Infrapopliteal revascularization is generally performed for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. As with revascularization in other fields, the indications for endovascular treatment (EVT) have expanded in recent years due to advances in endovascular devices and techniques. However, the optimal revascularization method must be selected based on (1) patient risk, (2) limb severity, and (3) anatomical pattern of disease. Therefore, vascular surgeons need to understand the characteristics of EVT and surgical treatment and improve their technical skills in both procedures. Here is an overview of the current methods of revascularization. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2024; 33: 61–65)

In recent years, endovascular therapy (EVT) has come to play an important role in the revascularization of the femoropopliteal artery region; however, the number of cases that cannot be treated with EVT is increasing, and the importance of bypass surgery has been reaffirmed. We will provide an overview of the revascularization of the femoropopliteal artery region in accordance with the JCS/JSVS 2022 Guideline on the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2024; 33: 57–59).

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for chronic type B aortic dissection (TBD), especially to know which re-entry closure affects the thoracic false lumen remodeling in the late chronic TBD.

Methods: From April 2017 to April 2022, 25 patients with chronic TBD underwent TEVAR. The late chronic TBD received the re-entry closure including stent-graft deployment in the renal artery, infrarenal aorta, and unilateral or bilateral iliac artery.

Results: Complete shrinkage of the thoracic false lumen was accomplished in 67% of the early chronic cases but only 13% of the late chronic cases. The thoracic false lumen shrinkage over 5 mm in diameter was obtained in 78% of the early chronic cases and 69% of the late chronic cases. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses revealed the re-entry closure of common or external iliac artery affects the thoracic false lumen remodeling.

Conclusion: The re-entry closure in the common or external iliac artery could affect the thoracic false lumen remodeling following TEVAR for the late chronic TBD. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2023; 32: 351–356)

Objective: Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease) is known as an intractable vascular disease that has been reported as thrombosis in distal arteries and occasional venous occlusion, as well as inflammatory changes in the thrombus and vascular wall. Patients often require limb amputation due to limb necrosis. Corkscrew (CS), a small arterial coiling, is an important diagnostic finding that was mainly found with angiography. Recently, however, it can also be identified using a modern ultrasonographic technique.

Methods: In these 22 cases, in 48 areas of study, we used the ultrasonographic technique to identify the CS, which allowed us to observe its relationship with the surrounding nerves and arteries.

Results: In all cases, it was possible to identify the CS easily and it was confirmed that the CS and the nerve were carried down in their sheath. The sites of the CS existed in areas other than the area around the occluded main arteries and some CS that ran inside the nerve (16 areas) and some CS that accompanied the outside of the nerve (10 areas) were confirmed, suggesting the CS work as collateral blood supply vessels, with well-developed normal vessel-like anatomy.

Conclusion: When we observe the CS, it is important to observe not only around the main trunk artery but also areas where nerves mainly run, even if they do not accompany the main trunk artery. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2023; 32: 345–350.)

Objective: Despite advances in medicine, 30% of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) require major lower limb amputation (MLLA). The long-term outcome of this cohort is poorly described.

Methods: In all, 154 patients undergoing MLLA for CLTI during 2018–2020 were analyzed for short-term and long-term outcomes and prosthesis use.

Results: In total, 106 below-knee amputations and 48 above-knee amputations were followed up for a mean duration of 50 months (37–78). The mean age of the cohort was 63 years. The majority were male (60%) with multiple comorbidities, including diabetes (83.8%), hypertension (49.4%), ischemic heart disease (20%), and smoking (32.5%). An equal proportion underwent MLLA as primary (45%) or secondary (55%). 30-day mortality was 6%. The mean length of in-hospital stay was 18 days (3–56). Overall survival rates at 1st, 2nd, and 4th year were 73%, 64%, and 35%, respectively. On a multivariate regression analysis, a higher level of amputation had a significant impact on mortality (p = 0.015). 54% of amputees had a prosthetic limb. However, the primary use of prosthesis was for cosmesis, with only 12% mobile independently.

Conclusions: MLLA for CLTI is associated with poor early and long-term survival. Prosthesis use and mobility are extremely poor in the Sri Lankan context.

Objective: In open repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), the influence of re-interventions on spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationships between re-interventions, atherosclerosis, and SCI.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 78 patients who underwent open surgical repair for DTAA or TAAA between April 2011 and May 2023. The associations of SCI with (i) re-interventions with a history of endovascular therapy and graft replacement and (ii) atherosclerotic factors, including monocyte count, triglyceride levels (TG), and intra-aortic plaques, were examined.

