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Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often develops a tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC). Radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy is the standard treatment, although prognostic factors are yet to be properly established. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to review the clinicopathological features of surgically treated patients with RCC and IVC thrombus and to investigate potential prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis covered patients with RCC and IVC thrombus who underwent surgical treatment at a tertiary center over 12 years. Results: Of the 32 patients included, 56% and 41% had nodal (N1) and metastatic (M1) diseases, respectively. Thrombus level was 1 in 25% and 4 in 21.9% of cases, according to the Mayo classification. The median follow-up was 17.0 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 20.0 months, with a median OS of 36.0 months in M0 patients and 10.0 months in M1 patients (log-rank P = 0.029). Stage IV disease (T4 and/or M1 status) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.85, P = 0.021), fat invasion (HR: 2.52, P = 0.044), positive margins (HR: 2.54, P = 0.037), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (HR: 2.59, P = 0.033), tumor size >100 mm (HR: 2.538, P = 0.033), and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (r2 = 0.304, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with worse OS in univariate analysis. Thrombus level did not impact prognosis. Conclusions: Certain clinicopathological factors, but not thrombus level, appear to influence prognosis. Prospective multicentric randomized studies are needed to better stratify patient risk, improve prognostic prediction, and evaluate systemic therapy responses.

Introduction: Horseshoe kidney (HK) is an anatomical variant characterised by abnormalities in the position, rotation, and vascular supply of the kidney, with functioning renal masses on both sides of the vertebral column fused together at the isthmus. Due to the altered pattern of kidney vasculature, endovascular aortic repair for aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) in the presence of HK requires vascular anatomy specific planning. Report: A 68 year old male, with multiple comorbidities, presented with an asymptomatic AAA and HK. The kidney vasculature was characterised by the presence of three arteries: two arising laterally at the same level and a third polar artery arising from below. The polar artery was 6 mm in diameter and larger than the other two; therefore, in order to preserve this artery, a custom-made device with a single side branch was implanted below the main renal arteries. A balloon expandable covered stent was used to complete the side branch into the polar renal artery. The follow-up computed tomography angiography revealed a successful outcome, with total aneurysm exclusion, branched graft patency, no endoleak, and unchanged renal function. Discussion: This case report shows a possible surgical solution for a case of HK with AAA and the importance of accurate endovascular planning. Large polar arteries, if present, need to be preserved, and custom-made devices in the modern endovascular era permit that. This approach could represent the best option for complicated patients.

INTRODUCTION: Heterogeneity in the epidemiology, management, and in-hospital outcomes of patients with acute aortic syndromes can be found among male and female populations. This study aims to analyze sex-related differences in a cohort of patients treated in a tertiary university center. METHODS: All patients admitted with acute aortic syndromes between January 2012 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, and the results were queried to explore sex-related differences according to the type of aortic syndrome, type of treatment (medical or surgical – conventional or endovascular), and the temporal phase of the disease in which this treatment occurred. A multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to identify variables associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Variables were included if statistically significant in the univariable analysis or if considered medically relevant. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients (69% male) were included. Women were older (median age [interquartile range]: 64.6 years [40–85 years], n=36 versus 58.7 [23–84], n=80; P=0.034), had a higher proportion of intramural hematoma (19.4% versus 5.0%, P=0.014) and a lower proportion of aortic dissection (72.2% versus 88.8%, P=0.026) compared to men. Both sexes were more frequently treated with medical therapy alone (33.6%). However, women had a trend towards a lower proportion of open surgical management compared to men (16.7% versus 23.8%, P=0.391), as well as higher in-hospital mortality associated with this type of treatment (50.0% versus 21.1%, P=0.169). Additionally, women were associated with a higher conversion to endovascular or open surgery when first managed conservatively (13.9% versus 3.8%, P=0.046). In binary logistic regression, age was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR 1.056 [95% CI, 1.01-1.10]; P=0.014), but not female sex (OR 1.133 [95% CI, 0.39-3.30]; P=0.819). CONCLUSION: Women were older, had more intramural hematoma, and were associated with a higher conversion from medical to surgical treatment. After multivariable regression, age was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, but female sex was not. Larger cohorts are needed to understand if intervention in female patients will have an impact on intra-hospital mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is an uncommon but one of the most terrifying complications associated with the treatment of extensive aortic aneurysms. Its pathophysiology, risk factors, and event characteristics must be clarified. This study aimed to perform a descriptive analysis of the cases of SCI after complex aortic repair at our center and to understand which factors contributed to the event. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study of prospectively collected data was performed. From January 2013 to October 2022, we included all consecutive patients with thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (TAAA) and complex abdominal aneurysms submitted to an endovascular procedure using fenestrated or branched endografts. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) reporting standards, SCI was defined as the development of new motor or sensitive deficits after endovascular treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five patients (87% male) were included, with a median age of 72. A total of 53,7% (n=72) had thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (type I-V), of which 63 were extent I-III\V and 9 were extent IV. In total, 12 (9%) SCI events were identified; 7 patients had a grade 2 SCI, 5 had a grade 3 injury, and all of them had a TAAA. Of these, 10 had pre-procedure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Five (42%) developed symptoms after 48 hours (delayed SCI), and seven patients developed early SCI, being identified on the first evaluation after surgery. Five cases received rescue CSF drainage (after the beginning of symptoms), with some degree of improvement observed in all cases. Among patients with grade 2 SCI (n=7), five recovered completely, one recovered partially (maintaining sensitive symptoms – grade 1), and one did not recover. This corresponded to an overall incidence of permanent SCI of 5.2% (n=7, any grade) and 1.5% of permanent paraplegia (n=2, grade 3, 2.8% only in TAAA). CONCLUSION: In this study, SCI only occurred in patients with TAAA, and the incidence of permanent paraplegia in this group was 2,8%. In five patients, rescue CSF drainage was applied, with some degree of clinical improvement. The small number of events precluded the investigation of predictors. Notably, 42% of SCI cases happened after 48 hours, showing a high prevalence of delayed SCI in this population. Consequently, more extended monitoring of these patients should be considered.

Oxidation of PUFAs in LDLs trapped in the arterial intima plays a critical role in atherosclerosis. Though there have been many studies on the atherogenicity of oxidized derivatives of PUFA-esters of cholesterol, the effects of cholesteryl hemiesters (ChEs), the oxidation end products of these esters, have not been studied. Through lipidomics analyses, we identified and quantified two ChE types in the plasma of CVD patients and identified four ChE types in human endarterectomy specimens. Cholesteryl hemiazelate (ChA), the ChE of azelaic acid (n-nonane-1,9-dioic acid), was the most prevalent ChE identified in both cases. Importantly, human monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, and neutrophils exhibit inflammatory features when exposed to subtoxic concentrations of ChA in vitro. ChA increases the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 and modulates the surface-marker profile of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophage. In vivo, when zebrafish larvae were fed with a ChA-enriched diet, they exhibited neutrophil and macrophage accumulation in the vasculature in a caspase 1- and cathepsin B-dependent manner. ChA also triggered lipid accumulation at the bifurcation sites of the vasculature of the zebrafish larvae and negatively impacted their life expectancy. We conclude that ChA behaves as an endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern with inflammatory and proatherogenic properties.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular Surgery is a demanding specialty with vast technological and research advances in the last decades. This has led to an increasing complexity of providing adequate training programs for the modern Vascular Surgeon. Our aim was to understand the current satisfaction rates and perceived limitations of the Vascular Surgery residency program in Portugal by performing an online survey to residents. METHODS: A survey study was conducted between April and June 2021 targeting Angiology and Vascular Surgery Residents in Portugal. Residents were contacted by e-mail from the National Portuguese Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery to answer the survey. The survey was anonymized, and all residents from the 1st to 6th year were invited to participate. The survey was carried out using the Google® Forms platform and using Portuguese language. Questions were developed with two main objectives, the first being to analyze the satisfaction rates with the current residency program and the second to understand current limitations and possible areas of improvement. RESULTS: Overall, 33 (65%) out of 51 invited residents participated in the survey, with equally distributions regarding the year of residency. Nineteen residents were male (57.6%). Most residents considered that the current one-year General Surgery rotation should be reduced and replaced by other specialties such as Radiology. Main surgical limitations were found with open aortic surgery. However, when compared to other European countries, residents considered that the main current limitation was scientific/academic training. Most residents were satisfied with their residency and felt professional fulfillment, however, most also reported having an unhealthy work-life balance and lack of time for academic and scientific research. When comparing the survey answers between younger and older residents, older residents reported more often having considered quitting and having experienced bullying or harassment. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study provide insight into the perceptions of the trainees regarding current training limitations and satisfaction rates with the residency program and may provide a base for improvement and development strategies in the residency programs in Portugal

