Loading...
11 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 11
- Incidence and prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studiesPublication . Melo, Ryan; Duarte, Gonçalo Silva; Lopes, Alice; Alves, Mariana; Caldeira, Daniel; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Pedro, Luís MThoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) may grow asymptomatically until they rupture, with a mortality over 90%. The true incidence and prevalence of this condition is uncertain and epidemiologic data is scarce, understudied and dispersed. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence and prevalence of TAAs in population-based studies. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to October 2020 for all population-based studies reporting on incidence and/or prevalence of TAAs. Data were pooled using a random effects model. The main outcome was the overall available worldwide incidence and prevalence of TAAs. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the incidence of ruptured TAAs, differences in the location of these aneurysms (either ascending, arch or descending aorta) and differences in prevalence/incidence across different study designs. Twenty-two studies were included in the review and meta-analysis. The pooled incidence and prevalence of TAAs was 5.3 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0; 8.3) and 0.16% (95% CI: 0.12; 0.20), respectively. The pooled incidence of ruptured aneurysms was 1.6 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% CI: 1.3; 2.1). We found a significant difference of the prevalence in autopsy-only studies, which was 0.76% (95% CI: 0.47; 1.13) and the prevalence of TAAs dropped down to 0.07% (95% CI: 0.05;0.11) when these studies were excluded from the overall analysis. The current epidemiologic information provided serve as a base for future public-health decisions. The lack of well-design population-base studies and the limitations encountered serve as calling for future research in this field.
- Synchronous and metachronous thoracic aortic aneurysms in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms : a systematic review and meta‐analysisPublication . Melo, Ryan; Duarte, Gonçalo Silva; Lopes, Alice; Alves, Mariana; Caldeira, Daniel; Fernandes, Ruy Fernandes e; Pedro, Luís MBackground: The prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) in patients with known abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is not well known and understudied. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the overall prevalence of synchronous and metachronous TAA (SM‐TAA) in patients with a known AAA and to understand the characteristics of this sub‐population. Methods and Results: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to November 2019 for all population‐based studies reporting on the prevalence of SM‐TAAs in a cohort of patients with AAA. Article screening and data extraction were performed by 2 authors and data were pooled using a random‐effects model of proportions using Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. The main outcome was the prevalence of SM‐TAAs in patients with AAAs. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of synchronous TAAs, metachronous TAAs, prevalence of TAAs in patients with AAA according to the anatomic location (ascending, arch, and descending) and the differences in prevalence of these aneurysms according to sex and risk factors. Six studies were included. The pooled‐prevalence of SM‐TAA in AAA patients was 19.2% (95% CI, 12.3–27.3). Results revealed that 15.2% (95% CI, 7.1–25.6) of men and 30.7% (95% CI, 25.2–36.5) of women with AAA had an SM‐TAA. Women with AAA had a 2‐fold increased risk of having an SM‐TAA than men (relative risk [RRs], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.32–3.55). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a 43% decreased risk of having SM‐TAA (RRs, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41–0.80). Conclusions: Since a fifth of AAA patients will have an SM‐TAA, routine screening of SM‐TAA and their clinical impact should be more thoroughly studied in patients with known AAA.
