Browsing by Author "Tanasković, Slobodan (25121572000)"

Introduction Endovascular treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents a true challenge even for experienced interventional radiologists. We are presenting a case of hidden antegrade dissection of the external iliac artery (EIA) after a failed attempt to recanalize CTO of the common femoral artery (CFA). Case outline A 52-year-old male patient was admitted for multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography. Left common iliac artery (CIA) stenting was performed, followed by “crossover” attempt of recanalization of right CFA CTO that failed. The next day, left femoral superficial artery angioplasty was performed and after one month, angioplasty of the left popliteal and the bellow-knee arteries. A month later, the patient was readmitted for surgical reconstruction of the CFA. After desobstruction, excellent inflow was obtained and a Dacron graft was inserted. A few hours postoperatively, Fogarty catheter thrombectomy was performed. The next morning, pulsations were weakened again and CT angiography showed antegrade dissection of the EIA. Stenting of the EIA was performed with two stents and a favorable outcome was achieved. After a detailed analysis of the CT, hidden thrombosed antegrade dissection of the EIA was noted in the lateral view, which was not seen in the posterior/anterior view and was presented as fibrous plaque with mural thrombosis. Dissection occurred after failed attempt of CFA recanalization and was clinically silent until flow was established triggering opening of the false lumen and the release of thrombotic masses. Conclusion In patients with failed angioplasty of CTO of the CFA and CT characteristics of fibrous plaque proximal to the site of attempted angioplasty, thrombosed antegrade dissection should be considered. © 2022, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

[No abstract available]

A cohort study was conducted to examine the association of an increased body mass index (BMI) with late adverse outcomes after a carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It comprised 1597 CEAs, performed in 1533 patients at the Vascular Surgery Clinic in Belgrade, from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017. The follow-up lasted four years after CEA. Data for late myocardial infarction and stroke were available for 1223 CEAs, data for death for 1305 CEAs, and data for restenosis for 1162 CEAs. Logistic and Cox regressions were used in the analysis. The CEAs in patients who were overweight and obese were separately compared with the CEAs in patients with a normal weight. Out of 1223 CEAs, 413 (33.8%) were performed in patients with a normal weight, 583 (47.7%) in patients who were overweight, and 220 (18.0%) in patients who were obese. According to the logistic regression analysis, the compared groups did not significantly differ in the frequency of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death, as late major adverse outcomes (MAOs), or in the frequency of restenosis. According to the Cox and logistic regression analyses, BMI was neither a predictor for late MAOs, analyzed separately or all together, nor for restenosis. In conclusion, being overweight and being obese were not related to the occurrence of late adverse outcomes after a carotid endarterectomy. © 2023 by the authors.

A cohort study was conducted to examine the association of an increased body mass index (BMI) with late adverse outcomes after a carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It comprised 1597 CEAs, performed in 1533 patients at the Vascular Surgery Clinic in Belgrade, from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017. The follow-up lasted four years after CEA. Data for late myocardial infarction and stroke were available for 1223 CEAs, data for death for 1305 CEAs, and data for restenosis for 1162 CEAs. Logistic and Cox regressions were used in the analysis. The CEAs in patients who were overweight and obese were separately compared with the CEAs in patients with a normal weight. Out of 1223 CEAs, 413 (33.8%) were performed in patients with a normal weight, 583 (47.7%) in patients who were overweight, and 220 (18.0%) in patients who were obese. According to the logistic regression analysis, the compared groups did not significantly differ in the frequency of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death, as late major adverse outcomes (MAOs), or in the frequency of restenosis. According to the Cox and logistic regression analyses, BMI was neither a predictor for late MAOs, analyzed separately or all together, nor for restenosis. In conclusion, being overweight and being obese were not related to the occurrence of late adverse outcomes after a carotid endarterectomy. © 2023 by the authors.

