Evaluating the Prognostic Accuracy of AMPREDICT in Predicting 1-Year Mortality Following Major Lower Limb Amputation.

BACKGROUND: Accurately predicting postoperative outcomes is fundamental to informed clinical decision-making, and alignment of patient and family expectations. The AMPREDICT Decision Support Tool is a predictive tool designed to assess the probability of mortality 1 year after major and minor amputations. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of AMPREDICT in our Veteran patient population. METHODS: Retrospective review of lower extremity amputations completed at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs hospital from 2000 to 2020. Staged open amputations and previous minor amputations were excluded. Using the AMPREDICT tool, the probability of mortality 1 year postsurgery for single-stage transfemoral and transtibial amputations was calculated, then compared with observed patient outcomes. Observed to predicted mortality was compared through boxplots, at 1 year after surgery, confidence intervals were calculated, and group means were compared using Student's t-test. Receiver operator curves were constructed to assess discriminatory capacity of the tool. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty three patients underwent 650 lower extremity amputations during our study period. Two hundred sixty seven patients underwent single-stage transfemoral or transtibial amputations comprising our study cohort. The average age at amputation was 66 years with an average age of death at 71 years. AMPREDICT tool's prognostic capability varied across the 2 amputations studied. For single-staged transfemoral amputations, prediction aligned closely with observed outcomes, as indicated by a significant P value of 0.0002 (confidence interval 12.73-36.37). For single-stage transtibial amputations, the predictions were also significant, P value 0.0017 (confidence interval 5.25-21.20), although had a wider prediction range. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the reliability of the AMPREDICT tool in predicting 1-year mortality for patients undergoing major lower limb amputations. The predictive accuracy was found to be statistically significant for both single-staged transfemoral and transtibial amputations. These findings suggest that AMPREDICT may be a valuable tool in the clinical setting for patients undergoing major lower limb amputation.

The impact of competitive level of high school and collegiate athletes on outcomes of thoracic outlet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has life-changing impacts on young athletes. As the level of competition increases between the high school (HS) and collegiate (CO) stage of athletics, the impact of TOS may differ. Our objective is to compare surgical outcomes of TOS in HS and CO athletes. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of HS and CO athletes within a prospective surgical TOS database. The primary outcome was postoperative return to sport. Secondary outcomes were resolution of symptoms assessed with somatic pain scale (SPS), QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using χ2 and analysis of variance, respectively. Significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: Thirty-two HS and 52 CO athletes were identified. Females comprised 82.9% HS and 61.5% CO athletes (P = .08). Primary diagnoses were similar between groups (venous TOS: HS 50.0% vs CO 42.3%; neurogenic TOS: 43.9% vs 57.7%; pectoralis minor syndrome: 6.3% vs 0.0%) (P = .12). Pectoralis minor syndrome was a secondary diagnosis in 3.1% and 3.8% of HS and CO athletes, respectively (P = 1.00). The most common sports were those with overhead motion, specifically baseball/softball (39.3%), volleyball (12.4%), and water polo (10.1%), and did not differ between groups (P = .145). Distribution of TOS operations were similar in HS and CO (First rib resection: 94.3% vs 98.1%; scalenectomy: 0.0% vs 1.9%, pectoralis minor tenotomy: 6.3% vs 0.0%) (P = .15). Operating room time was 90.0 vs 105.3 minutes for HS and CO athletes, respectively (P = .14). Mean length of stay was 2.0 vs 1.9 days for HS and CO athletes (P = .91). Mean follow-up was 6.9 months for HS athletes and 10.5 months for CO athletes (P = .39). The majority of patients experienced symptom resolution (HS 80.0% vs CO 77.8%; P = 1.00), as well as improvement in SPS, QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. Return to sport was similar between HS and CO athletes (72.4% vs 73.3%; P = .93). Medical disability was reported in 100% HS athletes and 58.3% CO athletes who did not return to sport (P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased level of competition, HS and CO athletes demonstrate similar rates of symptom resolution and return to competition. Of those that did not return to their sport, HS athletes reported higher rates of medical disability as a reason for not returning to sport compared with CO athletes.