Results: The rates of SCI complications and 30-day mortality were both 3.8% (3/78). There was no significant difference between the incidence of SCI in the re-intervention and first-time intervention groups (p >0.90). However, patients with protruding plaque on computed tomography (CT) were more affected by SCI than those without (13.3% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.034). Univariate analysis revealed that SCI was associated with increased monocyte count, TG, protruding plaques on CT, and intraoperative blood loss.

Conclusion: Re-interventions for DTAA and TAAA showed no association with the development of SCI under appropriate protective measures. The implicated risk factors may be atherosclerosis factors such as elevated monocyte count, TG, and protruding plaques on CT.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) complicated by malperfusion.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent TEVAR for the treatment of TBAD complicated by malperfusion from June 1998 to June 2022 in four institutions. In addition to the common outcomes, including short- and medium-term mortality and morbidity, the preservation of each organ was investigated.

Results: A total of 23 patients were included in this analysis. The 30-day mortality was 4% (1/23) of the patients. The overall survival rate was 87% at 1 year. The preservation rate of each organ was 33% (4/12) for the visceral organs, 85% (17/20) for the kidneys, and 100% (18/18) for the legs. Fisher’s exact test showed a significant difference in the preservation rate between the viscera and the other organs (P = 0.018 vs. kidneys, P = 0.0025 vs. legs). It was shown that the survival rate of patients with visceral malperfusion was significantly lower than that of patients with non-visceral malperfusion (P = 0.006).

Conclusion: In terms of mortality, TEVAR showed satisfactory results. The preservation of visceral organs was still challenging even with TEVAR and adjunctive measures.

Objectives: One of the important postoperative complications of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is type 2 endoleak (T2EL). However, there is no well-established biomarker. We aimed to evaluate the validity of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of T2EL.

Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 146 patients who underwent EVAR for AAA at our institution between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2021. Within 90 days before surgery, preoperative NLR was calculated from the same blood sample. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the cutoff NLR values for persistent T2EL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: Compared with patients without persistent T2EL, those who had persistent T2EL had lower preoperative NLR (P = 0.041), based on a cutoff value of 1.918, and the entire group was then divided into two groups based on these values for comparison. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in NLR, the white blood cell (WBC) count, the percentage of mural thrombus of aneurysm, history of the hypertension, follow-up term, and aneurysm diameter at final follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that NLR and AAA diameter on the last follow-up were significantly associated with T2EL persistence.

Conclusions: Preoperative low NLR can be a useful predictor of postoperative persistent T2EL.

Objectives: This study aims to delineate the unique learning curve for fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) at our institution.

Materials and Methods: We measured the FEVAR-specific procedure time (FSPT) as the duration from device deployment to bridging stent completion. To maintain consistency in technical complexity, the study focused on 38 cases with four-fenestration FEVAR for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, selected from 103 of all FEVAR procedures between June 2011 and February 2024. In these cases, superior mesenteric and bilateral renal arteries were preserved with fenestration with bridging stents insertion, while celiac arteries fenestrations without fenestrations. Learning curve and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analyses assessed FSPT reduction against increased FEVAR experiences.

Results: A significant learning curve was observed, with the procedure time (y) and experience (X) correlation given by y = –39.95 log(X) + 283.6 (R² = 0.5758). CUSUM indicated that 30 to 50 cases were required for skill stabilization and maturation.

Conclusion: Our endovascular team required 30–50 cases to establish reliable FEVAR proficiency. Beyond cumulative experiences, pivotal elements in the learning trajectory seemed to include technological advancements and team augmentation.

Objectives: We have proposed seven peptides with low molecular weights in blood as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationships of the HDP-associated peptides with symptoms of leg ischemia and degree of atherosclerosis in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD).

Methods: The subjects were 165 outpatients with LEAD (145 men and 20 women aged 74.3 ± 8.1 years [47–93 years]). Their symptoms of leg ischemia, leg arterial flow, and degree of atherosclerosis were evaluated using the Rutherford classification of Clinical Ischemia Category, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries, respectively. Serum concentrations of the HDP-related peptides were measured by mass spectrometry.

Results: The grade of the Rutherford classification was positively associated with levels of the peptides with m/z 2091 and 2378 and was inversely associated with levels of the peptide with m/z 2081. The category of the Rutherford classification was inversely associated with ABI. There were no HDP-associated peptides that showed significant relationships with IMT.

Conclusions: The peptides with m/z 2081, 2091, and 2378 are possible biomarkers of leg ischemia but are not associated with carotid atherosclerosis in LEAD patients.

A man in his 60s developed a pancreatic pseudocyst postoperatively after an open graft replacement for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Endoscopic drainage was performed; however, this led to an aortic graft infection due to macroscopic communication with the perigraft cavity. Percutaneous drainage was performed to manage the pancreatic fistula and graft infection simultaneously. Although the pancreatic pseudocyst diminished, the aortic graft infection persisted. Subsequently, partial aortic graft replacement with greater omental flap coverage was performed. He was discharged with oral antibiotics, with no recurrence of infections at 10 months.