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines state that ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms should be treated shortly after the diagnosis and ideally within 90 minutes. The main aim of this study is to assess the referral pattern of our centre regarding the intervals between the diagnosis of ruptured AAA and the surgical repair, considering the geographical referral areas of our hospital. METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study from a single centre. The study population included all patients with the diagnosis of symptomatic or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm referred to Centro Hospitalar e Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN) between 2012 and 2021. The moment of diagnosis was assumed to be the time of the CT angiography and the moment of treatment was assumed as the time of entering the operating room (OR). RESULTS: During the study period a total of 150 patients (90.7% men, mean age 78.3, SD 8.7) were treated. Of these, 86% presented as ruptured aneurysms while 14% presented as symptomatic aneurysms. The median time between the diagnosis and the initiation of surgical treatment was 150 (+/- 132) minutes. Only 22% of patients were treated within 90 minutes of diagnosis and this remained unchanged throughout the study period. No statistically significant difference was observed between the median time intervals registered for survivors and deceased patients at 24 hours (p = 0.907), 48 hours (p = 0.743) and 30 days (p = 0.605) post-surgery. CONCLUSION: In our study, only 22% of patients with ruptured or symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms are treated within the recommended time frame. Although there is no significant impact on mortality, the authors recognize unavailability of information regarding patients that died before arrival to our hospital as a relevant limitation.

Objective: We evaluated the patency of the spinal arteries (intercostal and lumbar) after the STABILISE (stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair) technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients with aortic dissection treated with the STABILISE technique between April 2018 and July 2021 was performed. Imaging analysis of the spinal cord vascular supply was accomplished using multiplanar and maximum intensity projection reconstructed images of pre- and postoperative computed tomography angiograms at 1 month, 12 months, and annually thereafter. Results: Twelve patients were treated for complicated aortic dissection. Primary technical success was 100% and mid-term clinical success, at a mean follow-up of 27 ± 12 months, was 90%. No cases of spinal cord ischemia were identified. One patient died after 1 year (non–aortic related), and one patient was lost to follow-up. A significant decrease was found in the mean number of patent spinal arteries in the stent graft area at 1 month (P < .001), 1 year (P < .001), and 2 years (P = .004). However, no significant reduction was found in the number of spinal arteries in either the bare metal stented or nonstented aorta (P > .05). Conclusions: Use of the STABILISE technique decreased intercostal artery patency in the thoracic stent graft area, but spinal artery patency was not significantly affected by the bare metal stent nor its aggressive ballooning. These findings constitute a step toward a better understanding of the safety of this technique.

As questões éticas da especialidade constituíram sempre uma preocupação da Sociedade Portuguesa Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular traduzida, inclusivamente, na formação de um Núcleo de Ética Profissional. A necessidade de conferir aos médicos o consentimento para as intervenções após o devido esclarecimento é uma aquisição relativamente recente. Por exemplo, os gregos achavam que a participação do doente na tomada de decisões médicas prejudicaria a relação de confiança no médico. De facto, o relacionamento médico-doente foi sendo, ao longo dos séculos, o suporte das intervenções terapêuticas uma vez que o seu alcance era limitado e a sua validação, tal como hoje a concebemos, era inexistente. Este padrão foi-se alterando progressivamente após a revolução científica do século XVII com o desenvolvimento do que viriam a ser os métodos científico e experimental modernos. Já no decurso da segunda metade do século XX surge a chamada medicina baseada na evidência com a definição de resultados clínicos testados pela moderna metodologia científica. Este pensamento e forma de agir tornaram-se requisitos mais rigorosos na prestação de cuidados de saúde nos últimos anos. Por outro lado, valoriza-se, na atualidade, a participação dos doentes nas decisões após a devida partilha de informação conferindo o que se convencionou chamar de "consentimento informado". A autodeterminação, isto é, o direito de todo cidadão decidir ou determinar o curso da sua vida é, pois, um direito previsto na lei portuguesa. A autodeterminação no contexto dos cuidados de saúde significa que todo o adulto capaz, tem a liberdade de consentir ou recusar um tratamento médico mesmo quando os profissionais de saúde possam acreditar que ele é benéfico e necessário. Todos estes aspetos são de importância cardinal na nossa especialidade a qual envolve frequentemente questões de risco vital, de perda de função ou de modificação da imagem corporal. Conseguir que os doentes sejam adequadamente informados e tomem decisões partilhadas de forma consciente é um desafio para todos os médicos em geral e para os cirurgiões em particular. Deste modo, o consentimento informado é um processo colaborativo que requer um alto grau de maturidade emocional por parte dos profissionais de saúde os quais devem estar dispostos a explicar o que é conhecido e admitir o que não é. Tal implica que seja utilizado o tempo e o esforço necessários para que os doentes entendam os tratamentos propostos. Cada doente cirúrgico é único; cada um tem a sua própria personalidade, educação, condição emocional e social bem como a capacidade de compreender as informações apresentadas. Alguns doentes têm várias questões, informação prévia com diversos graus de qualidade, e exigem saber cada detalhe do tratamento proposto. Outros, porém, contentam-se com a informação básica e outros há que confiam sem questionar no que lhes é proposto. A todos devemos esclarecer e em especial informar do risco e benefício das intervenções. Para ajudar a lidar com estas questões, foram introduzidos os formulários de consentimento informado que proporcionam informação sobre as intervenções propostas, os benefícios esperados e os riscos inerentes numa linguagem e terminologia que possa ser entendida pela generalidade das pessoas. É importante também a leitura dos formulários uma vez que a informação escrita promove mais facilmente a retenção e compreensão dos conceitos-chave e muitas vezes é superior à explicação verbal fornecida pelos médicos à cabeceira ou em consultório onde os níveis de ansiedade dos doentes são elevados. Para além dos objetivos éticos, há outras dimensões dos "consentimentos informados" a ter em conta. Em primeiro lugar, o propósito médico-legal sendo atualmente indispensáveis às questões deste foro e atestando que a autorização respetiva foi adequadamente obtida. Em segundo lugar, a obtenção do consentimento é um fator de Qualidade do processo assistencial e a respetiva obtenção e preenchimento do formulário um requisito indispensável nas auditorias de acreditação de qualidade das instituições modernas. Finalmente, deve considerar-se que o esclarecimento do doente vascular e a obtenção do consentimento para intervenção devem ser efetuados pelo cirurgião em ambiente de consulta ou de gabinete hospitalar com tranquilidade e disponibilidade para a cabal explicação e esclarecimento de dúvidas. Refletindo sobre estas questões, e à imagem do que já acontece com outras Sociedades, a Direção atual da SPACV iniciou um processo de tentativa de padronização dos formulários de consentimento informado nas múltiplas intervenções da especialidade de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular procurando que sejam completos e exaustivos. Acreditamos, no entanto, que este é apenas o início de um projeto havendo a perspetiva futura de revisão e alargamento a outras áreas com uma lista mais completa e atualizada. Este será, portanto, o início da jornada esperando que possa ser útil aos Serviços de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular portugueses.

