Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) is an arterial emergency with an overall mortality of 80%-90% secondary to massive hemorrhage. If a patient with RAAA presents in a primary hospital without resolution capacity, survival will depend on early transfer to a center with adequately trained specialists. This article reviews the evidence supporting the centralization of AAAR treatment in qualified centers, specifying the criteria used for the selection of referral centers and the role of a coordinating unit. Our current referral system, which is based primarily on costs, is also described. Patients with AAAR who consult in non-resolving centers should be rapidly transferred to a qualified referral center, following a transfer protocol, and guided by a coordinating unit acting according to technical and established criteria based on results, quality, and costs. Qualified referral centers should have an accredited vascular surgeon and a high institutional aortic surgery volume, adequate infrastructure, endovascular resolution capacity, support services (intensive care, hemodialysis, etc.) and specialized personnel permanently available.

Resumo A embolização endovascular das artérias que alimentam os sequestros pulmonares é uma opção terapêutica em crescimento. Uma mulher de 51 anos com dor torácica e hemoptise foi internada. Durante a internação, ela apresentou hemoptise de 150 mL, hipotensão e queda do hematócrito para 23,3%. A tomografia computadorizada com contraste confirmou um sequestro pulmonar irrigado por uma artéria aneurismática originária da aorta abdominal. A paciente foi submetida a embolização endovascular da artéria que alimentava o aneurisma com uso de coils e dispositivo Amplatzer no terço proximal da artéria sequestrante. A tomografia subsequente confirmou a trombose completa da artéria aberrante que alimentava o aneurisma e a ausência de irrigação dentro do sequestro pulmonar. No seguimento de 56 meses, a paciente permanecia assintomática, e a tomografia mostrou involução do sequestro e trombose completa da artéria aberrante. Os desafios apresentados pelas diferentes alternativas de tratamento são discutidos neste artigo.

Abstract Endovascular embolization of arteries feeding pulmonary sequestrations is a growing therapeutic option. A 51-year-old woman with chest pain and hemoptysis was admitted. During hospitalization she presented 150 mL hemoptysis, hypotension, and hematocrit fell to 23.3%. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a pulmonary sequestration irrigated by an aneurysmal artery from the abdominal aorta. The patient underwent endovascular coil embolization of the artery feeding the aneurysm and an Amplatzer device was deployed in the proximal third of the sequestration artery. Subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed complete thrombosis of the aberrant artery feeding the aneurysm and absence of irrigation of the pulmonary sequestration. At 56 months follow-up the patient remains asymptomatic, tomography showed involution of the sequestration and complete thrombosis of the aberrant artery. The challenges presented by the different treatment alternatives are discussed.

Primary aortoenteric fistula is the spontaneous communication between the lumen of the aorta and a portion of the digestive tract. The most common cause is the erosion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the 3rd or 4th portion of the duodenum. It manifests clinically as gastrointestinal bleeding, with or without abdominal pain and a pulsatile abdominal mass on physical exam. Gastrointestinal bleeding is initially recurrent and self-limiting and progresses to fatal exsanguinating hemorrhage. Endoscopic examination diagnoses only 25% of aortoenteric fistulas because these are usually located in the distal duodenum. Contrast computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis is diagnostic in only 60% of cases. We report three cases with this condition. A 67-year-old male presenting with an upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He was operated and a communication between an aortic aneurysm and the duodenum was found and surgically repaired. The patient is well. A 67-year-old male with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with abdominal pain. He was operated and anticoagulated. In the postoperative period he had a massive gastrointestinal bleeding and a new CAT scan revealed an aorto enteric fistula that was surgically repaired. The patient is well. An 82-year-old male with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with hematochezia. A CAT scan revealed a communication between the aneurysm and the third portion of the duodenum, that was surgically repaired. The patient died in the eighth postoperative day.