Erector Spinae versus Surgically Placed Pain Catheters for Thoracic Outlet Decompression.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative care after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves multimodal pain control. Pain catheters with bupivacaine infusion are a modality to minimize perioperative narcotic use. Our study aims to compare surgically placed pain catheters (SP) with erector spinae pain catheters (ESP) placed by the anesthesia pain service. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained surgical TOS database identified patients undergoing transaxillary first rib resection (FRR) who had either SP or ESP placed for pain control. Patients were matched for age and gender. Data collected included demographics, operative details, and perioperative pain medication use. Narcotic pain medication doses were converted to milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) for comparison between groups. Pain medications were collected for several time points: intraoperatively, for each postoperative day (POD) and for the entire hospital stay. RESULTS: Eighty-eight total patients were selected for comparison: 44 patients in the SP and ESP groups. Patients in each group did not differ with regards to age, body mass index, gender, diagnosis, or comorbidities. There were no differences in preoperative narcotic use, preoperative pain score, or Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. All patients underwent FRR. Concurrent cervical rib resection was performed in 6.8% SP and 6.8% ESP patients (P = 1.00), pectoralis minor tenotomy in 34.1% SP and 29.5% ESP patients (P = 0.65), and venogram in 31.8% SP and 31.8% ESP patients (P = 1.00). Mean operating room time was 90.0 min in SP and 105.3 min in ESP cases (P = 0.15). Mean length of stay was 1.9 days for SP and 1.8 days for ESP patients (P = 0.56). There were no significant differences in intraoperative narcotics dosing in MME (SP: 22.1 versus ESP: 25.3, P = 0.018). On POD 0, there were no differences in total narcotics dosing (MME) (SP: 112.0 versus ESP: 100.7, P = 0.59), or in the use of acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants. A similar trend in narcotics dosing was observed on POD 1 (SP: 58.6 versus ESP: 69.7, P = 0.43) and POD 2 (SP: 23.5 versus ESP: 71.3, P = 0.23). On POD 1, there was a higher percentage of SP patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (63.6% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.024); however, this difference was not observed on POD 2. There were no differences in acetaminophen or muscle relaxant use on POD 1 or 2. Total hospital stay MME was similar between groups (SP: 215.9 versus ESP: 250.9, P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Pain catheters with bupivacaine infusions are helpful adjuncts in postoperative pain control after FRR for TOS. This study compares SP to ESP and demonstrates no difference in narcotics use between SP and ESP groups. SP should be used for pain control in facilities which do not have an anesthesia pain service available for ESP placement.

International Multi-Institutional Experience with Presentation and Management of Aortic Arch Laterality in Aberrant Subclavian Artery and Kommerell's Diverticulum.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) with or without Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) is a rare anatomic aortic arch anomaly that can cause dysphagia and/or life-threatening rupture. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of ASA/KD repair in patients with a left versus right aortic arch. METHODS: Using the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium methodology, a retrospective review was performed of patients ≥18 years old with surgical treatment of ASA/KD from 2000 to 2020 at 20 institutions. RESULTS: 288 patients with ASA with or without KD were identified; 222 left-sided aortic arch (LAA), and 66 right-sided aortic arch (RAA). Mean age at repair was younger in LAA 54 vs. 58 years (P = 0.06). Patients in RAA were more likely to undergo repair due to symptoms (72.7% vs. 55.9%, P = 0.01), and more likely to present with dysphagia (57.6% vs. 39.1%, P < 0.01). The hybrid open/endovascular approach was the most common repair type in both groups. Rates of intraoperative complications, death within 30 days, return to the operating room, symptom relief and endoleaks were not significantly different. For patients with symptom status follow-up data, in LAA, 61.7% had complete relief, 34.0% had partial relief and 4.3% had no change. In RAA, 60.7% had complete relief, 34.4% had partial relief and 4.9% had no change. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ASA/KD, RAA patients were less common than LAA, presented more frequently with dysphagia, had symptoms as an indication for intervention, and underwent treatment at a younger age. Open, endovascular and hybrid repair approaches appear equally effective, regardless of arch laterality.

General Overview and Diagnostic (Imaging) Techniques for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is an uncommon and controversial syndrome. Three different diagnoses can be made based on the compressed structure, arterial TOS, venous TOS, and neurogenic TOS, though combinations do exist as well. Diagnosing NTOS is difficult since no specific objective diagnostic modalities exist. This has resulted in a lot of controversy in recent decades. NTOS remains a clinical diagnosis and is mostly diagnosed based on the exclusion of an extensive list of differential diagnoses. To guide the diagnosis and treatment of TOS, a group of experts published the reporting standards for TOS in 2016. However, a consensus was not reached regarding a blueprint for a daily care pathway in this document. Therefore, we constructed a care pathway based on the reporting standards for both the diagnosis and treatment of NTOS patients. This care pathway includes a multidisciplinary approach in which different diagnostic tests and additional imaging techniques are combined to diagnose NTOS or guide patients in their treatment for differential diagnoses. The aim of the present work is to discuss and explain the diagnostic part of this care pathway.

Impact of Housing Insecurity on Outcomes in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Among Veterans.

