Journal of vascular surgery
-
Randomized controlled trials have shown that periprocedural rates of stroke and death are higher with carotid artery stenting (CAS) than with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has shown higher rates of clinically silent new ischemic brain lesions when CAS is performed as compared with CEA. The Silk Road Medical Embolic PROtectiOn System: First-In-Man (PROOF) Study is a single-arm first-in-man study using the MICHI Neuroprotection System (Silk Road Medical Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif), a novel transcervical access and cerebral embolic protection system. This system enables stent implantation under controlled blood flow reversal of the carotid artery, also known as Flow Altered Short Transcervical Carotid Artery Stenting (FAST-CAS). ⋯ In this first-in-man experience, FAST-CAS using the MICHI Neuroprotection System was shown to be a safe and feasible method for carotid revascularization. DW-MRI findings suggest controlled reverse flow provides cerebral embolic protection similar to that seen with CEA.
-
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), initially developed for the treatment of degenerative aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, has been applied to the entire spectrum of descending thoracic aortic pathology in both the elective and emergent settings. This single center study evaluates the effectiveness of TEVAR for the treatment of acute surgical emergencies involving the descending thoracic aorta, including traumatic aortic disruption (TAD), ruptured descending thoracic aneurysm (RDTA), and acute complicated Type B dissection (cTBD). ⋯ Emergent TEVAR has become the treatment of choice for acute surgical emergencies involving the descending thoracic aorta. Short-term morbidity and mortality compare favorably with historic results for emergent open surgical procedures on the descending thoracic aorta. Survival is highest in patients undergoing repair of TAD. Using current endograft technology, nearly all emergent conditions of the descending thoracic aorta can be successfully treated with TEVAR.
-
Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is one of the most common aortic emergencies that vascular specialists are asked to manage. Traditional surgical interventions for cases complicated by malperfusion have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. With increasing availability of thoracic endografts, endovascular interventions for complicated AAD have become more acceptable. We reviewed our experience with endovascular treatment of AAD since January 2005. ⋯ Complicated AAD remains a challenging problem, with significant morbidity and mortality rates. However, our early experience with endovascular management offers a favorable reduction in mortality from historic controls.
-
Comparative Study
Trends in the national outcomes and costs for claudication and limb threatening ischemia: angioplasty vs bypass graft.
Debate exists as to the benefit of angioplasty vs bypass graft in the treatment of lower extremity peripheral vascular disease. The associated costs are poorly defined in the literature. We sought to determine national estimates for the costs, utilization, and outcomes of angioplasty and bypass graft for the treatment of both claudication and limb threat. ⋯ PTA has altered the treatment paradigm for lower limb ischemia with an increase in costs and procedures. It is unclear if this represents an increase in patients or number of treatments per patient. Although mortality is slightly lower with PTA for all indications, amputation rates for limb-threat patients appear higher, as does the average cost. Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine the appropriateness of PTA in both claudication and limb-threat patients. The mortality benefit with PTA may be ultimately lost, and average costs elevated, if multiple interventions are performed on the same patients.
-
A 4-month-old boy was referred for persistent respiratory symptoms despite having undergone division of the ligamentum arteriosus for the diagnosis of a right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery. A computed tomography scan demonstrated symmetric arch vessels around the trachea at the thoracic inlet, with the left common carotid artery being tethered posteriorly, more suggestive of a double aortic arch with an atretic left arch between the left common carotid and subclavian arteries. This diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively, and division of the atretic portion released the bronchial obstruction. This case highlights the importance of careful evaluation of the vascular anatomy.