Longer patient travel distance is associated with increased non-index readmission after complex aortic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Recently evolving practice patterns in complex aortic surgery have led to regionalization of care within fewer centers in the United States, and thus patients may have to travel farther for complex aortic care. Travel distance has been associated with inferior outcomes after non-vascular surgery, particularly non-index readmission. This study aims to assess the impact of patient travel distance on perioperative outcomes and readmissions after complex aortic surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative and Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network databases undergoing complex endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) including internal iliac or visceral vessel involvement, complex thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) including zone 0 to 2 proximal extent or branched devices, and complex open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair including suprarenal or higher clamp sites. Travel distance was stratified by rural/urban commuting area (RUCA) population-density category. Wilcoxon and χ2 tests were used to assess relationships between travel distance quintiles and baseline characteristics, mortality, and readmission. Travel distance and other factors were included in multivariable Cox models for survival and Fine-Gray competing risk models for freedom from readmission. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2018, 8782 patients underwent complex aortic surgery in the Vascular Quality Initiative and Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network databases, including 4822 complex EVARs, 2672 complex TEVARs, and 1288 complex open AAA repairs. Median travel distance was 22.8 miles (interquartile range [IQR], 8.6-54.8 miles). Median age was 75 years for all distance quintiles, but patients traveling longer distances were more likely female (26.8% in quintile 5 [Q5] vs 19.9% in Q1; P < .001), white (93.8% of Q5 vs 83.8% of Q1; P < .001), to have larger-diameter AAAs (median 59 mm for Q5 vs 55 mm for Q1; P < .001), and to have had prior aortic surgery (20.8% for Q5 vs 5.9% for Q1; P < .001). Overall 30-day readmission was more common at farther distances (18.1% for Q5 vs 14.8% for Q1; P = .003), with higher non-index readmission (11.2% for Q5 vs 2.7% for Q1; P < .001) and conversely lower index readmission (6.9% for Q5 vs 12.0% for Q1; P < .001). Multivariable-adjusted Fine-Gray models confirmed greater hazard of non-index readmission with farther distance, with a Q5 hazard ratio of 3.02 (95% confidence interval, 2.12-4.30; P < .001). Multivariable-adjusted Cox models demonstrated no association between travel distance and long-term survival but found that non-index readmission was associated with increased long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.78; P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients traveling farther for complex aortic surgery demonstrate higher non-index readmission, which, in turn, is associated with increased long-term mortality risk. Aortic centers of excellence should consider targeting these patients for more comprehensive follow-up and care coordination to improve outcomes.

Variability of antiplatelet response in patients with peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Antiplatelet therapy has been a pillar of management for peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, a significant subset of patients with PAD will be resistant to certain antiplatelet medications and, therefore, have an increased risk of graft and/or stent thrombosis unknown to the surgeon. At present, no point-of-care testing to identity which patients will experience benefit from these medications has been incorporated into the treatment guidelines. Thromboelastography with platelet mapping affords an opportunity to evaluate real-time coagulation dynamics and platelet function. In the present prospective, observational study, we aimed to delineate the variation in response to antiplatelet therapy in patients with PAD undergoing revascularization. METHODS: All patients who were undergoing named vessel revascularization during December 2020 through April 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Platelet mapping assays were performed in three clinical phases: preoperative, postoperative inpatient, and postoperative outpatient. The distribution of platelet reactivity within patients receiving mono- vs dual antiplatelet therapy was assessed, and a between-group inferential analysis was performed. The effect of comorbidities and intervention subtype on platelet inhibition was also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 521 platelet mapping samples from 143 individual patients were analyzed using thromboelastography with platelet mapping. We found wide variability in the distribution of platelet inhibition, with a range of 0 to 100 and an interquartile range of 37.6. Although platelet inhibition with clopidogrel 75 mg was higher on average (44.8 ± 30.2) than that with aspirin 81 mg (24.6 ± 23.7) or aspirin 325 mg (27.1 ± 26.4; P = .001), clopidogrel at 75 mg demonstrated the highest variability in response. CONCLUSIONS: These data have demonstrated significant variability in the response to both mono- and dual antiplatelet therapy in PAD patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization. Future research on the effect of this variability in response on the clinical outcomes could provide invaluable understanding of the perioperative thrombotic risk.