- Incidence of acute aortic dissections in patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studiesPublication . Melo, Ryan; Machado, Carolina; Caldeira, Daniel; Alves, Mariana; Lopes, Alice; Serrano, Maria; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Pedro, Luís MObjectives: Acute Aortic dissection (AAD) may present as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the incidence of this presentation is not well known. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all observational studies reporting on the incidence of AAD in patients with OHCA. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection and OpenGrey databases from inception to March-2021, for observational studies reporting on the incidence of AAD in patients with OHCA. Data was pooled using a random-effects model of proportions. The primary outcome was the incidence of AAD in OHCA patients. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of type A aortic dissections (TAAD) and type B aortic dissections (TBAD) in OHCA patients, overall mortality following AAD-OHCA and risk of death in AAD-OHCA patients compared to risk of death of non-AAD-OHCA patients. Results: Fourteen studies were included. The pooled calculated incidence of OHCA due to AAD was 4.39% (95 %CI: 2.55; 6.8). Incidence of OHCA due to TAAD was 7.18% (95 %CI: 5.61; 8.93) and incidence of OHCA due to TBAD was 0.47% (95 %CI: 0.18; 0.85). Overall mortality following OHCA due to AAD was 100% (95 %CI: 97.62; 100). The risk of death in AAD-OHCA patients compared with non-AAD-OHCA patients was 1.10 (95 %CI: 0.94; 1.30). Conclusion: AAD as a cause of OHCA is more frequent than previously thought. Prognosis is dire, as it is invariably lethal. These findings should lead to a higher awareness of AAD when approaching a patient with OHCA and to future studies on this matter.
- Clinical aspects and present challenges of the seat belt aortaPublication . Melo, Ryan; Amorim, Pedro; Soares, Tony; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Ministro, Augusto; Garrido, Pedro; Fernandes e Fernandes, José; Pedro, Luís MObjective: Seat belt aorta is rare and difficult to manage. The lack of data and follow-up increases the complexity of treating such patients. We aimed to create a decision algorithm by reviewing our current experience and analyzing the presentation and management of our patients. Methods: We performed a descriptive case series based on retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of seat belt aorta from 2008 to 2018. Seat belt aorta was defined as any blunt abdominal aortic lesion resulting from a seat belt compression mechanism after a car accident. Results: Nine consecutive patients were admitted with the diagnosis of seat belt aorta, all of whom developed lesions in the infrarenal aorta. Eight patients were assessed in the acute phase and one patient presented with late-onset symptoms. Associated injuries were present in all acute patients, and seat belt sign and small bowel injury were present in 88%. One patient presented with a small intimal tear and was treated conservatively. All other patients diagnosed with large intimal flaps (seven patients) and pseudoaneurysm (one patient) underwent open repair in five cases and endovascular repair in three cases. In-hospital mortality for the acute cases was 38%, with no mortality seen during follow-up. Two patients submitted to endovascular repair required reinterventions. Conclusions: Seat belt aorta is a deadly condition, frequently associated with blunt thoracoabdominal trauma with concomitant injuries; the presence of a seat belt sign or lower limb ischemia must lead to a high diagnostic suspicion. Management must take into account the other concomitant injuries. Follow-up is crucial as most patients are young; they may develop complications and subsequently require further intervention.
- A single-center experience in the eversion femoral endarterectomyPublication . Soares, Tony; Amorim, Pedro; Manuel, Viviana; Lopes, Alice; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Martins, Carlos; Pedro, Luís MObjectives: Endarterectomy is the treatment of choice for arterial occlusive disease of the femoral bifurcation. Longitudinal arteriotomy and prosthetic patch angioplasty is the standard technique but, due to the increasing concerns with prosthetic-related infections and multidrug-resistant pathogens our group adopted an alternative approach. We present our experience with eversion femoral endarterectomy. Methods: All patients submitted to eversion femoral endarterectomy in a single institution during 2016-2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, surgical data, and complications were captured from medical records. Results: Nineteen patients, 84.2% male and a median age of 67 years (IQR 62-78) were submitted to eversion femoral endarterectomy with a median follow-up of 180 days (IQR 71-395). Seventeen (89.4%) patients were treated for chronic limb ischemia and the other two were submitted to femoral endarterectomy during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Most of the patients had smoking history (84.2%), followed by hypertension (68.4%), dyslipidemia (63.2%), coronary heart disease (29.4%), and diabetes (26.3%). Only 3 patients (15.8%) were submitted exclusively to endarterectomy, 13 (68.4%) were submitted to endarterectomy as an adjuvant for peripheral endovascular treatment, 2 (10.5%) as a concomitant procedure to endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm, and 1 (5.3%) was complemented with thrombectomy of the femoro-popliteal sector. Primary patency rates were 100% and 87.5% (CI (38.7-98.1)) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Primary-assisted and secondary patency rates were 100%. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.3% (n = 1) and complication rate 10.5% (n = 2). One patient complicated with acute renal disease related to rhabdomyolysis. Another patient developed a wound-related hematoma treated with surgical drainage, but died three days after consequent to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusions: Eversion femoral endarterectomy is a safe and feasible technique, with good patency results and respecting the concept of leaving nothing behind. A careful control of the proximal and distal endpoints is essential for the success of the technique.
