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Objective To assess the initial clinical experience with a novel endograft system (NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft System) designed to treat aortic arch pathologies and address the morphology and hemodynamic challenges of the aortic arch. Summary background data The aortic arch remains the most challenging part of the aorta for both open and endovascular repair. Transcatheter aortic arch repair has the potential to significantly reduce surgical risks. Methods Patients underwent transcatheter aortic arch repair with a single branch, two stent graft system, implanted over a through-and-through guidewire from the brachiocephalic trunk, to the descending aorta with an ascending aorta stent graft. The ascending aorta stent graft is deployed into a designated docking sleeve to connect the two stent grafts and isolate the aortic arch pathology. Proximal landing zone in all cases was in Zone 0. Anatomical inclusion criteria included adequate landing zone in the ascending aorta, brachiocephalic trunk and descending thoracic aorta. Preparatory debranching procedure was performed in all patients with carotid - carotid crossover bypass and left carotid to left subclavian bypass, or parallel graft from descending aorta to left subclavian artery. Safety and performance were evaluated through one year. Survival analysis used the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Twenty-eight patients, 79% males, with a mean age of 72.2 ± 6.2 years were treated with 100% procedural success. Isolated aortic arch aneurysm was the principle pathology in 17 (60.7%) of patients while chronic aortic dissection was the principle pathology in 6 (21.4%) of patients. The remaining 5(17.8%) had combined or other pathologies. At one month, the vascular pathology was excluded in 25 of 26 alive patients (96.1%). The 30 days mortality rate was 7.1%, stroke rate was 3.6% (all non-disabling) and combined mortality/stroke rate was 10.7%. One year mortality was 10.7%, without device or aneurysm related death. Two patients (7.1%) reported stroke or transient ischemic attack at one year that recovered completely. One year combined mortality/stroke rate was 17.8%. There were three patients (10.7%) that had device related unplanned reinterventions through one year. Conclusions The NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft System, a novel single branch, two stent graft system used for endovascular aortic arch repair that requires landing in the ascending aorta, demonstrates a high success rate with excellent one year safety and performance.

Purpose Non-operative management of aortic graft infection is usually only considered in a palliative context. We describe the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of percutaneous drainage of aortic graft infections (AGI) following either open or endovascular repair of aneurysmal disease. Methods Twelve consecutive patients (11 males, 1 female, mean age 72.7 ± 10.3 years, age range 52-88 years) between January 2010-July 2020 who underwent percutaneous drain insertion in either an infected aortic sac or periaortic abscess cavity following endovascular or open surgical graft repair were identified. Patient and procedural characteristics as well as clinical outcomes were determined. Results Of the 12 patients who underwent percutaneous drain insertion, five (41.7%) had undergone open abdominal aneurysm repair, one (8.3%) open thoracoabdominal aneurysmal repair, and six (50%) endovascular abdominal aneurysm repairs. Drain size ranged from 10-20 French. All were inserted under ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Median duration of drain placement was 55.2 days (range 3-174). Five patients (41.7%) had the drain in place as a stabilizing bridge until or after definitive surgical explantation and aortic reconstruction. Seven patients (58.3%) were managed with drain placement and antibiotic therapy without surgical intervention. Six (50%) were alive at the most recent time of follow-up (median, 732 days, range 166-1650 days). Three patients (25%) died during follow-up with causes including erosion of aortic reconstruction into sigmoid colon, unrelated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, and severe clostridium difficile colitis and pseudomonal pneumonia (median 1244 days, range 992-1597 days). Three (25%) patients were lost to follow-up. No drain-related complications were noted. Conclusion Percutaneous drainage of AGI following endovascular or open aneurysm repair is a safe and viable management option either as a temporizing measure as a bridge to surgical graft explantation or as a non-surgical therapy for long term management.

Fenestrated and branched aortic endograft (F/B EVAR) has become a widely accepted technique in the management of aneurysmal aortic pathology. However, intra-procedurally in some situations, there are F/B that remain unused because of target vessel occlusion or failure to cannulate the target artery. Leaving the F/B open will result in an ongoing endoleak, unless treated at the time. Herein we described the necessary considerations and several endovascular techniques to occlude these fenestrations and branches in this situation.

We describe here a series of patients who presented with failed hybrid arch and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs, while highlighting the instrumental role that advanced medical imaging played in formulating an operative plan. Each case involved persistent 1A endoleaks and aneurysm sac growth after hybrid arch repairs tackled by arch debranching followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Two open cases were described as well as one endovascular case. Imaging played a key role in elucidating the site of endoleak and in operative planning. These cases highlight the importance of multidisciplinary input between cardiac surgery, vascular surgery and radiology in management of complex aortic patients.

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is an extremely rare vascular phenomenon, with a prevalence of 0.025% to 0.04% in the general population. We present the case of a 72-year-old man with a thrombus-containing PSA aneurysm that caused embolic acute limb ischemia. We also discussed the PSA classification systems, common presentations, rarity of the pathology, and high rates of severe complications.

