Annals of Vascular Diseases (AVD) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal publishing articles on vascular disease. Published continuously online, the journal is fully indexed in J-STAGE and PubMed Central. AVD welcomes submissions from around the world.
Announcements
The licensing policy for our journal has been updated. Starting from January 1, 2025, newly published articles will generally be licensed under the CC BY (Attribution) license.
– Articles published on or after January 1, 2025: Licensed under CC BY (Attribution).
– Articles published before January 1, 2025: Retain their original license, CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike).
– Secondary publications (e.g., translations) may follow the licensing terms of the primary publication.
For more details, please refer to the “Copyright, Open Access and Fees” section of the Instructions to Authors.
About the journal
AVD is an official journal of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery (ASVS) and Asian Venous Forum, sponsored by Japanese College of Angiology, Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery and the Japanese Society of Phlebology.
Contact
This site is operated by Editorial Committee of Annals of Vascular Diseases.
Editorial Committee of Annals of Vascular Diseases
c/o Academy Center, Yamabuki-cho 358-5, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0801, Japan
TEL: +81-3-6824-9399
E-mail: avd-edit[at]je.bunken.co.jp
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Latest articles
Case ReportJanuary 20, 2026
Extended Endarterectomy Across the Inguinal Ligament Using Inguinal-Lifting in the Surgery for Critical Limb Ischemia
Anna Tsuji, Shun-Ichiro Sakamoto, Motohiro Maeda, Tomohiro Murata, Atsushi Hiromoto, Kenji Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Watanabe, Yosuke Ishii
This case report presents a case of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with severe calcified lesions extending from the external iliac artery to the bifurcation of the superficial femoral artery, involving the groin region. Owing to the complexity and risk of complications, such as infections and delayed wound healing, revascularization was performed with extensive endarterectomy. The inguinal-lifting technique (ILT) was used to provide safe surgical access and minimize complications. The procedure resulted in successful revascularization with no major wound-related issues. The ILT proved to be an effective approach for safe, extensive endarterectomy in complex PAD cases.
Review ArticleJanuary 20, 2026
Machine Learning and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A New Paradigm in Prediction and Prognosis after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Toshiya Nishibe, Tsuyoshi Iwasa, Shoji Fukuda, Tomohiro Nakajima, Shinichiro Shimura, Masayasu Nishibe, Alan Dardik
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming vascular surgery by enabling precise risk stratification, individualized treatment planning, and improved prognostic prediction. In abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management, ML algorithms integrate complex clinical and imaging data to estimate survival, guide procedural decisions, and identify key factors influencing aneurysm remodeling. These models outperform traditional statistical approaches by capturing nonlinear interactions among variables such as nutritional status, immune function, and anatomical features. Despite these advances, challenges remain. Many studies rely on single-center datasets, raising concerns about overfitting and limited generalizability. The use of black-box models can hinder clinical trust due to limited interpretability. However, recent developments in multicenter data collection and explainable AI techniques are improving model robustness and transparency. As these tools continue to evolve, ML is poised to contribute meaningfully to precision vascular care. By supporting more individualized and data-informed decision-making, ML has the potential to enhance long-term outcomes and guide the future of AAA management after endovascular aneurysm repair.
Case ReportJanuary 14, 2026
Innominate Artery Transection via Combined Suprasternal and Intercostal Approach Prevents Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula
Masahide Shichijo, Hiroyuki Morokuma, Nagi Hayashi, Takashi Teishikata, Masafumi Hiratsuka, Keiji Kamohara
Tracheoinnominate artery fistula is a rare but potentially fatal complication of tracheostomy. We report the case of a 22-year-old male at high risk for tracheoinnominate artery fistula due to severe thoracic deformity. To mitigate the risk, a prophylactic transection of the innominate artery was successfully performed using a combined suprasternal and intercostal approach, thereby avoiding limb perfusion. The patient was discharged without complications. This case highlights the effectiveness of the combined approach for safe innominate artery transection in anatomically challenging cases.