INTRODUCTION: The Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) module of the Portuguese National Vascular Registry (RNPV) is a prospective, voluntary, population-based registry, that encompasses more than 90% of portuguese vascular departments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the first 1000 infra-renal AAA included in the Portuguese RNPV. METHODS: Data were collected from November 2019 to December 2022 and analyzed for demographic aspects, treatment indication, aneurysm anatomic characteristics, type of intervention (EVAR and open surgical repair - OSR), outcome at 30-days and 1-year. EVAR and OSR were compared within elective and urgent settings. RESULTS: A total of 1122 patients were included in the period of study. After applying the exclusion criteria, we analyzed the first consecutive 1000 patients with infra-renal aneurysm submitted to EVAR or OSR, in elective or urgent settings. Elective procedures were perfomed in 79.2% of cases. Patients were predominantly male (91.8%), with a mean age of 74.1 ± 10.6 years. The overall 30-day mortality was 2.7% (EVAR 1.8% and OSR 5.9%; p=0.003). Pos- operative complications were more frequent in the OSR group, with significant repercussion in hospital length, reinterventions and early mortality. Baseline AAA diameter was identified as a predictor of 30-day mortality. Intra- hospital mortality was inversely related with the caseload of the center (p=0.032), mainly due to higher mortality in OSR (p=0.04). The center caseload did not impact the intra-hospital mortality in elective standard EVAR procedures. Urgent repair was performed in 205 patients with significantly larger AAA-diameter (70.5 ± 21.5 mm versus 57.5 ± 14.3 mm, p

Acute aortic dissections are unpredictable aortic catastrophes. Although significant recent improvements have been accomplished in the treatment and management of aortic dissections, a significant amount is still not fully understood regarding this deadly condition. Comprehension of aortic dissections is especially important due to the impact of the disease, since a lot of patients die before reaching the hospital and a significant number of the ones who do survive the initial event end up dying during follow-up. The epidemiology and disease characteristics of these conditions are still under investigation and not completely clear. In this article we aim to review the current knowledge on the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of aortic dissections.

Aortic aneurysms affect 3.3% of adults and there is a growing burden of small aneurysms detected, which may grow to need surgical repair. Still, we rely only on surgical therapy for this disease, left to monitor patients until they are candidates for treatment. Pharmacologic therapies have long been proposed and studied and still we have no evidence supporting drug therapy in small aneurysms. In this report we make a narrative review of basic molecular aspects of aneurysm disease and of evidence behind drug therapies that have been proposed and studied throughout the last decades.

An 85-year-old man was admitted with a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm involving the mid/distal arch (bovine aortic arch) and proximal descending thoracic aorta. An emergent endovascular repair was performed with zone 0 TEVAR using a COOK® Zenith Thoracic Alpha endograft and endo-debranching of the innominate artery (IA) and left carotid artery (LCA) using parallel (chimney) grafts through right axillary and LCA cutdown access. An iliac limb (COOK® ZSLE) for the IA and a Viabahn (GORE®) for the LCA were used and both chimneys were relined using a self-expandable bare-metal stents. The left subclavian artery was covered and coiled. Although the rupture was sealed, the patient developed post-operative respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia and atelectasis related to the hemothorax. He died due to multiorgan failure at the 26th post-operative day. An autopsy was performed, where the aortic aneurysm with the ruptured hematoma is evident (A, arrow) and the position of the endograft, innominate artery chimney (B, arrow) and left carotid artery chimney (B, dotted arrow) can be seen in a ballerina position.

INTRODUCTION: Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Most of the intrinsic causes of OHCA tend to be of cardiac origin, however, non-cardiac etiologies such as acute aortic dissection (AAD) may be more common than previously thought. The aim of this focused review is to summarize current knowledge on the association between OHCA and AAD. METHODS: A systematic review was previously performed on the incidence of AAD in the context of OHCA. For this publication, the selected references were reviewed to address three pre-determined questions: 1) How prevalent is Acute Aortic Dissection in Patients presenting with Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest? 2) What clinical signs are associated with OHCA due to Acute Aortic Dissection? 3) How can we treat these patients and what is their prognosis? RESULTS: AAD may cause OHCA due to several reasons, such as retrograde involvement of the coronary arteries, aortic valve insufficiency, pericardium tamponade, aortic rupture, massive stroke, visceral malperfusion or hypertensive induced heart failure, for example. Since both the treatment and diagnosis of acute aortic dissections have improved, a growing number of OHCA due to AAD patients have been diagnosed and managed, however, the epidemiology and outcomes of these patients are still not fully understood.

Abstract Background Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and venous thrombosis and / or obstetric morbidity in the presence of at least one circulating anti-phospholipid antibody. The spectrum of vascular events varies from deep venous thrombosis to catastrophic APS, a rare form characterized by acute multiorgan thrombosis and high mortality. Case report We present the case of a 32-week pregnant woman arriving in the hospital emergency room with bilateral acute lower limb ischemia. In the obstetric evaluation, fetal death was declared. Computerized Tomography angiography showed pulmonary embolism of both pulmonary arteries, areas of splenic and right renal infarction and multiple arterial and venous thrombosis. The patient underwent urgent caesarean section and axillary-bifemoral bypass. No events registered. In the postoperative period, in an intensive care unit, treatment with rituximab and plasmapheresis were added to anticoagulant therapy. The laboratorial investigation was negative for thrombophilia and autoimmune diseases. Conclusion Catastrophic APS develops quickly, with multiorgan involvement and high mortality rate. The presented case poses a multidisciplinary challenge, with the surgical approach of extra-anatomical revascularization being less invasive and guaranteeing immediate perfusion of the lower limbs. Although the serological tests were negative for anti-phospholipid antibodies, this case hardly fits into another diagnosis. Therefore, it was treated as a catastrophic APS, having shown a favorable evolution.

Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte em Portugal, sendo a aterosclerose o processo fisiopatológico subjacente mais comum. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar o impacto económico da aterosclerose em Portugal através da estimação dos custos associados. Métodos: A estimativa dos custos foi realizada na ótica da prevalência e na perspetiva da sociedade. A prevalência das principais manifestações focais da aterosclerose foi estimada com recurso a três fontes epidemiológicas nacionais. O custo anual da aterosclerose incluiu custos diretos (consumos de recursos) e indiretos (impacto na produtividade da população). Estes custos foram estimados para o ano de 2016 com base nos dados da Base de Dados de Morbilidade Hospitalar, do Sistema de Informação da Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo que integra informação da prática clínica real em ambiente de cuidados de saúde primários e do Inquérito Nacional de Saúde de 2014 e na opinião de peritos. Resultados: O custo da aterosclerose em 2016 totalizou cerca de 1,9 mil milhões de euros (58% e 42% correspondendo a custos diretos e indiretos, respetivamente). A maior parte dos custos diretos esteve associada aos cuidados de saúde primários (55%), seguindo‐se o ambulatório hospitalar (27%) e, por último, os episódios de internamento (18%). Os custos indiretos foram principalmente determinados pela não participação no mercado de trabalho (91%). Conclusões: A aterosclerose apresenta um importante impacto económico, correspondendo a uma despesa equivalente a 1% do Produto Interno Bruto nacional e a 11% da despesa corrente em saúde, em 2016. Abstract: Introduction and objectives: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Portugal and atherosclerosis is the most common underlying pathophysiological process. The aim of this study was to quantify the economic impact of atherosclerosis in Portugal by estimating disease‐related costs. Methods: Costs were estimated based on a prevalence approach and following a societal perspective. Three national epidemiological sources were used to estimate the prevalence of the main clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. The annual costs of atherosclerosis included both direct costs (resource consumption) and indirect costs (impact on population productivity). These costs were estimated for 2016, based on data from the Hospital Morbidity Database, the health care database (SIARS) of the Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley including real‐world data from primary care, the 2014 National Health Interview Survey, and expert opinion. Results: The total cost of atherosclerosis in 2016 reached 1.9 billion euros (58% and 42% of which was direct and indirect costs, respectively). Most of the direct costs were associated with primary care (55%), followed by hospital outpatient care (27%) and hospitalizations (18%). Indirect costs were mainly driven by early exit from the labor force (91%). Conclusions: Atherosclerosis has a major economic impact, being responsible for health expenditure equivalent to 1% of Portuguese gross domestic product and 11% of current health expenditure in 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusive disease of the visceral vessels, when complicated, may lead to a high mortality rate. Current data regarding the co-prevalence of atherosclerotic disease of the lower limbs and visceral vessels is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of splanchnic and renal visceral occlusive disease in patients admitted for chronic lower limb ischemia (CLLI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed including 100 aleatory patients admitted for CLLI between 2015 and 2020, without previous or current history of mesenteric ischemia, and who were submitted to an abdominal computer tomography angiography (CTA) as part of the pre-operative work-up. The presence of splanchnic (celiac artery, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries) and renal atheromatous disease was defined as mild (30- 50% stenosis), moderate (50-70%) and severe (>70% or occlusion), measured by CTA. Outcomes analyzed included prevalence of splanchnic and renal visceral occlusive disease, evaluation of predictive factors for visceral occlusive disease and its relationship with the pattern of lower limb atherosclerotic disease. RESULTS: Mean age was 68.5 years old (SD: 9.7) and 77% were men. Admission diagnosis was incapacitating claudication (Rutherford stage 3) in 19%, and chronic lower limb threating ischemia (CLTI) in 81% (21% with stage 4 Rutherford and 60% with stage 5/6). Seventy-five percent presented aorto-iliac disease (AOID) and 97% presented infra-inguinal disease. Overall prevalence of visceral disease (mild, moderate or severe) was 65%. Severe disease was seen in at least one vessel in 60%. 34% of patients presented severe disease in only one visceral artery, 26% presented in ≥2 visceral vessels and 22% presented severe disease in all three splanchnic arteries. Regarding renal disease, 33% presented severe disease in at least one renal artery and 20% presented with bilateral disease. CLTI was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of severe stenosis in ≥2 splanchnic vessels, p=0.004. After logistic regression, we observed as predictive factor associated with severe disease in ≥2 splanchnic vessels the age, with an OR of 2.01 for every 10-year difference, p= 0.039; and AOID, OR: 14.6 (p=0.011). When analyzed the presence of at least one severe splanchnic vessel stenosis, AOID (OR 5.4, p=0.008) and coronary disease (OR:3.9, p=0.035) were predictive factors. Regarding renal disease, and association was found with age (OR of 3.90 for every 10-year difference, p

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of anti-atherosclerosis medicines in patients admitted to a vascular surgery department, the effective control of the target values and its subsequent modification by the vascular surgery team. Material and Methods: A retrospective single-center cohort study of prospectively collected data was performed between May 2017 and May 2018 in a tertiary center. The STROBE guidelines were followed. All patients undergoing a primary elective surgery for carotid disease, aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial disease were included. ‘Best medical treatment’ was defined as treatment with both anti-thrombotic and lipid-lowering treatment and, when appropriate, antihypertensive and anti-diabetic drugs. Both baseline and post-discharge best medical treatment were recorded. Blood work-up was performed at admission and ‘adequately controlled patient’ was defined if all blood test values were in agreement with the guidelines. Results: A total of 279 patients (78% male; mean age 69 years-old) were included. Optimal medical therapy was registered in 58.8% upon admission but improved to 73.8% (95% CI, 2.197 – 7.781; p < 0.001) after discharge. At baseline, a total of 65.4% of patients were on lipid-lowering agents and of these, only 37% had LDL-C values within the targets. Likewise, only 34.6% of the 78 patients with diabetes had glycated hemoglobin within the normal range. Additionally, 8.5% of the remaining cohort had undiagnosed diabetes. Conclusion: In our current practice, only 75% of the patients receive best medical treatment. Although the admission in a Vascular Surgery department was an opportunity to optimize medical therapy, treatment remains suboptimal in one-quarter of patients. Further efforts should be carried out to alert vascular surgeons to this problem and to find future multidisciplinary solutions that can improve the cardiovascular risk profiles of these patients.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic intestinal ischemia accounts for approximately 1:1,000,000 admissions in some epidemiological studies. This condition usually affects individuals with known atherosclerotic lesion in other territories. Although typically found in female patients in their seventh decade of life with established arterial disease, chronic intestinal ischemia may manifest itself in younger patients. In the latter case, unusual causes, such as vasculitis, must be included in the differential diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 31-year-old man with a known history of intermittent left and right upper limb claudication and smoking. He complained of postprandial epigastric pain in the previous year, with unvoluntary weight loss (6kg in the previous 6 months) and fear of eating. An angio CT scan was performed, which showed occlusion of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery at its origin. The diagnosis of chronic intestinal ischemia was formulated, and the patient was submitted to an antegrade bypass from the supraceliac aorta to the superior mesenteric artery and common hepatic artery, with a bifurcated Dacron graft. DISCUSSION: Given the inflammatory nature of the collected fragment of aorta, the onset of intestinal ischemia at a young age and the remaining peripheral arterial manifestations, a presumptive diagnosis of Takayasu’s arteritis was formulated. This vasculitis is typically found in patients in their third decade and is associated with diffuse arterial thickening. Mesenteric manifestations in this condition can occur up to 30%.

Objectives: Acute Aortic dissection (AAD) may present as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the incidence of this presentation is not well known. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all observational studies reporting on the incidence of AAD in patients with OHCA. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection and OpenGrey databases from inception to March-2021, for observational studies reporting on the incidence of AAD in patients with OHCA. Data was pooled using a random-effects model of proportions. The primary outcome was the incidence of AAD in OHCA patients. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of type A aortic dissections (TAAD) and type B aortic dissections (TBAD) in OHCA patients, overall mortality following AAD-OHCA and risk of death in AAD-OHCA patients compared to risk of death of non-AAD-OHCA patients. Results: Fourteen studies were included. The pooled calculated incidence of OHCA due to AAD was 4.39% (95 %CI: 2.55; 6.8). Incidence of OHCA due to TAAD was 7.18% (95 %CI: 5.61; 8.93) and incidence of OHCA due to TBAD was 0.47% (95 %CI: 0.18; 0.85). Overall mortality following OHCA due to AAD was 100% (95 %CI: 97.62; 100). The risk of death in AAD-OHCA patients compared with non-AAD-OHCA patients was 1.10 (95 %CI: 0.94; 1.30). Conclusion: AAD as a cause of OHCA is more frequent than previously thought. Prognosis is dire, as it is invariably lethal. These findings should lead to a higher awareness of AAD when approaching a patient with OHCA and to future studies on this matter.