BACKGROUND: Veterans are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity (HI), which can lead to adverse health outcomes and reduced life expectancy. We sought to examine the impact of HI on the outcomes of veterans who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair at our regional Veterans Affairs medical center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent AAA repair at our institution between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2020. We examined medical history, procedure details, hospitalization course, and postoperative outcomes. Primary endpoints were a 30-day mortality and median survival. Secondary endpoints were hospital length of stay, readmission rate, and perioperative complications. Hypothesis testing was performed with t-test and chi-squared analysis. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier estimation. RESULTS: Of the 314 veterans that underwent AAA repair (mean age of 71.4 ± 7.8 years, 99.7% male) over the 21-year period, we identified 39 (12.4%) patients with a history of HI. The HI was associated with a positive smoking history (100% vs. 88.0%, P = 0.022), lower rate of hypertension diagnosis (69.2% vs. 84.0%, P = 0.024), and increased rate of surgical site infections (SSI) (10.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.016). The median postoperative survival was lower in the HI group (7.6 years [CI 6.0-11.2] vs. 8.9 [CI 6.9-10.3]). CONCLUSIONS: HI was associated with reduced median postoperative survival, greater readmission rate, and increased risk of SSI following AAA repair.

Frailty Among Veterans Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes following surgery and affects at least 3 of every 10 US Veterans aged 65 years and older. We designed a study to characterize the association between frailty and complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) compared to open aneurysm repair (OAR) at our regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center. METHODS: Veterans who underwent either OAR or EVAR at our institution between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2020 were identified. We examined medical history, procedure characteristics, perioperative complications, and frailty as measured by the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5). Frailty was defined as an mFI-5 score ≥2. Primary endpoints were postoperative complications, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay. Tests of association were performed with t-test and chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: Over the 21-year period, we identified 314 patients that underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair with 115 (36.6%) OAR and 199 EVAR (63.4%) procedures. Patients undergoing EVAR were older on average (72.1 years vs. 70.2 years) and had a higher average mFI-5 compared to the open repair group (1.49 vs. 1.23, P = 0.036). When comparing EVAR and OAR cohorts, patients undergoing OAR had a larger AAA diameter (6.5 cm, standard deviation [SD]: 1.5) compared to EVAR (5.5 cm, SD: 1.1 P < 0.0001). Fewer frail patients underwent OAR (n = 40, 34.8%) compared to EVAR (n = 86, 43.2%), and frail EVAR patients had higher AAA diameter (5.8 cm, SD: 1.0) compared to nonfrail EVAR patients (5.3 cm, SD 1.2), P = 0.003. Among OAR procedures, frail patients had longer operative times (296 min vs. 253 min, P = 0.013) and higher incidence of pneumonia (17.5% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.035). Among frail EVAR patients, operative time and perioperative complications including wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, and pneumonia were not significantly different than their nonfrail counterparts. Overall, frail patients had more early complications (n = 55, 43.7%) as compared to nonfrail patients (n = 48, 25.5%, P = 0.001). OAR patients had higher rates of postoperative complications including wound dehiscence (7.0% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.001), surgical site infections (7.0% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.003), and pneumonia (9.6% vs. 0.5%, P=<0.0001). Open repair was also associated with overall longer average intensive care unit stays (11.0 days vs. 1.6 days, P < 0.0001) and longer average hospitalizations (13.5 days vs. 2.4 days, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that frailty is associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes in open repair compared to EVAR. Patients who underwent open repair had higher rates of wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, and pneumonia, compared to those undergoing endovascular repair. Frailty was associated with larger AAA diameter in the EVAR cohort and longer operative times, with higher frequency of postoperative pneumonia in the OAR cohort. Frailty is a strong risk factor that should be considered in the management of aortic aneurysms.

