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Treatment approach to type A aortic dissection with malperfusion, immediate open aortic repair vs upfront endovascular treatment, remains controversial. From January 2017 to July 2021, 301 consecutive type A repairs were evaluated at our institution. Starting in 2019, all type A aortic dissections were performed in a fixed-fluoroscopy, hybrid operating room. Propensity score matching was used to control baseline patient characteristics between traditional and hybrid operating room approaches. There were 144 patients in the traditional group and 157 in the hybrid group. In the hybrid group, 41% (64/157) underwent intraoperative angiograms, and of those, 58% (37/64) received at least 1 endovascular intervention. Following propensity matching, 125 patients remained in each the traditional and hybrid groups. Thirty-day survival was significantly improved in the hybrid cohort at 96.7% (122/125) as compared to the traditional cohort at 87.2% (109/125) (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in perioperative paralysis (1.6% vs 1.6%, P > 0.9), new hemodialysis (12% vs 9.6%, P = 0.5), fasciotomy (2.4% vs 5.6%, P = 0.20, and exploratory laparotomy (1.6% vs 4.8%, P = 0.3). The hybrid operating room approach to type A aortic dissection, provides the ability to immediately assess distal malperfusion and perform endovascular interventions at the time of open aortic repair, and is associated with significantly higher 30-day and 2-year survival when compared to a stepwise repair approach in a traditional operating room., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has become a mainstay in treating complex aortic aneurysms, though baseline patient factors predicting long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. Proteinuria is an early marker for chronic kidney disease and associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but its utility in patients with aortic aneurysms is unknown. We aimed to determine whether preoperative proteinuria impacts long-term survival after FEVAR., Methods: A single-institution, retrospective review of all elective FEVAR was performed. Preoperative proteinuria was assessed by urinalysis: negative (0-29 mg/dL), 1+ (30-100 mg/dL), 2+ (101-299 mg/dL), and 3+ (≥300 mg/dL). The cohort was stratified by patients with proteinuria (≥30 mg/dL) vs those without (<30 mg/dL). Baseline, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were compared. The primary outcome, all-cause mortality, was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and independent predictors with Cox proportional hazards modeling., Results: Among 181 patients who underwent standard FEVAR from 2012 to 2022 (mean follow-up 33 months), any proteinuria was noted in 30 patients (16.6%). Patients with proteinuria were more likely to be Black (10.0% vs 1.3%) with a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (52.7 ± 24.7 vs 67.7 ± 20.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), higher Society for Vascular Surgery comorbidity score (10.9 ± 4.3 vs 8.2 ± 4.7) and calcium channel blocker therapy (50.0% vs 29.1%), and larger maximal aneurysm diameter (67.2 ± 16.9 vs 59.8 ± 9.8 mm) (all P < .05). Thirty-day mortality was higher in the proteinuria group (10.0% vs 1.3%; P = .03). Overall survival at 1 and 5 years was significantly lower for those with proteinuria (71.5% vs 92.3% and 29.5% vs 68.1%; log-rank P < .001). On multivariable analysis, preoperative proteinuria was independently associated with over threefold higher hazard of mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66-6.20; P < .001), whereas preoperative eGFR was not predictive (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.01; P = .28). Additional significant predictors included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR: 2.04), older age (HR: 1.05), and larger maximal aneurysm diameter (HR: 1.03; all P < .05)., Conclusions: In our 10-year experience with FEVAR, preoperative proteinuria was observed in 17% of patients and was significantly associated with worse survival. In this cohort, proteinuria was independently associated with all-cause mortality, whereas eGFR was not, suggesting that urinalysis may provide an additional simple metric for risk-stratifying patients before FEVAR., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024 Society for Vascular Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Practice guidelines recommend elective repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) ≥ 5.5 cm in men and ≥ 5 cm in women to prevent rupture; however, some rupture at smaller diameters. We identify risk factors for rupture AAA (rAAA) below this threshold and compare outcomes following rAAA repair above/below size criteria., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative (2013-2019) was queried for patients undergoing repair for rAAA and stratified based on diameter into small and large cohorts [Small: < 5.5 cm (men), < 5.0 cm (women)]. Univariate analysis was performed, and Kaplan-Meier analysis compared overall survival, aneurysm-related mortality, and reintervention at 12 months., Results: Five thousand one hundred sixty two rAAA were identified. Small rAAA patients [n = 588] were more likely to have hypertension (81.3% vs. 77.0%, P < 0.02), diabetes (18.2% vs. 14.9%, P < 0.04), and end-stage renal disease (2.9% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.01) and be on optimal medical therapy (32.1% vs. 26.8%, P < 0.01). Women were more likely to rupture at smaller diameters compared to men (P < 0.01). Small rAAA patients were more likely to undergo endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) (70.2% vs. 56.0%, P < 0.01) and had lower in-hospital mortality (17.7% vs. 27.7%, P < 0.01) and fewer perioperative complications across all categories. At 12 months, small rAAA patients had better overall survival, freedom from aneurysm-related mortality, and freedom from reintervention, largely driven by EVAR approach., Conclusions: More than 11% of patients presenting with ruptured AAA were below the recommended size threshold for repair, and they tended to be younger, non-White, and have hypertension, diabetes, and/or renal failure. Patients with small rAAA experienced lower in-hospital morbidity and mortality and improved 1-year survival, and EVAR was associated with better outcomes than open repair. However, women more frequently rupture at smaller diameters compared to men. Given contemporary elective outcomes for women, a randomized controlled trial for EVAR versus surveillance at a sex-specific size threshold is needed., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a well-established treatment approach for juxtarenal and short-neck infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Recommendations and clinical outcomes are lacking for offering FEVAR in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes for patients with none-to-mild versus moderate-to-severe CKD undergoing FEVAR., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing standard FEVAR with Cook devices at a single institution. The cohort was stratified by preoperative CKD stage none-to-mild or moderate-to-severe (CKD 1-2 and CKD 3-5, respectively). The primary outcome was postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary outcomes included 30-day perioperative complications, 1- and 5-year rates of overall survival, dialysis, renal target artery patency, endoleak, and reintervention assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Aneurysm sac regression, number of surveillance computed tomography (CT) scans, and CKD stage progression were assessed at latest follow-up. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association of CKD stage 3 and stage 4-5 with all-cause mortality, controlling for differences in baseline characteristics., Results: From 2012- to 2022, 184 patients (of which 82% were male) underwent FEVAR with the Cook ZFEN device (mean follow-up 34.3 months). Group CKD 3-5 comprised 77 patients (42%), was older (75.2 vs. 73.0 years, P = 0.04), had increased preoperative creatinine (1.6 vs. 0.9 mg/dL, P < 0.01), and demonstrated increased renal artery ostial calcification (37.7% vs. 21.5%, P = 0.02) compared with Group CKD 1-2. Perioperatively, CKD 3-5 sustained higher estimated blood loss (342 vs. 228 ml, P = 0.01), longer operative times (186 vs. 162 min, P = 0.04), and longer length of stay (3 vs. 2 days, P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier 1- and 5-year survival estimates were lower for CKD 3-5 (82.3% vs. 95.1%, P < 0.01 and 55.4% vs. 70.8%, P = 0.02). Fewer CKD 3-5 patients remained free from chronic dialysis at 1 year (94.4% vs. 100%, P = 0.015) and 5 years (84.7% vs. 100%, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative AKI rate (CKD 1-2 6.5% vs. CKD 3-5 14.3%, P = 0.13), long-term renal artery patency, reinterventions, type I or III endoleak, mean sac regression, or total follow-up CT scans between groups. CKD stage progression occurred in 47 patients (31%) at latest follow-up but did not differ between stratified groups (P = 0.17). On multivariable modeling, age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.09, P = 0.02) and CKD stage 4-5 (hazard ratio 6.39, 95% confidence interval 2.26-18.05, P < 0.01) were independently associated with mortality., Conclusions: Preoperative CKD status did not negatively impact the durability or technical success related to aneurysm outcomes after FEVAR. Worsening CKD stage was associated with lower 1- and 5-year overall survival and freedom from dialysis after FEVAR with no statistically significant differences in 30-day or long-term technical aneurysm outcomes., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Practice patterns and durability of parallel stent graft techniques in complex endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain poorly defined. We aimed to quantify and compare the impact of renal chimney intra-aortic stent length (IASL) on geometric deformations of renal arteries in complex EVAR., Methods: Thirty-eight nonconsecutive patients underwent EVAR utilizing parallel stent graft techniques (chimney EVAR [chEVAR], n = 28; chimney endovascular aneurysm sealing [chEVAS], n = 10) between 2010 and 2016. A total of 59 renal chimney stent grafts were used. Geometric quantification was derived from three-dimensional model-based centerline extraction. Renal chimney intra-aortic stent length (IASL) was defined as the length of chimney stent that extended from the proximal edge of the chimney stent to the ostium of the corresponding renal artery., Results: Mean IASL for both left and right renal arteries in the cohort was 35.7 mm. Renal arteries containing chimney IASL <30 mm trended toward a greater branch angle (135.4 vs. 127.8°, p = .06). Left renal arteries showed significantly greater branch angle among those with IASL <40 mm (135.5 vs. 121.7°, p = .045). Mean IASL for renal arteries in chEVAR was significantly longer compared to chEVAS (39.2 vs. 26.3 mm, p = .003). No difference was noted in overall branch angle or end-stent angle based on procedure type. ChEVAR with IASL <30 mm had significantly greater end-stent angle (48.2 vs. 33.5°, p = .03). In contrast, chEVAS patients showed no difference in end-stent angle based on IASL thresholds, but did have significantly greater branch angle among those with IASL <30 mm when grouped by both all renal arteries (133.5 vs. 113.5°, p = .004) and right renal arteries (134.3 vs. 111.6°, p = .02)., Conclusions: Renal chimney stents with longer IASL appear to exhibit less renal artery deformation, suggesting a more gradual and perpendicular transition of the chimney stent across the renal ostium.