Introduction: Ischemic postconditioning (IPCT) represents one of the several therapeutic strategies to attenuate ischemic reperfusion injury (IR) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We here present the first in-human study of IPCT in carotid surgery. Methods: The study represents an observational case-control study, with the data collected in our Institution carotid database. From December 2015 to December 2020, a total of 300 patients were included in our study; IPCT group consisted of 148 patients in whom ischemic postconditioning was performed while control group consisted of 152 patients in whom IPCT was not performed. Indications for IPCT technique were: severe unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (>90%), severe bilateral ICA stenosis (>80%), severe ICA stenosis (>80%) with contralateral ICA occlusion and ICA subocclusion. IPCT was performed by applying 6 cycles of 30 sec reperfusion (declamping of ICA)/30 sec ischemia (clamping of ICA) after finishing the procedure and initial declamping. Two groups of patients were compared in terms of occurrence of intrahospital and early postoperative stroke, TIA (transient ischemic attack) and neurologic morbidity. Results: Cumulative incidence of intrahospital postoperative stroke or TIA was significantly higher in the control group (5.3% vs 0.7%, P =.036). According to carotid plaque characteristics, patients in the IPCT group had significantly more frequent presence of heterogenous plaque, as well as ulcerated plaque, which was associated with the absence of postoperative stroke and significantly lower cumulative rate of TIA/stroke when compared to the control group (43.9% vs 8% and 47.3% vs 1.5%). During the follow-up period of 1 month after the surgery, there were no cases of stroke, TIA and deaths due to neurological causes in both groups of patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that IPCT significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative cerebral ischemic complications after CEA in high-risk patients for IR injury when compared to the control group. © The Author(s) 2022.

Introduction: Ischemic postconditioning (IPCT) represents one of the several therapeutic strategies to attenuate ischemic reperfusion injury (IR) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We here present the first in-human study of IPCT in carotid surgery. Methods: The study represents an observational case-control study, with the data collected in our Institution carotid database. From December 2015 to December 2020, a total of 300 patients were included in our study; IPCT group consisted of 148 patients in whom ischemic postconditioning was performed while control group consisted of 152 patients in whom IPCT was not performed. Indications for IPCT technique were: severe unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (>90%), severe bilateral ICA stenosis (>80%), severe ICA stenosis (>80%) with contralateral ICA occlusion and ICA subocclusion. IPCT was performed by applying 6 cycles of 30 sec reperfusion (declamping of ICA)/30 sec ischemia (clamping of ICA) after finishing the procedure and initial declamping. Two groups of patients were compared in terms of occurrence of intrahospital and early postoperative stroke, TIA (transient ischemic attack) and neurologic morbidity. Results: Cumulative incidence of intrahospital postoperative stroke or TIA was significantly higher in the control group (5.3% vs 0.7%, P =.036). According to carotid plaque characteristics, patients in the IPCT group had significantly more frequent presence of heterogenous plaque, as well as ulcerated plaque, which was associated with the absence of postoperative stroke and significantly lower cumulative rate of TIA/stroke when compared to the control group (43.9% vs 8% and 47.3% vs 1.5%). During the follow-up period of 1 month after the surgery, there were no cases of stroke, TIA and deaths due to neurological causes in both groups of patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that IPCT significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative cerebral ischemic complications after CEA in high-risk patients for IR injury when compared to the control group. © The Author(s) 2022.

Introduction Hybrid procedures represent staged or simultaneous endovascular and open surgical techniques in the treatment of complex pathologies of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. We are presenting a patient with previous abdominal aortic surgery in whom hybrid vascular procedure for descending aorta and left subclavian artery aneurysm was performed. Case Outline A 63-year-old female patient was admitted for computed tomography angiography. Descending aorta aneurysm (7.6 cm) as well as aneurysm of the left subclavian artery (LSA) was noted. Eight years ago she underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm resection and aortoiliac bypass. Standard TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) procedure couldn’t be done due to small dimensions of previous “Y” graft (12×6 mm), so first we did LSA transposition and after three days hybrid procedure. After “Y” graft exposure, anastomosis between the corps of “Y” graft and tubular graft 10 mm was created and through this conduit thoracic stent-graft was placed followed by complete “Y” graft replacement. After 6 months angiography showed regular postoperative findings. Conclusion Combined surgical and endovascular procedures in thoracic aorta pathology treatment could be useful solutions with favorable outcome. © 2015, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction Leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava are rare malignant tumors. A limited number of these cases have been described so far. Only few of them have intracardiac propagation and surgery is rarely undertaken for their treatment. Case Outline We present a 52-year-old female patient in whom leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava with intracardiac propagation was diagnosed. The patient underwent successful surgical treatment with complete removal of the tumor and direct suture of the inferior vena cava. No additional modalities of therapy were undertaken. Conclusion Surgery, without radiation therapy can be a successful option for the treatment of inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma with a good short-term result.