To identify sex-related differences in outcomes following branched and/or fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (B/FEVAR) for thoracoabdominal (TAAA) and juxtarenal (JRAA) aortic aneurysms.Chart review completed on 242 B/FEVAR patients (57 [23.5%] female) between 2007 and 2020 at a single centre. Median follow-up time was 3.3 years [interquartile range: 1.6-5.3].No statistically significant differences in age (females: 75.9 ± 5.4 years vs males: 74.7 ± 7.2; p = .162) or aneurysm size (64.9 ± 6.8 vs 65.8 ± 9.4; p = .41) at presentation were observed between sexes. Females presented with fewer JRAAs (45.6% vs 73%; p.001) and received more Crawford extent II (26.3% vs 10.8%; p =.004) TAAA coverage. Increased incidence of moderate/severe target vessel stenosis (29.8% vs 14%; p = .022) was observed in female patients. Intraoperatively, females had higher procedure times (530 [425,625] vs 420 [350,510] mins; p.001), fluoroscopy times (124.1 ± 49 vs 107.3 ± 43.5 mins; p = .017), and contrast usage (200 [150,270] vs 175 [130,225] mL; p = .005). Unplanned intraoperative maneuvers (45.6% vs 28.1%; p = .043), graft delivery issues (24.6% vs 4.9%; p.001), and additional intraoperative complications (61.4% vs 35.7%; p.001) were also increased in females. Post-operatively, females had a longer intensive care unit (3 [1,5] vs 1 [1,3] days, p = .002) and hospital stay (8 [5,13] vs 5 [3,9] days, p.001) and experienced increased rates of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) (15.8% vs 3.8%; p = .001) and bowel ischemia (10.5% vs 2.7%; p = .013). In-hospital mortality (12.3% vs 2.7%; p = .004) was higher in female patients but mid-term (6-year) survival was 60.2% for all patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 53.0-68.5) and was similar between sexes (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.95; p = .83), which were the primary endpoints. No sex differences in mid-term follow-up re-intervention, endoleak, and rupture rates were observed.Females experienced significantly higher B/FEVAR intraoperative times, complications, and in-hospital morbidity and mortality compared to males but similar mid-term outcomes. Anatomic and atherosclerotic differences may have contributed to the observed in-hospital differences.

To compare outcomes between octogenarians and nonoctogenarians undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair and juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair using branched and/or fenestrated endovascular devices (F/BEVAR) and compare octogenarian survival to population survival statistics from Ontario, Canada.Patients who underwent F/BEVAR at a single institution between 2007 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed with a median follow-up of 3.3 years (interquartile range, 1.6-5.3). The median survival of an average 84-year-old Ontarian from Canada, adjusted for a male:female ratio of 4:1, was retrieved from publicly available Statistics Canada data.In total, 68 octogenarians (25.8%) and 196 nonoctogenarians (74.2%) were included (mean age, 83.5 ± 3.0 vs 71.9 ± 5.8 years; P ≤ .001). The maximum aneurysm size was significantly larger in octogenarians (68.9 ± 11.4 mm vs 65.4 ± 10.0 mm; P = .017). No differences in the number of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs (29.4% vs 38.3%; P = .19) or operative technical success (92.6% vs 85.7%; P = .136) were observed between the two cohorts. Postoperatively, no significant differences in overall in-hospital mortality (7.3% vs 5.1%; P = .49), elective in-hospital mortality (6.1% vs 4.4%; P = .49), stroke (1.5% vs 3.6%; P = .384), or spinal cord ischemia (2.9% vs 9.2%; P = .094) were seen between octogenarians and nonoctogenarians. There was no difference in survival at 4 years between the two cohorts (62.9% vs 71.1%; P = .22), however, survival at 6 years was significantly lower for octogenarians (44.5% vs 64.1%; hazard ratio, 1.96; P = .02). The cumulative rate of reintervention (44.1% vs 41.3%; P = .84) and freedom from branch instability (67.6% vs 73.5%; P = .33) at 6 years were not different between the two groups. When comparing octogenarians who survived to discharge from index hospitalization after F/BEVAR with 84-year-old Ontarians unmatched for comorbidities, a survival difference of 4.8% and 11.1% was noted at 4 and 6 years, respectively.F/BEVAR in octogenarians is associated with no differences in technical success or postoperative adverse outcomes when compared with their younger counterparts. Octogenarians had increased mortality after 4 years and their survival at 4 years was comparable with that of an 84-year-old Ontarian. F/BEVAR was safe and effective in octogenarians deemed fit for intervention. Further research into preoperative patient selection and improving perioperative outcomes is needed.

Objective: Aortic macrophage accumulation is characteristic of the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) but the mechanisms of macrophage accumulation and their phenotype are poorly understood. Lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor-1 (Lyve-1+) resident aortic macrophages independently self-renew and are functionally distinct from monocyte-derived macrophages recruited during inflammation. We hypothesized that Lyve-1+ and Lyve-1− macrophages differentially contribute to aortic aneurysm. Approach and results: Angiotensin-2 and β-aminopropionitrile (AT2/BAPN) were administered to induce AAA in C57BL/6J mice. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we demonstrated primarily adventitial accumulation of aortic macrophages, and in association with areas of elastin fragmentation and aortic dissection. Compared with controls, AAA was associated with a relative percent depletion of Lyve-1+ resident aortic macrophages and accumulation of Lyve-1− macrophages. Using CD45.1/CD45.2 parabiosis, we demonstrated aortic macrophage recruitment in AAA. Depletion of aortic macrophages in CCR2−/− mice was associated with reduced aortic dilatation indicating the functional role of recruitment from the bone marrow. Depletion of aortic macrophages using anti-macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (MCSF1R)-neutralizing antibody (Ab) reduced the incidence of AAA. Conditional depletion of Lyve-1+ aortic macrophages was achieved by generating Lyve-1wt/cre Csf1rfl/fl mice. Selective depletion of Lyve-1+ aortic macrophages had no protective effects following AT2/BAPN administration and resulted in increased aortic dilatation in the suprarenal aorta. Conclusions: Aortic macrophage accumulation in AAA derives from adventitial recruitment of Lyve-1− macrophages, with relative percent depletion of Lyve-1+ macrophages. Selective targeting of macrophage subtypes represents a potential novel therapeutic avenue for the medical treatment of AAA.