Background: Aortic pseudoaneurysm is a life-threatening clinical condition, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been reported to have a relatively satisfactory effect in aortic pathologies. We summarized our single-centre experience using chimney TEVAR for aortic arch pseudoaneurysms with inadequate landing zones., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from October 2015 to August 2020, 32 patients with aortic arch pseudoaneurysms underwent chimney TEVAR to exclude an aortic lesion and reconstruct the supra-aortic branches, including 3 innominate artery, 12 left common carotid arteries and 29 left subclavian arteries. Follow-up computed tomography was suggested before discharge; at 3, 6, 12 months and yearly thereafter., Results: The median age of 32 patients was 68.0 years (range, 28-81) with the mean max diameter of aneurysm of 47.9 ± 12.0 mm. Forty-four related supra-aortic branches were well preserved, and the technical success rate was 100%. The Type Ia endoleaks occurred in 3 (9%) patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up and 4 patients died during the follow-up period. The mean follow-up times was 46.5 ± 14.3 months. One patient died due to acute myocardial infarction just 10 days after chimney TEVAR and the other 3 patients passed away at 1.5 months, 20 months, and 31 months with non-aortic reasons. The 4.5-year survival estimate was 84.4%. The primary patency rate of the target supra-arch branch vessels was 97.7% (43/44), and no other aorta-related reinterventions and severe complications occurred., Conclusion: For aortic arch pseudoaneurysms with inadequate landing zones for TEVAR, the chimney technique seems to be feasible, with acceptable mid-term outcomes, and it could serve as an alternative minimally invasive approach to extend the landing zone. Slow flow type Ia endoleak could be treated conservatively after chimney TEVAR. Additional experience is needed, and the long-term durability of chimney TEVAR requires further follow-up., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The objective of this study is to describe a novel method for creating a distal landing zone for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in chronic aortic dissection. The technique is described in a patient with prior total arch and descending aortic replacement, with false lumen expansion., Technique: A cheese-wire endovascular septotomy was desired to create a single lumen above the celiac axis. To avoid dividing the septum caudally across the visceral segment, we performed a modified septotomy in a cephalad direction. Stiff wires were passed into the prior surgical graft, through true lumen on the right and false lumen on the left. An additional wire was passed across an existing fenestration at the level of the celiac axis, and snared and externalized. 7F Ansel sheaths were advanced and positioned tip-to-tip at the fenestration. Using the stiff wires as tracks, the through-wire was pushed cephalad to endovascularly cut the septum. Angiogram demonstrated successful septotomy, and TEVAR was performed to just above the celiac with successful aneurysm exclusion and no endoleak or retrograde false lumen perfusion. Follow-up computed tomography angiogram (CTA) showed continued exclusion without false lumen perfusion., Conclusions: This novel modification in a reverse direction provides an alternative method for endovascular septotomy, when traditional septotomy may threaten the visceral vessels.

Objective: We have reported the 5-year results of a pivotal prospective, multicenter study conducted in the United States of a specifically designed iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) for endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms and common iliac artery aneurysms., Methods: A total of 63 patients (98.4% male; mean age, 70 years) with aortoiliac or common iliac artery aneurysms had undergone implantation of a single IBE device and a bifurcated aortoiliac stent graft. Patients with bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 22; 34.9%) had undergone either staged occlusion or surgical revascularization of the contralateral internal iliac artery before study enrollment. At 5 years, 36 of the 63 patients had completed the final study follow-up examinations, including clinical examinations (n = 35) and computed tomography (n = 32), with the results evaluated by an independent core laboratory and adverse events adjudicated by a clinical events committee., Results: At 5 years, freedom from all-cause mortality was 85.7% and freedom from aneurysm-related mortality was 100%. The nine deaths that had occurred (range, 132-1898 days) were adjudicated as unrelated to the aneurysm or procedure. Primary patency of the internal and external iliac artery IBE limbs was 95.1% and 100%, respectively. No patients had experienced new-onset buttock claudication on the IBE side or self-reported new-onset erectile dysfunction. The common iliac artery diameter on the IBE side was either unchanged or had decreased by ≥5 mm in 30 of the 31 patients (96.8%) with a baseline (1 month) and 5-year (range, 1641-2006 days) computed tomography scan available. Of the 31 evaluable patients, 9 (29.0%) had had an increase of ≥5 mm in the aortic diameter, 5 of whom had had a concurrent type II endoleak. No type I or type III endoleaks or device migration were identified by the core laboratory. Six patients had undergone eight secondary interventions, including five interventions for a type II endoleak. The freedom from secondary intervention was 90.5%., Conclusions: The 5-year results of our prospective, multicenter study have confirmed the safety, efficacy, and durability of the IBE device for the treatment of aortoiliac and iliac artery aneurysms. The device effectively prevented common iliac artery aneurysm rupture, maintained the patency of the internal iliac artery, and avoided the complications associated with internal iliac artery sacrifice. Although common iliac artery aneurysm enlargement was rare, abdominal aortic enlargement was more common, suggesting that the outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair might be different for patients with or without associated common iliac artery aneurysms., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of patients treated with the Cook Zenith Fenestrated (ZFEN) device for juxtarenal aortic aneurysms inside versus outside the IFU., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional ZFEN database for cases performed between 2012 and 2018, with analysis performed in 2020 in order to report midterm outcomes. The cohort was stratified based on treatment inside (IFU group) and outside (non-IFU group) the IFU for criteria involving the proximal neck: neck length 4 to 14 mm, neck diameter 19 to 31 mm, and neck angulation ≤45°. Patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms or concurrent chimney grafting were excluded. The primary outcomes in question were mortality, type 1a endoleak, and reintervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine associations between adherence to IFU criteria and outcomes., Results: We identified 100 consecutive patients (19% female, mean age 73.6 years) for inclusion in this analysis. Mean follow-up was 21.6 months. Fifty-four patients (54%) were treated outside the IFU because of inadequate neck length (n=48), enlarged neck diameter (n=10), and/or excessive angulation (n=16). Eighteen patients were outside IFU for two criteria, and one patient was outside IFU for all three. Non-IFU patients were exposed to higher radiation doses (3652 vs 5445 mGy, p=0.008) and contrast volume (76 vs 95 mL, p=0.004). No difference was noted between IFU and non-IFU groups for 30-day mortality (0% vs 3.7%, p=0.18), or type 1a endoleak (0% vs 1.9%, p=0.41). Reintervention was also similar between cohorts (13% vs 27.8%, p=0.13). Being outside IFU for neck diameter or length was each borderline significant for higher reintervention on univariate analysis (p=0.05), but this was not significant on multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling (HR 1.82 [0.53-6.25]; 2.03 [0.68-7.89]), respectively. No individual IFU deviations were associated with the primary outcomes on multivariate analysis, nor being outside IFU for multiple criteria., Conclusions: Patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms may be treated with the ZFEN device with moderate deviations from the IFU. While no differences were seen in mortality or proximal endoleak, larger studies are needed to examine the potential association between IFU nonadherence and reinterventions and close follow-up is warranted for all patients undergoing such repair.

Objective: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is increasingly used in the treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms and short-neck infrarenal aneurysms. Reinterventions (REIs) occur frequently, contributing to patient morbidity and resource utilization. We sought to determine whether REI affects long-term survival after FEVAR., Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of all Cook Zenith fenestrated (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Inc, Bloomington, IN) repairs was performed. Patients with ≥6 months of follow-up and without adjunctive branch modifications were included. REI was defined as any aneurysm, device, target branch, or access-related intervention after the index procedure. REIs were categorized as early (<30 days) or late (≥30 days), by indication (ie, branch, endoleak, limb related, access related, other), and by target branch or device components. Patients were stratified into REI vs no REI groups and branch REI vs non-branch REI groups., Results: Of 219 consecutive ZFEN repairs from 2012 to 2021, 158 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these 158 patients, 41 (26%) required a total of 51 REIs (10 early and 41 late) during a mean follow-up of 33.9 months. The most common indication for REI was branch-related (31 of 51; 61%), with the renal arteries the most frequently affected (26 of 51; 51%). The only differences found in baseline, aneurysm, and device characteristics were a higher mean Society for Vascular Surgery comorbidity score (9.6 vs 7.9; P = .04) and larger suprarenal neck angle (23.3° vs 17.1°; P = .04) in the no REI group. In contrast, the REI group had a larger mean proximal seal zone diameter (26.3 mm vs 25.1 mm; P = .03) and device diameter (31.9 mm vs 30.0 mm; P = .002) compared with the no REI group. Technical success and operative characteristics were similar between the groups, except for a longer mean fluoroscopy time (74.9 minutes vs 60.8 minutes; P = .01) and longer median length of stay (2 vs 2 days; P = .006) for the REI group. Although the rate of early (<30 days) major adverse events was greater for the REI group (24.4% vs 6.0%; P = .001), the difference in 30-day mortality was not statistically significant (4.9% vs 0.9%; P = .10). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, freedom from REI at 1 and 5 years was 85.7% and 62.6%, respectively, for the overall cohort. No difference was found in the estimated 5-year survival between the REI and no REI groups (62.8% vs 63.5%; log-rank, P = .87) and branch REI and non-branch REI groups (71.8% vs 49.9%; log-rank, P = .16). On multivariate analysis, REI was not an independent predictor for mortality. However, age, Society for Vascular Surgery comorbidity score, and preoperative maximum aneurysm diameter each increased the hazard of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.12 [P = .007]; HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.18 [P = .02]; HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08 [P = .003], respectively)., Conclusions: After ZFEN, 41 patients (26%) had required a total of 51 REIs, with most occurring ≥30 days after the index procedure, and 61% were branch related, with no influence on 5-year survival. Age, comorbidity, and baseline aneurysm diameter independently predicted mortality. The use of FEVAR mandates lifelong surveillance and protocols to maintain branch patency. Despite their relative frequency, REIs did not influence 5-year postprocedural survival., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair is an established customized treatment for aortic aneurysms with 3 current commercially available configurations for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-a single-wide scallop, large fenestration, or small fenestration, with the scallop or large fenestration most utilized. Outcomes comparing SMA single-wide scallops to large fenestrations with the Zenith fenestrated (ZFEN) device are scarce. As large fenestrations have the benefit of extending the proximal seal zone compared to scalloped configurations, we sought to determine the differences in seal zone and sac regression outcomes between the 2 SMA