Hemostatic Biomarkers and Volumetry Help to Identify High-Risk Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Predicting the progression of small aneurysms is a main challenge in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management. The combination of circulating biomarkers and image techniques might provide an alternative for risk stratification. We evaluated the association of plasma TAT complexes (TAT) and D-dimer with AAA severity in 3 groups of patients: group 1, without AAA (n = 52), group 2, AAA 40−50 mm (n = 51) and group 3, AAA > 50 mm (n = 50).

Technique for planning and implantation of a branched endograft as a proximal extension of a previous fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair.

Our patient had undergone a previous three-fenestration Anaconda (Terumo Medical Corp, Tokyo, Japan) fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to treat a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. At 10 years postoperatively, distal migration of the prosthesis, a proximal type I endoleak, and aortic sac enlargement of 10 mm in 6 months was observed. Because of the short length of the Anaconda's bifurcated body, we chose to use a Zenith custom-made endograft with four branches and a bifurcated body with an inverted contralateral limb.

Endovascular repair of ascending aortic diseases with custom-made endografts.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to report the mid-term results of ascending thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a custom-made device (CMD).

Methods: This was a retrospective study performed at tertiary centres. Nine patients considered unfit for open surgery received elective total endovascular repair of the ascending aorta with a Relay® (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise; FL, USA) CMD: pseudoaneurysn (n = 5), localized dissection (n =3) and contained rupture (n = 1).

Fenestrated and Scalloped Endovascular Grafts in Zone 0 and Zone 1 for Aortic Arch Disease.

Background: The aim of this study is to present midterm results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using scalloped or fenestrated custom-made endovascular grafts (CMEGs) in aortic arch Zones 0 and 1.

Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data involving consecutive patients with aortic arch disease treated by scalloped or fenestrated Relay Plus stent grafts (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, FL) landed in Zones 0 and 1. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) Predicts Cardiovascular Mortality in Peripheral Artery Disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major cause of acute and chronic illness, with extremely poor prognosis that remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO), a gut derived metabolite, has been associated with atherosclerotic burden. We determined plasma levels of TMAO by mass spectrometry and evaluated their association with PAD severity and prognosis.

Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Arch Lesions Using Scalloped Endografts.

Objective: To present our early and midterm results using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with a custom-made proximal scalloped stent graft to accommodate left common carotid artery (LCCA) and innominate artery (IA) in treating aortic lesions involving the arch.

Materials And Methods: Between February 2014 and April 2017, select patients presenting with aortic arch lesions and short proximal landing zone were treated by proximal scalloped Relay Plus stent grafts. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: A valuable, independent prognostic marker in peripheral arterial disease.

Objective: The prognosis of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by an exceptionally high risk for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and death; however, studies in search of new prognostic biomarkers in PAD are scarce. Even though low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications and death in different atherosclerotic diseases, recent epidemiologic studies have challenged its prognostic utility. The aim of this study was to test the predictive value of HDL-C as a risk factor for ischemic events or death in symptomatic PAD patients.

Iliac Artery Reconstruction With the Superficial Femoral Vein After Major Oncologic Resection.

The large size of some retroperitoneal tumors and the complex anatomy of the retroperitoneal structures often require en bloc resection of contiguous organs and, sometimes, resection of critical vascular structures. Vascular reconstructive techniques allow reconstruction of major vascular structures, and autologous vein grafting is the preferred option. Although great saphenous vein can be used in select cases, other options must be explored in cases of caliber mismatch between saphenous vein and native vessel.

Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms involving iliac bifurcation: role of iliac branch graft device in prevention of buttock claudication.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe our early experience with the use of iliac branch grafts (IBGs) in aortoiliac aneurysm repair at our institution and to evaluate the technical feasibility, short-term patency rate, and potential clinical benefits, with special focus on prevention of buttock claudication.

Methods: From March 2009 to November 2010, 9 consecutive patients (all men), mean age 71.1 years (range 62-80 years), underwent IBG implantation at our institution.

Post-sternotomy intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm. Sonographic diagnosis and thrombosis by ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection.

Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysms are extremely rare. We present a case of an intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm after median sternotomy that was treated by ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection. They are a potential source of complications, especially haemothorax, and treatment is mandatory.