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair of complex aortic aneurysms requires incorporation of side branches using specially designed aortic stent grafts with fenestrations, directional branches, or parallel stent grafts. These techniques have been increasingly used and reported in the literature. The purpose of this document is to clarify and to update terminology, classification systems, measurement techniques, and end point definitions that are recommended for reports dealing with endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms involving the renal and mesenteric arteries.

Sex differences in aortic surgery outcomes are commonly reported. However, data on ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair outcomes in women vs men are limited.To assess differences in perioperative and long-term mortality following rAAA repair in women vs men.A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Vascular Quality Initiative database, which prospectively captures information on patients who undergo vascular surgery across 796 academic and community hospitals in North America. All patients who underwent endovascular or open rAAA repair between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2019, were included. Outcomes were assessed up to January 1, 2020.Patient sex.Demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics were recorded, and differences between women vs men were assessed using independent t test and χ2 test. The primary outcomes were in-hospital and 8-year mortality. Associations between sex and outcomes were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.A total of 1160 (21.9%) women and 4148 (78.1%) men underwent rAAA repair during the study period. There was a similar proportion of endovascular repairs in women and men (654 [56.4%] vs 2386 [57.5%]). Women were older (mean [SD] age, 75.8 [9.3] vs 71.7 [9.6] years), more likely to have chronic kidney disease (718 [61.9%] vs 2184 [52.7%]), and presented with ruptured aneurysms of smaller diameters (mean [SD] 68 [18.2] vs 78 [30.2] mm). In-hospital mortality was higher in women (34.4% vs 26.6%; odds ratio, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.25-1.66), which persisted after adjusting for demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics (adjusted odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12-1.66; P = .002). Eight-year survival was lower in women (36.7% vs 49.5%; hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.50; P = .02), which persisted when stratified by endovascular and open repair. This survival difference existed in both the US and Canada. Variables associated with long-term mortality in women included older age and chronic kidney disease.Women who underwent rAAA repair had higher perioperative and 8-year mortality rates following both endovascular and open repair compared with men. Older age and higher rates of chronic kidney disease in women were associated with higher mortality rates. These findings suggest that future studies should assess the reasons for these disparities and whether opportunities exist to improve AAA care for women.

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a minimally invasive technique used to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with FEVAR. The patient experienced postoperative dysphagia and sepsis. Investigations revealed a perforated esophagus due to esophageal ischemia and necrosis, leading to complete esophagectomy and subsequent esophageal reconstruction. This case highlights esophageal necrosis and perforation as a potential complication of FEVAR and serves as a reminder to have a low threshold for investigating and emergently managing this condition, which otherwise has a high mortality rate.

The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS-SVQI) is a database that provides insight into standards of care and highlights opportunities for quality improvement by benchmarking institutional data against local, regional and national trends. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a frequently performed vascular operation. Postoperative length of stay in hospital (LOS) varies among institutions. We reviewed the morbidity and mortality of patients who underwent EVAR at our institution and the financial impact of increased LOS for these patients. In addition, we sought to identify modifiable factors associated with prolonged LOS.We identified all patients who underwent elective EVAR between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2014. Preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative details, postoperative factors, long-term (1 yr) outcomes and cost data were reviewed. Univariate analysis was used to determine statistical differences between patients with LOS less than or equal to 2 days and greater than 2 days. Interventions were implemented to modify factors identified as having a negative impact on EVAR LOS.Identified factors that negatively affected EVAR LOS included social, neurologic, cardiovascular, urologic and renal issues. Following targeted interventions, LOS after EVAR decreased from an average of 3.8 to 3.0 days (p0.05). Logistic regression (n = 124) identified cardiovascular issues as the most significant predictor of LOS greater than 2 days (p = 0.001, odds ratio 14.24, 95% confidence interval 2.8–71.4). Reduction in LOS was associated with the additional benefit of 6.6% adjusted cost savings.By leveraging SVS-VQI data, we were able to reduce EVAR LOS by identifying modifiable factors and instituting focused interventions. The reduction in LOS was associated with cost savings to the hospital.L’Initiative pour la qualité de la chirurgie vasculaire de la Société canadienne de chirurgie vasculaire (IQCV-SCCV) est une base de données qui donne un aperçu des normes thérapeutiques et souligne les possibilités d’améliorations de la qualité en faisant la comparaison entre les tendances institutionnelles et les tendances locales, régionales et nationales. La réparation endovasculaire d’anévrisme (REVA) est une intervention fréquente. La durée du séjour hospitalier postopératoire varie d’un établissement à l’autre. Nous avons examiné la morbidité et la mortalité chez les patients ayant subi une REVA dans notre établissement et mesuré l’impact économique d’un séjour hospitalier prolongé chez ces patients. De plus, nous avons tenté de dégager les facteurs modifiables associés à un séjour prolongé.Nous avons recensé tous les patients ayant subi une REVA entre le 1er janvier 2011 et le 31 décembre 2014. Nous avons pris en compte les caractéristiques préopératoires des patients, les détails peropératoires, les facteurs postopératoires, les résultats à long terme (1 an) et les coûts. Une analyse univariée a servi à déterminer les différences statistiques entre les patients ayant séjourné à l’hôpital 2 jours ou moins et plus de 2 jours. Des interventions ont été appliquées pour modifier les facteurs reconnus pour leur impact négatif sur le séjour hospitalier après une REVA.Les facteurs identifiés pour leur effet négatif sur le séjour hospitalier après une REVA étaient entre autres problèmes sociaux, neurologiques, cardiovasculaires, urologiques et rénaux. Après l’application d’interventions ciblées, la durée du séjour hospitalier post-REVA a diminué d’une moyenne de 3,8 à 3,0 jours (p0,05). La régression logistique (n = 124) a permis d’identifier les problèmes cardiovasculaires comme principaux prédicteurs d’un séjour hospitalier de plus de 2 jours (p = 0,001, rapport des cotes 14,24, intervalle de confiance de 95 % 2,8–71,4). L’abrègement du séjour hospitalier a été associé à un avantage additionnel de 6,6 % en économies de coûts ajustées.Après analyse des données de l’IQCV-SCCV, nous avons réussi à abréger la durée des séjours hospitaliers pour REVA en identifiant les facteurs modifiables et en appliquant des interventions ciblées. L’abrègement des séjours hospitaliers a été associé à des économies pour l’hôpital.