configurations., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained complex endovascular aneurysm repair database and included all patients treated with the Cook ZFEN device with an SMA scallop or large fenestration configuration at its most proximal build. All first postoperative computed tomography scans (1-30 days) were analyzed on TeraRecon to determine precise proximal seal zone lengths, and standard follow-up anatomic and clinical metrics were tabulated., Results: A total of 234 consecutive ZFEN patients from 2012 to 2021 were reviewed, and 137 had either a scallop or a large fenestration for the SMA as the proximal-most configuration (72 scallops and 65 large fenestrations) with imaging available for analysis. The mean follow-up was 35 months. The mean proximal seal zone length was 19.5 ± 7.9 mm for scallop versus 41.7 ± 14.4 mm for large fenestration groups (P < 0.001). There was no difference in sac regression between the scallop and large fenestration at 1 year (10.1 ± 10.9 mm vs. 11.0 ± 12.1, P = 0.63). Overall, 30-day mortality (1.3% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.51) and all-cause 3-year mortality (72.5% vs. 81.7%, P = 0.77) were not significantly different. Reinterventions within 30 days were primarily secondary to renal artery branch occlusions, with only 1 patient in the scallop group requiring reintervention for an SMA branch occlusion., Conclusions: Despite attaining longer proximal seal lengths, large SMA fenestrations were not associated with a difference in sac regression compared to scalloped SMA configurations at a one-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in reinterventions or overall long-term survival between the 2 SMA strategies., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hybrid debranching repair of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms was initially designed as a better alternative to standard open repair, addressing the limitations of endovascular repair involving the visceral aorta. We reviewed the collective outcomes of hybrid debranching repairs using extra-anatomic, open surgical debranching of the renal-mesenteric arteries, followed by endovascular aortic stenting., Methods: Data from patients who underwent hybrid repair in 14 North American institutions during 10 years were retrospectively reviewed. Society of Vascular Surgery scores were used to assess comorbidity risk. Early and late outcomes, including mortality, morbidity, reintervention, and patency were analyzed., Results: A total of 208 patients (118 male; mean age, 71±8 years old) were treated by hybrid repair with extraanatomic reconstruction of 657 renal and mesenteric arteries (mean 3.2 vessels/patient). Mean aneurysm diameter was 6.6±1.3 cm. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms were identified in 163 (78%) patients and pararenal aneurysms in 45 (22%). A single-stage repair was performed in 92 (44%) patients. The iliac arteries were the most common source of inflow (n=132; 63%), and most (n=150; 72%) had 3 or more bypasses. There were 30 (14%) early deaths, ranging widely across sites (0%-21%). A Society of Vascular Surgery comorbidity score >15 was the primary predictor of early mortality ( P <0.01), whereas mortality was 3% in a score ≤9. Early complications occurred in 140 (73%) patients and included respiratory complications in 45 patients (22%) and spinal cord ischemia in 22 (11%), of whom 10 (45%) fully recovered. At 5 years, survival was 61±5%, primary graft patency was 90±2%, and secondary patency was 93±2%. The most significant predictor of late mortality was renal insufficiency ( P <0.0001)., Conclusions: Mortality after hybrid repair and visceral debranching is highly variable by center, but strongly affected by preoperative comorbidities and the centers' experience with the technique. With excellent graft patency at 5 years, the outcomes of hybrid repair done at centers of excellence and in carefully selected patients may be comparable (or better) than traditional open or even totally endovascular approaches. However, in patients already considered as high-risk for surgery, it may not offer better outcomes.

Aortic dissection is a chronic disease that requires lifelong clinical and imaging surveillance, long after the acute event. Imaging has an important role in prognosis, timing of repair, device sizing, and monitoring for complications, especially in the endovascular therapy era. Important anatomic features at preprocedural imaging include the location of the primary intimal tear and aortic zonal and branch vessel involvement, which influence the treatment strategy. Challenges of repair in the chronic phase include a small true lumen in conjunction with a stiff intimal flap, complex anatomy, and retrograde perfusion from distal reentry tears. The role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains controversial for treatment of chronic aortic dissection. Standard TEVAR is aimed at excluding the primary intimal tear to decrease false lumen perfusion, induce false lumen thrombosis, promote aortic remodeling, and prevent aortic growth. In addition to covering the primary intimal tear with an endograft, several adjunctive techniques have been developed to mitigate retrograde false lumen perfusion. These techniques are broadly categorized into false lumen obliteration and landing zone optimization strategies, such as the provisional extension to induce complete attachment (PETTICOAT), false lumen embolization, cheese-wire fenestration, and knickerbocker techniques. Familiarity with these techniques is important to recognize expected changes and complications at postintervention imaging. The authors detail imaging options, provide examples of simple and complex endovascular repairs of aortic dissections, and highlight complications that can be associated with various techniques. Online supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2022.

Background: While Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines recommend computed tomography angiography (CTA) or ultrasound for surveillance following infrarenal endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), there is a lack of consensus regarding optimal timing and modalities. We hypothesized that ultrasound-based approaches would be more cost-effective and developed a cost-effectiveness analysis to estimate the lifetime costs and outcomes of various strategies., Methods: We developed a decision tree with nested Markov models to compare five surveillance strategies: yearly CTA, yearly CDU, yearly CEU, CTA at first year followed by CDU, and CTA at first year followed by CEU. The model accounted for differential sensitivity, specificity, and risk of acute kidney injury after CTA, and was implemented on a monthly cycle with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and 3% annual discounting., Results: Under base case assumptions, the CTA-CDU strategy was cost effective with a lifetime cost of $77950 for 7.74 QALYs. In sensitivity analysis, the CTA-CDU approach remained cost-effective when CEU specificity was less than 95%, and risk of acute kidney injury following CTA was less than 20%. At diagnostic sensitivities below 75% for CEU and 55% for CDU, a yearly CTA strategy maximized QALYs., Conclusions: A hybrid strategy in which CTA is performed in the first year and CDU is performed annually thereafter is the most cost-effective strategy for infrarenal EVAR surveillance in patients with less than a 20% risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. If the sensitivity of CEU and CDU are at the lower end of plausible estimates, a yearly CTA strategy is reasonable. Further research should aim to identify patients who may benefit from alternative surveillance strategies., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. All rights reserved.)

The behavior and remodeling of the residual aneurysm sac after endovascular repair is predictive of long-term outcomes. Although persistent growth is clearly a harbinger of complications, only recently has the relative advantage of sac regression over sac stability been recognized. There is a growing literature examining the prognostic implications of sac regression after standard infrarenal endovascular aortic repair, and various factors associated with increased likelihood of regression have been identified. However, there is a relative paucity of data on sac regression after more complex aneurysm repairs using fenestrated and/or branched technology. In this article, we aim to review sac regression and its importance as a whole, and specifically examine the role of regression after fenestrated and/or branched endovascular aortic repair for more extensive abdominal and thoracoabdominal aneurysms., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The optimal revascularization modality following complete resection of aortic graft infection (AGI) without enteric involvement remains unclear. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the revascularization approach associated with the lowest morbidity and mortality using real-world data in patients undergoing complete excision of AGI., Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of AGI from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standardized database. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative variables were recorded. The primary outcome was infection-free survival. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariable analyses were performed., Results: A total of 241 patients at 34 institutions from seven countries presented with AGI during the study period (median age, 68 years; 75% male). The initial aortic procedures that resulted in AGI were 172 surgical grafts (71%), 66 endografts (27%), and three unknown (2%). Of the patients, 172 (71%) underwent complete excision of infected aortic graft material followed by in situ (in-line) bypass (ISB), including antibiotic-treated prosthetic graft (35%), autogenous femoral vein (neo-aortoiliac surgery) (24%), and cryopreserved allograft (41%). Sixty-nine patients (29%) underwent extra-anatomic bypass (EAB). Overall median Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was 5.8 years. Perioperative mortality was 16%. When stratified by ISB vs EAB, there was a significant difference in Kaplan-Meier estimated infection-free survival (2910 days; interquartile range, 391-3771 days vs 180 days; interquartile range, 27-3750 days; P < .001). There were otherwise no significant differences in presentation, comorbidities, or perioperative variables. Multivariable Cox regression showed lower infection-free survival among patients with EAB (hazard ratio [HR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-3.6; P < .001), polymicrobial infection (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5; P = .001), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7; P = .02), as well as the protective effect of omental/muscle flap coverage (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37-0.92; P = .02)., Conclusions: After complete resection of AGI, perioperative mortality is 16% and median overall survival is 5.8 years. EAB is associated with nearly a two and one-half-fold higher reinfection/mortality compared with ISB. Omental and/or muscle flap coverage of the repair appear protective., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) can treat anatomically compatible ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA), but registry data suggests that women undergo more open abdominal aneurysm repairs than men. We evaluate in-hospital outcomes of EVAR for rAAA by sex., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry was queried from 2013 to 2019 for rAAA patients treated with EVAR. Univariate analysis was performed with Student's t-test and chi-squared tests. Multivariable logistic regression was then performed to assess the association between female sex and inpatient mortality., Results: A total of 1775 patients were included (23.8% female). Female rAAA patients were older (P< 0.01) and weighed less (P < 0.01). They were less likely to have smoked (P <.0 001) and had lower creatinine (1.29 vs. 1.43, P < 0.01) and hemoglobin (10.7 vs. 11.7, P < 0.01). Women had smaller maximum aortic diameters (74 vs. 66 mm, P < 0.01) and were less likely to have iliac aneurysms (P < 0.001). Women were more likely to have concomitant femoral endarterectomy (8.5% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.03). Despite having no significant difference in complication or reintervention rates, women had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (45.9% vs. 34.5%, P < 0.01). In a logistic regression model for predictors of in-hospital mortality (χ 2 < .01), increased age (OR 1.08, P < 0.01), female sex (OR 1.7, P = 0.02), preoperative cardiac arrest (OR 5.29, P < 0.01), concurrent iliac stenting (OR 2.38, P = 0.02), postoperative mesenteric ischemia (OR 2.51, P < 0.01) and postoperative