Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a large contributor to morbidity and mortality annually and can be managed either operatively or medically. ALI is most often caused by arterial embolism or in situ thrombosis and treatment is often dependent upon the severity. Anticoagulation is considered standard of care and first line therapy. However, more severe cases of ALI require surgical intervention.Paradoxical emboli are a rare and potentially under-appreciated cause of ALI. They arise when venous emboli, from a variety of sources, traverse a patent foramen ovale (PFO) to enter the arterial system, compromising blood flow to the affected end organ. In most cases, they can only be proven if the thrombus is identified as it crosses the cardiac defect, at which point it is an indication for surgery requiring PFO closure, management for the ischemia itself, and possible intervention for the embolism.In this report, we identify and discuss management of a series of cases where ALI was precipitated by PFOs that were discovered in the context of a pulmonary emboli that developed into paradoxical emboli. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 which has been associated with a state of hypercoagulability and subsequent thrombus formation.

Objective: Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (fPAES) is a rare form of nonatherosclerotic claudication most often seen in young athletic patients. Diagnosis remains challenging, with various imaging modalities showing equivocal or subtle findings that may be missed. We sought to critically examine and quantitate the utility of intravas-cular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging, a common diagnostic tool for vascular compression syndromes, in diagnosis and characterization of fPAES.Methods: Patients presenting to a single tertiary care center between 2019 and 2022 with symptoms of PAES but without an anatomic etiology or equivocal workup were selected. Angiogram and IVUS with maneuvers were performed on affected extremities at rest, active plantarflexion/dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion against resistance. IVUS examination was recorded using a pull-back technique from the tibial vessels to the superficial femoral artery. The de-gree, length, and anatomic location of compression using the two imaging modalities were compared.Results: Angiogram and IVUS with maneuvers were performed on 17 lower extremities (9 left, 8 right) in 15 patients (88% female; mean age, 21.2 years). Evidence of arterial compression on angiography was noted in 88.2% (n = 15) of limbs (66.7% complete contrast cessation and 20% popliteal artery tapering); 13.3% (n = 2) only demonstrated sluggish flow as possible evidence of compression. Arterial compression was seen on IVUS imaging in 15 of 17 limbs, and all completely compressed around the IVUS catheter. The IVUS-measured mean length of compression was 10.5 cm 6 4.2 (median, 11 cm; range, 4-23 cm). Compression involved only the popliteal vessels in 86.7% (n = 13); one patient had both popliteal and tibioperoneal trunk compression, whereas another had tibioperoneal trunk and peroneal artery compression. Popliteal vein compression was 100%. The contrast cessation point on angiography and the proximal point of compression on IVUS imaging differed in 80% of cases (P < .05). The distal extent of compression was unable to be determined by angiogram findings but was clearly delineated by IVUS imaging in all cases.Conclusions: IVUS imaging is a more sensitive diagnostic and descriptive imaging modality compared with angiogram in patients with possible fPAES. IVUS and angiogram findings are greatly discordant; moreover, IVUS imaging can provide detailed information such as the precise extent and anatomic location of the arterial compression, which may be useful in aiding surgical planning. IVUS imaging should be considered the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing fPAES before intervention planning. (J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech 2023;9:1-7.)

To date, emergent total endovascular aortic arch repair has not been described in the literature. We present a 67-year-old female with a poorly differentiated posterior mediastinal sarcoma. Imaging obtained was concerning for intravascular extension of the tumor into the thoracic aorta. While awaiting radiation therapy, the patient complained of worsening chest and arm pain, vital signs demonstrating tachypnea and hypoxia. Subsequent imaging revealed an increase in vascular erosion, concerning for a contained rupture, with complete obliteration of the left mainstem bronchus. The patient was emergently taken for percutaneous endovascular repair of her aortic arch. A three-vessel physician modified fenestrated graft was created and deployed with concurrent stenting of the innominate, left carotid, and left subclavian arteries. Interval computed tomography angiography revealed patency in all stented vessels, with no endoleak and no evidence of pseudoaneurysm. The patient was able to undergo chemotherapy with favorable decrease in tumor burden. Total endovascular aortic arch repair, when planned carefully, is an attractive option in high-risk patients who are otherwise not ideally suited for open total arch replacement.