Partial and complete explantation of aortic endografts in the modern era.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the progressive advancement of devices for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), endografts continue to fail, requiring explant. We present a single-institutional experience of EVAR explants, characterizing modern failure modes, presentation, and outcomes for partial and complete EVAR explantation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all EVARs explanted at an urban quaternary center from 2001 to 2020, with one infected endograft excluded. Patient and graft characteristics, indications, and perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Partial versus complete explants were performed per surgeon discretion without a predefined protocol. This process was informed by patient risk factors; asymptomatic, symptomatic, or ruptured aneurysm presentation; and anatomical or intraoperative factors, including endoleak type. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2020, 52 explants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. More than one-half (57.7%) were explants of EVAR devices placed at outside institutions, designated nonindex explants. Most patients were male (86.5%), the median age was 74 years (interquartile range, 70-78 years). More than one-half (61.5%) were performed in the second decade of the study period. The most commonly explanted grafts were Gore Excluder (n = 9 grafts), Cook Zenith (n = 8), Endologix AFX (n = 7), Medtronic Endurant (n = 5), and Medtronic Talent (n = 5). Most grafts (78.8%) were explanted for neck degeneration or sac expansion. Five were explanted for initial seal failure, five for symptomatic expansion, and seven for rupture. The median implant duration was 4.2 years, although ranging widely (interquartile range, 2.6-5.1 years), but similar between index and nonindex explants (4.2 years vs 4.1 years). Partial explantation was performed in 61.5%, with implant duration slightly lower, 3.2 years versus 4.4 years for complete explants. Partial explantation was more frequent in index explants (68.2% vs 56.7%). The median length of stay was 8 days. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 3 days, without significant differences in nonindex explants (4 days vs 3 days) and partial explants (4 days vs 3 days). Thirty-day mortality occurred in two nonindex explants (one partial and one complete explant). Thirty-day readmission was similar between partial and complete explants (9.7% vs 5.0%), without accounting for nonindex readmissions. Long-term survival was comparable between partial and complete explants in Cox regression (hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-7.56; P = .12). CONCLUSIONS: Explants of EVAR devices have increased over time at our institution. Partial explant was performed in more than one-half of cases, per operating surgeon discretion, demonstrating higher blood loss, more frequent acute kidney injury, and longer intensive care unit stays, however with comparable short-term mortality and long-term survival.