Original ArticleJanuary 7, 2026
Comparative Analysis of Adhesive Strength and Flexibility in Surgical Sealants for Cardiovascular Surgery
Akiyoshi Yamamoto, Shinichiro Shimura, Kenji Kuwaki, Hidekazu Furuya, Sohsyu Kotani, Kimiaki Okada, Keisuke Ozawa, Goro Kishinami, Shigeyuki Ozaki, Yasunori Cho
Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the adhesive strength and flexibility of 3 surgical sealants—synthetic (Hydrofit; Sanyo Chemical Industries, Kyoto, Japan), albumin-based (BioGlue; Artivion, Kennesaw, GA, USA), and fibrin-based (Beriplast; CSL Behring, Tokyo, Japan)—which are commonly used in cardiovascular surgery but unexplored under identical experimental conditions.
Methods: Adhesive strength was evaluated using a tensile adhesion test on collagen, polyester, and polytetrafluoroethylene substrates. Flexibility was assessed by measuring the maximum stress and elongation at failure in Hydrofit and BioGlue film samples. Beriplast was excluded as it failed to form films.
Results: Hydrofit and BioGlue showed similar collagen–collagen adhesion strengths (p = 0.11), while Beriplast was significantly weaker (p <0.01). Hydrofit outperformed both BioGlue and Beriplast (p <0.01) in collagen–polyester and collagen–expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) adhesions. Hydrofit also demonstrated a significantly higher elongation rate, strength, and maximum stress before rupture than BioGlue.
Conclusions: These surgical sealants possess distinct adhesive and mechanical characteristics. Hydrofit showed stable adhesion across various substrates, with notable flexibility. BioGlue displayed adequate adhesion on collagen surfaces but had restricted flexibility. Beriplast demonstrated reduced adhesion. Although only adhesive strength and flexibility were evaluated, such properties may offer valuable insights into sealant traits contextually. These potentially aid in the selection of appropriate sealants for cardiovascular procedures that require both durable adhesion and tissue compliance. Further in vivo validation is warranted.
Case ReportDecember 17, 2025
Hybrid Repair of a True Brachiocephalic Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report
Takahiro Mizoguchi, Hiroshi Ito, Hiroshi Kurazumi, Masaya Takahashi, Yoshitaka Ikeda, Noriyasu Morikage, Kimikazu Hamano
A 74-year-old man with hypertension and hyperuricemia was incidentally diagnosed with a 39-mm brachiocephalic artery aneurysm. Because of a sufficient proximal sealing zone, a hybrid repair was performed, consisting of a right common carotid–axillary bypass with a prosthetic graft, followed by endovascular exclusion using covered stents, a vascular plug, and coils. Completion angiography confirmed complete aneurysm exclusion without endoleak and satisfactory bypass flow. The postoperative course was uneventful. Computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated persistent aneurysm exclusion without endoleak and a patent bypass. At 12 months, plain CT confirmed no aneurysm enlargement.
Original ArticleDecember 17, 2025
Revascularization of the Superficialized Brachial Artery
Shunichiro Fujioka, Kenjiro Sakaki
Objectives: The superficialized brachial artery (SBA) is an important alternative vascular access for hemodialysis patients when autogenous vein fistula creation is not feasible. However, repeated puncture of the SBA can lead to severe complications such as aneurysm formation, pseudoaneurysm, and infection. This study aimed to review surgical strategies for revascularization and infection control in SBA aneurysms.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 8 cases of SBA aneurysms treated at our institution between November 2020 and June 2025. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical procedures, and outcomes were evaluated based on medical records and follow-up data.
Results: Patients ranged in age from 43 to 81 years and had been on dialysis for an average of 19 years. Six aneurysms were ruptured, and 5 were associated with infection. Brachial artery bypass was the most common procedure, performed in 6 patients using autologous veins or prosthetic grafts. One patient underwent fistula closure with a bovine pericardial patch, and another received direct arterial anastomosis. In infected cases, autologous vein bypass or aneurysm resection with direct anastomosis was performed after thorough debridement. All patients maintained adequate dialysis access postoperatively.
Conclusions: Revascularization of the SBA using autologous vein bypass is effective for managing aneurysms, especially in infected cases. Careful infection control and individualized surgical planning are essential for maintaining safe dialysis access and preserving limb function.