Aortic aneurysms (AA) are a common complication in patients with large-vessel vasculitis, such as chronic phase Takayasu arteritis, that often require surgical management to prevent a lethal rupture. Historically, mainstay of treatment for AA in the setting of arteritis was traditional open repair. However, in this case study an alternative surgical approach was devised to successfully treat an extent III thoracoabdominal AA in a patient with a diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis and a complex surgical history that made her high risk for an open surgical intervention. This case study summarizes a hybrid surgical approach that successfully excluded a thoracoabdominal AA and revascularized the superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery, by directly accessing the infrarenal aorta and using a bifurcated abdominal aortic endograft as a two-vessel branched device.

Introduction Targeted false lumen management has been described for complex presentations of aortic dissection. The “Knickerbocker” technique is often referenced and includes dilating a focal portion of an oversized endograft in the true lumen to purposefully rupture the false lumen septum, but at the expense of increased risk for visceral propagation and malperfusion. This case series describes a novel modification of the Knickerbocker technique by caging the distal end of the endograft prior to focal dilation. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary academic center from 2018-2020. Patients were included if they had a history or current presentation of aortic dissection and underwent a Caged Knickerbocker (CKB) repair. Data were collected to include demographics, indications for repair, technical success, perioperative outcomes, hospital course, mortality, and further aortic interventions. Results Five patients were included in our evaluation. Four patients (80%) presented with chronic Type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) and concomitant aneurysmal degeneration of the thoracic aorta; 1 patient (20%) presented with an acute rupture secondary to cTBAD. Three patients (60%) had previous aortic repairs, 2 of which were for Type A Aortic Dissection that additionally required redo sternotomy and total arch replacement prior to CKB. CKB was technically successful in all cases with no peri-operative complications. Two (40%) patients required further aortic intervention due to aneurysmal degeneration. Conclusion Achieving complete false lumen thrombosis is a considerable challenge when managing complex aortic dissections. Our data demonstrate the technical feasibly and early successful outcomes with the CKB approach. Importantly, CKB facilitates future distal extension into the para-visceral aorta in cases of complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Further research should focus on discerning individual patients who will benefit from targeted false lumen management and compare outcomes between different approaches.

With the rise of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endovascular procedures and creation of novel endopros-theses, surgeons must be equipped to navigate new geometric challenges. Techniques have been developed to improve ease of use and provide alternatives during particularly dif fi cult cannulations of fenestrated and branch stent-grafts. In this paper, we present the successful use of a snared steerable sheath to provide in-creased stability and control in two surgical scenarios: (1) ipsilateral distal endograft extension with iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) and (2) cannulation of celiac fenestrations during emergent abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Percutaneous access to the common femoral artery is obtained using ultrasound guidance. Two perclose devices are placed using appropriate technique. If indicated in the patient, an open approach may be performed. Sub-sequently, a sheath is placed. The sheath should be at least 16Fr in size to accommodate the components of the ultimate composite device. On the back table, a steerable sheath (7Fr) is then tightly snared with a Amplatz Gooseneck snare (7Fr) close to the ultimate tip of the sheath. The snared steerable sheath with an introducer is then advanced through the 16Fr sheath to a location cranial in relation to the caudally directed vessel to be cannulated. The introducer

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) and renal arteriovenous fistula are rare vascular pathologies with reported incidences of 0.3% to 1.0% and 0.04% in the general population, respectively. We describe a 61-year-old Caucasian man who presented to the hospital with symptoms of right flank pain. Imaging demonstrated a right RAA with concurrent hilar RAA and renal arteriovenous fistula. He ultimately underwent an open right nephrectomy, ligation of the fistula, and bovine patch repair of the aortic defect.

The presentation of abdominal arteriovenous fistulas is classically described as a triad of a pulsatile abdominal mass with a bruit, high-output heart failure, and regional venous hypertension with primarily open operative therapy. In the following case, we present the treatment of a patient who arrived with acute right heart failure and renal failure due to an arteriovenous fistula and who was successfully treated with endovascular repair.

