Objective To review the progress of the robotic applications in vascular surgery. Methods Recent literature about the robotic applications in vascular surgery was reviewed and analyzed. Results Robotic system is composed of surgery robotic system and endovascular interventional robotic system. The time of aortic clamping and anastomosis is reduced considerably during the robotic-assisted aorta bypass surgery, and the dissection of aorta is completed successfully in totally robotic approach. Endovascular interventional robotic system has good performance in navigation and stability, and shows apparent advantages in passing special anatomical segment and complicated lesion. However, the robotic systems are still limited in application for high cost. The problem of tactile feedback should also be solved quickly. Conclusion Robotic systems have apparent advantages and good prospect in vascular surgery. Nevertheless, it still require many clinical trials to formulate the indication and contraindication, to establish standard procedure, to assess the long-term effectiveness of the robotic systems and so on.
Objective To review the strategies on repairing elastic fibers in aorta. Methods Literature concerningelastic fiber as well as its repairment was consulted and summarized from three aspects: enhancement of the expressions ofits components, improvement of the condition of its assembly, and reduction of the destructive effects. Results Elastinis concerned as the main protein to be enhanced with three different methods including gene transfection, stimulationwith ectogenesis factors, and induction of phenotype transition of smooth muscle cell. Fibul in and lysyl oxidases show theabil ity to improve the assembly of the elastic fiber, while the related mechanisms are not clear. Matrix metalloproteinasesare regarded as the main destructive factors, and researches focus on reducing their expression as well as their destructiveeffects. Conclusion To assure a high-qual ity repair of elastic fibers in aorta, their components should be sufficientlyexpressed and effectively assemblyed, and the destructive effects caused by dangerous factors should also be reduced.
Objective By observation of the diameter, progression rate, wall thickness, and the opening angle of the abnormal aortic of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in rats, to observe the effect of saturated hydrogen saline on residual strain of AAA rats, and to investigate its inhibition effect on AAA formation. Methods Twenty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats (weighing, 200-220 g) were randomly divided into 2 groups, which was made the AAA model by infiltration of the abdominal arota with 0.5 mol/L calcium chloride. Saturated hydrogen saline (5 mL/kg) or saline (5 mL/kg) was injected intraperitoneally in the experimental group or control group respectively, every day for 28 days. At 28 days, the diameter, progression rate, wall thickness, and opening angle of the abnormal aorta were mearsured. The aortic tissue was harvested for histological examination (HE staining and aldehyde-fuchsin staining). Results At 28 days after operation, the diameter of abnormal aorta in 2 groups were significantly higher than preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05), the progression rate in experimental group (65% ± 15%) was significantly lower than that in control group (128% ± 54%) (t=3.611, P=0.005). The opening angle and the wall thickness in experimental group were (88.78 ± 29.20)° and (0.14 ± 0.03) mm respectively, had significant differences when compared with the values in control group [(44.23 ± 28.52)° and (0.36 ± 0.05) mm respectively] (P lt; 0.01). The integrity and continuity of the aortic wall in experimental group were superior to that in the control group. Compared with the control group, the injury of elastic fiber in aortic wall and the infiltration of inflammation were all reduced. Conclusion Saturated hydrogen saline can maintain good mechanical properties and reduce dilatation of the aorta by increasing residual strain and reducing the remodeling of it.
Objective To compare the advantages and disadvantages between double Perclose ProGlide crossing suture and traditional suture for the closure of 20F or 22F access points so as to provide a basis for selecting appropriate approach to repair the puncture points in endovascular aortic repair. Methods Between June 2007 and May 2011, 103 patients (115 common femoral arteries) underwent endovascular aortic repair using sheaths of 20F or 22F (outer diameter); double Perclose ProGlide crossing suture was performed for closure of puncture sites in 57 cases (64 common femoral arteries) (double Perclose group) and traditional suture in 46 cases (51 common femoral arteries) (traditional group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, or disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time, blood loss, and hospitalization days of double Perclose group were significantly better than those of traditional group (P lt; 0.05). Ecchymoma in inguinal region and lymphatic leakage occurred in 5 cases (5 common femoral arteries) and 2 cases (2 common femoral arteries) of double Perclose group respectively, in 2 cases (2 common femoral arteries) and 6 cases (8 common femoral arteries) of traditional group respectively; no significant difference was found in the rate of the early complication between double Perclose group and traditional group (7.8% vs. 15.7%, χ2=1.76, P=0.19). The technique success rate of double Perclose group was 96.9% (62/64), and was 100% (51/51) in traditional group, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.31, P=0.50). All patients were followed up, 2-19 months (mean, 15 months) in double Perclose group and 2-18 months (mean, 14 months) in traditional group. Pseudoaneurysm occurred in the puncture region at 3 months in 1 case (1 common femoral artery) of double Perclose group, and incision and suture therapy was performed; no arteriostenosis or pseudoaneurysm occurred in other cases; and the rate of mid-term complication was 1.6% (1/64) in double Perclose group and was 0 in traditional group, showing no significant difference (P=1.000). Conclusion Double Perclose ProGlide crossing suture has the same effectiveness to traditional surture in repairing the puncture point with 20F or 22F, but it is superior to traditional suture in reducing operation time, blood loss, and hospitalization days.
