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Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the results between percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas (p-AVFs) created with the Ellipsys device (Ellipsys Vascular Access System; Avenu Medical, San Juan Capistrano, Calif) and surgical arteriovenous fistulas (s-AVFs)., Methods: A single-center retrospective comparative study of the first 107 patients who had undergone p-AVF creation with the Ellipsys system from May 2017 to May 2018 with an equal number of consecutive patients who had undergone s-AVF creation in our center during the same period. The primary endpoints included the maturation and patency rates. The secondary endpoints were reintervention, risk of infection, and the incidence of steal syndrome and aneurysm formation., Results: The demographic, hypertension, and diabetes data were similar for both groups. The only difference between the two groups was that more p-AVF patients had already been receiving hemodialysis (61% vs 47%; P < .05). The p-AVFs showed superior maturation rates at 6 weeks (65% vs 50%; P = .01). The primary patency rates were greater for the s-AVFs at 12 months (86% vs 61%; P < .01). However, primary patency was comparable between the two groups at 24 months (52% vs 55%; P = .48). No significant difference was found in the secondary patency rates at 12 (90% vs 91%) and 24 (88% vs 91%) months. At the 2-year follow-up point, the rate of percutaneous reintervention was similar; however, the s-AVFs had required more frequent surgical revision (36% vs 17%; P = .01). Issues with wound healing and infection were also more frequent with s-AVFs (9% vs 0.9%; P < .01)., Conclusions: Fistulas created percutaneously with the Ellipsys system showed superior maturation rates and similar patency with s-AVFs created in an experienced high-volume vascular surgery practice. p-AVFs had a lower risk of wound healing issues, infection, and surgical revision. Larger, prospective, randomized multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We evaluate the creation of a percutaneous proximal radial artery-radial vein arteriovenous fistula with Ellipsys ® instead of the usual first-stage brachial artery fistula prior to a second-stage brachial vein elevation, in patients with inadequate cephalic and basilic veins., Methods: Single center study of eight patients (six males, mean = 54 years) who underwent a two-stage brachial vein elevation procedure between May 2017 and October 2019. Inclusion criteria were life expectancy > 6 months, patent brachial and proximal radial artery (>2 mm in diameter) absent/inadequate cephalic and basilic veins, existence of a brachial vein >3 mm in diameter, and in continuity with a proximal radial vein > 2 mm in diameter., Results: Technical success was 100%. Four patients required angioplasty of a juxta-anastomotic stenosis, accounting for a 6-month primary and secondary patency rates were 68% and 100%, respectively. Access flow averaged 982 mL/min (range 768-1586) at final follow-up evaluation. There were no significant adverse events related to the procedures. All fistulae were elevated at 4-12 (mean: 8) weeks post creation and were successfully cannulated with two needles after healing was completed (2-4 weeks after elevation). No patients developed hand ischemia or arm edema., Conclusions: Percutaneous creation of a proximal radial artery-radial vein fistula followed by brachial vein elevation is a safe and reliable option for autogenous access creation in patients with inadequate cephalic or basilic veins. Minimally invasive radial artery inflow and longer available length of the targeted brachial vein available for elevation are the main advantages in skilled hands.