Identifying Sex Dimorphism in Peripheral Artery Disease with Platelet Mapping.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes in women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) after revascularization procedures are worse compared to men, yet there is little in the existing literature as why this may be the case. Platelet Mapping is an emerging point-of-care viscoelastic technology that measures the comprehensive properties of a blood clot, including fibrin-platelet interactions. This prospective observational study aimed to characterize the clinical and Platelet Mapping profiles of female and male patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization, and to correlate Platelet Mapping distribution to thrombotic potential. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of PAD undergoing named vessel open or endovascular revascularization to re-establish inflow, outflow, or both, during December 2020 and January 2022 were prospectively included. Patients were followed clinically for thrombosis for up to 1 year. Platelet Mapping assays were performed in 3 clinical phases: preoperative, postoperative inpatient, and postoperative outpatient. Inferential analysis between female and male patient was performed. The quartile distribution of Platelet Mapping metrics associated with thrombosis was used to infer to thrombotic potential. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients were enrolled, of which 37 (34.6%) were female. Female patients had significantly lower rates of uncontrolled diabetes (2.7% vs. 18.6%), hypertension requiring combination therapy (37.8% vs. 58.6%), chronic kidney disease (27.0% vs. 51.4%), coronary artery disease (29.7% vs. 57.1%), and myocardial infarction (16.2% vs. 35.7%) (all P < 0.05). Platelet reactivity was significantly higher in female patients with greater platelet aggregation (75.9 ± 23.3 vs. 63.5 ± 28.8) and lower platelet inhibition (23.8 ± 23.4 vs. 36.8 ± 28.9) (all P < 0.01). This trend was consistent over time when stratified by the postoperative inpatient and postoperative outpatient clinical phases. There was no statistically discernible difference in the use of antiplatelet therapy between groups, yet female patients continued to exhibit greater platelet reactivity when analyzed by the type of pharmacologic regimen (platelet aggregation on mono-antiplatelet therapy: 80.6 ± 21.0 in women versus 69.4 ± 25.0 in men; platelet aggregation on dual antiplatelet therapy: 67.9 ± 23.8 in women versus 44.8 ± 31.8 in men) (all P < 0.01). Twenty-one patients experienced postoperative graft/stent thrombosis within the study period. In relation to the overall study population, patients with thrombosis had Platelet Mapping metrics above the 50th percentile of overall platelet aggregation distribution. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing appreciation for the differences in etiology, disease progression, and outcomes of cardiovascular conditions as they relate to sex. In this cohort, traditional cardiovascular risk factors were in lower prevalence in female patients. Platelet reactivity was found to be higher across clinical phases and antiplatelet regimens. High platelet reactivity was also associated with an increased incidence of thrombosis after lower extremity revascularization. These hypothesis-generating findings provide the basis for further exploration of sex-specific coagulation profiling in PAD patients.

Greater Patient Travel Distance is Associated with Perioperative and One-Year Cost Increases After Complex Aortic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: With increasing regionalization of complex aortic surgery within fewer US centers, patients may face increased travel burden when accessing aortic surgery. Longer travel distances have been associated with inferior outcomes after major surgery; however, the impacts of distance on reinterventions and costs have not been described. This study aims to assess the association between patient travel distance and longer-term outcomes including costs and reinterventions after complex aortic surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients in the Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network database undergoing complex endovascular aortic repair including internal iliac or visceral vessel involvement, complex thoracic endovascular aortic repair including Zone 0-2 proximal extent or branched devices, and complex open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair including suprarenal or higher clamp sites. Travel distance was stratified by Rural-Urban Commuting Area population-density category. Multinomial logistic regression models, negative-binomial models, and zero-inflated Poisson models were used to assess the association between travel distance and index procedural and comprehensive first-year costs, long-term imaging, and long-term reinterventions, respectively. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2018, 8,782 patients underwent complex aortic surgery in the Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network database, including 4,822 complex endovascular aortic repairs, 2,672 complex thoracic endovascular aortic repairs, and 1,288 complex open abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs. Median travel distance was 22.8 miles (interquartile range 8.6-54.8 miles, range 0-2,688.9 miles). Median age was 75 years for all distance quintiles. Patients traveling farther were more likely to be female (26.8% in quintile 5 [Q5] vs. 19.9% in Q1, P < 0.001) and to have had a prior aortic surgery (20.8% for Q5 vs. 5.9% for Q1, P < 0.001). Patients traveling farther had higher index procedural costs, with adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86-2.94, P < 0.0001) of being in the highest cost tertile versus lowest for patients in Q5 vs. Q1. For patients with ≥ 1-year follow-up, those traveling farther had higher imaging costs, with adjusted Q5 OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.22-1.95, P = 0.0002), and comprehensive first-year costs, with adjusted Q5 OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.57-2.70, P < 0.0001). In contrast, patients traveling farther had similar numbers of reinterventions and imaging studies postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients traveling farther for complex aortic surgery have higher procedural costs, postoperative imaging costs, and comprehensive first-year costs. These patients should be targeted for increased care coordination for improved outcomes and healthcare system burden.