Objective To investigate the early effectiveness of total percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (TPEVAR) in treating asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAAA) by comparing with surgical femoral cutdown endovascular aneurysm repair (SFCEVAR). Methods Between January 2010 and May 2011, 41 cases of AAAA were treated with TPEVAR in 26 cases (TPEVAR group) and with SFCEVAR in 15 cases (SFCEVAR group). The maximum tumor diameter ranged from 3.5 to 9.2 cm (mean, 5.7 cm) in TPEVAR group, and ranged from 3.5 to 10.0 cm (mean, 6.9 cm) in SFCEVAR group. There was no significant difference in gender or age between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All patients underwent EVAR successfully. The patients were followed up 6-23 months (mean, 13.5 months). No significant difference was found in the outer diameters of the delivery system for main body and iliac leg, operation time, contrast media dosage, hospitalization days, or postoperative hospitalization days between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The patients of SFCEVAR group had more bleeding volume and longer ICU stay than patients of TPEVAR group (P lt; 0.05). The incidence of minor complication was 7.7% (2/26) in TPEVAR group and 33.3% (5/15) in SFCEVAR group, showing no significant difference between 2 group (χ2=4.42, P=0.08); the incidence of major complication in SFCEVAR group (20.0%, 3/15) was significantly higher than that in TPEVAR group (0) (χ2=5.61, P=0.02). Conclusion TPEVAR shows safer and more effective than SFCEVAR in treating AAAA.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-and long-term results of hybrid procedures in the treatment for aortic arch lesions. MethodsFrom October 2002 to March 2011, 28 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections involving the aortic arch were treated with hybrid endovascular treatment in our center. Twenty-two males and 6 females were in the series. The mean age of the patients was 68 years old. Of 28 patients, 15 were atherosclerotic thoracic aortic aneurysms and 13 were thoracic aortic dissection. Follow-up protocol consisted of computed tomography (CT) angiograms or ultrasound was performed in 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. The main goal was to evaluate the operative mortality, morbidity, and the longterm survival of these patients. ResultsHybrid procedures included 12 totalarch transpositions, 3 left common carotid artery (LCCA)left subclavian artery (LSA) bypass, 11 right common carotid artery (RCCA)LCCA-LSA bypass, 2 RCCA-LCCA bypass. The technical success rate was 92.9% (26/28). The complications occurred in 10 patients (35.7%). Operative mortality was 7.1% (2/28). The apoplexia rate was 7.1% (2/28). The time of followup was (36±3) months. The patency rates of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year were 100%, 92.9% (26/28), and 85.7% (24/28), respectively. The survival rates of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year were 89.3% (25/28), 71.4% (20/28), and 60.7% (17/28), respectively. ConclusionsThe short-and long-term results with hybrid procedures in the treatment for aortic arch diseases are satisfactory. Further reducing the complications is the key to increase the survival rate.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of covered Cheatham-platinum (CP) stent for treatment of coarctation of aorta (CoA). MethodsBetween January 2007 and September 2013, 15 patients (16 lesions) with CoA underwent covered CP stent implantation, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Of 15 cases, 8 were male and 7 were female, aged 13-56 years (mean, 27.7 years). Fifteen lesions located beyond the origin of the left subdavian artery, and 1 lesion located between the origin of the left common carotid artery and the origin of the left subdavian artery. Proper covered CP stent and balloon-in-balloon (BIB) catheter were selected according to the data of computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography examination. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the covered CP stent was placed at lesion accurately by expanding the inner balloon and the outer balloon sequentially. The variation of the systolic pressure gradient across the lesion and the stenosis extent of the aorta before and after the procedure were recorded. ResultsFifteen patients were all treated by covered CP stent implantation successfully. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion decreased from (58.1±19.5) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at preoperation to (6.2±5.6) mm Hg at immediate after CP stent implantation, and the stenosis extent of the aorta decreased from 73.8%±12.8% at preoperation to 16.7%±5.6% at immediate after CP stent implantation, all showing significant difference (t=12.483, P=0.000; t=15.631, P=0.000). All puncture points healed well with no aortic dissection, pseudoaneurysm, or obvious subcutaneous hematoma. All the patients could walk moderately within 48 hours after procedure. The average hospitalization time was 11.1 days (range, 6-18 days). During a mean follow-up of 29.7 months (range, 1-81 months), the symptom of dizziness and exercise tolerance were improved obviously, and the systolic pressures gradient between upper and lower extremity was below 20 mm Hg. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (t=7.725, P=0.000; t=3.651, P=0.000). According to radiography, the location and shape of the stent were good, and no aortic dissection, aneurysm, or recoarctation occurred. ConclusionAccording to the initial and midterm results, the covered CP stent is an effective treatment for CoA in adolescents and adults with a low rate of complication. However, long-term results still require further follow-up.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of vascular reconstruction in patients with symptomatic tortuosity common carotid artery (SCAT). MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 12 cases of SCAT treated with vascular reconstruction between June 2010 and October 2013. There were 11 females and 1 male with the mean age of 54.8 years (range, 48-62 years). The unilateral common carotid artery was involved in all cases. Imaging examination showed C-shaped tortuosity of 4-8 cm in length (mean, 5.4 cm). The CT, brain CT, ultrasound examinations, or angiography was performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and annually. ResultsThe surgery success rate was 100% with no perioperative death and serious complications. The mean operation time was 1.98 hours; the mean blood loss was 50 mL; and the mean clamping time was 14.9 minutes. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion was significantly decreased from (39.58±9.54) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at pre-operation to (5.50±2.39) mm Hg at immediate after operation (t=15.492, P=0.000). No recurrence or stenosis was found at 9 months to 3 years of follow-up. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved to (132.17±6.24) mm Hg and (82.67±6.51) mm Hg from (152.83±14.80) mm Hg and (94.17±11.30) mm Hg at pre-operation (t=5.751, P=0.000; t=4.976, P=0.000). ConclusionVascular reconstruction in SCAT is recommended for good short- and mid-term effectiveness and relatively low complication and mortality after operation. Moreover, the long-term results still need to be investigated.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 13 patients with BTAI with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone treated by TEVAR between December 2007 and December 2014. There were 10 males and 3 females with the mean age of 44 years (range, 24-64 years). The imaging examination indicated Stanford type B aortic dissection in 7 cases, pseudoaneurysm in 3 cases, aneurysm in 1 case, and penetrating ulcer in 2 cases. According to the partition method of thoracic aortic lesion by Mitchell, 8 cases underwent stent-graft with left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage, 3 underwent chimney stents for LSA, and 2 for left common carotid artery (LCCA). In 2 cases receiving chimney TEVAR involving LCCA, one underwent steel coils at the proximal segment of LSA to avoid type II endoleak and the other underwent in situ fenestration for endovascular reconstruction of LSA. ResultsAll TEVAR procedures were successfully performed. The mean operation time was 1.8 hours (range, 1-3 hours); the mean intraoperative blood loss was 120 mL (range, 30-200 mL); and the mean hospitalization time was 15 days (range, 7-37 days). No perioperative death and paraplegia occurred. The patients were followed up 3-30 months (mean, 18 months). Type I endoleak occurred in 1 case during operation and spontaneously healed within 6 months. Hematoma at brachial puncture site with median nerve compression symptoms occurred in 1 case at 3 weeks after operation; ultrasound examination showed brachial artery pseudoaneurysm and thrombosis, and satisfactory recovery was obtained after pseudoaneurysmectomy. No obvious chest pain, shortness of breath, left upper limbs weakness, numbness, and dizziness symptoms were observed. Imaging examination revealed that stentgraft and branched stent remained in stable condition. Meanwhile the blood flow was unobstructed. No lesions expanded and ruptured. No new death, bacterial infection, or other serious complications occurred. ConclusionAccording to Mitchell method, individualized plan may be the key to a promising result. More patients and further follow-up need to be included, studied, and observed.