OBJECTIVE: Complex endovascular procedures are now recognized as the gold standard treatments for extensive aortic diseases. Bridging stents (covered stents used to couple the aortic graft to the visceral vessels) play a pivotal role, yet there is currently no dedicated device available on the market. The aim of the study was to evaluate the mid-term performance of the Gore Viabahn balloon-expandable (VBX) stent graft as a bridging stent for target visceral vessels (TVV).
METHODS: Data from all consecutive patients undergoing fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) and receiving the VBX stent graft as a bridging stent between July 2018 and September 2022 were prospectively collected and subsequently analyzed retrospectively. Primary endpoints included freedom from TVV instability and freedom from TVV-related reinterventions, both overall and in comparison between branched and fenestrated graft configurations. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, procedure and TVV-related (in an intent-to-treat basis) technical success, freedom from type IC/IIIC endoleak, and freedom from TVV patency loss.
RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were treated with a F/BEVAR using VBX as bridging stent, of those 47 (74.6%) presented an atherosclerotic aneurysm, 7 (11.1%) a post-dissecative aneurysm and 9 (14.3%) an anastomotic pseudoaneursym or a type IA endoleak in a previous EVAR. Included in the aortic repair were 231 out of 243 (95.1%) total visceral vessels. The intra-operative requirement of 13 additional VBX determined a TVV-related technical success of 94.4%. Mean follow-up was 26.1 ± 16.4 months. Estimated overall survival at 36-months was 73 ± 7.5%. Estimated rates at 36-months for freedom from type IC/IIIC endoleaks and TVV primary patency were 90.6 ± 3.9% and 99 ± 0.7%, respectively. Estimated rate at 36-months for freedom from TVV-instability was 92.1 ± 3% and did not differ between branched and fenestrated configurations, while freedom from TVV-related reinterventions was 90.6 ± 3.1% and significantly in favor of fenestrations (69.4% versus 96.8%, p< .001). Multivariate analyses confirmed fenestrated configuration as a protective factor against TVV-related reinterventions (HR: .079; 95% CI: .016 - .403).
CONCLUSIONS: The VBX stent graft proves to be a reliable bridging stent for complex aortic procedures involving both fenestrated and branched endografts. While immediate results are deemed satisfactory, they favor fenestrations regarding need of reinterventions through 3-years. The success of the procedure heavily relies on a thorough understanding of the unique characteristics of this stent.

UNASSIGNED: Bladder neck contracture and vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis are difficult to manage endoscopically, and open repair is associated with high rates of incontinence. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction in the literature. However, existing studies are small, heterogeneous case series. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction to better evaluate patency and incontinence outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: We performed a systematic review of PubMed from first available date to May 2023 for all studies evaluating robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery of the bladder neck in adult men. Articles in non-English, author replies, editorials, pediatric-based studies, and reviews were excluded. Outcomes of interest were patency and incontinence rates, which were pooled when appropriate.
UNASSIGNED: After identifying 158 articles on initial search, we included only ten studies that fit all aforementioned criteria for robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction. All were case series published from March 2018 to March 2022 ranging from six to 32 men, with the median follow-up of 5-23 months. A total of 119 patients were included in our analysis. A variety of etiologies and surgical techniques were described. Patency rates ranged from 50% to 100%, and pooled patency was 80% (95/119). De novo incontinence rates ranged from 0% to 33%, and pooled incontinence was 17% (8/47). Our findings were limited by small sample sizes, relatively short follow-ups, and heterogeneity between studies.
UNASSIGNED: Despite limitations, current available evidence suggests comparable patency outcomes and improved incontinence outcomes for robotic bladder neck reconstruction compared to open repair. Additional prospective studies with longer-term follow-ups are needed to confirm these findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical outcomes associated with the use of the WRAPSODY Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis at a tertiary center in Western Australia.
METHODS: Patients with recalcitrant occlusive disease in the venous outflow of their arteriovenous access circuits were treated with WRAPSODY. Patients were prospectively followed up to 12-month post-procedure. Study measures included 30-day adverse events, technical success, target lesion primary patency, access circuit primary patency, and assisted access circuit primary patency.
RESULTS: Twenty-seven WRAPSODY devices were used to treat 15 consecutive patients. The technical success rate was 100%. No device-related adverse events were observed during the follow-up period. Two patients did not complete the full follow up. Patency rates at 3-, 6-, and 12 months for target lesion primary patency were 100% (15/15), 100% (15/15), and 100% (13/13), respectively. Rates for access circuit primary patency at 3-, 6-, and 12 months were 73.3% (11/15), 46.7 % (7/15), and 46.2% (6/13), respectively. Edge stenosis was observed in 33.3% (5/15) of cases and accounted for 5 of the 8 patients who experienced failed access circuit primary patency on angiogram. Primary assisted functional patency was 100% at 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS: WRAPSODY can be utilized safely and has durable patency in real-world patients with complex anatomical renal access stenotic lesions. The therapeutic benefits associated with the device may encourage broader use in clinical practice.