Implementation of a Consensus-Driven Quality Improvement Protocol to Decrease Length of Stay after Elective Carotid Endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: National guidelines stipulate that postoperative length-of-stay (LOS) after elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA) should not exceed 1 day on average, yet perioperative care coordination gaps may limit the ability for institutions to achieve this goal. Internal review determined that increased LOS after CEA at our institution was frequently attributable to urinary retention or postoperative hypertension. We designed and implemented a quality improvement (QI) protocol aiming to better our institutional performance in postoperative LOS after CEA, consisting of 2 Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. METHODS: In the first PDSA cycle, a division-wide standardized protocol was developed by which antihypertensive medications were managed preoperatively and through postoperative day (POD) 1. This protocol included dedicated patient outreach with instructions for at-home antihypertensive management through the morning of POD 0. Second, alpha-1-blockade was administered to all male patients preoperatively. All patients receiving an elective CEA performed at our institution by vascular surgeons were included in the protocol. The primary outcome measure was defined percent failure of the LOS >1 day metric, with raw LOS as a secondary outcome measure. Process measures included adherence to the antihypertensive medication protocol and adherence to preoperative alpha-1 blockade. Balance measures included documented intraoperative hypotension and 30-day readmission. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate relationships between preintervention and postintervention cohorts and the outcome measure. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to evaluate relationships between cohorts and total LOS. RESULTS: Baseline performance on the LOS >1 day metric after elective CEA was 58.3% in the 8 months prior to intervention, across 48 patients. Both PDSA interventions were implemented simultaneously. In the 12 months after intervention, 64 patients met protocol inclusion criteria, including 19 symptomatic patients (29.7%). Process measure success for preoperative antihypertensive regimen adherence was 89.8%. For males not chronically prescribed alpha-1 blockade preoperatively, process measure success for adherence to preoperative alpha-1 blockade was 78.8%. The intraoperative hypotension balance measure occurred in 1 patient (1.6%). Performance on the LOS >1 day outcome measure was improved to 32.8% (P = 0.01). Performance on the raw LOS outcome measure was similar between the preintervention cohort (median 2 days, interquartile range [IQR] 1-2) and postintervention cohort (median 1 day, IQR 1-2, P = 0.07). Performance on the 30-day readmission balance measure was similar between preintervention (6.3%) and postintervention cohorts (9.4%, P = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The consensus-driven development and implementation of a QI protocol to reduce postoperative LOS after CEA showed promising results in our institution, with approximately 40% improvement in the primary outcome measure. Wider efforts to improve LOS after CEA should include a focus on minimization of postoperative hypertension and urinary retention.

Utilization of Thromboelastography with Platelet Mapping to Predict Infection and Poor Wound Healing in Postoperative Vascular Patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infection and wound dehiscence rates are higher than expected in peripheral artery disease and contribute significantly to limb loss and mortality. Microvascular pathology characterized by microthrombi and increased platelet aggregation have been cited as contributing factors to poor wound healing and infection. The emergence of viscoelastic assays, such as thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG-PM), have been utilized to identify prothrombotic states and may provide insight into a patient's microvascular coagulation profile. This prospective, observational study aimed to determine if TEG-PM could predict poor wound healing or infection following lower extremity revascularization. METHODS: All patients undergoing revascularization between December 2020 and January 2022 were prospectively included and followed for wound complications or non-surgical site infections of the index limb. TEG-PM metrics at the first postoperative follow-up in the nonevent group was compared to the TEG-PM sample preceding the diagnosis of infection/dehiscence in the event group. Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression was used to model the predictive value of viscoelastic parameters. Cut-point analysis to determine high-risk groups was determined by performing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 18.6% experienced infection/dehiscence. The TEG-PM sample analyzed in the event group was, on average, 19.5 days prior to the diagnosis of an event. The event group had significantly higher maximum clot amplitude (MA) (47.3 mm ± 16.0 vs. 30.6 mm ± 15.3, P < 0.01), higher platelet aggregation (71.3% ± 27.7 vs. 31.2% ± 24.0, P < 0.01), and lower platelet inhibition (28.7% ± 27.7 vs. 68.7% ± 24.1, P < 0.01). Cox PH analysis identified platelet aggregation as an independent and consistent predictor of infection (hazard ratio = 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.06, P < 0.01). An optimal cut-point of > 33.2 mm MA, > 46.6% platelet aggregation, or < 55.8% platelet inhibition identifies those with infection/dehiscence with 79.0-89.5% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first data to provide a quantitative link between prothrombotic viscoelastic coagulation profiles with the development of infection/dehiscence. Based on the cut-points of > 33.2 mm MA, > 46.6% platelet aggregation, or < 55.8% platelet inhibition, we recommend consideration of an enhanced antimicrobial or antithrombotic approach for these high risk groups.