Introduction: Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms is widely established. However, aorto-iliac aneurysms pose a challenge, specifically regarding distal sealing. A frequent approach is extending the iliac limb to the external iliac artery (EIA) with occlusion of the internal iliac artery (IIA), often with varying degree of pelvic ischemia causing significant morbidity. Iliac branched devices (IBD) allow for the creation of distal landing zones in the EIA and IIA, maintaining pelvic perfusion. We performed a descriptive analysis and outcome evaluation of IBD use in a single center patient cohort. Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective cohort analysis of all consecutive patients intended to treat with IBDs from Jan-2008 to Dec-2020 was performed. Technical success was defined as correct implantation of the IBD with confirmed patency of both EIA and IIA. We included all patients where at least one IBD was deployed, irrespective of additional procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 16, for Mac. Results: Of the initial 54 patients, 53 were included, (technical success 98,1%). Fifty-two were men (98.2%), mean age 73.5 years (SD 8.1). Mean aortic diameter was 56.4mm (SD 13.4), mean CIA aneurysm diameter 37.0mm (SD 12.7). A total of 60 IBD’s were performed (CookÆ Medical’s ZBIS device), of which 5 as part of complex aortic treatment with fenestrated endografts, 32 EVAR with unilateral IBD, 7 EVAR with bilateral IBD, 6 EVAR with unilateral IBD and contra- lateral extension to the EIA with embolization of the IIA and 3 isolated IBD (for type 1B endoleaks following EVAR or isolated iliac aneurysm). Peri-operative complications included acute kidney injury (AKI) (11,3% - 5/44), paraparesis and intestinal ischemia (1,9% each), one embolic intra-operatory stroke (1,9%) and one acute myocardial infarction (MI) (1,9%). Median follow-up was 9 months (IQR:16, 1-80months), during which 4,9% (2/42) developed type IB endoleaks, 4,9% (2/42) iliac aneurysm enlargement, 2,4% (1/42) limb kinking, 4,9% (2/42) limb occlusion, with a 7,14% (3/42) re-intervention rate. We found no association between limb patency and single, dual-antiplatelet treatment or anti-coagulation (p=0,6). There was no significative difference in AKI incidence between bilateral or unilateral IBD (irrespective of contra-lateral procedure). No in-hospital mortality was registered. There was one case of in-hospital death post-MI (1,9%), overall mortality 17% (9/53). Conclusion: In this cohort we found that the most common complication is AKI, apparently not directly related to the technique itself. Follow-up complications were few and mainly associated to loss of distal seal or limb occlusion, but implying a considerable re-intervention rate.

OBJECTIVE: Renal graft dysfunction or worsened hypertension in renal transplanted patients may be a manifestation of graft hypoperfusion due to transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) or stenosis of iliac arteries proximal to renal transplant (pseudo-TRAS). Endovascular management of TRAS has been increasingly used to preserve renal graft function. With this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of endovascular treatment of TRAS on renal function in the short to medium term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective, single-center study that included all adult renal transplant patients who underwent endovascular intervention on TRAS between September 2017 and June 2020. Renal graft function was monitored by serum Creatinine (sCr) levels. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included (53.8% female), with a median age of 57 (21-70) years. Eleven patients (84.6%) presented with graft dysfunction. Ten subjects (76.9%) underwent transluminal angioplasty and stenting of renal artery and three (23,1%) of donor iliac arteries. Most cases (69.2%) were interventioned in the first-year post-transplant. Overall technical success was 100%, with no periprocedural deaths. Overall 30-day morbidity was 15.4%. Median follow-up time was 20.2 (1,3 – 36,3) months. One patient died during follow up and other worsened graft dysfunction, requiring hemodi- alysis and nephrectomy. Reduction in sCr levels was statistically significant in the first postoperative month, compared to preoperative values, but sCR levels were still increased when compared to baseline levels (pre-TRAS diagnosis). CONCLUSIONS: The majority (12/13) of patients showed improvement or stabilization of renal graft function compared to the preoperative period, during the follow-up period, supporting the procedure’s safety. Despite this, most patients did not recover baseline sCr levels, reinforcing the importance of prompt graft revascularization. Delayed diagnosis of TRAS may compromise the benefit of revascularization and prevent full recovery of renal function.

Introduction: One of the treatments for renal artery stenosis is endovascular intervention, but its effectiveness is controversial. The present study aims to analyze the experience of a working group in the endovascular treatment of selected patients with severe obstructive atherosclerotic lesions of the renal arteries, and to characterize early and late results. Methods: This is a retrospective study of symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis who underwent endoluminal therapy between May 12, 1999 and March 12, 2015 at two institutions. Statistical analysis was performed using the PASW Statistics program. Results: A total of 99 patients were treated, mean age 66 years and 76.8% male. The mean degree of stenosis measured by renal Doppler echocardiography was 83% and 64.6% were ostial lesions. Mean preoperative creatinine level was higher than the postoperative mean: 1.3 vs. 1.2 mg/dl (p=0.014). The number of antihypertensive drugs in the preoperative period was higher than in the postoperative period: 2.0 vs. 1.3 (p=0.001). The mean follow-up was 40 months (0-164). The mean peak systolic velocity over time in the postoperative period was 77 cm/s (40-250). The restenosis rate was 8%, and 30-day mortality was 0%. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the endovascular technique has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and renal function in selected patients, and is a safe technique associated with a high rate of technical success and few complications. Resumo: Introdução: Um dos tratamentos da estenose das artérias renais é a intervenção endovascular sendo a sua eficácia controversa. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a experiência de um grupo de trabalho no tratamento endovascular de doentes selecionados com lesões obstrutivas ateroscleróticas graves das artérias renais, procurando caracterizar os resultados precoces e tardios. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospetivo de doentes com lesões ateroscleróticas das artérias renais, sintomáticos, submetidos a terapêutica endoluminal, de 12 de maio de 1999 a 12 de março de 2015 em duas instituições. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa PASW Statistics. Resultados: Foram tratados 99 doentes com média de 66 anos e 76,8% homens. O grau de estenose médio foi de 83% medido através do ecodoppler renal sendo 64,6% das lesões ostiais. A média de creatinina no pré-operatório foi superior à média do pós-operatório: 1,3 versus 1,2 (p=0,014). O número de fármacos anti-hipertensores no pré-operatório foi superior ao do pós-operatório: 2,0 versus 1,3, (p=0,001). A média de follow-up foi de 40 meses [0-164]. A velocidade sistólica média ao longo do tempo no pós-operatório foi de 77 [40-250]. A taxa de re-estenose foi de 8% e a mortalidade aos 30 dias foi de 0%. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a técnica endovascular exibe um efeito benéfico ao nível da tensão arterial e função renal num determinado grupo de doentes sendo uma técnica segura associada a uma taxa elevada de sucesso técnico e baixa de complicações. Keywords: Renal artery stenosis, Revascularization, Chronic renal failure, Hypertension, Palavras-chave: Estenose artérias renais, Revascularização, Insuficiência renal crónica agudizada, Hipertensão arterial

Caso clínico de uma mulher com aneurisma da artéria renal direita com envolvimento dos 3 ramos distais. A angio-TC permitiu o diagnóstico e a caracterização morfológica. A arteriografia mostrou o padrão de fibrodisplasia da média mas foi pouco útil na definição tridimensional dos ramos. A impressão de um modelo 3D baseado na angio-TC, permitiu uma melhor definição da anatomia o que ajudou na decisão e planeamento da cirurgia, que consistiu na reconstrução ex-vivo da artéria renal, que se mantêm permeável com 1 ano de follow-up.

