Targeting the safe zone: A quality improvement project to reduce vascular access complications.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a quality improvement (QI) program in reducing vascular complications during cardiac catheterization. BACKGROUND: Vascular access complications during cardiac catheterization are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. We implemented a QI program focused on using micropuncture techniques and targeting the "safe zone," an area below the inferior border of the inferior epigastric artery and above the inferior border of the femoral head, for femoral artery puncture. METHODS: Our catheterization laboratory implemented a protocol that required all operators to use micro puncture technique during diagnostic and/or percutaneous coronary interventions and to document arteriotomy in the "safe zone." We also encouraged use of vascular ultrasound, radial artery approach, and increased use of vascular closure devices (VCDS). We analyzed data on 3120 patients (2013, pre-QI cohort) and 3222 patients (2014, QI cohort). Data on vascular complications were prospectively collected and compared with the rate of complications that occurred during the same time one year prior when the QI project was not in effect. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of two cohorts of patients were similar. Compliance with the protocol was excellent. Appropriate documentation of the wire exiting the needle was observed in 95% of cases. VCD use increased from 35% in 2013 to 60% in 2014 (P < 0.001) There were no significant differences in the overall number of complications after implementation of the QI project (1.03% complications before QI implementation and 0.96% after QI implementation. P = 0.79) but there was an absolute reduction in the number of hematomas (0.77 vs. 0.40% in 2013 vs. 2014, respectively, P = 0.06) and of pseudoaneurysms (0.35 vs. 0.19% P = 0.20). Correlates of major vascular complications included), age > 75 years (HR 3.1, P < 0.0001), and PCI (vs. diagnostic cath). CONCLUSIONS: Micropuncture technique in association with "safe zone targeting "did not significantly reduce vascular complications in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, but a trend toward decrease of hematomas and pseudoaneurysms was noted. Factors such as age and type of procedure (PCI vs. diagnostic) play a significant role in the occurrence of vascular complications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evidence-based medicine and contemporary certification: Analysis of the American Board of Vascular Medicine endovascular board examination.

Since 2005, the American Board of Vascular Medicine (ABVM) endovascular examination has been used to certify vascular practitioners. Annual rigorous review has confirmed it is psychometrically valid and reliable. However, the evidence basis underlying the examination items has not been studied systematically. The aim of this study was to adjudicate class of recommendation (COR) and level of evidence (LOE) for the 2015 ABVM endovascular examination and establish an additional feedback mechanism for examination improvement based on contemporary evidence-based guidelines. We performed a pooled consensus process to classify each of the 110 items in the 2015 ABVM endovascular examination by COR and LOE as detailed in the current guideline statements. We added additional categories for items that were not eligible for assignment using traditional current evidence-based metrics: 'COR X', cannot be determined, not applicable, or simple recognition; and 'LOE X', cannot be determined or not applicable. COR classifications were assigned in the following proportion: Class I=15%, Class II=40%, Class III=3%, COR X=42%. LOE classifications were assigned in the following proportion: Level A=12%, Level B=34%, Level C=32%, LOE X=22%. Our analysis showed that nearly half of the 2015 ABVM endovascular examination items were supported by strong scientific evidence or fact-based knowledge. COR and LOE analysis yielded notably different results. Use of alternate classification schema may be powerful tools for improving certification exams in healthcare.

Endovascular medicine certification 2005-2014: report from the American Board of Vascular Medicine.

This report describes the methods used to develop and maintain the endovascular medicine certification examination, which has been offered by the American Board of Vascular Medicine (ABVM) to practicing physicians since 2005. The report covers the methods and findings used to develop examination specifications which ensure the content and construct validity of the examination assessment such that the examination is reflective of the job tasks associated with the endovascular medicine specialty, as well as being a meaningful indicator of whether a candidate possesses the knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice. Further, this report covers the procedures used to develop, maintain, and administer the examination, including a summary of the content review process and the use of statistical information. Based on psychometric evaluation of the examination's performance, the ABVM's endovascular medicine examination appears to be a valid assessment of professional competency in the specialty area; a finding that supports the inference that candidates who pass the examination are qualified to practice in a manner that protects patients.

The first 10 years of the American Board of Vascular Medicine.

The American Board of Vascular Medicine (ABVM) was conceived through the Society for Vascular Medicine and this year will complete 10 years of certifying physicians who practice vascular medicine and endovascular medicine. The value of certification to our physicians, patients, and field cannot be understated. This paper reviews the highlights of the test development process, quality assurance measures, and management of these high stakes examinations.

WITHDRAWN: Carotid Artery Stenting.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Combined endovascular and open revascularization.

The last decade has borne witness to a transformation in the care of patients with vascular disease. There has been a rapid transition towards minimally invasive techniques as interventionalists obtain increasingly advanced catheter-based skills and access to newer and more sophisticated devices. Patients who are not candidates for completely percutaneous revascularization, or those felt to be at prohibitive risk for traditional surgical reconstruction, may benefit from hybrid therapy, a combination of open surgery and endovascular repair that offers patients the opportunity for complete revascularization with decreased morbidity and mortality. This review examines applications of hybrid procedures for treating patients with disabling claudication and limb-threatening ischemia, aortic arch disease, thoracoabdominal aneurysms, extra-cranial carotid disease, and coronary artery disease.

Recent advances in percutaneous management of iliofemoral and superficial femoral artery disease.

Tremendous advances have been made in the endovascular treatment of lower-extremity arterial occlusive disease. New technology has enabled operators to successfully revascularize patients with complex arterial occlusive disease. This article summarizes the latest advances in endovascular therapy of aortoiliac and femoral arteries and reviews the clinical outcomes and costs associated with the use of these treatments.

Critical limb ischemia: medical and surgical management.

Chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI), defined as > 2 weeks of rest pain, ulcers, or tissue loss attributed to arterial occlusive disease, is associated with great loss of both limb and life. Therapeutic goals in treating patients with CLI include reducing cardiovascular risk factors, relieving ischemic pain, healing ulcers, preventing major amputation, improving quality of life and increasing survival. These aims may be achieved through medical therapy, revascularization, or amputation. Medical therapy includes administration of analgesics, local wound care and pressure relief, treatment of infection, and aggressive therapy to modify atherosclerotic risk factors. For patients who are not candidates for revascularization, and who are unwilling or unable to undergo amputation, treatments such as intermittent pneumatic compression or spinal cord stimulation may offer symptom relief and promote wound healing. Revascularization offers the best option for limb salvage. The decision to perform surgery, endovascular therapy, or a combination of the two modalities ('hybrid' therapy) must be individualized. Patients who are relatively fit and able to withstand the rigors of an open procedure may benefit from the long-term durability of surgical repair. In contrast, frail patients with a limited life expectancy may experience better outcomes with endovascular reconstruction. Hybrid therapy is an attractive option for patients with limited autologous conduit, as it permits complete revascularization with a less extensive procedure, shorter duration of operation, and decreased risk of peri-operative complications. Amputation should be considered for patients who are non-ambulatory, demented, or unfit to undergo revascularization.