Short- and long-term outcomes after concurrent splenectomy during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Splenectomy is often performed during open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, because capsular tears are common and can be associated with significant bleeding. It is unknown whether splenectomy affects the short- or long-term outcomes after TAAA repair. METHODS: All open type I to IV TAAA repairs performed from 1987 to June 2015 were evaluated using a single institutional database. The primary endpoints were in-hospital death, major adverse events (MAE) and long-term survival. The secondary endpoint was hospital length of stay (LOS). All repairs performed for aneurysm rupture were excluded. Univariate analysis was conducted using the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Logistic and linear multivariable regression were used for the in-hospital endpoints, and survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards modeling and Kaplan-Meier techniques. RESULTS: A total of 649 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Of the 649 patients, 150 (23%) underwent concurrent splenectomy (CS) and six required emergency splenectomy secondary to bleeding postoperatively, leading to 156 cases of total in-hospital splenectomy. The perioperative mortality rate was 5.2% in the CS group and 5.2% in the non-CS group (P = 1.0). MAE were experienced by 48% of the CS patients compared with 34% of the non-CS patients (P = .003). Multivariable analysis revealed splenectomy was not independently predictive of perioperative death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-2.23; P = .9). However, splenectomy was independently associated with any MAE (adjusted odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.19-2.65; P = .005). Splenectomy was also associated with a longer length of stay (+5.39 days; 95% CI, 1.86-8.92; P = .003). No survival difference was found between the cohorts in the total splenectomy cohort in the unadjusted (log-rank P = 1.0) or adjusted (splenectomy adjusted hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.35; P = .9). CONCLUSIONS: CS during open TAAA repair did not lead to increased perioperative mortality but did lead to significantly increased perioperative morbidity and longer hospital lengths of stay. We found no difference in long-term survival outcomes when CS was performed. Splenectomy during TAAA repair did not affect long-term survival.

Perioperative and long-term outcomes after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair of chronic dissection etiology.

OBJECTIVE: Open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) that have developed secondary to chronic dissection (CD) is often more complex than repair of degenerative aneurysms (DAs). However, the literature is conflicted regarding the effect of CD on perioperative and long-term outcomes after open TAAA repair. The goal of this study was to determine whether CD predicts negative outcomes after TAAA repair. METHODS: All open type I to type III TAAA repairs performed from 1987 to 2015 were evaluated using a single institutional database. End points included in-hospital death, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), major adverse events (MAEs), and long-term survival. Repairs performed for rupture or acute dissection were excluded. Univariate analysis was conducted using the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Logistic multivariable regression was used for the in-hospital end points, and survival analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazards modeling and Kaplan-Meier techniques. RESULTS: During the study period, 453 patients underwent an intact open type I to type III TAAA repair. Ninety (20%) were performed for patients with CD. Those with CD were more likely to be younger (59 years vs 72 years; P < .001), to have an extent II lesion (30% vs 16%; P < .001), and to have Marfan syndrome (18% vs 0.6%; P < .001) and less likely to have coronary artery disease (28% vs 25%; P = .01) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12% vs 27%; P = .004) compared with patients with DA. Twelve percent of patients with CD died perioperatively compared with 6% of those with DA (P = .03). Eighteen percent of CD patients suffered from SCI compared with 12% of DA patients (P = .2). Fifty-nine CD patients suffered a MAE compared with 42% of those with DA (P = .006). Multivariable analysis revealed CD to be an independent predictor of perioperative death (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-8.0; P = .02) with adjustment for age and Crawford extent. CD was also found to be independently predictive of any MAE (AOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.6; P = .002). CD was not associated with increased risk of SCI (AOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.6-3.2; P = .4). There was a long-term survival advantage in the CD cohort in the unadjusted analysis (log-rank, P = .009) but not in the adjusted analysis (CD adjusted hazard ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6-1.4; P = .7). CONCLUSIONS: When analysis is limited to type I to type III TAAAs, open repair of patients with CD leads to increased perioperative mortality and morbidity compared with patients with DA. However, age-adjusted long-term survival is no different between the two cohorts.