- The impact of the proctor assistance for a safe learning curve in the development of a complex aortic endovascular programPublication . Melo, Ryan; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Salvado, Margarida; Duarte, Antonio; Lopes, Alice; Verhoeven, Eric; Fernandes E Fernandes, Jose; Pedro, Luís MIntroduction: Initiating an endovascular aortic program for treatment of complex aortic aneurysms with fenestrated and branched grafts (FB-EVAR) is challenging. Using a Proctor is one option for training and development of the team. However, this approach has not been formally analyzed. The aim of this study was to analyze the learning curve and the effect of the Proctor regarding safety and effectiveness in FB-EVAR. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed, including all consecutive elective patients submitted to FB-EVAR (including both thoraco-abdominal-TAAA and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms-C-AAA) from 2013 to 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups, the first operated with the Proctor present and the second without. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality (safety) and technical and procedure success (efficacy). Secondary outcomes included treatment performance (procedure time, blood loss, contrast, and radiation use), re-interventions, aneurysm shrinking, target vessel patency, 30-day mortality, aneurysm-related mortality, and overall mortality. Results: Overall, 105 patients were included in the study, 35 operated with Proctor and 70 operated without. The first 20 patients were operated always with the Proctor, and the remaining were operated with the Proctor selectively. Mean age was 71.8 (±7.3) years and 95 patients were male (90.5%). Overall, 62 (65%) patients had C-AAA or extent IV TAAAs and 43 (35%) had extensive TAAAs. There were no significant differences regarding 30-day mortality (Log Rank=0.99), technical success (p=0.4), or procedure success (p=0.8). Mean surgical time was longer in the non-Proctor group (p=0.005), as well as significant intra-operative blood loss (p=0.042). Contrast use (p=0.5) and radiation (p=0.53) were non-significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences regarding length of stay (p=0.4), major adverse events (p=0.6), target vessel patency (Log Rank=0.97), early (p=0.7) and late endoleaks (0.7), aneurysm shrinking (p=0.6), re-interventions (p=0.2), and overall mortality (Log Rank=0.87). Conclusion: In our experience, the use of a Proctor to start and accompany our complex endovascular aortic program for FB-EVAR was both safe and effective and may serve as a template by other countries and centers that aim to developing their programs.
- Clinical outcomes of aortic arch hybrid repair in a real-world single-center experiencePublication . Soares, Tony; Melo, Ryan; Amorim, Pedro; Ministro, Augusto; Sobrinho, Gonçalo; Silvestre, Luís; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Martins, Carlos; Fernandes e Fernandes, José; Pedro, Luís MObjective: Aortic arch aneurysmal disease remains a therapeutic challenge. For patients unsuitable for standard open surgery, hybrid repair with debranching of the supra-aortic arteries followed by thoracic endovascular grafting has been shown to be an effective solution. The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of a single-institution experience using hybrid aortic arch repair. Methods: The cases of all consecutive patients submitted to hybrid aortic arch repair between January 2010 and June 2018 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The outcomes of the study were 30-day mortality, perioperative complications, 2-year survival, endoleak, and reintervention rates. Results: A total of 35 patients with a median age of 71 years (interquartile range, 62-77 years) were submitted to hybrid aortic arch repair, with a median follow-up of 26.9 months (interquartile range, 2.4-63.6 months). Ten procedures (28.6%) were performed urgently for contained rupture. The most common etiology was degenerative (n ¼ 14 [40.0%]). The proximal landing zones according to the Ishimaru classification were zone 2 in 20 patients (57.1%), zone 1 in 12 patients (34.3%), and zone 0 in 3 