UNASSIGNED: This study aims to evaluate the incidence and management of venous ruptures after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for dysfunctional arteriovenous (AV) access.
UNASSIGNED: From January 1998 to December 2015, 13506 PTA, mechanical thrombectomy, and thrombolysis procedures were performed in 6732 patients. The venous rupture rate following PTA was obtained, and access circuit primary patency (ACPP) was compared according to the etiology (PTA, thrombotic occlusion, and treatment type) of the venous rupture present.
UNASSIGNED: Venous rupture developed in 604 of the 13506 procedures. Venous ruptures were more frequent in female, AV graft cases, and in cases accompanied by thrombosis. Balloon tamponade was performed in 604 rupture cases, and stents were deployed in 119 cases where contrast extravasation and flow stasis persisted. ACPP was significantly better in the non-ruptured AV access circuits than in the ruptured group. However, AV access type and thrombosis was not associated with primary patency. In ruptured cases, ACPP is 8.4 months for prolonged balloon tamponade and 11.2 months for bare-metal stent insertion, showing statistically significant difference.
UNASSIGNED: Balloon tamponade and bare-metal stent placement are effective treatment for PTA-induced venous ruptures. In particular, stent placement showed a similar ACPP to that of non-ruptured AV access circuits.
UNASSIGNED: 본 연구는 기능 부전의 동정맥루에 대한 경피적 혈관성형술 후 발생한 정맥 파열의 유병률 및 관리에 대하여 다루고자 하였다.
UNASSIGNED: 1998년 1월부터 2015년 12월까지, 6732명의 환자(여성 3685명, 남성 3047명, 평균 나이 58.60 ± 12.84세; 평균 혈액투석 접근 시기: 34.32 ± 39.35개월)에 대하여 시행된 13506건의 경피적 혈관성형술, 기계적 혈전제거술, 그리고 혈전용해술이 검토되었다. 경피적 혈관성형술 후 정맥 혈관이 파열된 비율을 확인하였고 일차 개통은 시술 후 정맥 혈관의 파열된 상태, 혈전의 존재 유무, 치료 방법에 따라 결정되었다.
UNASSIGNED: 정맥 파열은 13506건의 시술 중 604건에서 발생했다. 정맥 혈관 파열은 여성, 동정맥 이식, 그리고 혈전이 동반되었을 경우 호발하였다. 풍선 탐포네이드는 604건의 파열 사례에서 시행되었고 스텐트 시술은 조영제 유출과 혈류 정체가 지속되었을 때, 119건에서 시행되었다. 일차 개통은 파열군보다 비파열군에서 더 우수하게 나타났다. 그러나, 접근 유형과 혈전의 존재 유무는 개통 측면에서 유의한 차이가 없었다. 파열 환자의 일차 개통 시간은 지속적인 풍선 탐포네이드 후 8.4개월 이였고 스텐트 시술 후 11.2개월이었다.
UNASSIGNED: 풍선 탐포네이드와 비피막형 스텐트 설치는 경피적 혈관성형술 관련 정맥 파열에서 적용될 수 있는 치료 방법이다. 특히, 스텐트 설치는 비파열군과 유사한 개통 시간을 보여주었다.

BACKGROUND: A stent with characteristics of a hybrid design may have advantages in improving the patency of symptomatic iliofemoral vein obstruction. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of the V-Mixtent Venous Stent in treating symptomatic iliofemoral outflow obstruction.
METHODS: Eligible patients had a Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Physiologic (CEAP) C classification of ≥ 3 or a Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) pain score of ≥ 2. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of major adverse events within 30 days. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the 12-month primary patency rate. Secondary endpoints included changes in VCSS from baseline to 6 and 12 months, alterations in CEAP C classification, Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) scores at 12 months, and stent durability measures.
RESULTS: Between December 2020 and November 2021, 171 patients were enrolled across 15 institutions. A total of 185 endovenous stents were placed, with 91.81% of subjects receiving one stent and 8.19% receiving 2 stents. Within 30 days, only two major adverse events occurred (1.17%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-4.16%), below the literature-defined performance goal of 11% (P < .001). The 12-month primary patency rate (91.36%; 95% CI, 85.93-95.19%; P < .001) exceeded the literature-defined performance goal. VCSS changes from baseline demonstrated clinical improvement at 6 months (- 4.30 ± 3.66) and 12 months (- 4.98 ± 3.67) (P < .001). Significant reduction in symptoms, as measured by CEAP C classification and CIVIQ-14, was observed from pre-procedure to 12 months (P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS: The 12-month outcomes confirm the safety and effectiveness of the V-Mixtent Venous Stent in managing symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction, including clinical symptom improvement compared to before treatment.

