3-6 for 3 patients. Conclusions: The classifications based on location, hemodynamics, morphological features and onset styles of the DAVA is safe and effective for the choice of the endovascular methods.

Objective: To explore the effect of implanting short stent in root of aorta for the treatment of Stanford type A aortic dissection. Methods: Clinical data of 39 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection who underwent surgical procedure at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, between January 2013 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 8 females aged 27 to 75 (49.3±10.3) years. All patients received short stent implanting in aortic root, total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation were performed at the same time. Results: All the operations were successfully performed. Two patients died during hospitalization. Four patients underwent reexploration for postoperative bleeding. Postoperative mortality was 5.1%(2/39). Follow-up duration was 3 to 24 months, with a median time of 14 months. One patient died of lung infection, gastrointestinal bleeding and renal faliure during follow-up. Conclusion: Patients with aortic intimal tear located at higher root of aorta may be suitable for short stent implanting, and the procedure has satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Endurant stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm cases with proximal neck length <10 mm. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis. From January 2010 to May 2015, 22 consecutive abdominal aortic aneurysm patients with proximal neck length <10 mm were treated with endovascular aortic repair by Endurant stent graft in Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. There were 19 (86.3%) male cases, aging from 57 to 84 years. All patients underwent preoperative CT angiography and the anatomic parameters of abdominal aortic aneurysm were measured. All patients performed standard endovascular aortic repair first and if there was obvious proximal typeⅠ endoleak, the CUFF or the chimney technology were applied to observed the perioperative technical and the clinical success rate. During follow-up, the incidence of adverse events and the reintervention rate were observed. Results: These 22 cases had proximal neck length 5 to 9 mm with the average of (7.2±1.4) mm. Immediate endoleak occurred in 5 patients with 4 cases of proximal typeⅠ endoleak, 3 cases were implanted proximal CUFF, 1 case implanted CUFF and left renal artery chimney. One case died perioperatively, the clinical success rate was 95.4%, the technical success rate was 77.3%. During the follow-up of 6 to 54 months, there was 1 case with delayed proximal type-1 endoleak, during operation the patient had no endoleak, but disappeared 6 months later without further intervention. So the incidence of adverse event was 4.5% and reintervention rate was 0. Conclusion: The Endurant stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm cases with proximal neck length < 10 mm is safe and effective.

Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes of brachiocephalic artery-sparing aortic arch repair combined with stent-graft elephant trunk technique for treatment of Stanford type A aortic dissection., Methods: Twenty-three patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection requiring arch replacement underwent brachiocephalic artery-sparing aortic arch repair combined with stent-graft elephant trunk technique. The operations were performed within 72 h (20 cases) or 3-14 days (3 cases) after the onset of aortic dissection., Results: There was no perioperative death in these cases. The mean extracorporeal circulation time was 209∓52 min, the aortic cross clamp time was 85∓21 min, and the mean chest tube output within the first 24 h after the operation was 570∓263 mL; none of the patients required chest reopening for management of bleeding. Postoperative acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis occurred in 3 cases, transient neurologic dysfunction in 2 cases, paraplegia in case and hematosepsis in 1 case. No such complications as permanent neurologic deficit or postoperative visceral malperfusion occurred in these cases. All the patients survived and were discharged from hospital without experiencing severe complications in the follow-up for 6-18 months., Conclusion: Brachiocephalic artery-sparing aortic arch repair combined with stent-graft elephant trunk technique is a safe and simple procedure with controllable bleeding and can serve as an optional procedure for aortic arch replacement.