Minimally Invasive Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MISACE) is a novel approach to reduce paraplegia risk in Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair with limited data. We report our experience with MISACE as a method of spinal cord pre-conditioning to prevent spinal cord ischemia following endovascular repair of TAAA.A retrospective analysis of 17 patients who had an attempted MISACE prior to endovascular TAAA repair with mean follow-up of 350 days (2017-2020). Baseline patient and aneurysm characteristics along with procedural technique and outcomes were analyzed.Mean age of 69 years and 76.5% were males. TAAA Crawford classification were II, n = 6 (35.3%), III, n = 4 (23.5%) and IV, n = 5 (29.4%). The mean aortic diameter was 70.6 ± 10.9 mm. Staged repair was performed on 9 patients. Technically successful embolization occurred in 14 patients (82.4%) and was unsuccessful in 3 patients. The median number of embolized arteries was 3 and 71% of the target arteries were between T9 and T12. Mean fluoroscopy time was 51.5 ± 22.5 min and mean contrast volume used was 132.8 ± 56.1 mL. Average number of catheters used was 4.6 and 3.5 wires. No complications related to the procedure. Mean interval between embolization to endovascular TAAA repair was 51.2 days (5-110 days). All patients received spinal drainage at the time of repair. Postoperatively, 2/14 of patients developed paraparesis in the MISACE successful group and 1/3 patients developed paraplegia in the unsuccessful group.MISACE is a promising strategy to prevent SCI. This data demonstrates the technique is feasible and safe but anatomic challenges remain.

Background Survivors of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair remain at risk for long-term complications. Guidelines recommend postoperative imaging surveillance, but adherence is uncertain. Objectives The aim of this study was to define the real-world frequency of postoperative imaging and characterize long-term outcomes of ATAAD. Methods Population-based administrative health databases for Ontario, Canada, were linked to identify patients who underwent ATAAD repair and survived at least 90 days. Guideline-directed imaging surveillance (GDIS) was defined as undergoing a computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scan at 6 and 12 months postoperatively and then annually thereafter. Multivariable time-to-event analysis explored the associations between GDIS and all-cause mortality and reintervention. Results A total of 888 patients who survived urgent ATAAD repair between April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2018, were included. Median follow-up after ATAAD repair was 5.2 years (interquartile range: 2.4-7.9 years). A total of 14% patients received GDIS throughout follow-up. At 6 years, 3.9% of patients had received GDIS. The mortality rate was 4% at 1 year, 14% at 5 years, and 29% at 10 years. Incidence of aortic reintervention was 3% at 1 year, 9% at 5 years, and 17% at 10 years; the majority of these were urgent (68%), and they carried a 9% 30-day mortality rate. Greater adherence to GDIS was associated with mortality (hazard ratio: 1.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.11) and reintervention (hazard ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.07). Conclusions Adherence to GDIS following ATAAD repair is poor, while long-term mortality and reinterventions remain substantial. Further research is needed to determine if guidelines should be modified.