This review aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of bioabsorbable stents in the inferior genicular artery, from the emergence of absorbable bare metal stents to the latest technology in polymer and anti-proliferative eluting drugs mixed with coated bioresorbable vascular stents (BVSs). Currently, there are conflicting data regarding the safety and effectiveness of BVSs in infrapopliteal artery interventions, especially compared to the current generation of drug-eluting stents (DESs). This review will cover the existing data on BVSs in reconstructing the infrapopliteal arterial blood flow and active clinical trials for future iterations of BVSs. In terms of primary patency rate and target lesion revascularization rate, the available research on the effectiveness of BVSs in reconstructing the infrapopliteal arterial blood flow suggests that a BVS is compatible with current DESs within 3-12 months; long-term data have not yet been reported. The ABSORB BVS is the most studied BVS in cardiovascular disease (CAD). Initially, the ABSORB BVS showed promising results. Managing intricate regions in peripheral artery disorders, such as branching or lengthy lesions, continues to be a formidable undertaking. In contrast to the advanced narrowing of arteries seen in standard permanent stent procedures, bioabsorbable stents have the potential to promote the expansion and beneficial merging of blood channels in the latter stages. Furthermore, incorporating stents and re-establishing the endothelial function can diminish the probability of restenosis or thrombosis. Nevertheless, the extent to which bioabsorbable stents may simultaneously preserve arterial patency and guarantee their structural integrity remains uncertain. The powerful and intricate mechanical stresses exerted by the blood in the superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery can cause negative consequences on any implant inserted into the vessel, regardless of its composition, even metal. Furthermore, incorporating stents is advantageous for treating persistent occlusive lesions since it does not impact later treatments, including corrective bypass operations. Evidence is scarce about the use of bioabsorbable stents in treating infrapopliteal lesions. Utilizing bioabsorbable stents in minor infrapopliteal lesions can successfully maintain the patency of the blood vessel lumen, whereas balloon angioplasty cannot offer this benefit. The primary focus of testing these materials is determining whether bioabsorbable scaffolds can provide adequate radial force in highly calcified elongated lesions. Indeed, using \"-limus\" medication elution technology in conjunction with bioabsorbable stents has previously offered clinical benefits in treating the popliteal artery, as evidenced by limited trials.BVSs for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) show promise and have the potential to offer a less inflammatory and more vessel-friendly option compared to permanent metallic stents. However, current evidence does not yet allow for a universal recommendation for their use. Thus, ongoing, and future studies, such as those examining the newer generation of bioresorbable scaffolds (BRSs) with improved mechanical properties and resorption profiles, will be crucial in defining the role of BRSs in managing PAD.

Pyometra is a life-threatening disease, the severity of which depends on cervical patency status. This study investigated cervical inflammation status as well as the expression patterns and localization of aquaporin (AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP5, and AQP9), and hormone receptors in cervical tissue that influences canine pyometra. Of the 36 animals enrolled in the study, 24 were diagnosed with pyometra and separated into two groups: open cervix pyometra and close cervix pyometra, while 12 healthy animals presented for elective ovariohysterectomies were allocated into the control group. Surgical treatment was performed for treatment of pyometra. After each operation, cervix samples were collected and analyzed for AQP and hormone receptor expression patterns determined by qPCR and protein expression by means of immunohistochemistry. Blood samples were also collected to determine serum progesterone concentrations. AQP9 expression was downregulated approximately 3-fold while and PGR expression was downregulated more than 2 fold in both pyometra groups compared to the control group. AQP3 and AQP5 gene expression levels were upregulated more than 3 fold in the open-cervix pyometra group than the closed-cervix pyometra group (P < 0.05). This is the first study to describe the expression patterns and immunolocalization of AQPs in canine cervical tissue based on pyometra patency status and to report AQP3 and AQP5 expression in cervical tissue linked to cervical patency.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis access is a fundamental procedure performed by vascular surgeons. Commonly, upper extremity access is utilized via a brachiobasilic fistula (BBF) or brachiocephalic fistula (BCF). BCF is preferred due to ease compared to BBF without documented improved function. Few studies compare patency outcomes between BBF and BCF over time. Our goal was to evaluate the difference in outcomes between BBF and BCF.
METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients with BCF or BBF between 2019 and 2022. Patients were split by procedure: BCF and BBF. Data collected included demographics, vein size, tunneled catheter, and previous access. Primary outcomes included primary patency (PP), primary assisted patency (PAP) and secondary patency (SP). Secondary outcomes included 30-day complications, access abandonment, interventions and mortality. Linear regression, Kaplan-Meier, and log-rank test were performed.
RESULTS: Our study had 184 patients, 109 (59%) with BCF and 75 (41%) with BBF. There were no differences in demographics except for body mass index and vein size (BBF: 4 vs. BCF: 3.6 mm, P = 0.020). There was no difference in PP at 1 year (41% vs. 47%, P = 0.547) or SP at 2 years (73% vs. 84%, P = 0.058) in BBF versus BCF. However, PAP was significantly greater in BCF (80% vs. 67%, P = 0.030) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes revealed no difference in wound complications (1% vs. 0%, P = 0.408), access abandonment (35% vs. 28%, P = 0.260), or number of interventions (1 vs. 1, P = 0.712) in BBF versus BCF. Mortality was significantly greater in the BBF patients (19% vs. 6%, P = 0.005). On adjusted analysis, BBF had 43 min longer operative time (P < 0.001) and 22 cc greater blood loss (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: In this single center review comparing BBF and BCF, no difference was seen between BBF and BCF in terms of PP or SP. Even with larger vein size, BBF did not confer a benefit in long term patency or access abandonment. Additionally, BBF did not confer decreased procedures to maintain patency and BBF had greater operative length and blood loss, as well as mortality. We believe this study demonstrates that for patients who must use an upper extremity location, when the cephalic vein is satisfactory, using the cephalic vein is preferred as it does not negatively impact long-term patency.