Background: The first arteriovenous fistulas were created at the wrist more than 60 years ago. Basic surgical construction techniques remain unchanged with mobilization and repositioning of the vessels followed by a sutured anastomosis. We used the Ellipsys device to construct percutaneous radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistulas at the wrist and report the results., Methods: Data were reviewed retrospectively for all patients who had a percutaneous radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistula created during a 6-month period. Each individual underwent ultrasound vessel mapping in addition to physical examination. When a radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistula was feasible and a communicating vein ⩾ 2 mm in diameter was noted in the distal forearm along with a radial artery ⩾ 2 mm, a percutaneous radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistula was considered and reviewed with the patient., Results: Four individuals met the criteria to consider a percutaneous radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistula and all elected to have the procedure performed. Ages were 54-85 years. Three were diabetic and one was female. All percutaneous radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistulas were technically successful. Two individuals had not yet started dialysis therapy. Successful and repetitive cannulation for the two individuals with catheters was initiated at 4 and 8 weeks post procedure. The two pre-dialysis patients had physiologic arteriovenous fistula maturation (6 mm vein diameter and >500 mL/min flow) at 4 and 12 weeks. There were no procedural or late complications and none required intervention. Follow-up was 8-23 months (mean 16 months)., Conclusion: The success of these percutaneous radiocephalic-arteriovenous fistulas suggests that use of the Ellipsys device will be applicable at the wrist in selected patients where appropriate vessel sizes and configurations are found.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report our midterm results of percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) creation using the Ellipsys (Avenu Medical, San Juan Capistrano, Calif) device and to present technical recommendations and our algorithm of pAVF maintenance., Methods: A single-center comprehensive database of all consecutive predialysis and end-stage renal disease patients who had a pAVF creation with the Ellipsys device was reviewed retrospectively. Study end points included technical success, maturation, functional patency, and required interventions., Results: Between May 2017 and July 2019, there were 234 patients (mean age, 64 years; 148 male [63%]) who had a pAVF created. Technical success was achieved in 232 individuals (99%), and average duration of the procedure was 15 minutes (7-35 minutes). Average follow-up was 252 days (range, 83-696 days). The 1-year primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 54%, 85%, and 96%, respectively. Average pAVF flow was 923 mL/min (range, 425-1440 mL/min). There were no significant adverse events related to the procedure. Only three patients (1%) required a later conversion of the pAVF anastomosis to a surgical fistula. Twenty-four (10%) patients required superficialization of deep outflow veins because of difficult cannulation. Average maturation time was 4 weeks (range, 1-12 weeks). Fourteen patients (6%) had early (<2 weeks after creation) cannulation of the pAVF., Conclusions: The Ellipsys pAVF device allows the rapid and safe creation of a reliable autogenous access. Rates of technical success, patency, and maturation were excellent. For patients unsuited for a distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula, it should be considered the next preferred access option., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation in consecutive patients screened for first access creation., Methods: Prospective study of ultrasound mapping based on the following minimal anatomic requirements: a patent proximal radial artery and adjacent elbow perforating vein with straight trajectory, each greater than or equal to 2 mm in diameter and within 1.5 mm of each other. In addition, the same population was evaluated for feasibility of a distal radiocephalic fistula established., Results: One hundred consecutive patients were examined between November 2018 and January 2019. Sixty-seven were male (67%) and mean age was 61 years. Sixty-three patients (63%) and a total of 100 limbs (50%) were found to be eligible for a percutaneous fistula creation with Ellipsys ® . Thirty-seven percent of patients were ineligible because of the absence of both median cephalic and median cubital veins (15%), absence or inadequate elbow perforating vein and/or smaller than 2 mm proximal radial artery (14%), and/or distance greater than 1.5 mm (8%). We found suitable vessels for a surgical distal fistula creation in 91 extremities (45%), but this percentage dropped to 17% in patients over 70 years old. Among the 100 limbs eligible for percutaneous arteriovenous fistula, only 30 (30%) were eligible for radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula., Conclusion: More than 60% of patients were eligible for Ellipsys. The absence of veins at the elbow and a large distance between vessels were the most common limiting factors. Less than one half of the patients were candidates for surgical fistula and this percentage dropped significantly for older individuals.

Background: Endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) has been previously reported to reduce mortality rates compared to open repair. Newer stent-grafts may provide even better results with applicability in a larger number of patients. We present our experience with the Medtronic Endurant endograft over a three-year period., Methods: Consecutive cases of RAAAs which have been managed with the Endurant stent-graft were recruited from three centers and were analyzed retrospectively. Twenty-three patients (22 males; mean age 74±9 years) were treated between June 2010 and May 2013., Results: The technical success rate was 100% with no intraoperative endoleaks. Thirty-day mortality was 13% (3/23 patients). Two patients required prolonged hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. For the remaining 18 patients, the average hospitalization length was 5.5 days. Two major risk factors were found to be significantly associated with increased mortality: low systolic blood pressure on arrival at the hospital (63±6 vs. 99±22; P=0.01), and post-operative development of an abdominal compartment syndrome (Relative Risk - RR=13.3, 95% confidence interval - CI: 1.6-106; P=0.03). Other important clinical variables which did not significantly affect mortality included age (mean age 83±9 years in those who died vs. 73±9 years in the survivors; P=0.09), type of graft (bifurcated vs. aorto-uni-iliac; RR=2.2, 95% CI: 0.3-15; P=0.4), aneurysm diameter (11±4 cm vs. 9±2 cm; P=0.28), and proximal neck angulation (68±14 vs. 57±26 degrees; P=0.5). A proximal neck angulation >75° was not associated with a higher mortality rate (RR=1.33, 95% CI: 0.22-7.8; P=1)., Conclusions: Endovascular repair of RAAAs resulted in high technical success and low mortality rates in this series of patients treated with the Endurant stent graft. Hypotension on arrival to the hospital and development of an abdominal compartment syndrome were predictive of increased risk of death. Patient age, aneurysm diameter and graft configuration did not negatively impact survival. Non-compliance with the device instructions for use (IFU) did not adversely affect results in this small patient series. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.