Introdução: O tratamento de feridas tem sido uma temática com crescente interesse pelas envolventes que comporta, tanto ao nível físico como psicossocial, pelos custos associados ao tratamento e pelo stress causado na pessoa, na família e no sistema de saúde. A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) considera esta temática como uma epidemia pela elevada prevalência. Em Portugal, os dados epidemiológicos são limitados mas estima-se que haja 3,3 portadores de ferida por mil habitantes. A presente revisão narrativa tem como objetivo contribuir para clarificar a abordagem ao tratamento da ferida complexa à luz das novas guidelines emitidas pela European Wound Management Association (EWMA). Material e Métodos: Foi efectuada uma revisão narrativa sobre os aspectos actuais da abordagem à ferida complexa ou de difícil cicatrização, (ferida que não regride em 40–50% da sua dimensão em 4 semanas). Efectuou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica na Pubmed e nos últimos documentos de consenso elaborados pela EWMA (European Wound Management Association) a qual foi integrada na experiência dos autores no tratamento deste tipo de doentes. Resultados: A abordagem da ferida complexa deve ser sistemática e sistematizada, em equipa multidisciplinar, mediada por um gestor de ferida, e em centros dedicados ao tratamento da mesma. O portador de ferida deve estar no centro dos cuidados como parceiro o que requer por parte dos profissionais de saúde formação na capacitação da pessoa/família/cuidador. O controlo de infeção associado ao tratamento de feridas deve envolver intervenções simples e pouco onerosas, mas muito importantes, como a higienização das mãos, a utilização de equipamentos de proteção individual dos profissionais e dos utentes e uma boa gestão das salas de tratamento. As terapias mais avançadas baseiam-se em novos princípios e tecnologias ou em novas aplicações de princípios e tecnologias já consolidados e a sua utilização deve ser baseada na evidência. Os algoritmos em saúde são instrumentos de apoio à decisão clínica na presença de situações complexas e apresenta- se uma proposta de algoritmo para o tratamento de ferida complexa. Conclusão: A abordagem da ferida complexa deve englobar aspectos multifatoriais e a escolha de terapias avançadas deve ser criteriosa tendo em conta o custo.

Introdução: As próteses ramificadas off-the-shelf, como a Cook t-Branch®, surgiram como uma alternativa de rápido acesso no tratamento de aneurismas tóraco-abdominais (ATA). Objetivo/Técnica: Na nossa instituição a utilização da endoprótese Cook T-Branch® tem sido efetuada em casos urgentes e em alguns casos eletivos com anatomia favorável e em que é desaconselhável esperar pela confeção de um custom-made device (CMD). A experiência acumulada justifica o propósito deste artigo de revisão que pretende descrever a forma de implantação, algumas técnicas adjuvantes e algumas tips and tricks que poderão facilitar a curva de aprendizagem em centros com menor contacto com esta plataforma. Conclusão: A utilização de próteses ramificadas off-the-shelf, como a Cook T-Branch®, é uma alternativa segura e viável para o tratamento de ATA cuja principal vantagem é a rápida acessibilidade. Conforme avançamos na curva de aprendizagem e novas técnicas adjuvantes são adquiridas, a sua aplicabilidade aumentada de forma significativa, tanto no contexto urgente como eletivo.

Introduction/Objectives: Repair of post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAA) is a complex challenge. Choosing the correct approach to manage these aneurysms is not straightforward as both open and endovascular strategies are valid. Our aim was to analyze and compare the results of PD-TAAA treated by endovascular or open surgery. Methods: A seven-year (January-2013 and May-2020) single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with PD-TAAA treated by endovascular (group-1) or open (group-2) surgery was conducted. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were organ lesion, in-hospital infections, length of stay (LOS), endoleaks, branch occlusions, re-interventions and mortality during follow-up. Results: Twenty-one patients (15-men) were treated: 8 in group-1 and 13 in group-2. The mean age was lower in group-2 [68 (SD:11) versus 48 (SD:12), p=0.004]. Three patients had connective tissue disease (CTD). Group-1 patients had a higher ASA score (p

O tratamento endovascular dos aneurismas da aorta torácica descendente (AATD) está associado a baixas taxas de morbi- -mortalidade e é atualmente a primeira linha de intervenção terapêutica.. Os endoleaks são uma complicação bem conhecida desta técnica, sendo consensual que a identificação de endoleak tipo I implica a sua correção celere. Apresentamos o caso de uma doente submetida a TEVAR para tratamento de AATD, com exclusão do aneurisma no controlo angiográfico final. A angioTC de controlo mostrou endoleak tipo Ib com crescimento do saco aneurismático pelo que foi proposto tratamento, que a doente recusou. Admitida posteriormente de urgência, em rotura do aneurisma, a doente foi submetida de imediato a debranching dos troncos viscerais, seguido de extensão distal do TEVAR. O tratamento híbrido dos aneurismas torácicos sem landing zone distal através do debranching dos troncos viscerais e de TEVAR é uma alternativa à cirurgia convencional e à cirurgia endovascular complexa que apresenta bons resultados em doentes com risco cirúrgico elevado e permite ainda tratar doentes em regime urgente uma vez que não dependem da manufatura de endoprótese fenestradas e/ou ramificadas.

Aorto-iliac occlusive disease sometimes extends proximally with involvement of the renal arteries and visceral aorta, with loss of renal functional mass and intestinal ischemia. In this article we report the case of a patient presenting with progressive disabling intermittent claudication caused by chronic juxtarenal aortic thrombosis with proximal progression and involvement of the left renal artery, with a functional kidney preserved by the collateral circulation. This imagiologic finding led to a change in the usual surgical procedure, needing a supraceliac aortic clamp. Simultaneously, we choose to revascularize the left renal artery while perfunding the right renal artery with cold Ringer’s lactate solution during clamping period. No complications occurred during the surgery and post-operative period. Renal involvement in aortic juxtarenal thrombosis occurs in 3 to 15% of the cases but demands a more complex surgical approach with more proximal aortic clamping level as well as the use of intraoperative strategies to protect the visceral and renal territories.

Com o surgir da pandemia a SARS-CoV-2 no início de 2020, os serviços de saúde sofreram várias adaptações de forma a mitigar e controlar a progressão do surto a nível europeu e nacional. Estes ajustes repercutiram-se inevitavelmente na dinâmica da maioria dos serviços hospitalares, nomeadamente no nosso serviço de Cirurgia Vascular. Perante a previsível chegada de uma segunda vaga na Europa e em Portugal, com desfechos e repercussões imprevisíveis nos serviços de saúde, é fundamental aprender com as experiências anteriores e partilhar estratégias para prestar o melhor cuidado aos nossos doentes, apesar das restrições impostas pela pandemia. Através deste artigo, analisamos as adaptações no Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte para superar a pandemia e, em particular, no serviço de cirurgia vascular. Avaliamos ainda o impacto dessas mudanças na nossa atividade global, em comparação com a experiência vivenciada noutros centros nacionais e internacionais. Perante uma segunda vaga iminente, é crucial tirar lições desta pandemia por forma a evitar uma potencial crise na saúde.

Introdução: A presença de múltiplos vasos renais é frequente na população geral e, quando presente num dador, aumenta a complexidade da cirurgia de transplantação renal, aumentando o risco de complicações. Embora a transplantação de enxertos de dador cadáver com estas características seja aceite, o mesmo procedimento em dador vivo permanece controverso. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o caso de uma cirurgia de transplantação de dador vivo com anatomia vascular complexa – duas artérias e duas veias renais. Caso Clínico: Mulher de 42 anos, com doença renal crónica terminal (DRCT) por nefropatia IgA, em programa regular de hemodiálise há 9 meses, avaliada em mais de um centro para transplantação renal de dador vivo e recusada pela complexidade da anatomia vascular do par dador - rim direito com duas artérias e duas veias renais curtas. No nosso centro, onde a cirurgia vascular integra a equipa multidisciplinar de transplantação renal, foi aceite o transplante considerando-se tecnicamente exequível a reconstrução vascular ex-vivo do enxerto (back table). Na reconstrução arterial foi realizada anastomose látero-lateral das duas artérias renais. A reconstrução venosa incluiu o alongamento das veias renais com veia safena interna (VSI) da recetora e a sua posterior anastomose em “cano de espingarda”. O rim foi implantado na fossa ilíaca direita da recetora. Verificou-se diurese imediata após desclampagem, com descida rápida dos valores de creatinina para o normal e com alta ao 16.º dia de pós-operatório. Conclusão: A escassez de órgãos é um importante fator limitante à transplantação renal. A inclusão de dadores com múltiplos vasos renais tem demonstrado bons resultados e pode aumentar a disponibilidade de órgãos. A integração de um cirurgião vascular experiente na equipa multidisciplinar de transplantação renal permite a realização de reconstruções arteriais e venosas complexas em enxertos com anatomia vascular menos favorável.