OBJECTIVE: Primary arteriovenous access such as radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistulas are initial choices for creating vascular access in dialysis patients. When neither of these choices is an option, upper arm arteriovenous graft or brachiobasilic transposition is recommended. Although primary fistula is better than prosthetic graft for suitable patients, there is little data to guide the best treatment strategy in the absence of suitable vein for primary access creation. This study identifies factors that influence patency rates and compares outcomes of patients treated with brachiobasilic fistula vs upper arm graft in patients who have failed forearm access or are not candidates for primary access.
METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients with dialysis-dependent renal failure from 2010 to 2022 was analyzed. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were calculated. Incidence rates of complications and reinterventions were compared.
RESULTS: There were 148 patients with brachiobasilic fistulas and 157 patients with upper arm grafts. The graft group was older (70.1 ± 14.7 vs 62.5 ± 14.6 years; P = .003) and had a higher incidence of pacemakers (11.9% vs 4.1%; P = .005). Brachiobasilic fistulas had higher 6-month (77.0% vs 64.3%; P = .02) and 1-year (68.2% vs 55.4%; P = .03) primary-assisted patency. Secondary patency rates were better for upper arm grafts at 1-year (82.2% vs 72.3%; P = .05). Access complications of non-maturation and aneurysm were higher in basilic vein transposition (21.6% vs 1.3%; P < .0001; 15.5% vs 6.4%; P = .017). Grafts had higher rates of occlusion (58.0% vs 25.7%; P < .0001). In terms of interventions, upper arm grafts had higher rates of thrombectomy (50.3% vs 18.9%; P < .0001), but there was no difference seen in angioplasty, stent, surgical revision, or steal procedures. Basilic vein transpositions had longer time to cannulation (104.6 ± 81.1 vs 32.5 ± 22.4 days; P < .0001), longer total catheter days (251.1 ± 181.7 vs 72.9 ± 56.3 days; P < .0001), and higher number of procedures to aid maturity (0.7 ± 0.7 vs 0.1 ± 0.3; P < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis, when forearm access or primary arteriovenous access is not an option, basilic vein transposition and upper arm grafts have fairly equivalent primary patency. Primary assisted patency is slightly better in basilic vein fistulas, but secondary patency is better in upper arm grafts at 1 year. Basilic fistulas also had longer time to cannulation, longer total catheter days, and more procedures to aid maturity.

OBJECTIVE: The HeRO graft is a technique for vascular access in patients with limited treatment options; however, the published results with the HeRO graft are diverging. We therefore conducted a single-center study.
METHODS: Patient records between July 2014 and February 2020 from Vascular Access Unit of the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of University Clinic of Cologne (Germany) were reviewed. Retrospective data was analysed from patients with a HeRo graft (n = 18).
RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 62.8 ± 17.24 years. During the follow-up period, no patients died from complications related to the HeRO graft. Each patient had a mean of 1.94 concomitant diseases. The primary patency rates of the HeRO graft at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 61.1%, 50%, 16.7%, 11.1%, and 5.6%, respectively. The secondary patency rates at the same time intervals were 77.8%, 72.8%, 55.6% 55.6%, and 55.6%, respectively. There were 44 re-operations per year, or 2.4 operations per patient. The main cause of acute complications was acute graft occlusions after HERO graft implantation. An infection after the graft implantation occurred in five (27.7%) patients, leading to graft explanation in 2 cases.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of the HERO graft is a valuable alternative method for providing a durable dialysis access in patients with limited access options. The secondary patency and survival are good with a low infection rate.