patients (8.6%). Early endoleaks were observed in six patients (17.1%), equally distributed between type I and type II. Late endoleaks were identified in 4 of 24 patients (16.7%; type I, n ¼ 2 [8.3%]; type II, n ¼ 1 [4.2%]; and type III, n ¼ 1 [4.2%]). Thirty-day mortality rate was 14.3% (n ¼ 5) with an early death rate of 8.7% (2/23) in elective cases and 30.0% (3/10) in urgent cases (odds ratio [OR], 4.93; confidence interval [CI], 0.68-35.67; P ¼ .128). Except in one patient, 30-day mortality was associated with landing zone 0 or zone 1 (26.7% vs 5.0%; OR, 6.91; CI, 0.68-69.86; P ¼ .141). Three patients (8.6%) suffered a postoperative stroke, and no episodes of spinal cord ischemia were observed. Two-year survival rate was 67.8% (CI, 49.4%- 80.8%). Survival rates were significantly lower with increasing age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; CI, 1.03-1.18; P ¼ .004), urgent procedure (HR, 4.80; CI, 1.56-14.80; P ¼ .003), zone 0 or zone 1 (HR, 6.34; CI, 1.73-23.18; P ¼ .001), presence of arrhythmia (HR, 3.76; CI, 1.22-11.62; P ¼ .013), and cerebrovascular disease (HR, 4.12; CI, 1.38-12.35; P ¼ .006). A multivariate analysis identified age (HR, 1.11; P ¼ .047) and zone 0 or zone 1 (HR, 4.93; P ¼ .033) as the only predictors for overall mortality. Conclusions: Hybrid aortic arch repair seems to be an alternative for higher risk patients not suitable for open repair, but selection of patients is crucial and may benefit from further refinement. In this study, worse outcomes were seen in older patients and those who required more proximal landing zones.
- Microbial evolution of vascular graft infections in a tertiary hospital based on positive graft culturesPublication . Melo, Ryan; Martins, Beatriz; Pedro, Diogo Mendes; Mimoso Santos, Carla; Duarte, António; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Garrido, Pedro; Pedro, Luís MBackground: Vascular graft infections are a serious complication in vascular surgery. Correct antibiotic therapy targeted to the most likely infecting species is essential to treat these patients, although the bacterial epidemiology and pathogenesis are still not completely understood. We analyzed the behavior of vascular graft infections and the microbiologic patterns of resistance. Methods: A 10-year (2008-2018), single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients admitted with vascular graft infection identified by positive direct graft cultures. An extensive microbiologic study was performed to analyze the bacterial strains, antibiotic resistance and sensitivity, and prevalence stratified by the year. Results: A total of 72 vascular graft infections with positive graft cultures occurring in 65 patients were found. Their mean age was 67 ± 9.6 years, and 85% were men. Infection-related mortality was 11%. Of the 65 patients, 14 had undergone aortobifemoral bypass, 13 axillofemoral bypass, 5 femorofemoral bypass, 27 femoropopliteal bypass, and 4 femoral endarterectomy with synthetic patch angioplasty. The median interval from the index procedure to infection was longer for intracavitary than for extracavitary grafts (P = .011). Of the 72 infections, 48 were monomicrobial and 24 were polymicrobial. Gram-negative bacteria were predominantly identified in intracavitary graft infections (54%). In contrast, gram-positive bacteria were most frequent in the extracavitary graft group (58%). Multidrug-resistant bacterial species occurred more frequently in early graft infections (P = .002). Throughout the study duration, an overall decrease in gram-positive infections and an increase in gram-negative infections was observed, especially in extensively drug-resistant strains. A similar progression was found in all nosocomial infections. Conclusions: The present study has shown that vascular graft infection microbiology changed in accordance with graft location and interval to infection from revascularization surgery and had also evolved over the study period with patterns similar to those for all nosocomial infections. This highlights the importance of studying the specific microbiology of each healthcare center and its relationship to vascular graft infections to achieve the best treatment possible.
