Annals of vascular surgery
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Elective endovascular aneurysm repair in the elderly: trends and outcomes from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.
This study attempted to identify trends in the use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and outcomes in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair over a 5-year period in a nationwide dataset, with specific attention to patients older than 80 years. ⋯ EVAR is being performed with increasing frequency in patients older than 80 years, with one-quarter of EVAR performed in patients aged 80 years and older in the current sample. Although mortality rates remain acceptable in this elderly population, EVAR and OAR are associated with an age-dependent increase in death, complications, and discharge to extended care facilities. These factors, in addition to long-term risk of aneurysm rupture, should be considered when evaluating the appropriateness of elective aneurysm repair in the elderly.
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Case Reports
Transaortic stent grafting of a Kommerell diverticulum arising from a right-sided aortic arch.
In this article, we report the case of a 68-year-old woman who presented with shortness of breath. Respiratory function tests showed a slightly obstructive physiology. Computed tomography (CT) results revealed an aberrant left subclavian artery and a Kommerell diverticulum arising from a right-sided aortic arch that was compressing the trachea and the surrounding tissues. ⋯ Postoperative CT showed complete exclusion of the Kommerell diverticulum without an endoleak. The patient's breathing difficulty was resolved, and she was discharged uneventfully. This procedure should be considered as an alternative strategy for exclusion of Kommerell diverticulum.
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We hypothesized that infectious complications after open surgery (OPEN) and endovascular repair (EVAR) of nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) negatively affected long-term outcomes. ⋯ Hospital-acquired infections had a dramatic effect by increasing hospital and 30-day mortality, readmission rates, and hospital resource use after AAA repair. Programs minimizing infectious complications may decrease future readmissions and mortality after AAA repair.
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Medical complications may prolong the hospital stay after elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We prospectively assessed the social and medical feasibility and safety of patient discharge on the first postoperative day after elective CEA and unplanned readmissions. ⋯ In this study, the majority of patients undergoing elective CEA were discharged safely on the first postoperative day. Social reasons, rather than medical reasons, underlied most cases of later discharge. There were no unplanned readmissions for complications of CEA.
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To effectively isolate thoracic aortic lesions in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), an adequate proximal landing zone length is required. The left subclavian artery (LSCA) and other branches of the aortic arch commonly impose limitations on proximal landing zone length, restricting the use of TEVAR. In this study, we investigated the outcomes of LSCA coverage during TEVAR. ⋯ Intentional coverage of the LSCA to obtain an adequate proximal landing zone for TEVAR can be a treatment option for thoracic aortic lesions, although some patients experienced mil complications.