Background: Chronic limb ischemia can lead to high rates of limb loss and mortality. Open surgery is the gold standard for treatment of distal disease. Endovascular surgery should have less complications with similar outcomes. Aim: To report a cohort of patients with distal arterial disease treated with endovascular surgery at our institution. Material and Methods: Review of angioplasty records of patients undergoing distal lower extremity endovascular procedures between 2016 and 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, form of presentation, type of intervention, perioperative complications, and length of stay were analyzed. The primary outcomes were wound healing, reinterventions and freedom from major amputation. Secondary outcomes were overall survival and amputation-free survival. Results: Forty-eight limbs of 41 patients with a mean age 75 years (78% males) were treated. Ninety-three percent had hypertension, 88% diabetes, 30% chronic kidney disease. 73% presented with major wounds. Plain balloon and drug coated balloon angioplasties were carried out in 65 and 31% of procedures respectively, with no difference in results. In 46% of the cases, only chronic total occlusions were treated. Wound healing was achieved in 85% of procedures and 90% of patients were free from amputation at one year of follow up. Complications were observed in 18% of procedures, perioperative mortality was 2% and one-year survival was 76%. Conclusions: Endovascular therapy achieves high rates of wound healing and freedom from amputation with low perioperative mortality and moderate complication rates.

Abstract: Atherosclerotic aneurysm or dissection of the aortic arch and proximal descending thoracic aorta is one of the major challenges for a cardiovascular surgeon. The new hybrid prosthesis Thoraflex has become an important devise to simplify the surgical treatment of this very complex and technically demanding aortic pathology. This hybrid prosthesis consists of a 4-branched arch graft with a stent-graft at the distal end. The proximal part is a gelatin-coated woven polyester prosthesis. The stented section is a self-expanding endoprosthesis constructed of thin-walled polyester and nitinol ring stents that is left in the proximal descending aorta as a “frozen elephant trunk”. We present our initial experience with the Thoraflex prosthesis in four patients, three of them with chronic aortic dissection and one with an atherosclerotic aneurysm.

Resumen: El compromiso simultáneo del arco aórtico y aorta descendente proximal, ya sea por disección o aterosclerosis, constituye uno de los mayores desafíos que puede enfrentar un cirujano cardiovascular. La prótesis híbrida Thoraflex, introducida en los últimos años, ha resultado ser una importante ayuda para el tratamiento quirúrgico de esta compleja y grave patología. Esta consiste en un tubo protésico de Dacron con 4 ramas, para el reemplazo del arco aórtico y sus troncos braquiocefálicos y perfusión corporal distal, y una endoprótesis que queda como “trompa de elefante suspendida” en la aorta descendente proximal. Presentamos en esta oportunidad nuestra experiencia inicial en 4 pacientes, 3 con disección aórtica crónica y una con un aneurisma aterosclerótico, usando la prótesis híbrida Thoraflex.

Background: Conventional treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is anticoagulation, bed rest and limb elevation. Proximal DVT patients with persisting edema, pain and cyanosis of extremities despite of conventional therapy may develop ischemia. Direct treatment of thrombosis becomes necessary. Aim: To report our experience with mechanical trombolysis of proximal lower extremity DVT. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of proximal DVT patients treated with thrombolysis between March 2012 and August 2015. Thirteen patients, 14 limbs, median age 34 years (22-85), 8 women, were admitted with pain and swelling of recent onset; one patient with venous gangrene. All patients initially received heparin in therapeutic doses without clinical improvement. Results: In all 13 cases, mechanical thrombolysis was performed using AngioJet®, and associated with single dose thrombolytic agent in 9. Additional angioplasty for residual stenosis was performed in 12 (7 stents) and IVCF were implanted in 8. All patients were subsequently anticoagulated. Early outcomes with disappearance of pain and decrease of edema, with no mortality or bleeding complications. The patient with foot gangrene required amputation. Conclusions: Mechanical thrombolysis with a single dose of a thrombolytic agent is safe and effective in patients with proximal DVT with an unfavorable evolution.