The axillary artery approach has been used for access for complex endovascular aortic procedures such as thoracic endovascular aortic repair with poor anatomy for traditional deployment as well as for fenestrated and branched abdominal aortic endografts. We report the first case of an iliac graft limb deployment through the axillary artery during an endovascular aortic repair for maintenance of anterograde internal iliac flow in a patient with a symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm and chronic occlusion of both the external iliac and common femoral arteries., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report a case of a 63-year-old man presenting with abdominal pain and hydronephrosis secondary to periaortic fibrosis (PAF) 8 months after an endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) using a woven polyester bifurcated graft. De novo delayed PAF after open repair is rare and even more infrequent after EVAR. All 3 previously reported cases occurred after woven polyester grafts and no reported cases after polytetrafluorethylene grafts. Management included steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment and bilateral double J tube placement. Satisfactory results were obtained., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 60-year-old male patient presented with a false aneurysm of the common iliac artery and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia complicating previously placed kissing covered stents of the aortic bifurcation. We removed the prosthetic material and repaired the aortic bifurcation with a composite saphenous vein panel graft. To our knowledge, this technique is presented for the first time in the literature., (Copyright © 2014 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Endovascular treatment of ruptured aortic aneurysms is performed in many centers around the world. New endovascular stent-grafts may prove to improve results. We report our experience with the Endurant device., Methods: From June 2010 to November 2010, we treated five male patients (mean age: 75.8 years) suffering from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with the Endurant device. The mean aneurysm diameter was 90.2 mm; the mean neck length was 13 mm; the mean proximal neck diameter was 27 mm; and the mean proximal angulation was 64°., Results: Technical success rate was 100%. In one patient, a proximal leak was diagnosed intraoperatively, and a proximal extension was successfully deployed. No secondary procedures were necessary and no open conversions required during the first admission. One patient required a proximal extension at 3 months for a type I endoleak. The 30-day mortality was 20%, and no further deaths occurred during the follow-up (mean duration: 15 months)., Conclusion: New stent-grafts may ameliorate the prognosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Our experience with the Endurant device has shown promising results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of endovascular treatment of ruptured aortic aneurysms with this stent-graft., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis often suffer from obliterative arterial disease, which may lead to hand ischemia and/or access failure. We present the case of a 54-year-old female patient with multiple failures in obtaining vascular access. Computed tomography angiogram revealed a long occlusion of the axillary artery. Vein mapping through duplex scanning demonstrated a suitable cephalic vein in the left forearm. A left carotid-brachial bypass was performed with simultaneous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula formation. Immediate results were excellent, and the postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a combined approach., (Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We present three novel techniques for creation of (1) a steerable sheath, (2) a 4F snare device, and (3) dual anterograde and retrograde double-wire percutaneous transluminal angioplasty access technique using a single femoral puncture. These techniques were conceived and bench-tested in our institution, allowing the utilization of inexpensive equipment for complicated endovascular procedures. They offer (1) controlled navigation, no-touch vessel cannulation and cannulation of angulated vessels, contralateral limb of stent grafts, fenestrations, and branches; (2) a low-profile (4F external diameter) modifiable snare with the ability to expand to the size of an entire aneurysm and the ability to undo the snare in case of blockage with other endovascular material; and (3) in situ sheath inversion for concomitant anterograde and retrograde percutaneous angioplasty with a single femoral puncture., (Copyright © 2012 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Visceral arterial aneurysm is a rare pathology. Currently, there are no sufficient data to support the superiority of surgical or endovascular treatment. The choice depends mainly on patient characteristics and the anatomy of the aneurysm. We present a case of a 12-cm fusiform aneurysm of the common hepatic artery. A combined approach including endovascular exclusion of the celiac trunk and surgical closure of the aneurysm was chosen. The postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature describing this combined approach., (Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)