Introduction Although intervention in patients with symptomatic carotid disease is generally accepted as beneficial, the management of asymptomatic disease is still controversial. We wanted to introduce and discuss treatment options in a patient with asymptomatic carotid stenosis and high embolic potential lesions of common and internal carotid artery detected by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Case Outline A 78-year-old female patient was admitted to our institution for diagnostics and surgical treatment of asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. Upon admission, color duplex ultrasonography of the carotid arteries revealed the left common carotid artery (CCA) stenosis of 50% and the ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis of 60%, while the right CCA was narrowed by 60% and the ipsilateral ICA by 80%. Because of the left subclavian artery (LSA) occlusion, also described by ultrasonography, MDCT angiography was performed to assess arterial morphology for possible angioplasty. In addition to LSA occlusion, MDCT angiography surprisingly revealed significant left CCA (>80%) and ICA (>70%) narrowing by ulcerated plaques with high embolic potential. Surgical treatment of the left CCA and ICA was indicated and DacronR tubular graft interposition was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from the Institute on the third postoperative day. After the six-month follow-up the patient was doing well with well-preserved graft patency. Conclusion Although color duplex ultrasonography is reliable and safe imaging modality in carotid stenosis diagnosis, MDCT angiography plays a significant role in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis since plaques with high embolic potential could be detected, which, if left untreated, could have severe neurological ischemic consequences. © 2015 Serbia Medical Society. All rightsreserved.

Introduction Infection of synthetic graft in the groin is a rare but devastating complication. When it occurs, several possibilities of treatment are available. Extra-anatomic reconstruction and in-situ implantation of new, infection resistant grafts are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, more conservative approach is needed in some cases. Negative-pressure wound therapy is one of the options in treating such patients. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the outcome for deep groin vascular graft infection treated with negative-pressure wound therapy. Methods Seventeen patients (19 wounds), treated for Szilagyi grade III groin infections between October 2011 and June 2014, were enrolled into this observational study. Results Majority of the wounds (11/19) were healed by secondary intention, and the rest of the wounds (8/19) were healed by primary intention after initial negative-pressure wound therapy and graft substitution with silver-coated prostheses or autologous artery/vein implantation. No early mortality was observed. Minor bleeding was observed in one patient. Reinfection was noted in three wounds. Only one graft occlusion was noted. Late mortality was observed in three patients. Conclusion Negative-pressure wound therapy seems to be safe for groin vascular graft infections and comfortable for both patient and surgeon. However, the rate of persistent infection is high. This technique, in our opinion, can be used as a “bridge” from initial wound debridement to definitive wound management, when good local conditions are achieved for graft substitution, either with new synthetic graft with antimicrobial properties or autologous artery/vein. In selected cases of deep groin infections it can be used as the only therapeutic approach in wound treatment. ©2016, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

An inverse association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) risk have been reported. Apart from a lower AAA prevalence among patients with vs without DM, there are data showing that DM may exert a protective role on aneurysmal growth in patients with small AAAs, thus decreasing the risk of rupture. As atherosclerosis has almost the same risk factors as aneurysms, the decreased AAA prevalence in patients with DM may indicate that atherosclerosis is an associated feature and not a cause of the aneurysms. Alternatively, DM may be associated with factors that influence AAA formation. In this narrative review, we discuss the inverse association between DM and AAA. We also comment on underlying cellular and genetic pathophysiological mechanisms of DM, AAA and atherosclerosis. The effects of drugs, commonly prescribed in DM patients, on AAA development and growth are also considered. © 2016 Bentham Science Publishers.