Objective During fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), accurate alignment of the fenestration and the target artery is necessary to prevent complications. This study's objective is to determine the incidence of clinical outcomes following fenestration misalignment during FEVAR. Methods A single-center, retrospective chart review was performed for all elective FEVARs between January 2008 and April 2015. Data were gathered from patient records and intraoperative imaging. Native vessel angles were calculated using the vessel centerlines. Intraoperative stent graft orientation was determined by changing the angle of the image intensifier as the fenestration was profiled for cannulation. Vertical fenestration misalignment was defined as 4 mm or greater and is the distance from the center of the fenestration markers to the center of the target vessel ostium at the time of cannulation. Horizontal stent graft misalignment was defined as a difference between the native vessel angle and the intraoperative fenestration angle of 15° or more. Early and late clinical outcomes were analyzed with respect to the presence of either vertical or horizontal misalignment of the renal artery fenestrations. Results The study cohort includes 65 patients who underwent FEVAR during this study period. A horizontal misalignment of 15° or more occurred in 40% of patients (n = 26) and 30° or more in 9.2% of patients (n = 6). A vertical misalignment of 4 mm or greater occurred in 32.3% of patients (n = 21). The incidence of severe postoperative complications, defined as any in-hospital end-organ ischemia and/or death, was significantly greater for patients with stent graft misalignment—31% (n = 11) vs 3% (n = 1) in the aligned group. There was a trend toward higher rates of target vessel cannulation failure in patients with stent graft misalignment 3% (n = 99 fenestrations) vs 0% (n = 76 fenestrations). The combined incidence of any intraoperative target vessel complication was significantly higher in patients with misalignment, 8.1% (4, 15) vs 1.3% (0, 8). Long-term survival was significantly lower in patients with stent graft misalignment, which was primarily driven by high intraoperative and in-hospital mortality rates (P Conclusions Intraoperative stent graft misalignment is associated with higher rates of procedural target vessel complications and severe postoperative adverse events. Patients with stent graft misalignment should be considered at high risk for early postoperative complications. These results highlight an important need for improved FEVAR planning.

Purpose: The positive predictive value (PPV) of endovascular and open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair coding was assessed in Ontario health administrative databases. Methods: Between 1 January 2006 and 31 March 2016, a random sample of 192 patients was identified using Canadian Classification of Health Intervention (CCI) procedure codes and Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing codes from administrative data. Blinded chart reviews were conducted at two cardiovascular centers to assess the level of agreement between the administrative records and the corresponding patients’ hospital charts. The PPV was calculated with 95% confidence intervals using hospital charts as the gold standard. Results: The PPV for the single endovascular TAAA repair code, 1ID80GQNRN, was 0.90 (0.78, 0.97). A combination of all nine CCI open TAAA repair codes was performed, with a PPV of 0.62 (0.47, 0.76). The combination of any one of the nine CCI codes AND the single OHIP code for open TAAA repair (R803) rendered a PPV of 0.98 (0.90, 1.00). Conclusions: Endovascular TAAA repair may be identified using a single CCI code (1ID80GQNRN). Open TAAA repair may be identified using a combination of CCI and OHIP codes. Researchers may therefore use administrative data to conduct population-based studies of endovascular and open repair of TAAA.

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel balloon-expandable, heparin-bonded endoprosthesis (Viabahn VBX, W. L. Gore and Associates) when used as a bridging stent graft (BSG) with fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (FB-EVAR). FB-EVAR and BSGs increase repair complexity with the potential for endoleak formation, stenosis, thrombosis, and graft migration. The mechanical construction of the Viabahn VBX and its antithrombogenic properties may provide an advantage for FB-EVAR over existing BSGs. The efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes were assessed.Research ethics board approved, prospective, single arm cohort, pilot study of patients undergoing FB-EVAR between February 2017 and January 2018. Fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair was performed per the standard institutional protocol by a team composed of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. Viabahn VBX endografts were used for all intended visceral branches as long as appropriately sized devices were available (Under Investigational Testing Authorization from Health Canada). Patient characteristics, procedural details, and technical and clinical outcomes were reviewed and summarized.FB-EVAR was performed in 13 patients (9 male and 4 female) mean age of 74 (range: 61-83) with a total of 41 Viabahn VBXs stents implanted. Mean maximum aneurysm size was 6.7 cm (range: 5.5-9.0 cm) and included 5 juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and 8 thoracoabdominal; 3 type V, 3 type IV, and 2 type III (Crawford Classification). The Viabahn VBX was successfully deployed in 40 (98%) of 41 of cases. At median follow-up of 223 days (range: 2-462), there was a (40/40) 100% Viabahn VBX patency rate. Seven endoleaks were identified intra- or post procedurally in 6 (46%) of 13 cases, including 1 type IB, 3 type II, 2 type III, and 1 unclassified. Nine complications occurred in 6 patients.The Viabahn VBX stent is a safe and effective BSG for FB-EVAR with no early stent thrombosis. Further evaluation is required to determine longer term stent efficacy.

To suggest a practical approach for the application of data from the Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies (COMPASS) trial in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).The COMPASS trial showed that low-dose rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus daily aspirin was superior to aspirin alone in reducing major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and major adverse limb events among patients with stable atherosclerotic vascular disease, including those with PAD. The risk for major bleeding, however, was higher with rivaroxaban plus aspirin. Critical limb ischemia at baseline (rest pain, ulcer, or gangrene), previous limb or foot amputation, or a history of peripheral revascularization surgery or stenting were independently associated with increased major adverse limb events within the trial.Intensification of antithrombotic therapy with low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin should be considered in low bleeding risk PAD patients who are at increased risk for ischemic and/or limb events. A practical approach for clinicians is presented to help incorporate COMPASS data into practice.