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular strategies for vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysm (VBDA) and analyze advantages and disadvantages of different endovascular methods for the treatment of VBDA through long-term follow-up. Methods: Retrospectively analyzing was used for the clinical information of 45 cases of vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms treated with endovascular methods in our department from January 2007 to December 2015. The treatment modalities were classified into reconstructive surgery and destructive surgery that were based on parent artery preservation. Reconstructive surgery included stent-assisted coil embolization (24 patients) and the placement of single or multiple overlapping stents (8 patients). Destructive surgery was coil embolization combined with proximal coil trapping of the dissected segment of the parent artery (CE+ PT, 13 patients). Results: The incidence of perioperative complications was 11.4%, and the mortality associated with these complications was 4.4%. In the patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, one patient suffered from aneurysm rerupture and died, one patient had intraoperative thrombi in the parent artery and resulted in a complete patency after thrombolysis was performed with Tirofiban. Both perioperative complications occurred in patients treated with stent-assisted coil embolization. No complications occurred in patients treated with single or multiple overlapping stents placements. Perioperative brainstem ischemia occurred in three patients who were treated with destructive surgery, and caused one death and two severe disabilities. Clinical outcome evaluations were performed using the Modified Rankin Scale and resulted in the following scores: 0-2 for 41 patients, 3-6 for 4 patients. The prognosis of reconstructive group was better than that of destructive group, with statistical differences ( P <0.05). The incidence of perioperative complications in reconstructive group was lower than that in destructive group, without significant differences ( P >0.05). Conclusions: Endovascular treatment is effective and safe for VBDAs. The incidence of perioperative complication in reconstructive group is lower and the prognosis is better than that in destructive group.

Objective: To report experiences and results of complex aortic aneurysms involving the visceral arteries treating by total endovascular repair., Methods: Seventy cases of thoracoabdominal aortic lesions treating by total endovascular repair in Department of Vascular Surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 47 cases underwent chimney technique, 6 underwent sandwich technique, 15 underwent fenestration technique and 2 underwent branched stent grafts technique., Results: The average follow-up time was 21 months, range from 3 to 47 months. Completion angiography showed that typeⅠ endoleak of chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group were 9/47, 5/6, 2/15 and 0, respectively. While at 30-day typeⅠ endoleak reduced to 7/47, 2/6, 0 and 0. During follow-up, there were 3 target vessel stents occlusion in chimney group, the patency rate of target vessel stent was 95.1% (58/61). In sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group, all the target vessel stents kept patent., Conclusion: In this study, chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts techniques show good short-term and midterm results, the long-term effects still need further studies.

Objective: To improve Luo-Ye pump-based stress-forming system and optimize the stimulating effect on smooth muscle cells during cultivation of tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBV)., Methods: A new Luo-Ye pump-based TEBV 3D culture system was developed by adding an air pump to the output of the bioreactor. A pressure guide wire was used to measure the stress at different points of the silicone tube inside the TEBV bio-reactor, and fitting curves of the stress changes over time was created using Origin 8.0 software. The TEBVs were constructed by seeding vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from human umbilical artery on polyglycolic acid (PGA) and cultured under dynamic conditions with 40 mmHg resistance (improved group), dynamic conditions without resistance (control group) or static condition (static group) for 4 weeks. The harvested TEBVs were then examined with HE staining, masson staining, α-SMA immunohistochemical staining, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy with semi-quantitative analysis of collagen content and α-SMA expression., Results: The measured stress values and the fitting curves showed that the stress stimuli from the Luo-Ye pump were enhanced by adding an air pump to the output of the bioreactor. Histological analysis revealed improved VSMC density, collagen content and α-SMA expression in the TEBVs constructed with the improved method as compared with those in the control and static groups., Conclusion: Adding an air pump to the Luo-Ye pump significantly enhances the stress stimulation in the TEBV 3-D culture system to promote the secretion function of VSMCs.