Background The prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) in patients with known abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is not well known and understudied. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the overall prevalence of synchronous and metachronous TAA (SM‐TAA) in patients with a known AAA and to understand the characteristics of this sub‐population. Methods and Results We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to November 2019 for all population‐based studies reporting on the prevalence of SM‐TAAs in a cohort of patients with AAA. Article screening and data extraction were performed by 2 authors and data were pooled using a random‐effects model of proportions using Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. The main outcome was the prevalence of SM‐TAAs in patients with AAAs. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of synchronous TAAs, metachronous TAAs, prevalence of TAAs in patients with AAA according to the anatomic location (ascending, arch, and descending) and the differences in prevalence of these aneurysms according to sex and risk factors. Six studies were included. The pooled‐prevalence of SM‐TAA in AAA patients was 19.2% (95% CI, 12.3–27.3). Results revealed that 15.2% (95% CI, 7.1–25.6) of men and 30.7% (95% CI, 25.2–36.5) of women with AAA had an SM‐TAA. Women with AAA had a 2‐fold increased risk of having an SM‐TAA than men (relative risk [RRs], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.32–3.55). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a 43% decreased risk of having SM‐TAA (RRs, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41–0.80). Conclusions Since a fifth of AAA patients will have an SM‐TAA, routine screening of SM‐TAA and their clinical impact should be more thoroughly studied in patients with known AAA.

Endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) was a relatively new concept that aimed to reduce the incidence of complications after endovascular aneurysm exclusion. However, EVAS device was recently recalled from market due to high risk of graft failure beyond two years after implantation(1,2). The aim of this paper is to report a case of a post-EVAS ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. A 72 year-old-man underwent EVAS and a bilateral sandwich technique of the iliac bifurcation for an aorto-bi-iliac aneurysm in 2015 in another institution. Follow-up CTA at three years showed a type Ib endoleak in the left iliac bifurcation and the patient was kept under clinical and imagiological surveillance (protocol unkown, again at another institution). Four years after the initial procedure the patient was admitted in the emergency department of our hospital after syncope and with abdominal pain. The CT-angiography (CTA) revealed a post-EVAS rupture in the distal aorta suggesting an endobag rupture (Fig 1). The patient underwent open surgical repair with explantation of the EVAS device (Fig 2 and 3) and an aorto-bifemoral interposition with a Dacron graft. The procedure was uneventful and the post-operative CTA showed a patent aorto-bifemoral graft without evidence of any complications (Fig. 4). One week later the patient was discharged home in good clinical condition. Post-operative surveillance is important in any aortic aneurysm endovascular procedure. However, since the last EVAS studies, all patients submitted to this technology must be under strict surveillance to identify complications like endobag rupture that can lead, as in the reported case, to aneurysm rupture which in turn can lead to stent graft explantation in an emergency setting

Introduction: The posterior approach to the lumbar spine is most commonly used to treat lumbar spine pathology. Vascular complications, although rare, have a high mortality rate. This is the report of an arterial lesion complicating a L5 hemilaminectomy and its surgical resolution. The need to remain vigilant for this condition, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, is emphasised. Report: A 31 year old woman was admitted to the neurosurgery department with L5 right-sided sciatica and an associated radiculopathy, and paraesthesia of the first toe of the right foot. She had previously undergone surgical correction of a L4 – L5 lumbar disc herniation, as well as a left oophorectomy and chemotherapy for ovarian neoplasia. A right L5 hemilaminectomy associated with right L5 – S1 foraminotomy and L5 – S1 discectomy was performed with the patient in the ventral position. The procedure was carried out without any apparent complications. In the first three post-operative days the patient complained persistently of orthostatic hypotension and a drop in haemoglobin was observed. Computed tomography angiography revealed what appeared to be a complete transection of the right common iliac artery and vein, with active haemorrhage, and a large pseudoaneurysm. Immediate surgery was carried out with reconstruction consisting of a 9 mm Dacron graft interposed in the right common iliac artery, as well as ligation of the right common iliac vein, which was not amenable to repair. The post-operative period was uneventful. The patient was discharged on day 13 with normal lower limb pulses and mild oedema of the right lower limb, controlled with elastic compression stockings. Discussion: Iatrogenic injuries of the large abdominal vessels during spinal surgery is rare but serious. Close patient surveillance and remaining vigilant for these life threatening vascular lesions are crucial in the peri-operative period of spinal surgery. Keywords: Lumbar spine, Vascular complications

Os endoleaks (EL) do tipo IIIb resultam de um defeito no tecido da endoprótese e são uma complicação tardia rara, mas grave, inerente à correção endovascular de aneurismas da aorta (EVAR). Neste trabalho, os autores descrevem o caso de um homem de 81 anos submetido em 2013 a EVAR, devido a aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA) de 87mm. O procedimento decorreu sem intercorrências, assim como os primeiros dois anos de follow-up, após os quais, houve um crescimento gradual do saco aneurismático até aos 100mm, sem haver, no entanto, qualquer evidência de EL na angiotomografia computorizada (angioTC). O doente foi submetido a laparotomia exploradora, com abertura do saco aneurismático e constatação intra-operatória de EL tipo IIIb, tendo sido realizada hemostase e epiploplastia. O diagnóstico deste tipo de EL é difícil e muitas vezes apenas realizado intra-operatoriamente. Contudo, dado o elevado risco associado a esta complicação do EVAR, deve ser mantido um elevado índice de suspeição diagnóstica e a sua correção realizada atempadamente. Neste cenário, e dado não haver atualmente um gold standard de tratamento, a cirurgia aberta assume-se como uma arma terapêutica valiosa que permite não só o diagnóstico, como uma correção definitiva destas complicações.

Introduction: There is much debate in the literature regarding the management of blunt cervical carotid injuries. This report describes a case of bilateral carotid artery dissection in the very uncommon case of a near hanging victim and the treatment controversies regarding its management. Report: A 50 year old male patient was admitted after attempted suicide through hanging, having been swiftly rescued by a bystander. On admission, six hours after the event there was no neurological deficit. There was evidence of soft tissue damage related to the rope position, subcutaneous emphysema, and neck swelling. The CT angiogram showed dissection of both common carotid arteries with significant luminal narrowing as well as fracture of the thyroid cartilage; brain injury was excluded. Heparin infusion was started and an endovascular repair with bilateral covered stent placement, requiring coverage of the external carotid artery on the left side, was performed. The vascular procedure was uneventful. The patient was discharged 36 days after the event, on dual antiplatelet drugs and under regular psychiatric and speech therapy care, and is currently alive and well 22 months after surgery with no neurological damage. Discussion: The choice of treatment was not straightforward as there are no guidelines or consensus around its management. In this case, however, an endovascular repair seemed suitable and the result was optimal, with no neurological damage and a good result after 22 months. Keywords: Carotid blunt injury, Endovascular repair, Near-hanging, carotid dissection