Introduction/Objective Untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is associated with a high risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), and false diagnosis of DVT results in unnecessary anticoagulant therapy, with a risk of bleeding. Accurate diagnosis of DVT and prompt therapy are essential to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of three D-dimer tests (DD PLUS, HemosIL, and VIDAS) comparing to compression ultrasonography (CUS) examination. Methods We observed 350 patients, some with different risk factors. The patients underwent the same protocol (evaluation of the patient’s history, physical examination, and D-dimer testing), and CUS was used as a reference for all the patients. According to Wells score, the patients were divided into groups with low, moderate, and high pretest probability (PTP). Results Most of the examined patients were with moderate PTP. The CUS showed that there was the highest number of examined patients without DVT. Most of the examined patients with a positive CUS finding had proximal iliac and femoral DVT. VIDAS test was positive in the highest percentage in the group of patients with CUS-documented thrombosis. Conclusion All three D-dimer tests used in our study had similar sensitivity and specificity. However, VIDAS test had higher levels of positive and negative predictive values comparing to the others. The comparison of three D-dimer tests by an ROC curve showed that VIDAS test has the highest overall statistical accuracy of all three D-dimer tests. © 2018, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) represents the third cause of abdominal aneurysms, just after abdominal aorta and iliac arteries aneurysms, with overall prevalence of 1%. Pancreatitis has been linked with pseudoaneurysm formation of SA due to destruction of arterial wall by pancreatic enzymes, however true SAA associated with pancreatitis has not been described yet. We are presenting the first case of true SAA in a patient with chronic pancreatitis and primary biliary cholangitis successfully treated by surgical excision, direct arterial reconstruction and spleen preservation. Case outline A 74-year-old male patient was admitted for multidetector computed tomography angiography due to suspected SAA and renal artery aneurysm (RAA). He was previously treated for chronic pancreatitis and primary biliary cholangitis. Upon admission, computed tomography arteriography showed SAA 32 mm in diameter and RAA 12 mm with SAA being in direct contact with superior margin of the pancreas. Surgical treatment of SAA was indicated while RAA was treated conservatively. Intraoperatively, SAA adherent to the superior margin of pancreas was noted, followed by complete exclusion of the aneurysm and end-to-end splenic artery anastomosis. Histopathology showed atherosclerotic degeneration of arterial wall with all three layers presenting as true aneurysm. Two years after the surgery, control computed tomography angiography showed regular postoperative findings without further progression of RAA. Conclusion This is the first case to describe a true SAA aneurysm originated on the field of previous episodes of chronic pancreatitis and primary biliary cholangitis. Surgical treatment including aneurysm resection and direct arterial reconstruction with spleen preservation showed satisfactory results. © 2021, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a rare clinical entity with potentially debilitating consequences. Our aim is to present a case of a large internal carotid artery aneurysm combined with medial internal carotid artery (ICA) kinking successfully treated by resection with an end-to-end anastomosis. Case outline A 34-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital due to dizziness and frequent non-specific headaches. On admission, routine echocardiography showed an aneurysm of the atrial septum. Multislice computed tomography of the supraaortic branches showed medial kinking of the right ICA with a 15 mm aneurysm localized on the vertex of the angulation. Kinking was present on the left ICA as well, with a small aneurysm of 5 mm in diameter. The right ICA aneurysm was resected and the artery was reconstructed with an end-to-end anastomosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was symptom-free after a one-year follow-up. Conclusion We showed that surgery of an aneurysm and kinking of the carotid artery in the medial segment of the ICA is possible and safe to perform. Detailed preoperative preparation, precise surgical technique, and short clamping time all contributed to a good final outcome. © 2017, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Carotid angioplasty and internal carotid artery stenting is the therapeutic method of choice in the treatment of carotid restenosis, but when it is not technically feasible (expressed tortuosity of supraaortic branches, calcifications, presence of pathological elongation of very long lesions) a redo surgery is indicated. Objective: The aim of our study was to examine the benefits and risks of redo surgery in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic significant internal carotid artery restenosis and its impact on early and late morbidity and mortality. Methods: The study included 45 patients who were surgically treated for a hemodynamically significant internal carotid artery restenosis from January 2000 to December 2009. Surgical techniques included redo endarterectomy with direct suture, redo anderectomy with a patch plastic and resection with Dacron tubular graft interposition.The patients were followed for postoperative neurological ischemic events (transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke), local surgical complications and lethal outcome after one month, six months, one year and after two years). Results: In the early postoperative period (up to 30 days) there were no lethal outcomes. TIA was diagnosed in four patients (8.8%), minor stroke in one patient (2.2%) and one patient (2.2%) also had cranial nerve injury. After two years two patients died (4.4%) due to fatal myocardial infarction, three patients (6.5%) had ipsilateral stroke and one patient developed graft occlusion (2%). Conclusion: In the case of symptomatic and asymptomatic: carotid restenosis that cannot be treated by carotid percutaneous angioplasty, redo surgical treatment is therapeutic option with an acceptable rate of early and late postoperative complications.