Background: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a severe form of peripheral artery disease that leads to high rates of amputation and mortality if left untreated. Bypass surgery and antegrade endovascular revascularization through femoral artery access from either side are accepted as conventional treatment modalities for critical limb ischemia. The retrograde pedal access revascularization is an alternative treatment modality useful in specific clinical scenarios; however, these indications have not been well described in literature. This case report highlights the use of retrograde pedal access approach as primary treatment modality in a patient with an extensive comorbidities precluding general anesthesia nor supine positioning. Case Presentation: The patient is a 60-year-old female with multiple severe cardiopulmonary comorbidities presenting with dry gangrene of the right great toe. Her comorbidities and inability to tolerate supine positioning precluded her from receiving open surgery, general anesthesia or monitored sedation, or percutaneous femoral access. Rather, the patient underwent ankle block and retrograde endovascular revascularization via dorsalis pedis artery access without post-operative complications. Discussion: The prevalence of comorbidities related to peripheral artery disease is increasing and with it the number of patients who are not optimal candidates for conventional treatment methods for critical limb ischemia. The retrograde pedal access revascularization as initial treatment modality offers these patients an alternative limb salvaging treatment option.

This report describes a case of penetrating aortic ulcer in zone 0 of the ascending aorta with concern for free rupture that was treated with a transcarotid endovascular stent graft. The patient was noted to be a poor candidate for open repair given comorbidities, frailty, and age. She had chronic occlusion of the right external iliac artery and stenosis of the left external iliac artery. Endovascular ascending aortic stenting was deployed successfully through right common carotid access. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course without evidence of stroke. The transcarotid approach is an optimal alternative access for patients undergoing endovascular ascending aortic repair.

The purpose of this review article is to analyze the current information about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and interventional therapies regarding pulmonary embolism (PE) treatment. In addition to review the outcomes obtained by pulmonary embolism response teams. Several important contributions in the PE management have been recently published. New scoring systems, such as the PERC rule and YEARS, are used to effectively rule out PE; and stratification scores such as Bova and Hestia were validated. New evidence was favorable to support the use of direct oral anticoagulants in morbidly obese and end-stage renal disease patients; although, not in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. New studies of catheter-based thrombectomy for acute PE were also published. However, a new statement from the American Heart Association criticizes the lack of randomized trials to support the use of catheter-based interventions in acute PE. Contributions about the cardiopulmonary support in massive PE patients, including ventilation techniques, vasopressors, inhaled pulmonary vasodilators and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are available. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the impact of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams in the care of acute PE patients. Nearly all aspects in the diagnosis, prognosis and care of PE are evolving. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic approaches to PE. We provide additional focus on advanced therapeutic strategies such as catheter-based interventions, surgical approaches, and cardiopulmonary support. The impact of a multidisciplinary team approach to PE management is also discussed.

A 33-year-old female presented to the trauma center with multiple gunshot wounds to her left posterior axilla, right of midline in the upper back, and left lateral thigh. She complained that she did not have sensation in or an ability to move her left upper extremity. The patient was screaming and uncooperative during the examination. Her systolic blood pressure was 110 mm Hg, heart rate was 138 beats per minute, and respiratory rate was 33 breaths per minute with audible breath sounds bilaterally. There was significant bleeding from her left posterior axillary wound, and this was packed with gauze. Her left upper extremity was cool with no palpable radial pulse nor Doppler signal, and she had no strength or sensation in this extremity. Palpable pulses were present in all other extremities. After blood was drawn for type and cross-match, two large bore intravenous catheters were inserted. Given her agitation and inability to cooperate with an examination, she was intubated using rapid sequence induction with 100 mg lidocaine, 150 mg propofol, and 100 mg rocuronium. With induction, she became hypotensive to a systolic blood pressure of 70 mm Hg. With the rapid decline in the patient’s systolic blood pressure, your choice for the next step in management would be: 1. Focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) examination 2. Transfusion of blood products 3. Infusion of 1 liter lactated Ringer’s solution 4. Stat CT aortogram with contrast A Cordis central venous catheter was placed in her right femoral vein under ultrasound guidance, and she was transfused 1 unit of whole blood with a rise in her systolic blood pressure to 140 mm Hg. An extended FAST examination was performed and was negative for any blood in the pericardium, bilateral pleural spaces, or abdomen. An X-ray of her chest showed bullet fragments over her right clavicle and no evidence of an intrathoracic injury, …