transfusion (OR 1.06, P < 0.01) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Increased preoperative hemoglobin was protective (OR 0.89, P < 0.01) CONCLUSIONS: Female sex is independently associated with in-hospital mortality after EVAR for rAAA, suggesting a relationship beyond anatomical, biochemical, and procedural covariates., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms undergoing EVAR with larger device diameters (34-36 mm) have worse outcomes due to proximal fixation failure and need for reintervention. We examine outcomes relating to standard fenestrated repair (FEVAR) with larger device diameters, and investigate whether a similar relationship exists., Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained, single institution database of patients treated with the Cook ZFEN device between 2012-2017. Outcomes were stratified by device diameter into normal-diameter (ND,≤ 32 mm) and large-diameter (LD,34-36 mm). Primary endpoints were need for reintervention and composite type I/III endoleak., Results: One-hundred consecutive patients treated were identified for inclusion. Overall mean age was 73.6 years and mean aortic diameter was 59.1 mm. Mean follow-up was 22 months. A total of 26 (26%) patients were treated with LD devices. Number of target vessels per patient was 2.8 in both groups. Infrarenal neck length and diameter were significantly different in the LD and ND patients, respectively (2.6 mm vs. 4.7 mm (P < 0.01) and 30.1 mm vs. 23.4 mm (P < 0.01)). Percent graft oversizing was lower in the LD cohort (19% vs. 24%; P = 0.006). No difference was seen in overall mortality at 30-days (0% vs. 2%; P = 0.4) or at latest follow up (6% vs. 14%; P = 0.6). Reinterventions were not significantly different at 30 days, but were significantly higher over the follow-up period in the LD cohort (46.2 vs. 17.6%; P = 0.002). LD diameter was associated with reintervention on univariate (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.37), but not multivariate analysis. The composite endpoint of type I/III endoleak was higher in the LD cohort (15.4% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.004)., Conclusions: FEVAR requiring 34- or 36-mm device diameters is associated with an increased risk of composite type I/III endoleak and reintervention. Patients undergoing fenestrated repair requiring LD devices should be closely monitored, with consideration for proximal or open repair., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Aneurysm sac regression after standard endovascular aortic repair is associated with improved outcomes, but similar data are limited after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR). We sought to evaluate sac regression after FEVAR, and identify any predictors of this favorable outcome., Methods: Patients undergoing elective FEVAR using the commercially available Zenith Fenestrated device (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) from 2012 to 2018 at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. The maximal aortic diameter was compared between the preoperative scan and those obtained in follow-up. Patients with of 5 mm or more sac regression were included in the regression (REG) group, with all others in the nonregression (NONREG) group. Outcomes were compared between groups using univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify any predictive factors for sac regression., Results: We included 132 patients undergoing FEVAR in the analysis. At a mean follow-up of 33.1 months, 65 patients (49.2%) had sac regression of 5 mm or more and comprised the REG group (n = 65 [49.2%]). The REG group had smaller diameter devices, and were less likely to have had concomitant chimney grafts placed (P < .05). The NONREG group had a higher incidence of type II endoleak (35.8% vs 12.3%; P = .002). Sac regression was associated with a significant mortality benefit on Kaplan-Meier analysis (log rank P = .02). Multivariate analysis identified adjunctive parallel grafting (odds ratio [OR], 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.36; P < .01), persistent type II endoleak (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.74; P < .01), and a greater number of target vessels (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.62; P = .002) as independent predictors of failure to regress., Conclusions: Sac regression after FEVAR occurred in nearly one-half of patients, but seems to be less common in patients with persistent type II endoleaks and those undergoing concomitant parallel grafting. Sac regression was associated with a significant survival advantage, and can be used as a clinical marker for success after FEVAR., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) can change the morphology of the flow lumen in aortic dissections, which may affect aortic hemodynamics and function. This study characterizes how the helical morphology of the true lumen in type B aortic dissections is altered by TEVAR., Methods: Patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent computed tomography angiography before and after TEVAR were retrospectively reviewed. Images were used to construct three-dimensional stereolithographic surface models of the true lumen and whole aorta using custom software. Stereolithographic models were segmented and co-registered to determine helical morphology of the true lumen with respect to the whole aorta. The true lumen region covered by the endograft was defined based on fiducial markers before and after TEVAR. The helical angle, average helical twist, peak helical twist, and cross-sectional eccentricity, area, and circumference were quantified in this region for pre- and post-TEVAR geometries., Results: Sixteen patients (61.3 ± 8.0 years; 12.5% female) were treated successfully for type B dissection (5 acute and 11 chronic) with TEVAR and scans before and after TEVAR were retrospectively obtained (follow-up interval 52 ± 91 days). From before to after TEVAR, the true lumen helical angle (-70.0 ± 71.1 to -64.9 ± 75.4°; P = .782), average helical twist (-4.1 ± 4.0 to -3.7 ± 3.8°/cm; P = .674), and peak helical twist (-13.2 ± 15.2 to -15.4 ± 14.2°/cm; P = .629) did not change. However, the true lumen helical radius (1.4 ± 0.5 to 1.0 ± 0.6 cm; P < .05) and eccentricity (0.9 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.1; P < .05) decreased, and the cross-sectional area (3.0 ± 1.1 to 5.0 ± 2.0 cm 2 ; P < .05) and circumference (7.1 ± 1.0 to 8.0 ± 1.4 cm; P < .05) increased significantly from before to after TEVAR. The distinct bimodal distribution of chiral and achiral native dissections disappeared after TEVAR, and subgroup analyses showed that the true lumen circumference of acute dissections increased with TEVAR, although it did not for chronic dissections., Conclusions: The unchanged helical angle and average and peak helical twists as a result of TEVAR suggest that the angular positions of the true lumen are constrained and that the endografts were helically conformable in the angular direction. The decrease of helical radius indicated a straightening of the corkscrew shape of the true lumen, and in combination with more circular and expanded lumen cross-sections, TEVAR produced luminal morphology that theoretically allows for lower flow resistance through the endografted portion. The impact of TEVAR on dissection flow lumen morphology and the interaction between endografts and aortic tissue can provide insight for improving device design, implantation technique, and long-term clinical outcomes., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Iliac branch devices (IBDs) are modular, bifurcated endografts designed to preserve hypogastric flow during endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair. We report our single center outcomes, and describe the unique complications of these devices: inability to cannulate the hypogastric artery (technical failure), occlusion of the internal branch, and type III endoleak from separation of components between the main body and IBD., Methods: A prospectively maintained institutional database of patients undergoing IBD implantation between 2014 and 2019 was reviewed. Technical and clinical outcomes were evaluated. We then identified patients having one of the IBD-specific complications and patient, anatomic, and procedural data were analyzed to identify factors associated with these failures., Results: Sixty-four IBDs were placed in 59 patients during the study period. Mean age was 71.2 ± 8.6, and 92% were male. A 74.6% of patients had a current or prior abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 9.4% had a hypogastric aneurysm. Technical success was achieved in 60/64 cases (93.8%); prior endovascular aortic repair was associated with technical failure (P = 0.04). There were 5 instances of component separation between the main body and the IBD: 3 occurred intraoperatively and were repaired with additional bridging components, and 2 occurred on late follow-up and required reintervention. Increased tortuosity index of both aortoiliac (1.7 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 02, P = 0.04) and iliac-specific (3.9 ± 2.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9, P = 0.03) segments were significantly associated with component separation, as was the use of larger internal iliac components (13.9 ± 2.4 vs. 11.1 ± 2.3 mm, P = 0.04). Internal branch occlusions occurred in 4 patients (6.7%). Two were successfully reopened with endovascular procedures, with two being asymptomatic. No specific factors were found to be predictive of branch occlusion., Conclusions: IBD-specific complications occur rarely. History of prior endovascular aortic repair is associated with technical failure, while increased aortic and iliac tortuosity are predictive of component separation and type III endoleak. Severe tortuosity should be carefully considered when planning for IBD., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: Endovascular abdominal aortic repair can involve the incorporation of renal arteries. Revascularization after intentional or unintentional renal artery (RA) coverage is not always technically successful, and the loss of a single RA may result in the need for postoperative dialysis. Thus, we compared the outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) stratified by RA involvement (RAI)., Methods: Patient data from the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2009 to 2018 registry were analyzed. The exclusion criteria were preoperative dialysis, missing RAI data, and repair above the superior mesenteric artery. The repair type cohorts were defined as (1) no RAI (NRAI), (2) RAI with revascularization (RAI-R), and (3) RAI with no revascularization (RAI-NR). A sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding ruptured presentations. The primary outcome was the need for postoperative dialysis. The secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, dialysis at follow-up, postoperative renal function, and 2-year survival. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the independent predictors for postoperative dialysis. The 2-year survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier log-rank test., Results: Of 54,020 patients in the EVAR and TEVAR (thoracic EVAR)/complex EVAR modules in the Vascular Quality Initiative, 25,724 met the criteria for inclusion (NRAI, n = 24,879; RAI-R, n = 733; RAI-NR, n = 112). The demographics and comorbidities were similar among the three groups. The RAI-NR group had more frequently had ruptured or symptomatic aneurysms. The postoperative dialysis requirement was higher in the RAI-NR group (NRAI, 0.7%; RAI-R, 2.2%; RAI-NR, 17%; P < .0001), as were the 30-day mortality and dialysis requirement at follow-up. On multivariate analysis, RAI-R (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; P = .03) and RAI-NR (OR, 5.9; P < .0001) were independent predictors of postoperative dialysis and remained so after excluding ruptured presentations (RAI-R: OR, 3; P = .003; RAI-NR: OR, 22.3; P < .0001). Other independent predictors of the need for postoperative dialysis were worse preoperative renal function, a symptomatic presentation, any preoperative or intraoperative blood transfusion, and larger blood loss (≥200 mL). Excluding those with rupture, the overall survival at 2 years on Kaplan-Meier analysis was lower for the RAI-NR group (NRAI, 92%; RAI-R, 89%; RAI-NR, 80%; P = .004)., Conclusions: RAI is highly predictive of the need for postoperative and permanent dialysis after EVAR. RAI-NR was associated with lower overall survival. These risks should be considered when planning and performing EVAR and should be weighed against the risks of open repair when considering the treatment options., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an effective treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). However, the risks and benefits of administering intraoperative heparin in trauma patients are not well-defined, especially with regard to bleeding complications., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative registry was queried from 2013 to 2019 to identify patients who had undergone TEVAR for BTAI with or without the administration of intraoperative heparin. Univariate analyses were performed with the Student t test, Fisher exact test, or χ 2 test, as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was then performed to assess the association of heparin with inpatient mortality., Results: A total of 655 patients were included, of whom most had presented with grade III (53.3%) or IV (20%) BTAI. Patients receiving heparin were less likely to have an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥15 (70.2% vs 90.5%; P < .0001) or major head or neck injury (39.6% vs 62.9%; P < .0001). Patients receiving heparin also had a lower incidence of inpatient death (5.1% vs 12.9%; P < .01). Across all injury grades, heparin use was not associated with the need for intraoperative transfusion or postoperative transfusion or the development of hematoma. In patients with grade III BTAI, the nonuse of heparin was associated with an increased risk of lower extremity embolization events (7.4% vs 1.8%; P < .05). On multivariable logistic regression analysis for inpatient mortality, intraoperative heparin use (odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.86; P < .05) and female gender (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.11-0.86; P < .05) were associated with better survival, even after controlling for head and neck trauma and injury grade. In contrast, increased age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.1; P < .001), postoperative transfusion (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P < .01), higher ISS (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; P < .05), postoperative dysrhythmia (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.10-18.18; P < .05), and postoperative stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 5.54; 95% CI, 1.11-27.67; P < .05) were associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality., Conclusions: Intraoperative heparin use was associated with reduced inpatient mortality for patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI, including those with major head or neck trauma and high ISSs. Heparin use did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications across all injury grades. Also, in patients with grade III BTAI, heparin use was associated with a reduced risk of lower extremity embolic events. Heparin appears to be safe during TEVAR for BTAI and should be administered when no specific contraindication exists., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: The early and short-term efficacy of the snorkel/chimney technique for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (ch-EVAR) have been previously reported. However, long-term ch-EVAR performance, vessel patency, and patient survival remain unknown. Our study evaluated the late outcomes to identify possible predictors of failure within the PERICLES (performance of the chimney technique for the treatment of complex aortic pathologies) registry., Methods: Clinical and radiographic data from patients who had undergone ch-EVAR from 2008 to 2014 in the PERICLES registry were updated with an extension of the follow-up. Regression models were used to evaluate the relevant anatomic and operative characteristics as factors influencing the late results. We focused on patients with ≥30 months of follow-up (mean, 46.6 months; range, 30-120 months)., Results: A total of 517 patients from the initial PERICLES registry were included in the present analysis, from which the mean follow-up was updated from 17.1 months to 28.2 months (range, 1-120 months). All-cause mortality at the latest follow-up was 25.5% (n = 132), with an estimated patient survival of 87.6%, 74.4%, and 66.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. A subgroup of 244 patients with 387 chimney grafts placed (335 renal arteries, 42 superior mesenteric arteries, 10 celiac arteries) and follow-up for ≥30 months was used to analyze specific anatomic and device predictors of adverse events. In the subgroup, the technical success was 88.9%, and the primary patency was 94%, 92.8%, 92%, and 90.5% at 2.5, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. The mean aneurysm sac regression was 7.8 ± 11.4 mm (P < .0001). Chimney graft occlusion had occurred in 24 target vessels (6.2%). Late open conversion was required in 5 patients for endograft infection in 2, persistent type Ia endoleak in 2, and endotension in 1 patient. The absence of an infrarenal neck (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-6.19; P = .007) was significantly associated with long-term device-related complications. A sealing zone diameter >30 mm was significantly associated with persistent or late type Ia endoleak (odds ratio, 4.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.42-16.59; P = .012)., Conclusions: The present analysis of the PERICLES registry has provided the missing long-term experience for the ch-EVAR technique, showing favorable results with more than one half of the patients surviving for >5 years and a chimney graft branch vessel patency of 92%. The absence of an infrarenal neck and treatment with a sealing zone diameter >30 mm were the main anatomic long-term limits of the technique, requiring adequate preoperative planning and determination of the appropriate indication., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To report renal outcomes including long-term patency, secondary interventions, and related renal function after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (fEVAR)., Methods: Single-center retrospective review of patients undergoing fEVAR between 2012 and 2018 using the Cook ZFEN device. Renal stent complications, defined as any stenosis, occlusion, kink, renal stent-related endoleak, and reinterventions were tabulated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula., Results: During the study period, 114 patients underwent elective fEVAR. Of 329 total target vessels, 193 renal arteries were stented (133 Atrium iCAST, 60 Gore VBX). Technical success was achieved in 97.4%, and the mean follow-up was 23.3 months. Seventeen renal complications occurred in 14 patients (12.3%), including 4 occlusions, 9 stenosis, 3 dislocations, and 1 type III endoleak. All stent complications underwent endovascular reintervention with a median hospital stay of 1 day (0-10) and a technical success of 94.2%. One patient suffered renal hemorrhage that warranted embolization. Patients with occlusion were treated the day of diagnosis, and mean time from diagnosis to intervention for stenosis was 21.5 days. Estimated primary patency was 92.1 % and 81.5% at 24 and 48 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, larger native renal artery diameter was the only independent protective factor against patency loss (HR 0.23 (0.09-0.59)). Secondary patency at latest follow-up was 99.4%. Mean eGFR was not significantly different at latest follow-up between patients with renal complications versus those without (43.75 vs. 55.58 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , P = 0.09). Comparing patients with and without renal stent complications, 81.4% and 72.7% of patients had stable or improved renal disease by chronic kidney disease staging compared with baseline (P = 0.51)., Conclusions: fEVAR is a durable option for the treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms and is associated with excellent secondary patency. Renal stent complications have no significant impact on renal function, but smaller native renal arteries are at higher risk of stent-graft complications., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has become the current standard of care for emergent treatment of traumatic blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI). Although aortic dilation (AD) of the infrarenal neck after EVAR for aortic aneurysms has been studied, changes in aortic diameter after TEVAR for BTAI is not well understood. This study aims to characterize changes in thoracic aortic diameter after stent-graft placement in the setting of nonaneurysmal traumatic aortic injury., Methods: A single-center, retrospective review was performed involving patients presenting with BTAI treated with TEVAR. Only patients with at least 12 months follow-up were included. Aortic diameter, defined as the outer-to-outer diameter on 3D center-line imaging, was measured at six locations along the proximal and mid thoracic aorta. The first postoperative CT (≤1 month) served as a baseline from which interval measurements were compared., Results: Twenty patients with BTAI treated from 2011 to 2017 had adequate imaging available for review and were included in this study cohort. Median follow-up time was 46.8 (12-80, range) months. At the latest follow-up, AD occurred at all measured locations within the endograft, starting from the proximal graft edge (0.62 ± 0.69 mm, P = 0.027) to the distal graft edge (1.21 ± 1.28 mm, P = 0.003). AD was most pronounced in the distal graft segment 2 cm proximal to the distal graft edge, with a mean AD of 1.32 ± 1.59 mm (+5.3%, P < 0.001). At this location, AD was found to increase in a linear manner with an estimated rate of 0.67 ± 0.20 mm/year (P = 0.006). The native aorta proximal and distal to the endograft was not found to significantly dilate during follow-up (P = 0.280-0.897). Seventy percent of the patients were found to have AD >5%. The amount of AD was not found to be associated with either graft oversizing (P = 0.151) or age (P = 0.340). There were no cases of graft migration, erosion, or endoleak., Conclusions: AD is a common benign finding after TEVAR for BTAI. AD is most pronounced at the near the distal end of the stent graft. In late-term follow-up, there are no known associated complications related to AD., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was proved to be effective in thoracic descending aortic aneurysm (TDAA) repair in 1994 and approved by the FDA in 2005. Since then, TEVAR has become the first-line, recommended treatment for intact or ruptured DTAA or as a bridge to definitive open surgical repair in connective tissue disease. TEVAR has decreased perioperative morbidity and mortality compared to open surgery due to the lack of thoracotomy, aortic cross-clamping and left heart bypass. Improvement in materials, manufacturing and device delivery systems have allowed for the expansion of indications. Thoughtful and accurate pre-procedure planning is the hallmark of successful TEVAR. Familiarization and adherence to the instructions for use for an aortic device will give the best possible chance of success.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the MANTA percutaneous vascular closure device in patients undergoing percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Materials and Methods: The SAFE MANTA Study ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02908880) was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial in patients undergoing endovascular interventions using large-bore sheaths (transcatheter aortic valve replacement, PEVAR, or TEVAR) at 20 sites in North America. Patient selection intended to test the MANTA device in populations without morbid obesity, severe calcification, or a severely scarred femoral access area. Of the 263 patients enrolled in the primary analysis cohort, 53 (20.2%) patients (mean age 74.9±8.9 years; 41 men) underwent PEVAR (n=51) or TEVAR (n=2) procedures and form the cohort for this subgroup analysis. Per protocol a single MANTA device was deployed in all PEVAR/TEVAR cases. Results: The mean time to hemostasis in the PEVAR/TEVAR cohort was 35±91 seconds, with a median time of 19 seconds vs 24 seconds in the overall SAFE MANTA population. The MANTA device met the definition for technical success in 52 (98%) of 53 PEVAR/TEVAR cases compared with 97.7% in the overall SAFE MANTA population. One (1.9%) major complication (access-site stenosis) occurred in this subgroup compared to 14 (5.3%) events in the SAFE population. In the PEVAR/TEVAR group, 1 pseudoaneurysm was noted prior to discharge, another at 30-day follow-up, and one at 60 days. One (1.9%) of the 3 minor pseudoaneurysms was treated with ultrasound-guided compression and the other 2 required no treatment. Conclusion: The MANTA device demonstrated a short time to hemostasis and low complication rates compared with published literature results of other percutaneous closure devices. Time to hemostasis and complication rates were comparable between the PEVAR/TEVAR patients and the full SAFE MANTA study cohort. The MANTA device provides reliable closure with a single percutaneous device for PEVAR/TEVAR procedures.

