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J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 15. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Vascular Services OhioHealth, Columbus, OH, USA -

Superficial femoral and popliteal artery disease are commonly involved in the development of symptomatic PAD. As time has gone on drug coated stents and drug coated balloons have supplanted the plain balloon angioplasty corner stone of therapy with superiority proven in randomized trials. Device approval trials are typically characterized by simple lesions that are less common than the longer complex disease. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 15. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

St George's Vascular Institute, St George's Hospital, London, UK.

Introduction: Short stay endovascular aneurysm repair pathways (SS-EVAR) provide potential advantages to both healthcare providers and patients. However, these benefits must be carefully balanced against the inherent risks to patient safety and tariff penalties associated with unplanned readmissions.

Evidence Acquisition: A literature review was performed using the databases MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library up until March 2019. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 15. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Flanders Medical Research Program, Dendermonde, Belgium.

Background: To investigate the efficacy of the balloon expandable Promus Element and Promus Element Plus stent , coated with everolimus, in the treatment of short, focal infrapopliteal lesions.

Methods: The PREVENT study was a prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, single arm study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Promus Element and Promus Element Plus stent in the treatment of stenotic or occlusive lesions ≤40 mm long in the tibioperoneal arteries of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). A total of 70 study subjects were enrolled in a period of 26 months, between November 2012 and December 2014. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The "new" and updated European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2019 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-iliac Artery Aneurysm, published in the 2019 January issue of the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, is an extensive document offering 125 recommendations of clinical importance on the management of AAA, accompanied by a comprehensive supporting text that summarizes the literature and motivates the positions made. Several new topics, not addressed in the previous guidelines, are included. Here we summarises the most important news in the new ESVS 2019 clinical practice guidelines on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysm. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 27. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Department of Surgery, RadboudUMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Background: Neuropathic pain often occurs after leg amputation. It is unclear why some patients suffer from pain and others do not. Intra-operative nerve handling might correlate with these pain syndromes. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 25. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore -

Background: Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction alone is insufficient as an independent predictor of postoperative complications and mortality in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Our objective was to identify additional independent risk factors in patients with low left ventricle ejection fraction (EF) who underwent CABG.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed CABG results of 346 consecutive patients with low EF (≤ 30%) in a single institution between 2009 and 2015. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 22. Epub 2019 Mar 22.

Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium -

Background: Concomitant malignant disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) represent a challenging issue in terms of treatment priority, timing and perspectives. This narrative review provides an overview of the available literature managing AAA and concomitant malignant disease.

Methods: We conducted a literature search of all the English-language medical literature in Medline (through PubMed), Embase, Clinical Trial databases and the Cochrane Library up to December 31st, 2018. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 22. Epub 2019 Mar 22.

Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Background: Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of primary studies have been published on the relationship between annual case load of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) performed at hospital level or by individual surgeons, and perioperative outcomes. Many studies on volume-outcome relationship have already been published and high-quality systematic reviews are crucial for further guideline development.

Methods: I) Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the relationship between hospital or surgeon CEA/CAS volume and periprocedural outcomes were identified through a systematic literature search of Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.

Fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) is associated with a high degree of technical and clinical success. Despite this, studies have also reported high reintervention rates, and these are often related to the bridging stent grafts. Often new devices appear on the market before they have been tested in the bridging stent graft position. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.

Background: The European C3 module of the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT) evaluates the outcome and deployment mechanism of the C3 Gore Excluder stent-graft. We aimed to assess the mid- to long-term durability of the C3 Gore Excluder stent-graft in the management of challenging aortic neck morphology, outside the instruction of use (IFU).

Methods: The prospectively collected data from GREAT were retrospectively analysed. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Department of General Surgery, TriHealth Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Background: Robotic lobectomies for pulmonary pathologies, such as lung cancer, have seen increased usage over the past 10 years. Previous studies have shown that robotic lung surgery is safe and can lead to improved outcomes for patients. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative complications associated with robotic lobectomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database in the U. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 21. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

University of Texas Medical School in Houston, Houston, TX, USA.

Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) represents an infrequently encountered but lethal traumatic injury. Minimal aortic injuries are appropriately treated by medical management, while more severe injuries require endovascular or open repair. Rapidly evolving endovascular technology has largely supplanted open repair as first line operative intervention, however, the complexity of the severely injured blunt trauma patient can complicate management decisions. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 21. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Advanced Endovascular Aortic Research Program, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA -

Open surgical repair has been the gold standard for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). The technique of open TAAA repair has evolved from the use of 'island' patch incorporation to separate branch vessel bypass, from 'clamp and go' to routine use of distal perfusion, and towards more extensive repair in patients with connective tissue disorders. Open TAAA repair can be done with excellent results in highly specialized centers. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA -

Transfemoral carotid stenting has struggled to become a suitable alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of carotid disease because of higher perioperative stroke risks, even with use of embolic protection devices. To reduce the perioperative stroke rates associated with carotid stenting, several advancements in stent design, embolic protection systems, and technical approaches have been developed. Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) was also recently introduced as a novel carotid artery stenting option which circumvents several of the high embolic-risk maneuvers found in transfemoral carotid stenting and employs a flow reversal system that provides continuous embolic protection throughout the procedure. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands -

The benefit of carotid revascularization in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis is hampered by the risk of stroke due to the intervention itself. The risk of periprocedural strokes is higher for carotid artery stenting(CAS) as compared to carotid endarterectomy(CEA). Over the past years, the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for periprocedural stroke seems to unfold step by step. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Vascular Surgery Division, Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Endovascular repair of descending thoracic aorta (DTA) is considered as first interventional option for most part of the aortic disorders. However many unmet needs and issues are still limiting its applicability. One of the major limitations is related to the existing gaps in evidence. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Service of Interventional Radiology, Centro Vascolare Ticino, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Sede Civico, Lugano, Switzerland -

This paper will provide a comparison of classical endpoints like stroke and mortality vs. biochemical (non- STEMI) myocardial infarction and DW-MRI new brain lesions, and will discuss the importance of cranial nerve lesion in CEA. An overview of possible endpoints of future randomized clinical trials will be given. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 20. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK -

Background: Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting, in addition to good medical therapy, halve long-term stroke risk in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. Since the absolute benefits following successful intervention are moderate, identification of asymptomatic patients at high-risk of future stroke could maximise the effectiveness of carotid interventions.

Aim: To summarise the evidence for high-risk features associated with increased long-term stroke risk in asymptomatic patients. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 20. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Department of Vascular Surgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University School of Medicine, Milan, Italy.

Endovascular treatment of acute complicated type B aortic dissection (TBD) has recently acquired a primary therapeutic role when anatomically feasible. However, strategies meant to simply close the proximal entry tear leave the risk of persistent perfusion of the false lumen(FL) through additional tears in the thoracoabdominal aorta, and therefore the potential for aneurysmal degeneration remains significant over the years. Thus, additional bare stent implantation in the thoracoabdominal aorta has been proposed to promote true lumen (TL)expansion, malperfusion relief, and intimal lamella stabilization. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 11. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

Department of Cardiac Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.

Background: Type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency with a high morbidity and mortality. Strokes occur in up to 25% and are among the most feared complications. This study aims to evaluate factors linked to stroke development and the implications of strokes on outcomes. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 28;60(2):212-220. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Amputation Prevention Centers, Michigan State University, School of Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.

The orbital atherectomy system is a novel form of atherectomy that uses orbital sanding and pulsatile forces, an effective method of treatment for peripheral atherosclerotic lesions with varying levels of occlusion. Although the devices only has a general indication from the FDA to treat atherosclerotic lesions, they are effective in treating all kinds of lesions, and can therefore mitigate effects of all severities of peripheral artery disease. This approach to endovascular therapy involves the use of differential sanding to preferentially ablate fibrous, fibrofatty and calcified lesions, while deflecting healthy intima away from the crown. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 28;60(2):186-190. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Vascular Medicine, German Aortic Center, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.

Anatomical changes after endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are thoroughly studied as they could affect the long-term postoperative outcome. The aim of the present study was to review the literature and summarize the recent data regarding the aortic remodeling and its clinical significance. A continuous aortic neck expansion is observed after EVAR and is more rapid at the first month and during the third postoperative year. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.

Background: The aims of this study were: 1) to examine incidence, characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of SAVR among patients with or without COPD; 2) to compare both groups matched by sex, age, year hospitalized for SAVR and implanted valve type; and 3) to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) among COPD patients.

Methods: We used the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database for patients aged ≥40 years from 2001 to 2015. We selected patients whose medical procedures included SAVR. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

FMRP, Dendermonde, Belgium.

Background: The EVOLUTION study is a prospective, non-randomized study, investigating the iVolution stent (iVascular, Barcelona, Spain). The study was conducted at the vascular departments of 4 hospitals in Belgium. This manuscript reports the findings up to 12-month follow-up time for the total cohort. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Laboratory of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University Institute for Clinical Research, Montpellier, France.