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid graft technique for complicated infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs)., Methods: The clinical data of 183 patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for AAA with challenging anatomy at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Fudan University from 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Endografts were divided into two groups: Hybrid Group (28 cases) used more than one type of stent graft, and Standard Group (110 cases) used only one stent graft type. Patients were recommended to undergo CT angiography at 1, 3, 6, 12 month after the procedure. Clinical data were analyzed with a focus on postoperative hospital stay, endoleak, limb occlusion, complications of approach, complications of system, converted to open operation and secondary intervention., Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Compared with hybrid group and standard group, there was no difference in postoperative hospital stay ((5.35±2.99) and (5.92±3.70) days, t=0.753, P>0.05). During the follow up, there was no difference in endoleak (10.7% and 18.2%), limb graft occlusion (3.6% and 10.9%), complications of approach (0 and 1.8%), complications of system (7.1% and 0.9%), converted to open operation (0 and 0.9%) between two groups (χ(2)=0.896, 1.408, 0.517, 4.078, 0.256, all P>0.05). However, there was statistically significant difference in secondary intervention between two groups (3.6% and 19.1%, 2=4.011, P<0.05)., Conclusion: The use of hybrid stent graft in patients with unfavorable neck and iliac artery anatomy AAA is feasible, and it could improve the postoperative outcomes such as secondary intervention rate.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone., Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 13 patients with BTAI with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone treated by TEVAR between December 2007 and December 2014. There were 10 males and 3 females with the mean age of 44 years (range, 24-64 years). The imaging examination indicated Stanford type B aortic dissection in 7 cases, pseudoaneurysm in 3 cases, aneurysm in 1 case, and penetrating ulcer in 2 cases. According to the partition method of thoracic aortic lesion by Mitchell, 8 cases underwent stent-graft with left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage, 3 underwent chimney stents for LSA, and 2 for left common carotid artery (LCCA). In 2 cases receiving chimney TEVAR involving LCCA, one underwent steel coils at the proximal segment of LSA to avoid type II endoleak and the other underwent in situ fenestration for endovascular reconstruction of LSA., Results: All TEVAR procedures were successfully performed. The mean operation time was 1.8 hours (range, 1-3 hours); the mean intraoperative blood loss was 120 mL (range, 30-200 mL); and the mean hospitalization time was 15 days (range, 7-37 days). No perioperative death and paraplegia occurred. The patients were followed up 3-30 months (mean, 18 months). Type I endoleak occurred in 1 case during operation and spontaneously healed within 6 months. Hematoma at brachial puncture site with median nerve compression symptoms occurred in 1 case at 3 weeks after operation; ultrasound examination showed brachial artery pseudoaneurysm and thrombosis, and satisfactory recovery was obtained after pseudoaneurysmectomy. No obvious chest pain, shortness of breath, left upper limbs weakness, numbness, and dizziness symptoms were observed. Imaging examination revealed that stentgraft and branched stent remained in stable condition. Meanwhile the blood flow was unobstructed. No lesions expanded and ruptured. No new death, bacterial infection, or other serious complications occurred., Conclusions: According to Mitchell method, individualized plan may be the key to a promising result. More patients and further follow-up need to be included, studied, and observed.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of cranial-cervical aneurysms with stent-graft., Methods: Clinical data of 20 patients with cranial-cervical aneurysm treated with stent-graft in Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University from November 2006 to November 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 40 years (ranging from 22 to 67 years). There were 10 spontaneous cases, 5 trauma history cases and 5 surgery history cases. Postoperative follow-up were made by telephone, CT angiography or digital subtraction angiography, evaluating therapeutic effect., Results: Twenty-four stent-grafts placement were carried out in 20 patients and all of them were successfully deployed in the parent artery. Intraoperative stent malapposition induced endoleak occurred in 3 cases, incomplete coverage of distal stent segment in 2 cases, acute thrombosis in 1 case and vessel lesion in 1 case. Eighteen cases were radiographically cured while the other 2 cases improved through additional stent placement, coil embolization or artery thrombolysis. Clinical symptoms of post-operative patients were improved to varying degrees. Follow-up of 1 to 96 months (average of 19 months) were accomplished. Delayed parent artery occlusion were encountered in 2 cases while endoleak still existed in 1 case., Conclusion: Application of stent-graft for cranial-cervical aneurysms is safe and effective and the short-term follow-up results are satisfied.