Background: Colon ischemia (CI) is an underdiagnosed complication of the abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) treatment. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze its frequency in patients treated for AAA and to identify predisposing factors for its occurrence to enable early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention in a timely manner. Methods: Retrospective study which analyzes all patients’ files with infrarenal, pararenal or justarenal AAA operated in an institution in the period from 1 October 2012 to 1 October. The diagnosis of CI was confirmed by endoscopy and/or surgical intervention. The risk factors and determinants of morbidity and mortality were analyzed in 17.0 SPSS program. Results: 161 patients underwent surgical treatment in this period, of which 117 for conventional surgery and 44 for endovascular, 119 electively and 42 in rupture. 92% were male with a mean age of 72 years. Eight of these patients had IC, 4.2% elective and 7.1% emergency. In patients with rupture, hypotension on admission was the most important determinant of IC (119 vs 68 mm Hg, p = 0,03), whereas in patients treated electively the most relevant factors were renal dysfunction (Cr 3.9 vs 1.2 mg / dL, p = 0.002 OR 2,04) and prolonged use of amines in the immediate postoperative period (40% vs 8.2%, p = 0.001 OR 22). The overall 30-day mortality was 13%, but in those with IC was 25%. Conclusions: In our series, ruptured aneurysms, patients with severe hypotension and / or renal insufficiency at the time of admission as well as patients requiring significant intraoperative aminergic and transfusional support were more likely to suffer from IC in postoperative treatment of AAA; although, in this case, this is a less frequent complication compared to other series.

As infeções vasculares protésicas continuam a ser um desafio médico complexo. A evolução da flora hospitalar e o desenvol- vimento da cirurgia vascular têm contribuído para uma mudança na realidade das infeções protésicas, tornando imperativo conhecer o contexto microbiológico atual destas infeções para o seu adequado tratamento. Estas infeções dependem de fatores endógenos e exógenos e variam consoante o tempo de apresentação, localização da prótese vascular e ambiente microbiológico do doente. A morbimortalidade associada a este diagnóstico é elevada e o tratamento deve ser adaptado ao doente em questão, sendo necessário conhecer o microrganismo e as várias possibilidades de tratamento existentes. O conhecimento dos fatores predisponentes da infeção protésica vascular, o seu reconhecimento precoce e prevenção deve ser realizada em todos os doentes e num contexto de cuidados de saúde multidisciplinares.

Introduction: Endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection has focused on the covering of the proximal entry tear. However, recently, concern has emerged regarding the distal aortic remodeling and new techniques such as the Stent-Assisted Balloon-Induced Intimal Disruption and Relamination (STABILISE) technique have gained more acceptance. We describe a technical note regarding the combination of the STABILISE technique in addition to the Covered Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) technique to achieve complete aortic remodeling. Methods: The authors describe a stepwise approach regarding the endovascular repair of type B aortic dissections. A simple TEVAR is performed first. If the patient still shows signs of true lumen compression, a STABILISE technique is performed in order to achieve true lumen expansion and complete aortic remodeling. However, in some patients, false lumen perfusion and true lumen compression at the very distal aorta is maintained due to distal comunicating tears. In these patients, if there are still signs of infra-renal aortic or iliac compression/occlusion or distal thrombosis of the false lumen, a simultaneous CERAB is performed. Conclusion: By combining these techniques, we aim to cover both the proximal tear and the distal comunicating tears resulting in a complete flap apposition, false lumen obliteration, re-expansion of the true lumen and achieve optimal remodeling.

Aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) is an uncommon etiology of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The authors report a case of an 81-year-old male patient who presented with hematuria, intraoral hemorrhage, melaenas and ecchymosis of the lower back and of the abdominal wall, after being medicated with etoricoxib for a back pain. During the study, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which prolonged to the left common and internal iliac artery, was discovered. The diagnosis of AAA induced DIC was made. After endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), the patient’s hemorrhagic manifestations disappeared and the laboratory findings normalized. In conclusion, the state-of-the-art treatment of DIC is the elimination of the underlying disease; in this case, EVAR was proven to be effective in treating the aortic aneurysm and the AAA-related DIC.

Introduction: Aortic graft infection (AGI) is a life-threatening condition and a therapeutic challenge for vascular surgeons. We report a case of a complex AGI managed by a hybrid and staged strategy. Methods: Data related to the present case report were collected from hospital medical records. Results: A 51-year-old male patient, submitted 5 years ago to prosthetic aorto-bifemoral and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) bypass to treat aorto-iliac and visceral occlusive disease and a recent history of a right femoral anastomotic pseudoaneurysm managed by open surgery, was admitted to our emergency room with a left femoral anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and inflammatory signs on the right groin. The diagnostic workup (angio-CT and PET-Scan) strongly suggested infection of the aorto-bifemoral graft. A three-stage hybrid approach was then planned. In the first step, a left axillofemoral PTFE bypass was performed avoiding the infected area with ligation of the infected limb graft of the aorto-bifemoral bypass. Two weeks later, the patient was submitted to a successful endovascular recanalization of the SMA with implantation of a self-expandable bare metal stent, followed by a right axillofemoral PTFE bypass and ligation of the infected limb graft. One week later, the final stage included the exclusion of the proximal anastomosis of the visceral bypass with a covered stent in the SMA and a laparotomy for complete excision of the intrabdominal infected grafts with subsequent aortic ligation. The patient was discharged on the next three weeks on oral antimicrobial therapy. The post-op CT scan confirmed the patency of the SMA recanalization, both renal arteries, as well as the extra-anatomic bypasses to the lower limbs, with apparent resolution of the abdominal infection. Conclusion: The reported case is very unusual and represents a challenge due to the presence of a SMA bypass associated to the AGI. Endovascular recanalization of the SMA occlusion made possible the total excision of the infected abdominal grafts.

Introduction: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) remain a therapeutic challenge for vascular surgeons. We report a Crawford extent type III TAAA managed with the “simplified technique”1 to approach TAAA associated to endograft implantation in the proximal aortic anastomosis to minimize the risk of blowout of the aortic stump. Case Report: A 43-year-old female patient was evacuated from Mozambique with a history of TAAA and admitted in our emergency department with recent chest and abdominal pain. She had history of HIV infection and pulmonary tuberculosis. The physical examination revealed a painful, pulsatile abdominal mass and the computed tomographic angiography (CTA) an 8cm type III TAAA without signs of rupture. The aneurysm morphology was not adequate for endovascular treatment and, due to the immediate unavailability of the usual adjuncts for Crawford technique (ECC and selective visceral perfusion), this symptomatic patient was submitted to a thoraco-phreno-laparotomy with left medial visceral rotation. A bifurcated Dacron 18x9mm graft was distally anastomosed in an end-to-side fashion to both external iliac arteries and proximally to a 22mm polyester four branched graft (Jotec®). This later graft was proximally anastomosed to the descending thoracic aorta (end-to-side) with no visceral or renal ischemia. The aorta distal to the anastomosis was then cross-clamped as well as the infra-renal segment, the aneurysm opened, and no patent intercostal arteries were visible. The lower limb perfusion was maintained by the lateral shunt. Both kidneys were cooled with lactated Ringer’s solution through Pruitt catheters and the visceral arteries were temporarily occluded with Fogarty catheters. The four anastomoses were sequentially performed to the right renal artery, superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk and left renal artery. After completing all the reconstructions, a Zenith Alpha® 32x155mm endograft was implanted from the descending thoracic aorta to the pre-branch segment of the lateral shunt. The operation was uneventful, and the patient remained hemodynamically stable. The postoperative period was complicated by pulmonary infection and the postoperative CTA revealed the occlusion of the left renal artery graft (without clinical or laboratory repercussion). The patient was discharged 50 days after the operation due to social reasons. Conclusion: The adjunct of an endograft to the “simplified technique” was previously described2 and allows to overcome the risk of aortic stump blowout which is one of the major limitations of this technique. This strategy was a successful alternative to manage a TAAA since organ-protection adjuncts to the Crawford technique were not available.