Objective Postoperative delirium (POD) has a high prevalence among vascular surgery patients, increasing morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. We prospectively studied preoperative risk factors for delirium that can be assessed by the surgical team to identify high-risk patients and assessed its impact on hospital costs. Methods There were 173 elective vascular surgery patients assessed preoperatively for cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Confusion Assessment Method for POD, which was verified by chart and clinical review. Demographic information, medications, and a history of substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and previous delirium were prospectively recorded. An accompanying retrospective chart review of an additional 434 (elective and emergency) vascular surgery patients provided supplemental cost information related to sitter use and prolonged hospitalization secondary to three factors: delirium alone, dementia alone, and delirium and dementia. Results Prospective screening of 173 patients (73.4% male; age, 69.9 ± 10.97 years) identified that 119 (68.8%) had MoCA scores 200 hours (8.3 days), accounting for 69.7% of sitter costs for the surgical unit; 43.7% of costs were accounted for by patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. Conclusions POD is predicted by type of vascular surgery procedure, impaired cognition (MoCA), and previous delirium. Costs and morbidity related to delirium are greatest for those with impaired cognitive burden. Preoperative MoCA screening can identify those at highest risk, allowing procedure modification and informed care.

Chronic type B aortic dissection with aneurysmal degeneration requiring intervention presents significant therapeutic challenges. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair with a fenestrated endograft is a feasible option, but false lumen branches without an adjacent re-entry or perforation in the septum can pose a significant challenge. We present two cases of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair for chronic type B aortic dissection in which a renal artery from the false lumen was cannulated by creating a "neofenestration" through the dissection flap using a radiofrequency PowerWire (Baylis Medical Inc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) technique (Toronto PowerWire fenestration technique).

We sought to determine the risk factors associated with late mortality or complications (thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm [TAAA] life-altering events [TALE]: a composite of mortality, permanent paraplegia, permanent dialysis, and stroke) for patients who had undergone endovascular or open TAAA repair.We performed a population-based study of patients who had undergone TAAA repair in Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2017. The association of baseline risk factors with mortality and complications after repair was examined using Cox hazards models with hospital-specific random effects. The survival of patients who had undergone TAAA repair was compared with that of controls without TAAAs. The two groups were matched by age, sex, area of residence, and average annual household income. The type of repair (endovascular vs open) was included in all models.We identified 664 adults (mean age, 69.3 ± 10.6 years; 71% men) who had undergone TAAA repair. At 5 and 8 years, survival was 55.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.8%-60.1%) and 44.6% (95% CI, 40.4%-49.6%) for patients who had undergone TAAA repair vs 85.6% (95% CI, 83.9%-87.1%) and 76.3% (95% CI, 73.8%-78.8%) for the control population, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.67-2.32; P .01). For the TAAA group, freedom from TALE was 49.2% (95% CI, 44.7%-53.7%) and 37.3% (95% CI, 33.1%-42.4%) at 5 and 8 years of follow-up, respectively. On multivariable analysis, the risk factors associated with mortality during follow-up included older age (HR, 1.21 per 5-year increase; 95% CI, 1.13-1.28), peripheral artery disease (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03-2.09), hypertension (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.03-2.43), congestive heart failure (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.34-2.36), and urgent procedures (HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.74-3.00). A lower rate of death was observed for those with previous coronary revascularization (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.96) and those who had undergone repair at high-volume institutions (60 TAAA repairs during the study period; HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.91). Older age, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and urgent procedures were associated with a higher rate of TALE. The type of repair (endovascular vs open) was not associated with mortality or TALE.TAAA repair was associated with reduced long-term survival compared with the general population, regardless of the mode of treatment. Urgent or emergent repair was the most profound risk factor for late adverse events. The type of repair (endovascular vs open) was not a predictor of long-term death or complications. Previous coronary revascularization and treatment performed at a high-volume institution were associated with improved late outcomes for patients undergoing TAAA repair.

BACKGROUND Patients who survive repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remain at risk of aneurysmal degeneration and rupture of the residual native aorta. Guidelines recommend regular post-operative imaging surveillance in this population, but adherence to this recommendation and its clinical benefit are uncertain. We sought to define the real-world frequency of post-operative imaging and characterize its association with long-term outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS Population-based administrative health databases for Ontario, Canada, were linked to identify patients who underwent ATAAD repair and survived at least 90 days. Full guideline-directed imaging surveillance (GDIS) was defined as having a CT or MRI scan at 6 and 12 months post-operatively, and then annually thereafter. Multivariable time-to-event analysis was used to explore the associations between GDIS and all-cause mortality, as well as aortic reintervention. A total of 888 patients who survived urgent ATAAD repair between April 1, 2005 and March 31, 2018 were included. Median follow-up duration after ATAAD repair was 5.2 years (IQR 2.4-7.9). A total of 14% of patients received GDIS during their entire follow-up. At 6 years, only 3.9% of patients had received GDIS. For those who survived the first 90 days, survival rate was 96% at 1 year, 86% at 5 years and 71% at 10 years. Incidence of re-intervention was 3% at 1 year, 9% at 5 years and 17% at 10 years. For every 10% increase in the proportion of time a person was undergoing GDIS, increased risks of mortality (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.11) and reintervention (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) were observed. CONCLUSION Adherence to GDIS following ATAAD repair is poor in Ontario and imaging surveillance appears to be used selectively only in those with more aggressive disease and at higher risk for poor outcomes. Further research is needed to understand if this approach is reasonable and if guidelines should be modified.

