The incidence rate and histological characteristics of intimal hyperplasia in elastase-induced experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice

Intimal hyperplasia(IH)is a negative vascular remodeling after arterial injury.IH occasionally occurs in elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)mouse models.This study aims to clarify the incidence and histological characteristics of IH in aneurysmal mice.A retrospective study was conducted by including 42 male elastaseinduced mouse AAA models.The IH incidence,aortic diameters with or without IH,and hyperplasia lesional features of mice were analyzed.Among 42 elastase-induced AAA mouse models,10 mice developed mild IH(24%)and severe IH was found in only 2 mice(5%).The outer diameters of the AAA segments in mice with and without IH did not show significant difference.Both mild and severe IH lesions show strong smooth muscle cell positive staining,but endothelial cells were occasionally observed in severe IH lesions.There was obvious macrophage infiltration in the IH lesions of the AAA mouse models,especially in mice with severe IH.However,only a lower numbers of T cells and B cells were found in the IH lesion.Local cell-secreted matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)2 was highly expressed in all IH lesions,but MMP9 was only overexpressed in severe lesions.In conclusion,this study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of aneurysmal IH and its histological characteristics in an elastaseinduced mouse AAA model.This will help researchers better understand this model,and optimize it for use in AAA-related research.

Causal Relationship between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Observational studies indicate a positive correlation between COPD and the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), suggesting individuals with COPD are more likely to develop AAA. However, the causal relationship between COPD and AAA remains unclear. Method: This study employed a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal relationship between COPD and AAA. A two-step MR analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of 1400 circulating metabolites between COPD and AAA. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were sourced from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) database, and MR analysis was performed using the TwoSampleMR R package. The results were filtered using the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method to identify genes strongly associated with both COPD and AAA. Furthermore, the Super Exact Test R package was utilized to determine the overlapping genes between COPD and AAA. Enrichment analysis for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was conducted using the clusterProfiler R package. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was carried out using STRING v12.0. Results: The IVW method indicated a causal relationship between the risk increase of COPD and AAA (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16 - 1.86, p = 0.001). Among 1400 circulating metabolites, plasma-free proline was identified as mediating the relationship between COPD and AAA, with a mediation effect proportion of −4.6% (95% CI: −9.032%, −0.164%, p = 0.042). Additionally, PPI analysis revealed 20 functionally interrelated genes mediating the linkage between COPD and AAA. KEGG enrichment analysis showed functional enrichment of these genes in the pathway of aldosterone synthesis and secretion. Conclusion: Our study supports a causal relationship between COPD and an increased risk of AAA. Specifically, plasma-free proline and pathways related to aldosterone synthesis and secretion may play key roles in the connection between COPD and AAA.

Correlation Study of Aortic Velocity Propagation, Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness, and Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness in Subclinical Hypothyroidism Patients

Objective:To explore the correlation between epicardial fat thickness(EFT),aortic velocity propagation(AVP),and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness(AA-IMT)in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism(SH).Additionally,to compare these indicators between SH patients and healthy individuals,providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Method:Clinical data from 50 SH patients(23 males and 27 females)and 50 healthy outpatient examinees(22 males and 28 females)were analyzed.The participants were selected from January 2022 to December 2023 at Loudi Central Hospital.EFT,AVP,and AA-IMT were measured,and their correlations were analyzed.Results:SH patients had significantly higher EFT and AA-IMT levels than the control group,while their AVP was significantly lower,with these differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between EFT and AVP(P<0.001),a significant positive correlation between EFT and AAO-IMT(P<0.001),and a significant negative correlation between AVP and AAO-IMT(P<0.001).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified increased EFT,decreased AVP,and increased AAO-IMT as independent risk factors for SH patients.Conclusion:In SH patients,EFT and AAO-IMT are elevated,whereas AVP is reduced.EFT and AVP are significantly correlated with AAO-IMT.EFT and AAO-IMT can serve as reliable indicators for evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis in SH patients,providing a diagnostic basis for clinical practice.