Featured articles
GuidelineJune 6, 2025
Supplement of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Endovenous Thermal Ablation for Varicose Veins 2019: Laser Ablation of Varicose Tributaries
Masayuki Hirokawa, Junichi Utoh, Satoru Sugiyama, Osamu Suzuki, Takashi Yamamoto, Tomohiro Ogawa, Makoto Mo, on behalf of the Guideline Committee, Japanese Society of Phlebology
In the treatment of saphenous varicose veins with endovenous laser ablation, simultaneous treatment of varicose tributaries using stab avulsion or sclerotherapy is commonly performed. To address the limitations of these conventional treatments, laser ablation for varicose tributaries has recently gained widespread acceptance. This guideline, developed by the Japanese Society of Phlebology, outlines appropriate treatment protocols for laser ablation of varicose tributaries. Indications include primary varicose veins requiring concurrent treatment of the saphenous trunk and varicose tributaries. The procedure utilizes slim radial fibers, with puncture and ablation performed using either short- or long-axis approaches. Although rare, adverse events such as skin burns, nerve injury, and fiber breakage have been reported. A learning curve is necessary to ensure the safe execution of the procedure. Further clinical studies are essential to enhance the safety and efficacy of laser ablation for varicose tributaries. (This is a secondary publication from Jpn J Phlebol 2025; 36: 51–58.)
Overview of type 2 endoleak following endovascular aneurysm repairMarch 25, 2023
Surgical Treatment of Sac Enlargement Due to Type II Endoleaks Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Seiji Onitsuka, Hiroyuki Ito
An aneurysm sac enlargement caused by type II endoleak (T2EL) following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms may cause serious complications such as rupture. Consequently, methods that preoperatively prevent or postoperatively treat T2EL have been employed.
Therapeutic Angiogenes UpdateDecember 25, 2022
Therapeutic Angiogenesis Using Autologous CD34-Positive Cells for Vascular Diseases
Yasuyuki Fujita, Atsuhiko Kawamoto
CD34 is a cell surface marker, which is expressed in various somatic stem/progenitor cells such as bone marrow (BM)-derived hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), skeletal muscle satellite cells, epithelial hair follicle stem cells, and adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells. CD34+ cells in BM and peripheral blood are known as a rich source of EPCs.
Updates on Image Diagnosis in Aortic DiseaseDecember 25, 2018
Update on Cardiovascular Echo in Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection
Kazuhiro Nishigami
The majority of aortic aneurysms comorbid with atherosclerosis can be asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally on routine physical examination or on imaging studies for other indications. Transthoracic echocardiography is a basic modality to assess patients with coronary artery disease and can be used for the screening of aortic aneurysm. Acute aortic dissection is a highly lethal cardiovascular emergency and requires prompt recognition. Although cardiovascular echo has a suboptimal accuracy rate for detecting aortic dissection, it is noninvasive, readily available, and easy to use. Recently, the concept of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) refers to ...
Updates on Image Diagnosis in Aortic DiseaseSeptember 25, 2019
Updates on Ultrasonography Imaging in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Shinichi Iwakoshi, Toshiko Hirai, Kimihiko Kichikawa
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are life-threatening and are associated with >80% mortality when they rupture. Therefore, detecting these aneurysms before they rupture is critical. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive tool that is used for screening AAAs by measuring abdominal aorta diameter. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated the positive effects of ultrasonography. To date, aneurysm diameter is the most reliable predictor for aneurysm rupture and is used as a criterion for surgical intervention. However, some AAAs rupture at small diameters. Therefore, a better predictor for AAA rupture that is independent of aneurysm diameter is needed. Recently, an aortic wall strain examined using ultrasonography has been reported to have a potential in predicting AAA rupture....
Updates on Image Diagnosis in Aortic DiseaseMarch 25, 2020
Updates on Computed Tomography Imaging in Aortic Aneurysms and Dissection
Ryoichi Tanaka, Kunihiro Yoshioka, Akihiko Abiko
Computed tomography (CT) is a primary imaging modality for the diagnosis of aortic diseases, because of its minimal invasiveness and agility. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial especially for acute aortic diseases, and the guidelines for acute aortic dissection recommend the use of CT for initial diagnosis. For the follow-up observation of longstanding aortic diseases, the strategy of imaging management by CT must be different from that for emergency and acute phases. In this review, we document the differences in characteristics and clinical course between aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection and explain the use of recent CT techniques in diagnosing short- and longstanding aortic diseases.