An Updated Review on Arterial Stiffness Measurement Techniques and Arterial Stiffness Alterations After Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background: Studies over the last years have revealed the possible impact of endovascular repair of abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms on the arterial stiffness and secondary on the cardiac function and the central hemodynamics.

Methods: A literature search was conducted to collect data on current methods of arterial stiffness assessment and the induced changes in arterial stiffness after endovascular or open surgical repair of abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Results: Seventeen studies were analyzed.

Midterm Outcomes of the BeGraft and BeGraft Plus Bridging Covered Stents for Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report outcomes of the BeGraft and BeGraft Plus as bridging covered stents in fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (FB-EVAR).

Methods: Patients treated and followed in two institutions receiving at least one BeGraft or BeGraft Plus as bridging covered stent between January 2018 and July 2023 were included.

Results: A total of 765 target vessels (TVs) in 281 patients were aimed to be bridged with the BeGraft or BeGraft Plus.

A Greek Multicentre Study Assessing the Outcome of Late Rupture After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Objective: Late rupture after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an increasing complication associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to analyse the causes and outcomes in patients with AAA rupture after EVAR.

Methods: A multi-institutional Greek study of late ruptures after EVAR between 2008 - 2022 was performed.

Suitability study of current endovascular aortic repair devices based on real-life anatomic data.

Background: There are a number of stent-grafts in the market, designed to handle difficult anatomies during endovascular aortic repair. The aim of this study is to determine which stent-graft is the most appropriate to accommodate the majority of infra-renal aortic aneurysms cases. An additional aim is to determine what stent-graft characteristics influence the suitability of the stent-graft.

Aortocaval fistula: an unusual complication of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Aortocaval fistula (ACF) is a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm, which erodes into the wall of the inferior vena cava, resulting in the formation of a fistula. ACF presents with various inconsistent symptoms and signs. ACF can be a diagnostic dilemma if not suspected and it is lethal if left untreated.

Apolipoprotein J as a predictive biomarker for restenosis after carotid endarterectomy: a retrospective study.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective surgical option for stroke prophylaxis in most patients. Restenosis after CEA can lead to re-intervention and adverse events, but the factors predicting restenosis are poorly understood. Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is considered to be a novel predictive factor of vascular restenosis and is associated with a large number of processes related to atherosclerosis and cell-cycle phases.

Stenting of Subclavian Artery True and False Aneurysms: A Systematic Review.

Background: Aneurysms of the subclavian artery are usually the result of trauma, atherosclerosis, or thoracic outlet syndrome. Until the 90s, open surgical repair was considered the only therapeutic choice, exhibiting high complication rates. Since the first report of endovascular repair of subclavian aneurysms in 1991, promising results have been published.

Use of the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System in Combination With Parallel Grafts for the Treatment of a Symptomatic Type V Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Purpose: To report endovascular treatment of a symptomatic type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) using the combined techniques of endovascular aneurysm sealing and parallel stent-grafts.

Case Report: A 70-year-old man was referred with a symptomatic type V TAAA. The Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) System was used in combination with 2 chimney grafts for the celiac artery (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA); one periscope graft perfused the right renal artery.

Endovascular Repair of Traumatic Isthmic Ruptures: Special Concerns.

Injury of the aortic isthmus is the second most frequent cause of death in cases of blunt traumatic injury. Conventional open repair is related to significant morbidity and mortality. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has increasing role in traumatic isthmic rupture, as it avoids the thoracotomy-related morbidity, aortic cross clamping, and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Three-Stage Esophagectomy Combined with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: First Case in the Literature.

The purpose of this report is to describe the synchronous surgical treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with concomitant esophageal cancer with a 3-stage esophagectomy, a real management challenge especially in establishing the therapeutic priorities and the ideal treatment approach. A 65-year-old male was referred for treatment in our hospital with the diagnosis of AAA. He complained of general fatigue, weight loss, and intermittent dysphagia.

Aortic Graft Infection: Graphene Shows the Way to an Infection-Resistant Vascular Graft.

Aortic graft infection is a potentially lethal complication of open and endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms. Graphene is the only existing two-dimensional material, and its unique structure gives graphene and its derivatives a plethora of original characteristics. Among other characteristics, graphene demonstrates bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects that could potentially resolve the problem of graft infection in the future.

Neoaortoiliac System Procedure to Treat Infected Aortic Grafts.

Background: The aim of this case series is to report the results of our center in the surgical treatment of infected abdominal aortic grafts using the neoaortoiliac system (NAIS) procedure.