Supraceliac Aortic Clamping for Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Patients with Short Aortic Neck Length

Objective: Prompt bleeding control with proximal aortic clamping and subsequent aortic repair are very important for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, unsuitable anatomy, such as short aortic neck length, not only disturbs the means to an expeditious repair, but may also increase morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supraceliac aortic clamping for improving surgical outcomes for patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, who have a short aortic neck length. Method: Between April 2010 and September 2015, eighteen patients underwent emergent open surgical repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Eight patients with a short aortic neck length underwent supraceliac aortic clamping, and 10 underwent infrarenal aortic clamping. Results: The mean supraceliac aortic clamping time was 30 ± 7 minutes. There was 1 operative death in the infrarenal aortic clamping group due to respiratory failure, and the overall operative mortality was 6%. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative complication rates or mortality. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in variables of renal function between the 2 groups, through-out the study period. Conclusion: Supraceliac aortic clamping was associated with minimal mortality and morbidity, but not with harmful effects on postoperative renal function. Thus, supraceliac aortic clamping can be safely applied for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with short aortic neck length.

Angiograms of the Abdominal Aorta in a Patient of Middle Aortic Syndrome

A 42-year old woman of middle aortic syndrome presented with severe hypertension for 20 years, whose abdominal aorta angiography revealed long segment and nearly complete occlusion in the mid portion of abdominal aorta, and extensively enlarged collateral vascular supply to the lower portion of abdominal aorta. The pressures proximal and distal to stenosis were 185/110 and 95/70 mmHg, and the pressure gradient across the stenosis was 90/40 mmHg. After the operation of thoraco-abdominal bypass graft, the pressure difference between the upper and lower extremities eventually disappeared.

Long-term follow-up of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta.Methods:The clinical data of 623 patients with pernicious placenta previa combined with placenta accrete,who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent abdominal aortic balloon occlusion combined with cesarean section,and 78 patients underwent sequential bilateral uterine artery embolization.We analyzed the operation time,intraoperative blood loss,blood transfusion volume,intraoperative and postoperative complications,fetal radiation exposure time and dose,and the Apgar score of the newborns.We also performed other evaluations to ascertain the efficacy and safety of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion treatment for dangerous placenta previa with placenta accrete.Results:Of the 623 patients,545 underwent only abdominal aortic balloon occlusion,and 78 underwent uterine artery embolization due to intraoperative or postoperative bleeding.The uterus was successfully preserved in all patients.Except for five cases of right lower extremity arterial thrombosis,the remaining patients did not have postoperative lower extremity arteriovenous thrombosis,renal insufficiency,late postpartum hemorrhage,ectopic embolism,spinal cord or peripheral nerve damage,pelvic infection,or other serious complications.The mean operative time was 65.3(±14.5)min.The mean intraoperative blood loss was620(±570)ml.Ninety-six patients(15.4%,96/623)were treated with blood transfusion,and the average amount of blood transfused was 750(±400)ml.The average number of hospitalization days was 6.8(±3.4)days,the average time of fetal ray exposure was 5.2(±1.6)s,and the average radiation dose was 4.1(±2.7)m Gy.The neonatal Apgar score,was 8.4(±0.6)points at 1 min,and 9.6(±0.4)points at 5 min.In the follow-up to May 31,2019,29 patients were lost to follow-up,96 were lactating,and 498 were menstruating.Except for the cases lost to follow-up,the remaining 596 surviving newborns(including 2 twins)showed no abnormalities at the 42-day postnatal outpatient follow-up examination.Conclusion:Balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta is a safe and effective method for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta.