Background: There is currently a lack of evidence for the relative effectiveness of partial resection (PR) and total resection (TR) before managing abdominal aortic graft infection (AGI). Most authorities agree that TR is mandatory for intracavitary AGI in patients with favorable conditions but there is an increasing number of patients with severe comorbidities for whom this approach is not suitable, resulting in a prohibitive mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate indication for TR or PR. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiac Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China -

Background: The feasibility and safety of robotic mitral valve repair has been proven in several studies but the mid-term to long-term outcomes are unclear. We aim to summarize our surgical experience with robotic mitral valve repair and demonstrate the follow-up results out to 7 years.

Methods: From 2007 to 2014, 110 consecutive patients underwent robotic mitral valve repair with da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, USA) in our center. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 18;60(2):159-166. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, General Hospital Nuremberg, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany -

Background: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of standard and fenestrated grafts to treat proximal failure of previous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a tertiary referral center.

Methods: All patients undergoing elective implantation of a standard or fenestrated graft after proximal failure of a previous EVAR between April 2010-November 2018 were included. Data were collected prospectively. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 18;60(2):167-174. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.

Introduction: The aim was to investigate the impact of wide proximal aortic diameter on outcome after standard endovascular repair (sEVAR) of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Evidence Acquisition: A systematic search of the literature was undertaken using the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for articles comparing outcome after sEVAR in patients with large versus small diameter aortic neck. The prognostic factor of interest was large diameter proximal aortic neck and the results were reported as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 18;60(2):191-197. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Franziskus-Hospital GmbH Münster, Münster, Germany.

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided directional atherectomy enables a real-time visualization of the arterial wall during plaque debulking and might optimize vessel preparation prior to drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Nonetheless there is a paucity of data reporting on the outcomes of OCT-guided directional atherectomy with antirestenotic therapy (DAART). Aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of OCT-guided DAART in the treatment of femoropopliteal atherosclerosis. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 16;60(2):198-204. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Interventional Cardiovascular Group, Pasteur Toulouse Clinic, Pasteur GCVI Clinic, Toulouse, France.

Endovascular treatment for peripheral artery occlusive disease carries unresolved problem of restenosis. Treatment modalities in areas of high mechanical stress like popliteal artery and common femoral artery remains challenging. New-generation devices improved the results of stent therapy in this anatomical territory, but could impact on future surgical options if they are needed. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 16;60(2):175-185. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Department of Vascular Medicine, German Aortic Center Hamburg, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany.

Introduction: Endovascular repair of infra-renal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) has become treatment of choice. However, individuals undergoing EVAR have a high re-intervention rate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current endovascular treatment modalities of endoleak type Ia (ET Ia) treatment after EVAR and their outcome. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 16;60(2):205-211. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Department of Cardiology and Angiology, GRN Hospital Weinheim, Weinheim, Germany.

Within the last years, many new endovascular treatment modalities have been invented for treatment of peripheral arterial disease. To leave nothing behind and to keep options for future treatment are key issues of these new revascularization procedures. Drug coated balloon technology (DCB) is one key element in this strategy but there are still limitations for this revascularization technology. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb;60(1):152-154

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands -

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb;60(1):148-149

Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia -

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Dec;59(6):844-845

Department of Vascular Surgery, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium -

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

CHU Limoges, Service of Cardiology, Dupuytren Hospital, Limoges, France -

Background: Among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), around 25% have multisite artery disease (MSAD). Patients with CAD and MSAD are at higher risk of peri-operative and long-term cardiovascular events. Whether off-pump coronary bypass grafting (CABG) can improve their prognosis is unknown. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Apr 20;60(2):259-267. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Centre Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.

Background: Valve sparing root replacement differs in specific points. The main target remains to achieve a perfect intraoperative result and long-term stability. We aimed in this study to present our modified sizing technique for valve-sparing "David" procedure and its mid-term results. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Cardiac Surgery, Euroclinic of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Introduction: We sought to systematically review the existing literature reporting on patients recruited during the past twenty years regarding the role of left ventricular (LV) reconstruction in ischemic cardiomyopathy in terms of efficacy and mortality and provide an updated overview of the current evidence.

Evidence Acquisition: The PubMed and Cochrane bibliographical databases were thoroughly searched for the following MeSH terms: "ventricular reconstruction" OR ventriculoplasty OR "ventricular aneurysm" OR "ventricular restoration". Original studies -recruiting patients during the past twenty years- on LV reconstruction surgery in more than five cases and reporting on the associated peri- or post-operative mortality were deemed eligible. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan.