Introduction: Coverage of one or both renal arteries may be required to facilitate endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients who are not candidates for open surgery in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). We sought to understand the consequences of renal coverage during these emergent procedures., Methods: Using the VQI data set from 2013 to 2018, we selected patients who had undergone EVAR for rAAA. Patients were distinguished by whether they had none, unilateral, or bilateral renal artery coverage. Patients were excluded if they were previously on dialysis or had an intervention to preserve renal perfusion. Primary endpoints included inhospital mortality, composite permanent dialysis/30-day death, and 1-year survival., Results: Overall, there were 2,278 patients presenting with ruptured aneurysms. Most patients had no renal artery coverage (n = 2,230; 98%), followed by single renal artery coverage (n = 30; 1.2%), and finally bilateral renal artery coverage (n = 18, 0.8%). On multivariate regression, bilateral renal coverage was associated with increased odds of inhospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 5.7, ±4; P = 0.030), permanent dialysis/30-day death (OR = 9.5, ±7; P = 0.016), and permanent dialysis (OR = 47.5, ±47; P < 0.001). Two patients with bilateral renal coverage did not suffer permanent dialysis/death. Single renal artery coverage significantly increased the odds of permanent dialysis/30-day death (OR = 2.8, ±1.6; P = 0.044) driven mainly by its effect on the outcome of permanent dialysis (OR = 12.3, ±6; P < 0.001). Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier one-year survival estimates were significantly lower with bilateral renal coverage (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.4, P = 0.0002). Bilateral coverage remained a significant predictor on adjusted analysis (HR = 3.5, P = 0.002); however, single renal coverage did not significantly affect survival in unadjusted or adjusted models., Conclusions: Bilateral renal coverage in rAAA significantly increases inhospital mortality and lowers long-term survival. While single renal artery coverage increases the risk of permanent dialysis/30-day death driven mainly by its effect on permanent dialysis, it does not significantly affect inhospital mortality or one-year survival and may be a viable option for select patients with rAAAs., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Heli-FX EndoAnchor (EA) system is a transmural aortic fixation device with Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment of endoleaks, endograft migration, or high-risk seal zones. Published data are primarily from industry-sponsored registries highlighting safety and efficacy. Our objective is to evaluate real-world outcomes of EA usage after FDA approval across a variety of stent grafts and indications at a single institution., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained aneurysm database for patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) with Heli-FX EAs. Technical success was defined as successful EA deployment, while procedural success was defined as absence of endoleak on completion aortogram. Cohorts were divided by indication and outcomes assessed via review of clinical and radiographic data., Results: From 2016 to 2018, 37 patients underwent EA fixation. We divided the cohort by indication: Group A (prior EVAR with endoleak), B (intraoperative type 1A endoleak), C (high-risk seal zone), and D (thoracic EVAR). In Group A (n = 11), all endoleaks were type 1A and a mean of 10 EAs were deployed with 100% technical and 45.4% procedural success. Two perioperative reinterventions were performed (translumbar coil embolization and proximal graft extension with bilateral renal artery stents). At a mean 10.6 months of follow-up, 45.4% of patients had persistent endoleaks, with 100% aortic-related survival. In Group B (n = 10), a mean of 8.7 EAs were used with 100% technical and procedural success. One immediate adverse event occurred (right iliac dissection from wire manipulation, treated with a covered stent). At 13.6-month mean follow-up, there was significant sac regression (mean 9.75 mm) with no type 1A endoleaks. In Group C (n = 10), a mean of 9.5 EAs were deployed with 100% technical and procedural success. At 11.2-month mean follow-up, there were no residual endoleaks and significant sac regression (mean 3.4 mm). Overall survival was 100%. In Group D (n = 6), a mean of 8.3 EAs were used with 83.3% technical and 66.6% procedural success. One immediate adverse event occurred, in which an EA embolized to the left renal artery. At 9.4-month mean follow-up, overall survival was 83.3% with a mean 2.2-mm increase in sac diameter., Conclusions: Early experience suggests that EAs effectively treat intraoperative type 1A endoleaks and high-risk seal zones, with significant sac regression and no proximal endoleaks on follow-up. In patients treated for prior EVAR with postoperative type 1A endoleaks, fewer than half resolved after EA attempted repair. Further experience and longer term follow-up will be necessary to determine which patients most benefit from postoperative EA fixation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Octopus endovascular strategy involves placement of multiple, stacked bifurcated grafts in the thoracic segment of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) to facilitate deployment of multiple parallel covered stents for visceral perfusion. This study aimed to review early outcomes of the Octopus TAAA repair strategy at a tertiary, high-volume referral center., Methods: All patients who underwent this Octopus procedure from 2015 to 2018 were reviewed from a prospectively collected single-institution registry. Demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm anatomy including side and extent, perioperative data including blood loss, length of procedure length of stay, morbidity, and mortality up to 3 years after the procedure were elevated., Results: A total of 21 patients (48% female, age 72.9 years) underwent the Octopus procedure over the study period. Mean TAAA diameter was 6.7 cm, with 14% dissection related and 86% degenerative TAAA. All patients had been turned down for open repair and 3 (14%) were performed urgently of which 2 were ruptures. TAAA extent was 9% type 2, 62% type 3, and 29% type 4. A mean of 3.04 branches were revascularized per patient, with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (90%) perfused through its own limb, and both renals usually reconstructed in parallel graft fashion (left 90%, right 85.7%) with the distal abdominal extension through one of the limbs. Mean operative time was 8 hr, fluoroscopy time 164 min, contrast 182 mL, and blood loss 807 mL. We staged the thoracic and juxtavisceral portions of the cases in 24% of patients. 90% of cases were able to be completed with exclusion of the TAAA and all planned visceral branches cannulated. Perioperative complications included paraplegia (19%) (13.3% permanent, 26.6% temporary), acute kidney injury (24%), prolonged ventilation (19%), myocardial infarction (4.9%), and ischemic bowel (4.8%). Median follow-up was 13.5 months (range 1-26 months). At latest follow-up, type I endoleak rate was 9.5%, with all being treated with proximal cuffs. Other second interventions included restenting of a right renal, angioplasty of an iliac limb kink, and type 2 endoleak coiling. Primary patency of visceral branches was 93.8% at latest follow-up (celiac 100%, SMA 94.7%, right renal 88.9%, left renal 94.8%). In-hospital all-cause mortality rate was 14.2%, with 30-day survival being 90.5%, 6-month survival was 88.3%, one-year survival 71.4%, and 3-year survival was 52.1%., Conclusions: The Octopus procedure is a high-risk option for urgent or emergent endovascular TAAA repair with off-the-shelf devices in patients who are not candidates for open repair., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The use of duplex ultrasound (DUS) examinations for surveillance after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is not well-studied. Our objective was to further characterize normal and abnormal duplex findings in renal branch grafts after FEVAR., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a single-center experience involving consecutive patients treated with Cook ZFEN devices between 2012 and 2017. Postoperative imaging consisted of a computed tomography (CT) scan at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter. As experienced progressed, DUS examination with or without concurrent CT scans were obtained in a nonstandardized protocol, particularly for patients with decreased renal function. Renal patency loss was defined as occlusion or stenosis of greater than 50% evaluated on 3-day renal artery center-line imaging., Results: A total of 116 patients were treated with FEVAR, of which 60 (51.7%) had concurrent CT and renal DUS images available for review. Six patients (10%) had limited ultrasound studies owing to bowel gas and were excluded. The study cohort therefore included 54 patients receiving of 94 renal fenestrated stents with a mean follow-up of 23 months. Twelve cases of renal patency loss in 10 patients (9 stenoses, 3 occlusions) were found on CT scanning, 11 (91.6%) of which had concurrent abnormalities found on ultrasound examination. Stents with compression at the junction of the main body exhibited significantly elevated mean Peak systolic velocities (PSV) compared with nonstenosed stents (349.2 cm/s vs 115.3 cm/s; P = .003). Stenosis in the most proximal portion of the stent (ie, within the main body) showed no difference in proximal PSV (86.0 cm/s vs 131.9 cm/s; P = .257); however, dampened PSV showed significant differences in the mid (17.5 cm/s vs 109.9 cm/s; P = .027) and distal (19.0 cm/s vs 78.3 cm/s; P = .028) segments compared with nonstenosed stents. All occluded stents demonstrated no flow detection. Proximal PSV served as a strong classifier for junctional stenosis (area under the curve, 0.98). A combined criterion of proximal PSV of greater than 215 cm/s or distal PSV of less than 25 cm/s resulted in a sensitivity of 91.6% and specificity of 85.3% for detecting patency loss. All stents that were compromised underwent successful secondary reintervention and restoration of patency., Conclusions: DUS imaging is a clinically useful modality for surveillance of renal branch grafts after FEVAR. Patterns of segmental velocity elevation (proximal PSV, >215 cm/s) and dampening in the distal renal indicate potential hemodynamic compromise and should prompt more aggressive workup or imaging and likely be considered for secondary intervention., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has become a preferred treatment strategy for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Yet, it is not well understood if the performance of endografts is affected by physiologic strain due to cyclic aortic motion during cardiac pulsation and respiration. We aim to quantify cardiac- and respiratory-induced changes of the postthoracic endovascular aortic repair thoracic aorta and endograft geometries., Methods: Fifteen thoracic endovascular aortic repair patients (66 ± 10 years) underwent cardiac-resolved computed tomography angiographies during inspiratory/expiratory breath holds. The computed tomography angiography images were utilized to build models of the aorta, and lumen centerlines and cross-sections were extracted. Arclength and curvature were computed from the lumen centerline. Effective diameter was computed from cross-sections of the thoracic aorta. Deformation was computed from the mid-diastole to end-systole (cardiac deformation) and expiration to inspiration (respiratory deformation)., Results: Cardiac pulsation induced significant changes in arclength, mean curvature, maximum curvature change, and effective diameter of the ascending aorta, as well as effective diameter of the stented aortic segment. Respiration, however, induced significant change in mean curvature and effective diameter of the ascending aorta only. Cardiac-induced arclength change of the ascending aorta was significantly greater than respiratory-induced arclength change., Conclusions: Deformations are present across the thoracic aorta due to cardiopulmonary influences after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The geometric deformations are greatest in the ascending aorta and decline at the stented thoracic aorta. Additional investigation is warranted to correlate aortic deformation to endograft performance.