Rapamycin Treatment Attenuates Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation via VSMC Phenotypic Modulation and Down-regulation of ERK1/2 Activity

The aim of the present study is to address the effect of rapamycin on abdominal aortic aneurysm（AAA） and the potential mechanisms. A clinically relevant AAA model was induced in apolipoprotein E-deficient（ApoE-/-） mice, in which miniosmotic pump was implanted subcutaneously to deliver angiotensin Ⅱ（Ang Ⅱ） for 14 days. Male ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into 3 groups： saline infusion, Ang Ⅱ infusion, and Ang Ⅱ infusion plus intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin. The diameter of the supra-renal abdominal aorta was measured by ultrasonography at the end of the infusion. Then aortic tissue was excised and examined by Western blotting and histoimmunochemistry. Ang Ⅱ with or without rapamycin treatment was applied to the cultured vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMCs） in vitro. The results revealed that rapamycin treatment significantly attenuated the incidence of Ang Ⅱinduced-AAA in ApoE-/-mice. Histologic analysis showed that rapamycin treatment decreased disarray of elastin fibers and VSMCs hyperplasia in the medial layer. Immunochemistry staining and Western blotting documented the increased phospho-ERKl/2 and ERK1/2 expression in aortic walls in Ang Ⅱ induced-AAA,as well as in human lesions. Whereas in the rapamycintreated group, decreased phospho-ERK1/2 expression level was detected. Moreover, rapamycin reversed Ang Ⅱ-induced VSMCs phenotypic change both in vivo and in vitro. Based on those results, we confirmed that rapamycin therapy suppressed Ang Ⅱ-induced AAA formation in mice, partially via VSMCs phenotypic modulation and down-regulation of ERK1/2 activity.

Long Noncoding RNA Expression Signatures of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Revealed by Microarray

Objective This study is aimed at observing the role of long noncoding RNAs（lncR NAs） in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm（AAA）.Methods Lnc RNA and m RNA expression signatures of AAA tissues and normal abdominal aortic tissues（NT） were analyzed by microarray and further verified by Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR（q RT-PCR）.The lnc RNAs-m RNAs targeting relationships were identified using computational analysis.The effect of lnc-ARG on 5-lipoxygenase（ALOX5） expression was tested in HeL a cells.Results Differential expressions of 3,688 lncR NAs and 3,007 m RNAs were identified between AAA and NT tissues.Moreover,1,284 differentially expressed long intergenic noncoding RNAs and 206 differentially expressed enhancer-like lnc RNAs adjacent to protein-coding genes were discerned by bioinformatics analysis.Some differentially expressed lncR NAs and m RNAs between AAA and normal tissue samples were further verified using q RT-PCR.A co-expression network of coding and noncoding genes was constructed based on the correlation analysis between the differentially expressed lnc RNAs and mR NAs.In addition,the lnc-ARG located within the upstream of ALOX5 was sorted as a noncoding transcript by analyzing the protein-coding potential using computational analysis.Furthermore,we found that lnc-ARG can decrease the m RNA level of ALOX5 and reactive oxygen species production in He La cells.Conclusion This study revealed new lnc RNA candidates are related to the pathogenesis of AAA.

High-risk factors related to the occurrence and development of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA) is a common and potentially dangerous vascular disease with many risk factors related to its occurrence and development. This review collects the results from recent studies of different comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia and summarizes their connections with AAA development and its underlying mechanisms. We believe that hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia can affect AAA occurrence and development, but more studies are needed to further explore the mechanisms.

Progression and Regression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Mice

Objective:Abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)is a significant medical problem with a high mortality rate.Nevertheless,the underlying mechanism for the progression and regression of AAA is unknown.Methods:Experimental model of AAA was first created by porcine pancreatic elastase incubation around the infrarenal aorta of C57BL/6 mice.Then,AAA progression and regression were evaluated based on the diameter and volume of AAA.The aortas were harvested for hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE),orcein staining,sirius red staining,immunofluorescence analysis and peris’prussian blue staining at the indicated time point.Finally,P-aminopropionitrile monofumarate(BAPN)was used to explore the underlying mechanism of the regression of AAA.Results:When we extended the observation period to 100 days,we not only observed an increase in the AAA diameter and volume in the early stage,but also a decrease in the late stage.Consistent with AAA diameter and volume,the aortic thickness showed the same tendency based on HE staining.The elastin and collagen content first degraded and then regenerated,which corresponds to the early deterioration and late regression of AAA.Then,endogenous up-regulation of lysyl oxidase(LOX)was detected,accompanying the regression of AAA,as detected by an immunofluorescent assay.BAPN and LOX inhibitor considerably inhibited the regression of AAA,paralleling the degradation of elastin lamella and collagen.Conclusion:Taken together,we tentatively conclude that endogenous re-generation of LOX played an influential role in the regression of AAA.Therefore,regulatory factors on the generation of LOX exhibit promising therapeutic potential against AAA.