Comparative Analysis of Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Femoral Endarterectomy plus Endovascular (Hybrid) or Bypass for Femoropopliteal Occlusive Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The gold-standard for management of combined common femoral artery (CFA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA) atherosclerotic occlusive disease has traditionally been open femoral endarterectomy and femoral-popliteal bypass. Hybrid approaches involving an open and endovascular component are increasingly common. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent an open versus hybrid revascularization. METHODS: NSQIP data, years 2012-2017, were queried for patients who underwent nonemergent CFA endarterectomy with either SFA transluminal intervention or bypass. The primary outcome of interest was a composite of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal complications (systemic) and mortality. Two propensity-weight adjusted analyses were performed: 1) comparing hybrid and prosthetic bypass 2) comparing hybrid and vein bypass. RESULTS: There were 4,478 patients included (1,537 hybrid, 1,408 prosthetic, 1,533 vein); 64.8% were men, and the mean age was 67.8 ± 9.7 years; 29.9% had claudication, 38.8% had tissue loss, and 31.3 were unspecified. In the propensity-weighted analysis comparing hybrid to prosthetic bypass, there was no difference in systemic complications (OR = 1.29 for prosthetic vs. hybrid; 95% CI: 0.95-1.76; P = 0.107) or mortality (OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 0.71-3.33; P = 0.275). Prosthetic bypass was associated with more deep surgical-site infections (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.19-3.45; P = 0.010), postoperative sepsis (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.13-3.76; P = 0.018), unplanned 30-day readmission (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.58; P = 0.021), and the composite of any complication (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.18-1.61; P < 0.001). In the propensity-weighted analysis comparing hybrid to vein bypass, there was no difference in systemic complications (OR = 1.10 for vein vs. hybrid; 95% CI: 0.81-1.49; P = 0.552) or mortality (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.42-2.00; P = 0.819). Vein bypass was associated with more superficial surgical-site infections (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.04-2.02; P = 0.028), and the composite of any complication (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.13-1.54; P = 0.001). Overall mortality was significantly higher patients with systemic complications (13.9% vs 0.1%; P < 0.001). Systemic complications were less common in patients with claudication undergoing hybrid revascularization than vein or prosthetic bypass. CONCLUSIONS: Claudicants undergoing bypass experienced more systemic complications than those undergoing hybrid procedures, but there appears to be no increased risk of systemic complications or mortality with open reconstruction when compared to hybrid procedures for other indications. Other complications, such as infection, postoperative transfusion, and readmission, were more common in the bypass groups.