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the standard of care for infrarenal aneurysms. Endografts are commercially available in proximal diameters up to 36 mm, allowing proximal seal in necks up to 32 mm. We sought to further investigate clinical outcomes after standard EVAR in patients requiring large main body devices., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database for all patients undergoing elective EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms at a single institution from 2000 to 2016. Only endografts with the option of a 34- to 36-mm proximal diameter were included. Requisite patient demographics, anatomic and device-related variables, and relevant clinical outcomes and imaging were reviewed. The primary outcome in this study was proximal fixation failure, which was a composite of type IA endoleak and stent graft migration >10 mm after EVAR. Outcomes were stratified by device diameter for the large-diameter device cohort (34-36 mm) and the normal-diameter device cohort (<34 mm)., Results: There were 500 patients treated with EVAR who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 108 (21.6%) patients received large-diameter devices. There was no difference between the large-diameter cohort and the normal-diameter cohort in terms of 30-day (0.9% vs 0.95%; P = .960) or 1-year mortality (9.0% vs 6.2%; P = .920). Proximal fixation failure occurred in 24 of 392 (6.1%) patients in the normal-diameter cohort and 26 of 108 (24%) patients in the large-diameter cohort (P < .001). There were 13 (3.3%) type IA endoleaks in the normal-diameter cohort and 16 (14.8%) in the large-diameter cohort (P < .001). Stent graft migration (>10 mm) occurred in 15 (3.8%) in the normal-diameter cohort and 16 (14.8%) in the large-diameter cohort (P < .001). After multivariate analysis, only the use of Talent (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) endografts (odds ratio [OR], 4.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-17.21) and neck diameter ≥29 mm (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.12-5.08) remained significant independent risk factors for development of proximal fixation failure (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.75-9.11)., Conclusions: Standard EVAR in patients with large infrarenal necks ≥29 mm requiring a 34- to 36-mm-diameter endograft is independently associated with an increased rate of proximal fixation failure. This group of patients should be considered for more proximal seal strategies with fenestrated or branched devices vs open repair. Also, this group likely needs more stringent radiographic follow-up., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: As our collective experience with complex endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has grown, an increasing number of older patients are being offered endovascular repair of juxtarenal aneurysms. Outcomes after complex EVAR in this older subpopulation are not well-described. We sought to specifically evaluate clinical outcomes after complex EVAR compared with infrarenal EVAR in a cohort of octogenarians., Methods: A single-center retrospective review was conducted using a database of consecutive patients treated with elective EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) between 2009 and 2015. Only patients 80 years of age or older were included. Patients in the complex EVAR group were treated with either snorkel/chimney or fenestrated techniques, whereas infrarenal EVAR consisted of aneurysm repair without renal or visceral involvement. Relevant demographic, anatomic, and device variables, and clinical outcomes were collected., Results: There were 103 patients (68 infrarenal, 35 complex) treated within the study period with a mean follow-up of 21 months. A total of 75 branch grafts were placed (59 renal, 11 celiac, 5 superior mesenteric artery) in the complex group, with a target vessel patency of 98.2% at latest follow-up. Patients undergoing complex EVAR were more likely to be male (82.8% vs 60.2%; P = .02) and have a higher prevalence of renal insufficiency (71.4% vs 44.2%; P = .008). The 30-day mortality was significantly greater in patients treated with complex EVAR (8.6% vs 0%; P = .03). There were no differences in major adverse events (P = .795) or late reintervention (P = .232) between groups. Interestingly, sac growth of more than 10 mm was noted to be more frequent with infrarenal EVAR (17.6% vs 2.8%; P = .039). However, both type IA (5.7% infrarenal; 4.9% complex) and type II endoleaks (32.3% infrarenal; 25.7% complex) were found to be equally common in both groups. Complex EVAR was not associated with increased all-cause mortality at latest follow-up (P = .322). Multivariable Cox modeling demonstrated that AAAs greater than 75 mm in diameter (hazard ratio; 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 4.6-48.2) and renal insufficiency (hazard ratio, 3.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-11.6) were the only independent risk factors of late death., Conclusions: Complex EVAR is associated with greater perioperative mortality compared with infrarenal EVAR among octogenarians. However, late outcomes, including the need for reintervention and all-cause mortality, are not significantly different. Larger aneurysms and chronic kidney disease portends greater risk of late death after EVAR, regardless of AAA complexity. These patient-related factors should be considered when offering endovascular treatment to older patients., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Context: Over the past decade, a number of endovascular approaches have evolved to treat aortic aneurysms with anatomy that is not amenable to traditional endovascular repair, although the optimal practice and referral patterns remain in question. The Zenith fenestrated (Z-Fen) endograft (Cook Medical) represents the first commercially available fenestrated graft product in the United States., Objective: We aim to quantify practice patterns in Z-Fen use during the first 5 years of commercial availability, and we identify predictors of high and low uptake., Design, Setting, and Patients: This is a retrospective review of complete order records for Z-Fen endografts since June 2012. We performed univariate and multivariate regressions of predictors that surgeons and centers would be in the top and bottom quartiles of annual Z-Fen use., Results: Since June 15, 2012, 744 surgeons have been trained to use Z-Fen, and 4133 cases have been performed at 409 trained centers. The average annual number of cases per trained surgeon was 4.46 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.58-5.70]; however, many surgeons performed few or no cases following training, and there was a skew toward users with low average annual volumes (25th percentile 1.23, 50th percentile 2.35, 75th percentile 4.93, and 99th percentile 33.29). Predictors of high annual use in the years following training included academic center (aOR 5.87, P = .001) and training within the first 2 years of availability (aOR 46.23, P < .001)., Conclusion: While there is literature supporting the safety and efficacy of Z-Fen, adoption has been relatively slow in an era when the vast majority of vascular surgeons have advanced endovascular skills. Given the training and resources required to use fenestrated or branched aortic endovascular devices, referral patterns should be determined and training should be focused on centers with high expected volumes.

Objective: The ideal stent combination for chimney endovascular aneurysm repair remains undetermined. Therefore, we sought to identify optimal aortic and chimney stent combinations that are associated with the best outcomes by analyzing the worldwide collected experience in the PERformance of chImney technique for the treatment of Complex aortic pathoLogiES (PERICLES) registry., Methods: The PERICLES registry was reviewed for patients with pararenal aortic disease electively treated from 2008 to 2014. Eleven different aortic devices were identified with three distinct subgroups: group A (n = 224), nitinol/polyester; group B (n = 105), stainless steel/polyester; and group C (n = 69), nitinol/expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The various chimney stent subtypes included the balloon-expandable covered stent (BECS), self-expanding covered stent, and bare-metal stent. Deidentified aortic and chimney device combinations were compared for risk of chimney occlusion, type IA endoleak, and survival. Effects of high-volume centers (>100 cases), use of an internal lining chimney stent, number of chimney stents, and number of chimney stent subtypes deployed were also considered. We considered demographics, comorbidities, and aortic anatomic features as potential confounders in all models., Results: The 1- and 3-year freedom from BECS chimney occlusion was not different between groups (group A, 96% ± 2% and 87% ± 5%; groups B and C, 93% ± 3% and 76% ± 10%; Cox model, P = .33). Similarly, when non-BECS chimney stents were used, no difference in occlusion risk was noted for the three aortic device groupings; however, group C patients receiving BECS did have a trend toward higher occlusion risk relative to group C patients not receiving a BECS chimney stent (hazard ratio [HR], 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-18.84; P = .08). Patients receiving multiple chimney stents, irrespective of stent subtype, had a 1.8-fold increased risk of occlusion for each additional stent (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9; P = .01). Use of a bare-metal endolining stent doubled the occlusion hazard (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0-4.5; P = .05). Risk of type IA endoleak (intraoperatively and postoperatively) did not significantly differ for the aortic devices with BECS use; however, group C patients had higher risk relative to groups A/B without BECS (C vs B: odds ratio [OR], 3.2 [95% CI, 1-11; P = .05]; C vs A/B: OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 0.9-6.4; P = .08]). Patients treated at high-volume centers had significantly lower odds for development of type IA endoleak (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7; P = .01) irrespective of aortic or chimney device combination. Mortality risk was significantly higher in group C + BECS vs group A + BECS (HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.6-17.5; P = .006). The 1- and 3-year survival for groups A, B, and C (+BECS) was as follows: group A, 97% ± 1% and 92% ± 3%; group B, 93% ± 3% and 83% ± 7%; and group C, 84% ± 7% and 63% ± 14%. Use of more than one chimney subtype was associated with increased mortality (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4-7.5; P = .006)., Conclusions: Within the PERICLES registry, use of nitinol/polyester stent graft devices with BECS during chimney endovascular aneurysm repair is associated with improved survival compared with other aortic endografts. However, this advantage was not observed for non-BECS repairs. Repairs incorporating multiple chimney subtypes were also associated with increased mortality risk. Importantly, increasing chimney stent number and bare-metal endolining stents increase chimney occlusion risk, whereas patients treated at low-volume centers have higher risk of type IA endoleak., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the chimney technique (ch-EVAR) has been used for the treatment of aortic aneurysms as an alternative approach to fenestrated endografting or open repair. Nonetheless, the need for an upper extremity arterial access may contribute to a higher risk for periprocedural cerebrovascular events. This study reports on the perioperative cerebral and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after ch-EVAR., Methods: The PERICLES registry (PERformance of the chImney technique for the treatment of Complex aortic pathoLogiES) is an international, retrospective multicenter study evaluating the performance of ch-EVAR for the treatment of complex aortic pathologies. For the purpose of the current analysis, 425 patients treated by ch-EVAR between 2008 and 2014 were included. The primary outcome of this analysis was the incidence of procedure related cerebrovascular events defined as transient ischemic attack or stroke. The secondary end point was in-hospital MACCE, including acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and death of any cause., Results: The incidence of clinical relevant cerebrovascular events was 1.9% (8/425). A postoperative transient ischemic attack was observed in four patients (0.95%) and a stroke in additional four (0.95%). Three patients died during the hospital stay secondary to sequelae from postoperative stroke. A prior history of stroke/transient ischemic attack, atrial fibrillation, previous carotid revascularization, or known carotid artery disease did not significantly increase the risk for adverse neurologic events. The overall MACCE rate amounted to 8.5% (36/425). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of bilateral upper extremity access (odds ratio [OR], 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-7.45]), aneurysm rupture (OR, 5.33; 95% CI, 1.74-16.33), and a prolonged operation time (>290 minutes; OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001-1.008) were associated with a significantly increased risk for MACCE., Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that ch-EVAR is associated with a relatively low rate of cerebrovascular events. However, a postoperative stroke is associated with increased mortality. Ruptured aneurysms, bilateral upper extremity access as in case of multiple chimney graft placement, and longer operative times were identified as independent risk factors for MACCE., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To utilize 3-D modeling techniques to better characterize geometric deformations of the supra-aortic arch branch vessels and descending thoracic aorta after thoracic endovascular aortic repair., Methods: Eighteen patients underwent endovascular repair of either type B aortic dissection (n = 10) or thoracic aortic aneurysm (n = 8). Computed tomography angiography was obtained pre- and postprocedure, and 3-D geometric models of the aorta and supra-aortic branch vessels were constructed. Branch angle of the supra-aortic branch vessels and curvature metrics of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and stented thoracic aortic lumen were calculated both at pre- and postintervention., Results: The left common carotid artery branch angle was lower than the left subclavian artery angles preintervention ( P < .005) and lower than both the left subclavian and brachiocephalic branch angles postintervention ( P < .05). From pre- to postoperative, no significant change in branch angle was found in any of the great vessels. Maximum curvature change of the stented lumen from pre- to postprocedure was greater than those of the ascending aorta and aortic arch ( P < .05)., Conclusion: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair results in relative straightening of the stented aortic region and also accentuates the native curvature of the ascending aorta when the endograft has a more proximal landing zone. Supra-aortic branch vessel angulation remains relatively static when proximal landing zones are distal to the left common carotid artery.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the polar orientation of renal chimney grafts within the proximal seal zone and to determine whether graft orientation is associated with early type IA endoleak or renal graft compression after chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (ch-EVAR)., Methods: Patients who underwent ch-EVAR with at least one renal chimney graft from 2009 to 2015 were included in this analysis. Centerline three-dimensional reconstructions were used to analyze postoperative computed tomography scans. The 12-o'clock polar position was set at the takeoff of the superior mesenteric artery. Relative polar positions of chimney grafts were recorded at the level of the renal artery ostium, at the mid-seal zone, and at the proximal edge of the graft fabric. Early type IA endoleaks were defined as evidence of a perigraft flow channel within the proximal seal zone., Results: There were 62 consecutive patients who underwent ch-EVAR (35 double renal, 27 single renal) for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with a mean follow-up of 31.2 months; 18 (29%) early type IA "gutter" endoleaks were identified. During follow-up, the majority of these (n = 13; 72%) resolved without intervention, whereas two patients required reintervention (3.3%). Estimated renal graft patency was 88.9% at 60 months. Left renal chimney grafts were most commonly at the 3-o'clock position (51.1%) at the ostium, traversing posteriorly to the 5- to 7-o'clock positions (55.5%) at the fabric edge. Right renal chimney grafts started most commonly at the 9-o'clock position (n = 17; 33.3%) and tended to traverse both anteriorly (11 to 1 o'clock; 39.2%) and posteriorly (5 to 7 o'clock; 29.4%) at the fabric edge. In the polar plane, the majority of renal chimney grafts (n = 83; 85.6%) traversed <90 degrees before reaching the proximal fabric edge. Grafts that traversed >90 degrees were independently associated with early type IA endoleaks (odds ratio, 11.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-64.8) even after controlling for other device and anatomic variables. Polar orientation of the chimney grafts was not associated with graft kinking or compression (P = .38) or occlusion (P = .10). Takeoff angle of the renal arteries was the most significant predictor of chimney graft orientation. Caudally directed arteries (takeoff angle >30 degrees) were less likely to have implanted chimney grafts that traversed >90 degrees in polar angle (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.55)., Conclusions: Renal chimney grafts vary considerably in both starting position and their polar trajectory within the proximal seal zone. Grafts that traverse >90 degrees in polar angle within the seal zone may be at increased risk of early type IA endoleaks and require more frequent imaging surveillance. Caudally directed renal arteries result in a more favorable polar geometry (eg, cranial-caudal orientation) with respect to endoleak risk and thus are more ideal candidates for parallel graft strategies., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has dramatically expanded treatment options for patients with thoracic aortic pathology. The interaction between endografts and the dynamic anatomy of the thoracic aorta is not well characterized for repetitive physiologic stressors and subsequent issues related to long-term durability. Through three-dimensional (3D) modeling we sought to quantify cardiac-induced aortic deformation before and after TEVAR to assess the impact of endografts on dynamic aortic anatomy., Methods: Eight patients with acute (n = 4) or chronic (n = 3) type B dissections, or chronic arch aneurysm (n = 1), underwent TEVAR with a single (n = 5) or multiple (n = 3) Gore C-TAG(s). Cardiac-resolved thoracic CT images were acquired pre- and post-TEVAR. 3D models of thoracic aorta and branch vessels were constructed in systole and diastole. Axial length, mean, and peak curvature of the ascending aorta, arch, and stented lumens were computed from the aortic lumen centerline, delineated with branch vessel landmarks. Cardiac-induced deformation was computed from mid-diastole to end-systole., Results: Pre-TEVAR, there were no significant cardiac-induced changes for aortic axial length or mean curvature. Post-TEVAR, the ascending aorta increased in axial length (2.7 ± 3.1%, P < 0.05) and decreased in mean curvature (0.38 ± 0.05 → 0.36 ± 0.05 cm -1 , P < 0.05) from diastole to systole. From pre- to post-TEVAR, axial length change increased in the ascending aorta (P < 0.02), mean curvature decreased in the arch and stented aorta (P < 0.03), and peak curvature decreased in the stented aorta (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: TEVAR for a range of indications not only causes direct geometric changes to the stented aorta but also results in dynamic changes to the ascending and stented aorta. In our cohort, endograft placement straightens the stented aorta and mutes cardiac-induced bending due to longitudinal stiffness. This is compensated by greater length and curvature changes from diastole to systole in the ascending aorta, relative to pre-TEVAR., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We describe a rare case of acute type B dissection (ATBDs) causing collapse of a previously placed infrarenal stent graft, resulting in acute limb ischemia due to left iliac limb thrombosis in a 59-year-old male. The patient presented with acute back and abdominal discomfort radiating to his back, bilateral buttock stabbing discomfort and left > right thigh and calf rest pain. CT angiography showed a spiral type B dissection with collapse of the proximal portion of the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm (EVAR) device and left limb occlusion. Urgent treatment with thoracic endovascular aortic repair distal to the left subclavian covered the entry tear and redirected the majority of the flow to the true lumen leading to near immediate expansion of the proximal portion of the EVAR device. After surgical femoral control, balloon embolectomy of the occluded iliac limb was performed and the limb relined. His lower extremity ischemic symptoms resolved, and his abdominal and back pain dissipated. At latest 6-month follow-up, CT angiography shows an intact thoracic endovascular aortic repair stent graft and a widely patent EVAR stent graft, and the patient has no further abdominal, back, or leg symptoms. ATBD causing proximal abdominal EVAR collapse is an extremely rare presentation of false lumen pressurization and can be treated similarly to complicated type B dissection with the goal of restoring true lumen patency., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We compared the management of patients with symptomatic, unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) treated at a tertiary care center between two decades. This 20-year period encapsulated a shift in surgical approach to aortic aneurysms from primarily open to primarily endovascular, and we sought to determine the effect of this shift in the evaluation, treatment, and clinical outcomes of patients with symptomatic AAA., Methods: We reviewed 1429 consecutive patients with unruptured AAAs treated at a tertiary care hospital by six staff surgeons between 1995 and 2004 (era 1) and between 2005 and 2014 (era 2). Of those patients, 160 (11%) were symptomatic from their aneurysm and were included in our study. Patient demographics, operative approach, and outcomes were analyzed and compared for each period., Results: Era 1 included 75 patients (71% men; average age, 73.1 ± 10.0 years) treated for symptomatic AAA (91.9% infrarenal, 4.0% juxtarenal, and 4.0% pararenal); of these, 68% were treated with open repair and 32.0% were treated with an endovascular repair. Perioperative mortality during this period was 5.3% (7.8% for the open cohort and 0% for the endovascular cohort). Era 2 included 85 patients (72.9% men; average age 72.0 ± 9.5 years) treated for symptomatic AAA (90.1% infrarenal, 7.5% juxtarenal, and 2.4% pararenal); of these, 29% were treated open and 71% underwent endovascular repair. Perioperative mortality was 5.9% (8.0% for the open cohort and 5.0% for the endovascular cohort). Era 2 had a significantly higher rate of endovascular repair compared with era 1 (71% vs 32%; P < .0001) and a trend toward decreased long-term mortality. The length of stay for era 2 was significantly reduced compared with era 1 (4 days vs 6 days; P = .005)., Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest single-institution cohort of symptomatic AAAs, which comprise 10% to 11% of overall aneurysms. As expected, we found a significant shift over time in the approach to these patients from a primarily open to a primarily endovascular technique. The modern era was also associated with decreased lengths of stay and fewer gastrointestinal and wound complications but no significant differences in overall perioperative mortality., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has a lower perceived risk than open surgical repair and has become an increasingly popular alternative. Whether general consensus exists regarding candidacy for either operation among open and endovascular specialists is unknown. A retrospective review of isolated descending thoracic aortic aneurysm at our institution between January 2005 and October 2015 was performed, excluding trauma and dissection. Two cardiac surgeons, 2 cardiovascular surgeons, 1 vascular surgeon, and 1 interventional radiologist gave their preference for open vs endovascular repair. Interobserver agreement was assessed with the kappa coefficient. k-means clustering agnostically grouped various patterns of agreement. The mean rating was predicted using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Negative binomial regression predicted the discrepancy between our panel of raters and the historical operation. Generalized estimating equation modeling was then used to evaluate the association between the extent of discrepancy and the adverse perioperative outcome. There were 77 patients with preoperative imaging studies. Pairwise interobserver agreement was only fair (median weighted kappa 0.270 [interquartile range 0.211-0.404]). Increasing age and proximal neck length predicted an increasing preference for thoracic endovascular aortic repair in our panel; larger proximal neck diameter predicted a general preference for open surgical repair. Increasing proximal neck diameter predicted a larger discrepancy between our panel and the historical operation. Greater discrepancy was associated with adverse outcome. Substantial disagreement existed among our panel, and an exploratory analysis of the effect of increasing discrepancy demonstrated an association with adverse perioperative outcome. An investigation of the effect of a thoracic aortic team with open and endovascular specialists is warranted., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)