Objective Trauma-related vascular injuries are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. We conducted a retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study to examine temporal trends and factors associated with traumatic vascular injury-related in-hospital mortality in Ontario, Canada from 1991 to 2009. Methods We obtained data on Ontario hospital admissions for traumatic vascular injury, including injury mechanism and body region; and patient age, sex, socioeconomic status, and residence from the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database and Registered Persons Database from fiscal years 1991 to 2009. We performed time series analysis of vascular injury-related in-hospital mortality rates and multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify significant mortality-associated factors. Results The overall in-hospital mortality rate for trauma-related vascular injury was 5.5%. A slight but non-significant decline in mortality occurred over time. The likelihood of vascular injury-related in-hospital mortality was significantly higher for patients involved in transport-related accidents (odds ratio [OR[=2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–2.76), age ≥65 years (OR = 4.34, 95% CI, 2.25–8.38), or with thoracic (OR = 2.24, 95% CI, 1.56–3.20) or abdominal (OR = 2.45, 95% CI, 1.75–3.42) injuries. Conclusions In-hospital mortality from traumatic vascular injury in Ontario was low and stable from 1991 to 2009.

To compare 1-year health care costs between endovascular and open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA).Population-based administrative health databases were used to capture TAAA repairs performed in Ontario, Canada, between January 2006 and February 2017. All health care costs incurred by the Ministry of Health from a single-payer universal health care system were included. Costs of the aortic endografts and ancillary devices for the index procedure were estimated as C$44,000 per endovascular case vs C$1000 for open cases, based on previous reports. Costs (2017 Canadian dollars) were calculated in phases (1, 1-3, 3-6, and 6-12 months from surgery) with censoring for death. For each phase, propensity score matching of endovascular and open cases based on preoperative patient and hospital characteristics was used. The association between preoperative characteristics (including repair approach) and the first month postprocedure cost was characterized through multivariable analysis.Overall 664 TAAA repairs were identified (open, n = 361 [54.5%] and endovascular, n = 303 [45.6%]). At 1 month, the median cost was higher for endovascular TAAA repair in the prematching cohort (C$64,892 vs C$36,647; P .01). Similarly, in 241 well-balanced endovascular/open patient pairs after propensity score matching, the median health care costs were higher in endovascular TAAA cases during the first month (C$62,802 vs C$33,605; P .01). The 1- to 3-month median cost was not statistically different between endovascular and open TAAA cases either before matching (C$2781 vs C$2618; P = .71) or after matching (C$2762 vs C$2092; P = .58). Likewise, in the 3- to 6-month and 6- to 12-month postprocedure intervals, there were no significant differences in the median health care costs between groups. On multivariable analysis, older age (5-year increments) (relative change [RC] in mean cost, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.06; P = .01), urgent procedures (RC, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.52; P .01), and history of stroke (RC, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00-1.78; P = .05) were associated with higher costs in the first postoperative month, whereas open relative to endovascular TAAA repair was associated with a decreased 1-month cost (RC, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56-0.74; P .01).TAAA repair is expensive regardless of technique. Compared with open TAAA repair, endovascular repair was associated with a higher early cost, owing to the upfront cost of the endograft and aortic ancillary devices. There was no difference in cost from 1 to 12 months after repair. A decrease in the cost of endovascular devices might allow equivalent costs between endovascular and open TAAA repair.

Background: Complex aortic repair (CAR) carries high rates of debilitating postoperative complications, including spinal cord injury. The rate of spinal cord deficits post-CAR is approximately 10%, with permanent paraplegia in 2.9% and paraparesis in 2.4% of patients. Treatment options are limited. Rescue therapies include optimization of spinal cord perfusion and oxygen delivery by mean arterial pressure augmentation (> 90 mm Hg), cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and preservation of adequate haemoglobin concentration (> 100 g L -1 ). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been described in several case reports as part of the multimodal treatment for spinal cord ischemia. HBOT has been used in our centre as adjunct rescue treatment for patients with spinal cord injury post-CAR that were refractory to traditional medical management, and we aimed to retrospectively review these cases. Methods: After Research Ethics Board approval, we performed a retrospective review of all post-CAR patients who developed spinal cord injury with severe motor deficit and were treated with HBOT at our institution since 2013. Results: Seven patients with spinal cord injury after CAR were treated with HBOT in addition to traditional rescue therapies. Five patients showed varying degrees of recovery, with two displaying full recovery. One developed oxygen-induced seizure, medically treated. No other HBOT-related complications were noted. Conclusions: Our retrospective study shows a potential benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on neurological outcome in patients who developed spinal cord injury after CAR. Prospective research is needed to understand the role, efficacy, benefits and risks of HBOT in this setting.