Evolution in the Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Patients with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition associated with dismal outcomes. This study sought to evaluate the evolution of presentation, treatment, and outcomes of AMI over the past two decades. METHODS: AMI patients presenting at a single institution were reviewed (1993-2016). Venous thrombosis patients were excluded. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Patients were stratified by etiology and diagnosis date (before 2004 versus 2004 and later). Ordered logistic regression was performed for longitudinal temporal analysis. RESULTS: 303 patients were identified. AMI mechanisms included: embolic (49%), thrombotic (29%), and non-occlusive (NOMI) (22%). The majority were women (55%), 50% had atrial fibrillation, and 23% were on anticoagulation (AC) therapy. Mean age was 72±13 years. 345 procedures were performed in 242 patients: 321 open and 24 hybrid/endovascular. Among the 189 embolic/thrombotic patients who were managed operatively, 45% (n=85) underwent mesenteric revascularization while 39 (21%) had findings of non-survivable bowel necrosis (NSBN). Among the 104 patients who did not undergo revascularization, 64 (62%) died within 30-days compared to 36 out of 85 (42%) patients who were revascularized (P=0.01). 30-day mortality was 61% and stable over time (P=0.91); when stratified by AMI etiology, the thrombotic cohort had worse survival than embolic and NOMI patients (P=0.04). Since 2000, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of embolic AMI events (P=0.04). The percentage of patients who underwent operative management decreased also over time (P=0.01, 81% → 61%), which was correlated with an increasing number of patients being made comfort measures only (CMO) prior to surgical intervention (50% → 70%, P=0.02). The majority of patients (55%) were ultimately made CMO during their hospitalization. Predictors of 30-day mortality included a preoperative white blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 25 K/ µL. (OR 3.0, P=0.002) and lactate ≥ 2.3 mmol/L (OR 2.8, P=0.045). NSBN predictors included WBC ≥ 24 K/ µL. (OR 3.4 P=0.03) and lactate ≥ 3.8 mmol/L (OR 3.6, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in critical care over the past 25 years, AMI continues to be associated with poor prognosis. The survival benefit observed in patients who undergo revascularization supports an aggressive approach towards early vascular intervention, although this requires further study. The importance of early diagnosis, prognostication and advanced directives is highlighted given the high morbidity, mortality and use of comfort measures associated with AMI.

Inferior mesenteric artery revascularization can supplement salvage of mesenteric ischemia.

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) has often been overlooked in favor of the celiac or superior mesenteric artery in arterial mesenteric ischemia, owing to the typically robust visceral collateral networks. In the present report, we have described a case series of patients in whom "salvage" revascularization of the IMA was performed after attempted celiac or superior mesenteric artery revascularization had been unsuccessful. The restored IMA inflow had resolved the symptoms for three patients. However, sole IMA revascularization was insufficient to reverse the course for two other patients with severe acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia. The IMA should be considered for salvage revascularization in the appropriate clinical scenario.

Endovascular management of complex tibial lesions.

The ability of vascular surgeons and endovascular specialists to treat complex tibial lesions has expanded greatly in recent years with the dissemination of contemporary techniques and the development of new endovascular devices. The number of patients with peripheral artery disease with tibial lesions will only increase going forward, especially with the increasing prevalence of diabetes and renal disease in the aging US population. Although open surgical bypass remains a robust option for treating complex tibial lesions, endovascular approaches are being employed increasingly in the tibial segment, often with promising results. In this review, we will lay out general principles for endovascular treatment of complex tibial lesions, outline the initial procedural approach, discuss options for crossing and treating complex tibial lesions, and review the evidence behind both established and emerging endovascular techniques in this challenging anatomic segment.

Venous mesenteric ischemia carries high procedural burden and elevated mortality in patients with severe presentation.