Kunming mouse strain is less susceptible to elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms

Background:Porcine pancreatic elastase(PPE)is successfully used to induce abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)in mice.However,differences between mouse strains in susceptibility to PPE induction have been reported.Kunming mouse is one of the most frequently used strains in China but whether it is suitable for induction of AAA by PPE application remains unclear.Methods:PPE infusion(1.5 units/ml)in temporary controlled aorta was performed to induce AAAs in both C57BL/6J and Kunming mice.Phosphatebuffered saline(PBS)application was used as vehicle control.The aorta diameters of all mice were measured at days 0 and 14 after surgery to evaluate the AAA formation.Results:After 14 days of PPE or PBS infusion,all mice were sacrificed and aorta tissues were collected for histological staining analysis.At the 14th day after infusion,PPE successfully induced aortic dilation in Kunming mice and typical AAA in C57BL/6J mice.The aorta diameter increased by 0.23 mm in Kunming mice after PPE infusion,while it was 0.72 mm in the C57BL/6J strain.PPE induced mild elastin degradation,smooth muscle cell(SMC)depletion and mural leucocyte infiltration in Kunming mice,but in PPE-sensitive C57BL/6J mice,it induced total loss of SMCs,elastin disappearance and diffused infiltrated leucocytes in aortic aneurysmal segments.The effects of PPE in inducing angiogenesis and upregulating matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 expression in Kunming mice were also weaker than that in C57BL/6J mice.Conclusion:At the reported dose of PPE,Kunming mouse is not as susceptible to AAA formation as C57BL/6J mice.The failure of PPE to induce AAA formation in Kunming mice may be associated to its inability to boost a strong inflammatory response.

The clinical application of multi-slice spiral CT angiography in abdominal aortic disease

Objective： To evaluate the clinical application of multi-slice spiral CT angiography（MSCTA） in the assessment of abdominal aortic disease. Methods： Fifty-four patients underwent multi-slice spiral CT angiography of abdomen. Contrast agent （Omnipaque 300 I g/L） 1.5 ml/kg was injected and the injection rate was 3 ml/s. The delay time was determined by bolus tracking technique, Tll level abdominal aorta was set as the target vessel and the threshold was 180-200Hu, slice width was 3mm and with a pitch of 4-6. Original data were transferred to working-station to perform functional reconstruction. Results： Ten cases were normal, twenty-eight cases were abdominal aortic aneurysms, five abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysms （Debakay type Ⅲ） and eleven aortic sclerosis. SSD showed the body of aneurysm and the relationship between aneurysm and adjacent blood vessel, MIP better displayed calcification of blood vessel wall and condition of the stent, MPR demonstrated true and false lumen, rapture site of abdominal aorta intima and mural thrombus. Conelusion： MSCTA axial and reconstruction image can show the extent of abdominal aortic disease and the relationship with adjacent blood vessels. It is a safe, simple and non-invasive examination method.