A 43-year-old man diagnosed with a giant retroperitoneal tumor with suspected invasion of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava underwent surgery. Complete en bloc tumor resection could be achieved by transection and reconstruction of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. This case highlights the need for aggressive, complete tumor resection when major vessels are invaded. To ensure comprehensive tumor removal, especially in cases requiring manipulation of major vessels, it is imperative to increase the involvement of cardiovascular surgeons in such surgeries. Therefore, widespread promotion of the concept of oncovascular surgery is essential.

A 53-year-old woman visited her district hospital complaining of right lower limb numbness 8 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. She had been suffering diarrhea for 25 days before the hospital visit. Computed tomography showed multiple arterial and venous thromboses, and anticoagulation with a therapeutic dose of heparin was initiated. Acute aortic occlusion occurred on hospital day 5, and balloon thromboembolectomy was performed for revascularization of the lower limbs 9 hours after onset. Ulcerative colitis was diagnosed on postoperative day 7. With the anticoagulation and immunosuppression therapy, no thromboembolic event occurred postoperatively.

Aneurysms of the tibioperoneal trunk (TPT) with peripheral arterial lesions are extremely rare. We present a case of a 68-year-old man who underwent surgical treatment for a mycotic aneurysm of the TPT. This report highlights the importance of en bloc surgical resection of the mycotic aneurysm and an appropriate approach with an air tourniquet for the prevention of injuries to the adherent tissues.

A 67-year-old male with postprandial abdominal pain for 4 months obtained medical attention for severe pain. He was diagnosed with small intestinal necrosis, secondary to chronic mesenteric ischemia by CT scan. We performed the surgery including a partial resection of the small intestine and left external iliac artery to the superior mesenteric artery bypass using saphenous vein graft. His symptoms improved after surgery. However, 5 months later, abdominal pain appeared after eating. A CT scan identified graft stenosis, leading to a revascularization. A synthetic vessel was used to perform the re-bypass surgery. Postoperatively, the patient’s abdominal pain improved.

A 59-year-old man presented with angina. Coronary angiography revealed an occlusion in the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD), the distal segment of which was supplied by the collateral flow of a coronary-pulmonary arterial fistula (CPAF), originating from the right coronary artery and left sinus of Valsalva. Myocardial scintigraphy revealed ischemia in the anteroseptal region. Coronary artery bypass surgery was performed on the LAD, and the CPAF drains were closed. The CPAF may serve as collateral circulation. Even when CPAF serves as collateral circulation, open surgery could be indicated if the collateral flow is insufficient and the structure is complicated.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is not widely performed due to technical requirements. The Florida sleeve technique (FST) is a new technique for aortic root remodeling with the preservation of the aortic valve without aortic root wall resection and coronary artery reconstruction. We successfully treated with the FST for a Marfan syndrome patient with an aortic root aneurysm and aortic valve insufficiency. We believe that this technique is very suitable for cases with moderately enlarged aortic roots. It could reduce surgical risks and prevent dilatation of the aortic root through coverage with a graft for a long time.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) is an alternative treatment option for high-risk patients. While conventionally performed via a transfemoral approach, it is sometimes difficult due to poor access routes. We report the case of a 90-year-old man who was incidentally diagnosed with a descending TAA while undergoing computed tomography for esophageal cancer. The patient had undergone Y-graft replacement twice. His Y-graft leg was highly angulated; therefore, a transfemoral approach was considered difficult. Consequently, transapical TEVAR was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Transapical TEVAR can be a useful treatment option for TAAs with poor access routes in super-old patients.

The patient previously underwent surgery for cervical cancer. She reported intermittent claudication, and computed tomography (CT) revealed total occlusion of the left iliac artery. We conducted endovascular treatment (EVT) using balloon-expandable covered stents (BECS). The patient underwent colostomy closure after EVT. The patient reported intermittent claudication beginning the day after the procedure. The CT showed a collapse of the distal side of the stent implanted in the right common iliac artery, accompanied by localized thrombo-occlusion. During open surgery, metal hooks typically affect the iliac artery; force transmission through the tissue may indirectly compress the iliac artery, leading to BECS failure.

Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a rare but serious complication of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). It is difficult to predict, prevent, and treat and can cause significant impairment. We describe the case of a patient who experienced paraplegia and thermal pain dysfunction of the lower extremities shortly after EVAR for an infrarenal AAA. Immediately after confirming SCI, we initiated cerebrospinal fluid drainage, administered steroids, naloxone, and free radical scavengers, and maintained high blood pressure. However, the patient’s symptoms did not improve sufficiently. Since the possibility of a SCI exists, prompt treatment should be initiated.