Background: The therapeutic range (TR) of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) for unfractionated heparin (UFH) dosing was established in the 1970 decade. Since then aPTT determination has changed. Current TR may be sub or supra-therapeutic depending on the reagents of the test, and therefore, responsible for complications of therapy. Aim: To establish the TR for UFH dosing in our institution using antifactor Xa analysis as reference standard. Material and Methods: After obtaining an informed consent, 43 blood samples were obtained for aPTT determination and antifactor Xa assay in 23 patients treated with intravenous UFH. Samples were processed at Emergency and Hemostasis Labs. We excluded patients receiving other anticoagulants, with thrombophilia, pregnancy or liver disease. Results: Mean aPTT values in the Hemostasis and Emergency labs were 57.1 ± 18.9 and 56.6 ± 18.3 seconds, respectively (p = 0.77). The squared correlation coefficients between aPTT and antifactor Xa at hemostasis and emergency labs were R2 0.5 and 0.45 respectively, p < 0.001. Using a linear regression analysis, therapeutic aPTT range values in our laboratory were established between 50 and 80 seconds, corresponding to antifactor Xa values of 0.3 to 0.7 IU/mL. Conclusions: According to current recommendations, validation of aPTT determination with reference techniques should be done in every institution.

Background: symptoms predominate. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and appropriate imaging. We report two females, aged 35 and 51 years. One of them presented with a pelvic mass and dyspnea, the other patient had severe cardiac failure on admission. Computed axial tomography scan allowed an accurate preoperative diagnosis on both patients. Successful one stage resection of the tumor was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Both patients are asymptomatic on follow up at 6 months and 25 years.

Background. Current endografts used in treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), use large (18-25F) delivery systems. Graft fixation and aneurysm sealing is obtained by a proximal stent, requiring an aortic neck >15 mm. Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of Ovation™ endograft (TriVascular, USA) with standard endografts. Methods. Between November 2009 and August 2010 we treated 47 AAA. In 10 patients we used Ovation™ (Group 1). Ten patients treated during the same period with commercially available endografts were used as controls (Group (2). The Ovation™ endo-prosthesis is tri-modular, made of PTFE andnitinol with low profile (13-15F) and has a barbed suprarenal stent for fixation. Sealing is obtained independently through 2 inflatable rings filled with a biocompatible polymer during the procedure. Implantation followed the standard procedure through femoral exposure, using the Philips Allura imaging equipment (Best, Netherlands). Procedure duration, length of stay (LOS) and complications were compared between groups. Fisher exact test and unpaired Student’s t test were used for comparisons. Results. Results. Technical success was 100%. We observed no difference between groups (age, sex, AAA size, ASA risk, preoperative lab work). Procedure time (hrs) was 2,12 ± 0,7 vs. 2,0 ± 0,6 (NS), LOS (hrs) was 44,5 ± 10,7 vs. 49,5 ± 32,0 (NS) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Aneurysm neck length and ICU stay were shorter in Group 1 (p= 0,035 and 0,0451 respectively). During a 12 month follow up no adverse events, type I or III endoleak, or secondary interventions have occurred. Conclusion. Results with Ovation™ are comparable to other endografts currently available, achieving the same standards of efficacy and safety. Its highly flexible delivery system allows navigation through small vessels, easy deployment and effective sealing of AAA with necks > 7 mm, broadening the span of patients suitable for endovascular treatment.

Introducción: Las endoprótesis actuales para tratar aneurismas aórticos (AAA) requieren introductores de alto diámetro (18-25F) y se sustentan excluyendo el aneurisma, mediante la fuerza radial de stents metálicos. Objetivo: prótesis Ovation™ (TriVascular, EEUU) con aquellas disponibles en el mercado. Material y Método: Entre Noviembre 2009 y Agosto 2010 tratamos 47 AAA. En 10 pacientes usamos Ovation™ (Grupo 1). Grupo Control (2): diez pacientes tratados contemporáneamente con endoprótesis comerciales. Ovation™ es tri-modular, de PTFE y nitinol con un stent barbado para fijación supra-renal. Sella bajo las arterias renales mediante 2 anillos llenados con un polímero durante el implante. Usa introductor 13-15F. Usa-Philips-Allura (Best, Holanda). Comparamos: duración del procedimiento, hospitalización y complicaciones. Utilizamos test de Fisher exacto y t de student no pareado. Resultados: Éxito técnico 100%. Sin diferencia entre grupos (edad, sexo, tamaño AAA, riesgo ASA, laboratorio preoperatorio). Tiempo operatorio (hrs): 2,12 ± 0,7 vs. 2,0 ± 0,6 (NS). Estadía postoperatoria (hrs): 44,5 ± 10,7 vs 49,5 ± 32,0 (NS). El cuello del AAA y la permanencia en UTI fueron más cortos en grupo 1 (p= 0,035 y 0,0451). Seguimiento (4,5-12 meses) sin eventos adversos, endofugas tipo I ni III, ni re-intervenciones. Conclusiones: Los resultados con Ovation™ a corto plazo son comparables con los de otras endoprótesis, cumpliendo con estándares de eficacia y seguridad. Ovation ™ navega por vasos pequeños, permite un despliegue preciso y sellado efectivo en cuellos > 7 mm, ampliando el tratamiento endovascular del AAA.