Identify Can didate Genes in the Interactio n betwee n Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Using Biomedical Discovery Support System

Objective To explore the candidate genes that play significant roles in the interconnection between abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM).Methods We used the Biomedical Discovery Support System(BITOLA)to screen out the candidate intermediate molecular(CIM)"Gene or Gene Product”that are related to AAA and DM.The dataset of GSE13760,GSE7084,GSE57691,GSE47472 were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)of AAA and DM compared to the healthy status.We used the online tool ofVenny 2.1 assisted by manual checking to identify the overlapped DEGs with the CIMs.The Human eFP Browser was applied to examine the tissue specific expression levels of the detected genes in order to recognize strong expressed genes in both human artery and pancreatic tissue.Results There were 86 CIMs suggested by the closed BITOLA system.Among all the DEGs of AAA and DM,8 genes in GSE7084(ISG20,ITGAX,DSTN,CCL5,CCR5,AGTR1,CD19,CD44)and 2 genes in GSE 13760(PSMD12,FAS)were found to be overlapped with the 86 CIMs.By manual checking and comparing with tissuespecific gene data through Human eFP Browser,the gene PSMD12(proteasome 26S subunit,non-ATPase 12)was recognized to be strongly expressed in both the aorta and pancreatic tissue.Conclusion We proposed a hypothesis through text mining that PSMD12 might be involved or potentially involved in the interconnection between AAA and DM,which may provide a new clue for studies on novel therapeutic strategies for the two diseases.

Pheochromocytoma with abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as recurrent dyspnea,hemoptysis,and hypotension:A case report

BACKGROUND Pheochromocytomas are rare endocrine tumors with various clinical manifestations,and few of them might present with profound,life-threatening conditions.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 65-year-old man who complained of sudden dyspnea and hemoptysis for half a day.There was no obvious cause for the patient to have dyspnea,coughing,or coughing up to approximately 100 mL of fresh blood.Finally,he was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma crisis(PCC),coexisting with an abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA).CONCLUSION We report a case of pheochromocytoma presenting with recurrent hemoptysis,dyspnea and hypotension coexisting with an AAA.It not only proved the uncommon manifestations of pheochromocytoma but also directed clinicians to consider PCC among the possible diagnoses when meeting similar cases.Moreover,surgical excision is the most beneficial method for the treatment of pheochromocytoma coexisting with AAA when the situation is stable.

Application of Abdominal Aortic Balloon Occlusion Combined with Tourniquet in Pregnant Women with Severe Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Objective Abdominal aortic balloon occlusion(AABO)is a vascular intervention method that has been widely used in the treatment of severe placenta accreta spectrum(PAS).The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits,potential risks,and characteristics of AABO combined with tourniquet binding of the lower uterine segment(LUS)in treatment of pregnant women with PAS.Methods In this study,64 pregnant women with PAS scores greater than 5 were enrolled as research subjects and divided into two groups.Group A(n=34)underwent normal operative procedures including tourniquet binding of the LUS.Group B(n=30)underwent AABO combined with tourniquet binding of the LUS.General clinical characteristics,ultrasonography PAS score,intraoperative blood loss(IBL),blood loss within 24 h after surgery(24-h BL),postoperative complications,and neonatal data of the two groups were retrospectively reviewed.The influencing factors of IBL for the two groups were analyzed.Results The amounts of IBL,24-h BL,total input red blood cell,and the incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation were significantly lower in group B than in group A(P<0.05),and this difference was even more significant in the subgroup of placenta percreta(PAS scores≥10).Further multivariate linear analysis showed that the combined therapy of AABO and tourniquet could independently predict lower IBL than normal operative procedures did(P=0.001).Conclusion AABO combined with tourniquet binding of the LUS could improve the outcomes of pregnant women with severe PAS and reduce serious peripartum complications of AABO.

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis caused by umbilical arterial catheter-associated abdominal aortic embolism:A case report