Introduction Acute lower limb ischemia results from thrombosis or embolization of diseased native artery or previously implanted bypass graft. When this occurs, several options are available to restore blood flow: catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy or open surgery. Fundamental reasons to apply percutaneous interventions are avoiding open procedures in high risk patients, and avoiding difficult dissection through scar tissue. Case Outline A 67-year-old male was admitted at our Institution for critical limb ischemia. After performed angiography the diagnosis of occluded femoropopliteal graft was established. Occlusion was resolved by catheter-directed thrombolysis with plasmin. Culprit lesions were treated by angioplasty. Conclusion Our patient underwent a successful thrombolysis of occluded femoropopliteal graft with locally-delivered human plasmin. © 2014, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction The stump wound complications after above-knee amputation lead to other problems, such as prolonged rehabilitation, delayed prosthetic restoration, the increase in total treatment cost and high mortality rates. Objective To evaluate the safety and outcomes of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC®) therapy in patients with stump complication after above-knee amputation (AKA). Methods From January 2011 to July 2014, AKA was performed in 137 patients at the University Cardiovascular Clinic. Nineteen (12.4%) of these patients (mean age 69.3 ± 9.2 years) were treated with NPWT. The following variables were recorded: wound healing and hospitalization time, rate of NPWT treatment failure, and mortality. Results AKA was performed in 17 (89.5%) patients after the vascular or endovascular procedures had been exhausted, while urgent AKA was performed in two (10.5%) patients due to uncontrolled infection. The time before NPWT application was 3.1 ± 1.9 days and the duration of the NPWT use ranged from 15 to 54 days (mean 27.95 ± 12.1 days). During NPWT treatment, operative debridement was performed in 12 patients. All the patients were kept on culture-directed intravenous antibiotics. The average hospital length of stay was 34.7 days (range 21-77 days). There were four (20.9%) failures during the treatment which required secondary amputation. During the treatment, one (5.3%) patient died due to multi-organ failure after 27 days. Conclusions The use of NPWT therapy in the treatment of AKA stump complication is a safe and effective procedure associated with low risk and positive outcome in terms of wound healing time and further complications. © 2016, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim. Doppler ultrasonography is now a reliable diagnostic tool for noninvasive examination of the morphology and hemodynamic parameters of extracranial segments of blood vessels that participate in the brain vascularisation. This diagnostic modality in recent years become the only diagnostic tool prior to surgery. The aim of the study was to determine hemodynamic status in symptomatic and asymtomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis prior to and after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods. A total of 124 symptomatic and 94 asymptomatic patients who had underwent CEA at the Clinic for Cardiovasculare Disease "Dedinje" in Belgrade were included in this study. Doppler ultrasonography examinations were performed one day before CEA and seven days after it. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-dyastolic velocity (EDV), time-averaged maximum blood flow velocity (MV), resistance index (RI) and the blood flow volume (BFV) of the ipsilateral and the contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) were measured. Results. Diabetes was the only risk factor found signifi cantly more frequent in symptomatic patients. There were significantly more occluded contralateral ICAs in the group of symptomatic patients. There was a significant increase in PSV, EDV, MV and BFV of the ipsilateral ICA after CEA and a significant decrease in PSV, EDV, MV and BFV of the contralateral ICA after CEA. RI is the only hemodynamic parameter without significant changes after CEA in both groups of patients. Comparing the values of hemodynamic parameters after CEA between the group of symptomatic and the group of asymptomatic patients no significant differences were found. Conclusion. The occlusion of the contralateral ICA is an important factor differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis. Successful surgery provides good recovery of cerebral hemodynamics in both symtomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Introduction: Spontaneous dissection of supra-aortic arteries is an exceptionally rare cause of vocal cord dysfunction. We are reporting a case of spontaneous carotid dissection and internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting as vocal cord paralysis. Case Report: A 44-year-old female was admitted with hoarseness and swallowing disorders. Diagnostic imaging revealed dissection and obliteration of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) 23 mm from the carotid bifurcation. Electromyography revealed unilateral paralysis/paresis of the right vocal cord. Genetic analyses for thrombophilia, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 were found to be at high risk. The patient was discharged after 5 days without any neurological findings, and control angiography revealed complete restitution of the flow in the right ICA one month later. However, a fusiform aneurysm of the distal part of the extracranial right ICA was detected and excluded with endovascular procedure. Conclusion: Connective tissue systemic disorders and even mild trauma could initiate the dissection process of neck arteries. Precise diagnosis might be difficult even for an experienced neurologist, however, the final outcome is favorable. © SAGE Publications.