OBJETIVO: A cirurgia endovascular se estabeleceu como opção eficaz no tratamento da doença oclusiva aterosclerótica das artérias ilíacas. Entretanto, o uso desses procedimentos para tratar outros tipos de lesão ainda não foi bem estudado. Nosso objetivo é analisar indicações e resultados do uso de endoprótese em lesões ilíacas não-oclusivas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Revisamos retrospectivamente os registros de 14 pacientes consecutivos, todos homens, com idade média de 61,6 anos (faixa: 25-80 anos), tratados por via endovascular entre 2001 e 2006 por lesões ilíacas não-oclusivas. O estudo pré e pós-operatório incluiu tomografia computadorizada. O procedimento foi realizado em bloco cirúrgico, utilizando um angiógrafo digital. Foi utilizado acesso femoral, com a inserção de endopróteses tubulares. RESULTADOS: Em 11 pacientes, houve embolização de artéria hipogástrica ipsilateral associada. As patologias tratadas foram: oito aneurismas ateroscleróticos, 3 dissecções, 2 lesões traumáticas e um pseudo-aneurisma anastomótico. A comorbidade mais freqüente foi hipertensão, em 43% dos casos. Não houve mortalidade operatória. Um paciente apresentou um pseudo-aneurisma femoral tratado com compressão. Um paciente tratado por fístula arteriovenosa traumática em nível ilíaco teve sua insuficiência cardíaca resolvida, com persistência assintomática de mínimo fluxo. A estada pós-operatória foi de 3 dias (média). Não se apresentaram outras endofugas inciais ou tardias. Durante um acompanhamento médio de 20,5 meses (faixa de 1 a 49 meses), um paciente morreu de câncer e nenhum requereu procedimentos complementares. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento endovascular de lesões ilíacas através de endoprótese é seguro e permite um resultado durável no manejo de um amplo espectro de patologias.

OBJETIVO: La cirugía endovascular se ha establecido como una opción eficaz en el tratamiento de la enfermedad oclusiva ateroesclerótica de las arterias iliacas. Sin embargo, el uso de estos procedimientos para tratar otro tipo de lesiones aún no ha sido bien estudiado. Nuestro objetivo es analizar indicaciones y resultados del uso de endoprótesis en lesiones iliacas no oclusivas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisamos retrospectivamente los registros de 14 pacientes consecutivos, todos hombres, 61,6 años de edad en promedio (rango: 25-80) tratados por vía endovascular entre 2001 y 2006 por lesiones iliacas no oclusivas. El estudio pre y postoperatorio incluyó tomografía computada. El procedimiento se efectuó en quirófano, utilizando un angiógrafo digital. Se usó acceso femoral insertando endoprótesis tubulares. RESULTADOS: En 11 pacientes se asoció embolización de arteria hipogástrica ipsilateral. Las patologías tratadas fueron: ocho aneurismas ateroescleróticos, 3 disecciones, 2 lesiones traumáticas y un pseudoaneurisma anastomótico. La co-morbilidad más frecuente fue la hipertensión en 43% de los casos. No hubo mortalidad operatoria. Un paciente presentó un pseudoaneurisma femoral tratado con compresión. Un paciente tratado por fístula arteriovenosa traumática a nivel iliaco resuelve su insuficiencia cardiaca, con persistencia asintomática de mínimo flujo. La estadía postoperatoria fue de 3 días (mediana). No se presentaron otras endofugas iniciales o tardías. Durante un seguimiento promedio de 20,5 meses (rango 1 a 49), un paciente fallece por cáncer y ninguno ha requerido procedimientos complementarios. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento endovascular de lesiones iliacas mediante endoprótesis es seguro y permite un resultado durable en el manejo de un amplio espectro de patologías.