- The evolution of management of type B aortic dissection in a series of 100 consecutive cases in a tertiary centerPublication . Lopes, Alice; Pedro, Luís M; Melo, Ryan; Moutinho, Mariana; Sobrinho, Gonçalo; Amorim, Pedro; Silvestre, Luís; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Ministro, Augusto; Martins, Carlos; Almeida, Ana G.; Nobre, Angelo; Pinto, Fausto J.; Fernandes E Fernandes, JoseIntroduction and objectives: Management of aortic dissection is rapidly evolving. The present study aims to assess paradigm shifts in type B aortic dissection (TBAD) treatment modalities and their outcomes according to clinical presentation and type of treatment. We also aim to assess the impact of endovascular technology in TBAD management in order to define organizational strategies to provide an integrated cardiovascular approach. Methods: We performed a retrospective review with descriptive analysis of the last 100 consecutive patients with TBAD admitted to the Vascular Surgery Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte over a 16-year period. Results were stratified according to treatment modality and stage of the disease. The study was further divided into two time periods, 2003-2010 and 2011-2019, respectively before and after the introduction of a dedicated endovascular program for aortic dissections. Results: A total of 100 patients (83% male; mean age 60 years) were included, of whom 59 were admitted in the acute stage (50.8% with complicated dissections). The other 41 patients were admitted for chronic dissections, most of them for surgical treatment of aneurysmal degeneration. Temporal analysis demonstrated an increase in the number of patients operated for aortic dissection, mainly due to an increase in chronic patients (33.3% in 2003-2010 vs. 64.4% in 2011-2019) and a clear shift toward endovascular treatment from 2015 onward. Overall in-hospital mortality was 14% and was significantly higher in the chronic phase (acute 5.1% vs. chronic 26.8%; OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.71-16.39; p=0.003) and in patients with aneurysmal degeneration, regardless of the temporal phase. Only one death was recorded in the endovascular group. Conclusion: Management of TABD carried an overall mortality of 14% during a 16-year period, but the appropriate use of endovascular technology has substantially reduced in-hospital mortality.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of acute aortic dissections in population-based studiesPublication . Melo, Ryan; Oliveira Mourão, Mariana; Caldeira, Daniel; Alves, Mariana; Lopes, Alice; Duarte, António; Fernandes E Fernandes, Ruy; Pedro, Luís MObjective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all population-based studies reporting on incidence of acute aortic dissections (AADs). Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Open Grey databases from inception to August 2020 for population-based studies reporting on the incidence of AAD. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42020204007). Data were pooled using a random effects model of proportions using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. The main outcome was the incidence of AAD. Secondary outcomes were incidence type A aortic dissections (TAAD) and type B aortic dissections (TBAD), the incidence of aortic dissection repair and medical management, and the incidence of in-hospital mortality. In addition, we estimated the proportion of aortic dissection repair and mortality (in hospital, overall and specific mortality according to subtype) among patients with AAD. Results: Thirty-three studies were included. The pooled incidence of AADs was 4.8 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-6.1). The incidence of TAAD was 3.0 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 1.8-4.4) and the incidence of TBAD was 1.6 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 1.1-2.2). The incidence of AAD needing repair was 1.4 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 1.0-2.0) (or 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2-1.7] for TAAD and 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.7] for TBAD). The incidence of medically managed AAD was 3.4 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 2.4-4.5). The incidence of in-hospital death owing to AAD was 1.3 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% CI, 0.9-1.9), 1.0 (95% CI, 0.6-1.4; I2 = 97%) for TAAD, and 0.3 for TBAD (95% CI, 0.2-0.4; I2 = 96%). Conclusions: A global estimate regarding the incidence rate of AADs was achieved. The incidence of AAD varied significantly between study designs and geographical regions. More accurate information on AAD epidemiology is crucial for public health decisions, clinical understanding, and healthcare management.