BACKGROUND Reports of necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)caused by umbilical arterial catheter(UAC)-associated abdominal aortic embolism in neonates are rare.Herein,we report the case of an extremely low birth weight(ELBW)infant with NEC caused by UAC-associated abdominal aortic embolism.CASE SUMMARY A female infant,aged 21 min and weighing 830 g at 28+6 wk of gestational age,was referred to our hospital because of premature birth and shallow breathing.The patient was diagnosed with ELBW,neonatal respiratory distress syndrome,neonatal intrauterine infection,and neonatal asphyxia.Umbilical arterial and venous catheters were inserted on the day after birth and were removed 9 d later,according to the doctor’s plan.Within 48 h after extubation,the patient’s manifestations included poor responsiveness,heart rate range of 175-185/min,and currant jelly stool.Therefore,we considered a diagnosis of NEC.To determine the cause,we used B-mode ultrasound,which revealed a partial abdominal aortic embolism(2 cm×0.3 cm)and abdominal effusion.The patient was treated with nil per os,gastrointestinal decompression,anti-infective therapy,blood transfusion,and low-molecular-weight heparin sodium q12h for anticoagulant therapy(from May 20 to June 1,the dosage of low-molecular-weight heparin sodium was adjusted according to the anti-Xa activity during treatment).On the 67th day after admission,the patient fully recovered and was discharged.CONCLUSION The abdominal aortic thrombosis in this patient was considered to be catheter related,which requires immediate treatment once diagnosed.The choice of treatment should be determined according to the location of the thrombus and the patient’s condition.

9.1 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 69-year-old male patient

We are presenting a case of one of the largest unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm ever reported. Presented here is a rare case of a 69-year-old active smoker male with history of hypertension and incidental diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm of 6.2 cm in 2003, who refused surgical intervention at the time of diagnosis with continued smoking habit and was managed medically. Patient was subsequently admitted in 2012 to the hospital due to unresponsiveness secondary to hypoglycemia along with diagnosis of massive symptomatic pulmonary embolism and nonST elevation myocardial infarction. With the further inpatient workup along with known history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, subsequent computed tomography scan of abdomen pelvis revealed increased in size of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm to 9.1 cm of without any signs of rupture. Patient was unable to undergo any surgical intervention this time because of his medical instability and was eventually passed away under hospice care.

Advances in determining abdominal aortic aneurysm size and growth

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common pathology in the aging population of the developed world which carries a significant mortality in excess of 80% in case of rupture. Aneurysmal disease probably represents the only surgical condition in which size is such a critical determinant of the need for intervention and therefore the ability to accurately and reproducibly record aneurysm size and growth over time is of outmost importance. In the same time that imaging techniques may be limited by intra- and inter-observer variability and there may be inconsistencies due to different modalities [ultrasound, computed tomography(CT)], rapid technologic advancement have taken aortic imaging to the next level. Digital imaging, multidetector scanners, thin slice CT and most- importantly the ability to perform 3-dimensional reconstruction and image post-processing have currently become widely available rendering most of the imaging modalities used in the past out of date. The aim of the current article is to report on various imaging methods and current state of the art techniques used to record aneurysm size and growth. Moreover we aim to emphasize on the future research directions and report on techniques which probably will be widely used and incorporated in clinical practice in the near future.

Standards of endovascular graft exclusion for abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective: To discuss the standards of endovascular graft exclusion (EVGE) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: The results of our primary experiences for the evidence of standards was summarized. Results: Standards of operating success, cure and procedure failure were put forward. Some relative questions on EVGE were also answered. Conclusion: EVGE is a kind of new conceptive therapy for AAAs in China. More cases should be evaluated in the future to modify it.

Value of digital subtraction angiography in endovascular graft exclusion for abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective: To evaluate the value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in management of endovascular graft exclusion (EVGE) for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods: Monitored by DSA and fluoroscopy, stent-graft complex were introduced into the aneurysm sac via femoral arteries and were deployed at the proximal and distal necks to exclude the sac from circulation. Results: The success rate of deployment was 94. 74% (36/38). Endoleaks occurred in 4 cases. One converted to open surgery because of sac rupture 4 days after deployment. Thrombosis and stenosis occurred in 2 cases. Three patients died shortly after the operation (< 3 months). Conclusion: DSA can monitor EVCE on real-time throughout the whole procedure. It can meet the needs of measurement, location, evaluating, detecting, and also can be much helpful in correcting complications. Moreover, it provides large visual field and operating space, and is a very important monitoring method for EVGE.