OBJECTIVE: Venous mesenteric ischemia (VMI) presents with variable severity resulting in a spectrum of outcomes. This study sought to characterize the natural history of VMI and identify drivers of intervention and adverse outcomes. METHODS: All patients who presented to our institution with acute and subacute VMI between 1993 and 2016 were identified. Images were reviewed to determine thrombosis location and charts were reviewed to identify clinical factors and outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed for demographics, comorbidities, and presenting characteristics, with primary outcomes of intervention, readmission, and 30-day mortality. A survival analysis was performed with log-rank difference testing for demographics, comorbidities, and presenting characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 103 patients with acute and subacute VMI. The locations of the thrombosis included the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) (31.1%); SMV and portal vein (35.9%); SMV, portal, and splenic veins (15.5%); and other combinations of portomesenteric veins (17.4%), without correlation between the location and outcomes. Most patients were male (60.6%), 22.3% were actively smoking, and the median Charlson comorbidity score was 4 (interquartile range, 2-7). The mean patient age was 61.3 years. More than one-half had a known hypercoagulability (52.4%), 22.3% had prior bowel resection, and 8.7% had prior mesenteric venous intervention, including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures. Thirty-five patients underwent 83 procedures during their hospitalization, and 23 patients underwent surgical intervention specifically. Prior mesenteric venous procedure, abdominal tenderness, and lactatemia of more than 1.5 mmol/L were associated with an increased need for surgical intervention (P < .05). Patients with leukocytosis of greater than 10K/µL had increased surgical intervention (P = .10), although without statistical significance. However, symptoms for less than 2 weeks (P < .05) were associated with decreased surgical intervention. The 30-day mortality was low in this cohort (6.8%), but was increased in patients requiring intervention (11.4%). For those undergoing procedures, a shorter time to intervention was associated with an improved 30-day mortality (8.7% for procedures on hospital days 0-1 vs 16.7% for hospital day 2 or later; P = .01). Abdominal tenderness and lactatemia were associated with increased 30-day mortality (6.8% vs 3.6% [P < .01] and 16.0% vs 3.8% [P = .03], respectively). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a median survival of 7.1 years, with a 1-year survival rate of 74.9%, a 3-year survival rate of 67.1%, and a 5-year survival rate of 57.9%. Negative predictors of survival included a higher Charlson comorbidity index (hazard ratio, 3.7; P < .01) and malignancy (hazard ratio, 3.1; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day mortality of VMT is low, but more than one-third of patients required an intervention beyond anticoagulation. Comorbidity, a prior mesenteric vessel or intestinal operation, and presentation with tenderness or relevant laboratory abnormalities portend worse outcomes. Early intervention is associated with improved outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Aortobiilliofemoral Endarterectomy for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease Is a Compelling Alternative to Bypass.

INTRODUCTION:: Aortobifemoral bypass is a time-honored, durable surgery allowing restoration of lower extremity blood. However, the potential for significant complications exists, impacting mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. Minimally invasive aortobiiliofemoral endarterectomy offers an alternative to prosthetic bypass and its associated complications. Here, we present a case series using remote endarterectomy for aortoiliac occlusive disease. METHODS:: Nine patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease were treated at a single institution, by a single surgeon, with direct and remote endarterectomy combination. Standard femoral access approach was used. A limited longitudinal distal aorta arteriotomy into the right common iliac artery to the hypogastric bifurcation was made. Then, an open thromboendarterectomy was performed. Circumferential common femoral endarterectomies were performed bilaterally and the plaque transected, allowing manually controlled Vollmar ring passage proximally to the iliac bifurcation on the right and the aortic bifurcation on the left. Aortoiliac arteriotomy was closed, followed by the femoral arteriotomies. Morbidity, secondary interventions, recurrent stenosis (adjacent segment velocity ratios ≥2), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and patency rates were tracked postoperatively for 6 years. Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis was used to determine patency rates per the criteria of SVS and ISCS. RESULTS:: The average age was 59.1 years (54-87 years), and 88% were male. Comorbidities included hypertension (75%), former/current smokers (100%), and prior PAD surgical intervention (38%). Revascularization of 100% was achieved, with average ABI improving from 0.42 preoperatively to 0.92 postoperatively (0.91 at 8-month follow-up). Six-year patency rate was 100% without reintervention. Incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, death, amputation, intestinal ischemia, sexual dysfunction, and aneurysmal degeneration was zero after 6 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION:: Minimally invasive aortobiiliofemoral endarterectomy is a viable alternative to aortobifemoral bypass for the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease, allowing reestablishment of normal anatomic anatomy while avoiding the use of prosthetic material. Patency rates in this series was 100% at 6 years, with minimal postoperative complications or morbidity.