Methods: Four male and 2 female patients underwent an NAIS repair after endovascular (n = 3), open (n = 2), or combined surgery (n = 1) in our center. Mean age was 73 ± 5.

The Potential Role of Graphene in Developing the Next Generation of Endomaterials.

Graphene is the first 2-dimensional material and possesses a plethora of original properties. Graphene and its derivatives have exhibited a great potential in a number of fields, both medical and nonmedical. The aim of this review is to set the theoretical basis for further research in developing graphene-based endovascular materials.

Is volume important in aneurysm treatment outcome?

Several studies have suggested that surgical procedures performed at high-volume centers may result in superior outcome. Technically more demanding procedures such as aortic aneurysm repair appear to demonstrate a stronger relationship with volume. The present chapter reviewed the literature using the MEDLINE database to identify studies investigating the effect of volume in aortic aneurysm repair outcomes.

Patent Femoropopliteal Vein Bypass Graft 45 Years After Implantation.

Patency of femoropopliteal vein bypass above the knee has been estimated between 69% and 77% at 5 years. This article reports a case of a patent femoropopliteal vein bypass 45 years after implantation without any reintervention. The morphologic alterations observed after 45 years at this vein bypass graft are additionally discussed.

Antiplatelet Treatment in Peripheral Arterial Disease: The Role of Novel Antiplatelet Agents.

Background: Acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel are two antiplatelet agents currently used in the therapy of peripheral arterial disease. Cilostazol also inhibits platelet aggegration. These agents present limitations that novel antiplatelet agents may overcome.

Hybrid Treatment of Large Brachial Artery Pseudoaneurysms.

Background: Conventional surgical treatment of brachial artery pseudoaneurysms (BAPs) includes aneurysm excision/opening and subsequent arterial reconstruction with different options depending on the extent of the arterial deficit. Endovascular repair of BAPs with stent grafting has also been reported but published experience remains limited. In this report, we present our experience with a novel hybrid approach consisting of primary endovascular aneurysm exclusion with a stent graft and subsequent open surgical evacuation of pseudoaneurysm content for decompression of adjacent structures.

Oxidative Stress and Total Antioxidant Status During Internal Carotid Artery Clamping with or without Shunting: An Experimental Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND The exact role of shunting during carotid endarterectomy remains controversial and unclear. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate to what degree carotid clamping may induce changes in the cerebral oxidative status and to focus on the relation of these changes with shunt insertion. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomized into 4 groups: group 1 classifying animals with carotid shunt and patent contralateral carotid artery; group 2 shunt and occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery; group 3 no-shunt and patent contralateral carotid artery; and group 4 no-shunt and occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery.

Management of iatrogenic subclavian artery pseudoaneurysms.

Background: To report our experience in the management of iatrogenic subclavian artery pseudoaneurysms (SAPs).

Methods: During a 6-year period, 5 patients were treated urgently for SAP.

Results: Two patients presented with rupture, 2 with dyspnea, whereas 1 had unremitting severe pain.

Incomplete Excluder limb graft deployment: cause and solution.

The Excluder stent graft (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) is one of the most frequently used devices for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and offers the advantage of a simple and reliable deployment mechanism.

Late open conversion after failed endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is widely used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Complications secondary to EVAR are also treated with endovascular techniques. When this is not applicable, open surgical repair is mandatory.

Treatment paradigms for ductus arteriosus aneurysms in adults.

We report two symptomatic cases of ductus arteriosus aneurysm (DDA) in adults treated in our department over a 5-years period. One patient underwent an open off-pump surgical procedure, while the second one was treated with partial aortic arch debranching and endovascular stent-grafting. DDA in adults is an uncommon condition and can present with rupture, hoarseness or symptoms of airway obstruction.

Comparison of outcomes with open, fenestrated, and chimney graft repair of juxtarenal aneurysms: are we ready for a paradigm shift?

Purpose: To review the literature reporting open surgical and endovascular treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysm (JAA).

Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database was carried out to identify English-language articles published between January 2001 and July 2012 on the management of JAA with open surgery, fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR), and the chimney graft technique (Ch-EVAR). The search found 20 studies with a total of 1725 patients (76% men; age range 66-74 years) undergoing open surgery, 10 studies detailing 931 patients (87.

Multiple aneurysms of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery: a rare complication of acute pancreatitis.

Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) aneurysms are uncommon, representing nearly 2% of all visceral aneurysms, and sporadically associated with celiac artery stenosis. Multiple IPDA aneurysms have been rarely reported. We report a case of a 53-year-old female patient with a history of prior pancreatitis, who presented with two IPDA aneurysms combined with median arcuate ligament-syndrome-like stenosis of the celiac trunk.