The purpose of the study was to provide a systematic review of the literature reporting the contemporary early outcomes after endovascular and open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies from January 2006 to March 2018 that reported either endovascular (using branched or fenestrated endografts) or open repair of TAAA in at least 10 patients. Outcomes of interest included perioperative mortality, spinal cord injury (SCI), renal failure requiring dialysis, and stroke. Pooled proportions were determined using a random-effects model.The analysis included 71 studies, of which 24 and 47 reported outcomes after endovascular and open TAAA repair, respectively. Endovascular cohort patients were older and had higher rates of coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Endovascular repair was associated with higher rates of SCI (13.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.5%-16.7%) compared with open repair (7.4%; 95% CI, 6.2%-8.7%; P .01) but similar rates of permanent paralysis (5.2% [95% CI, 3.8%-6.7%] vs 4.4% [95% CI, 3.3%-5.6%]; P = .39), lower rates of postoperative dialysis (6.4% [95% CI, 3.2%-9.5%] vs 12.0% [95% CI, 8.2%-16.3%]; P = .03) but similar rates of being discharged on permanent dialysis (3.7% [95% CI, 2.0%-5.9%] vs 3.8% [95% CI, 2.9%-5.3%]; P = .93), a trend to lower stroke (2.7% [95% CI, 1.9%-3.6%] vs 3.9% [95% CI, 3.0%-4.9%]; P = .06), and similar perioperative mortality (7.4% [95% CI, 5.9%-9.1%] vs 8.9% [95% CI, 7.2%-10.9%]; P = .21).This systematic review summarizes the contemporary literature results of endovascular and open TAAA repair. Endovascular repair studies included patients with more comorbidities and were associated with higher rates of SCI but similar rates of permanent paraplegia, whereas open repair studies had higher rates of postoperative dialysis but similar rates of being discharged on permanent dialysis. Perioperative mortality rates were similar. Universally adopted reporting standards for patient characteristics, outcomes, and the conduct of contemporary comparative studies will allow better assessment and comparisons of the risks associated with the two surgical treatment options for TAAA.

We sought to determine the early and late outcomes of endovascular versus open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.We performed a multicenter population-based study across the province of Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2017. The primary end point was mortality. Secondary end points were time to first event of a composite of mortality, permanent spinal cord injury, permanent dialysis, and stroke, the individual end points of the composite, patient disposition at discharge, hospital length of stay, myocardial infarction, and secondary procedures at follow-up.A total of 664 adults undergoing surgical repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (endovascular: n = 303 [45.5%] vs open: n = 361 [54.5%]) were identified using an algorithm of administrative codes validated against the operative records. Propensity score matching resulted in 241 patient pairs. Endovascular repairs increased during the study and currently comprise more than 50% of total repairs. In the matched sample, open repair was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital death (17.4% vs 10.8%, P = .04), complications (26.1% vs 17.4%, P = .02), discharge to rehabilitation facilities (18.7% vs 10.0%, P = .02), and longer length of stay (12 [7-21] vs 6 [3-13] days, P .01). Long-term mortality was not significantly different (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.50), nor were the other secondary end points, with the exception of secondary procedures, which were higher in the endovascular group (hazard ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-4.55). At 8 years, overall survival was 41.3% versus 44.6% after endovascular and open repair (P = .62).Endovascular repair was associated with improved early outcomes but higher rates of secondary procedures after discharge. Long-term survival after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is poor and independent of repair technique.

Vascular surgeons have a central role in managing peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding pharmacologic risk reduction in PAD and results were compared to a similar 2004 survey conducted by our group.An online questionnaire was administered to 161 active members of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery.Forty-eight participants (30%) completed the survey. Recommended targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose were known by 52%, 38%, and 50% of vascular surgeons, respectively. Almost all participants recognized antiplatelet dosages and statin indications, but less than half could identify indications (29%) and precautions (44%) for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy. A majority (58%) routinely evaluate risk factors in50% of their patients. Most vascular surgeons regularly provide risk reduction counseling, but less than 10% initiate or modify antihypertensive or ACE inhibitor therapy. Compared to 2004, knowledge of targets and indications/precautions for common cardiovascular medications and frequency of risk factor assessment have not changed. Rates of counseling for diabetes control and statin prescription have improved, but remain suboptimal. Regarding newer medications with cardiovascular benefit, less than 10% would prescribe proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors if they were available. The majority of vascular surgeons rate their PAD risk reduction knowledge as average and support an up-to-date Canadian PAD guideline. Most participants believe that risk reduction therapy is best provided by family physicians and internists, but also acknowledge that vascular surgeons should be well-versed in assessing and managing risk factors in PAD.Significant knowledge and action gaps exist among Canadian vascular surgeons with regards to pharmacologic cardiovascular risk reduction in PAD. Although there is recognition that vascular surgeons are central to the medical management of patients with PAD, few routinely evaluate risk factors and prescribe medications. There is little evidence of sufficient improvement since 2004. New educational and clinical strategies are needed to improve PAD risk reduction pharmacotherapy among Canadian vascular surgeons.

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the early results of endovascular vs open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. Methods MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies from January 2006 to March 2018 that compared endovascular vs open repair of TAAA using branched or fenestrated endografts. Data were subjected to a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. The outcomes of interest included early mortality, spinal cord injury, renal failure requiring dialysis, stroke, and hospital length of stay. Results Eight comparative studies met inclusion criteria. There were two retrospective propensity-matched studies, two unadjusted single-center retrospective studies, and four unadjusted national population-based studies. Mortality in the matched studies was equivalent in both groups. Pooled analysis of all unmatched observational studies revealed a survival benefit for endovascular over open repair (relative risk [RR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI],0.45-0.87); P Conclusions There are few reports comparing endovascular vs open repair of TAAAs. Short-term outcomes may be improved in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of TAAA on the basis of a limited number of studies with high risk of bias. These findings highlight the need for larger comparative studies with standardization of reporting.