Background: Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) and paraplegia are complications of surgery for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). Since the segmental arteries play a key role in SCI, this study evaluated the association between SCI and false lumen segmental arteries (FLSAs: segmental arteries originating from the false lumen).

Methods: The study included 101 consecutive TAAAD patients (mean age, 66±13; range, 34-89 years) who underwent surgery from January 2011 to April 2017. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.

Background: One of the main drawbacks of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) compared to open aortic surgery is the possibility of developing endoleaks and secondary aneurysm rupture, requiring frequent imaging follow-up. This study aims to identify prognostic factors that could be incorporated in follow-up protocols, which might lead to better personalized, lower cost and safe EVAR follow-up.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed including all patients who underwent elective EVAR from January 2000 to December 2015. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 12;60(1):8-13. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Department of Vascular Surgery, A.Z. Sint Blasius Hospital, Dendermonde, Belgium.

Common femoral artery (CFA) atherosclerotic lesions currently remain one of the last limitations for adoption of endovascular repair as the first-line treatment. The bulky, eccentric, heavily calcified character of the CFA plaques, frequent involvement of the femoral bifurcation, easy surgical accessibility and last but not least, favorable long-term outcomes still make CFA disease treatment part of the surgical domain. In the last 5 years, improvement of the endovascular equipment and technical skills of the operators have led to an increase in percutaneous CFA procedures. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 7;60(1):21-22. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic Aortic Center, Rochester, MN, USA.

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 7;60(1):1-2. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia -

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Nov 7. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA -

Background: Although aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is preferentially treated endovascularly, some patients are still better served with an aortobifemoral bypass (ABF). For those patients, surgical treatment options include both standard open operations as well as laparoscopic ABF (LapABF). Several European centers perform LapABF with favorable results instead of open surgery, but this has not been widely embraced in the United States. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 31;60(1):3-7. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand -

The endovascular management of complex lower limb arterial occlusive disease is generally associated with poorer acute results, a higher incidence of provisional stenting and subsequent restenosis compared to more simple arterial lesions. Even more challenging results can be expected when two complex features are combined such as chronic total occlusion (CTO) and severe calcification. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) with the Shockwave™ system has recently been evaluated as a familiar angioplasty-balloon-based but effective technique for the management of arterial calcification. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Oct 29. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany.

Background: The iliac side branch device (IBD) is a valid method for the treatment of abdominal aorto-iliac aneurysms. However there is still a lack of evidence regarding the optimal length of the bridging stent graft (BSG) since aneurysmal degeneration of the hypogastric artery (HA) is an exclusion criterion. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of longer BSG compared to the widely used 38mm stent-grafts in terms of reintervention rate and primary patency. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 23;60(1):14-20. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.

Despite recent advances in endovascular therapy of lower extremity atherosclerotic disease, mainly driven through drug eluting balloon angioplasty, treatment of complex lesions remains challenging. Drug-eluting balloons work less well in heavily calcified lesions and in particular long lesions often require bail-out stenting. Lesion preparation, as a stand-alone treatment or before delivering antiproliferative therapy or scaffolding, has gained increased recognition in recent years. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2018 Oct 5. Epub 2018 Oct 5.

Department of Cardiology, Clinic of Internal Medicine II, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria -

Background: Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvulopathy in developed countries. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a therapeutic alternative in symptomatic patients at high or prohibitive perioperative risk. Predilatation by balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) under rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) has been a routine part of TAVI. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 26;60(1):54-65. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic Aortic Center and Advanced Endovascular Aortic Research Program, Rochester, MN, USA -

Spinal cord injury is the most devastating complication after aortic surgery. Rates of spinal cord injury vary from 0% up to 40%. Predictive factors include extent of coverage, hypogastric artery occlusion, prior aortic repair and perioperative hypotension. Read More

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2019 Feb 12;60(1):23-34. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic Aortic Center, Rochester, MN, USA -

Fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F-BEVAR) has been increasingly used to treat patients with complex aortic aneurysms involving the renal-mesenteric arteries. As with any new procedure, there is a learning curve associated with mastering the technique. However, proficiency with deployment is only one aspect of the learning process, and ultimately, this curve is defined not by one quality parameter, but by patient selection, the performance of the entire team, the surgeon's ability to adapt to unexpected events, and the durability of the repair. Read More