Contemporary outcomes after treatment of aberrant subclavian artery and Kommerell's diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) are rare vascular anomalies that may be associated with lifestyle-limiting and life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to report contemporary outcomes after invasive treatment of ASA/KD using a large international dataset. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment for ASA/KD (2000-2020) were identified through the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration to investigate uncommon vascular disorders. We report the early and mid-term clinical outcomes including stroke and mortality, technical success, and other operative outcomes including reintervention rates, patency, and endoleak. RESULTS: Overall, 285 patients were identified during the study period. The mean patient age was 57 years; 47% were female and 68% presented with symptoms. A right-sided arch was present in 23%. The mean KD diameter was 47.4 mm (range, 13.0-108.0 mm). The most common indication for treatment was symptoms (59%), followed by aneurysm size (38%). The most common symptom reported was dysphagia (44%). A ruptured KD was treated in 4.2% of cases, with a mean diameter of 43.9 mm (range, 18.0-100.0 mm). An open procedure was performed in 101 cases (36%); the most common approach was ASA ligation with subclavian transposition. An endovascular or hybrid approach was performed in 184 patients (64%); the most common approach was thoracic endograft and carotid-subclavian bypass. A staged operative strategy was employed more often than single setting repair (55% vs 45%). Compared with endovascular or hybrid approach, those in the open procedure group were more likely to be younger (49 years vs 61 years; P < .0001), female (64% vs 36%; P < .0001), and symptomatic (85% vs 59%; P < .0001). Complete or partial symptomatic relief at 1 year after intervention was 82.6%. There was no association between modality of treatment and symptom relief (open 87.2% vs endovascular or hybrid approach 78.9%; P = .13). After the intervention, 11 subclavian occlusions (4.5%) occurred; 3 were successfully thrombectomized resulting in a primary and secondary patency of 95% and 96%, respectively, at a median follow-up of 39 months. Among the 33 reinterventions (12%), the majority were performed for endoleak (36%), and more reinterventions occurred in the endovascular or hybrid approach than open procedure group (15% vs 6%; P = .02). The overall survival rate was 87.3% at a median follow-up of 41 months. The 30-day stroke and death rates were 4.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Urgent or emergent presentation was independently associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 19.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-116.6), overall mortality (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2-11.2) and intraoperative complications (OR, 8.3; 95% CI, 2.8-25.1). Females had a higher risk of reintervention (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.5). At an aneurysm size of 44.4 mm, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that 60% of patients would have symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ASA/KD can be performed safely with low rates of mortality, stroke and reintervention and high rates of symptomatic relief, regardless of the repair strategy. Symptomatic and urgent operations were associated with worse outcomes in general, and female gender was associated with a higher likelihood of reintervention. Given the worse overall outcomes when symptomatic and the inherent risk of rupture, consideration of repair at 40 mm is reasonable in most patients. ASA/KD can be repaired in asymptomatic patients with excellent outcomes and young healthy patients may be considered better candidates for open approaches versus endovascular or hybrid modalities, given the lower likelihood of reintervention and lower early mortality rate.

When Healing Hands Hurt: Epidemiology of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Among Physicians.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an infrequent condition which results in disability in use of upper extremity. While TOS is often associated with manual labor, industrial workers, and accidents, it has not been reported in a physician (MD) population. Given the investment of time and effort in training to become a MD, the impact of TOS may be devastating. Our objective is to report the presentation and outcome of TOS in MDs. METHODS: A prospectively surgical database was reviewed for MDs who sought care of disabling TOS between 1997 and 2022. Demographic, clinical, outcome and pathological data were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed based on Somatic Pain Scale (SPS), Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, and Derkash scores. Results were also assessed based on return to employment. RESULTS: A total of 19 MDs were identified, from 1,687 TOS cases. The group included 13 (63%) men, 6 (31%) women, average age 45 years (range 27-57). Presentations included 1 (5.3%) arterial TOS (ATOS), 9 (47.4%) venous TOS (VTOS), and 9 (47.4) neurogenic TOS (NTOS). All patients were right-handed, and symptomatic side was dominant hand in 7 (37%) patients. Etiologies included repetitive motion injury, athletic injury, and congenital bony abnormalities. Repetitive motion was associated with 3/9 (33%) NTOS. Significant athletic activities were noted in 12 of 19 (63%) MDs, including 8/9 (89%) VTOS and 4/9 (44%) NTOS. Athletic activities associated with VTOS included triathletes (2), rock climbing (1), long distance swimming (2), and weightlifting (3). Of the 9 NTOS cases, 3 were associated with weightlifting and 1 with skiing. Congenital causes included 1 (5%) abnormal first rib and 1 (5%) cervical rib. Time from symptom onset to consultation varied significantly according to diagnosis: ATOS 6 days, VTOS 97 days, and NTOS 2,335 days (P < 0.05). All underwent first rib resection (FRR), and 4 (4) patients required contralateral FRR. Time from surgery to last follow-up averaged 1,005 days (range: 37-4,535 days). On presentation, 6 patients were work disabled and 13 patients were work restricted. Following surgery, 4 MDs remained work restricted with mild to moderate symptoms. After surgery, standardized outcomes (SPS, Quick DASH, and Derkash score) improved in all metrics. All who were initially disabled returned to work without restriction. Significant non-TOS related comorbidities were present in all who had residual restriction. Return to work was documented in all. CONCLUSIONS: Although it has not been reported, MDs are subject to developing TOS. Causes include repetitive motions, athletic injuries, and congenital bony abnormalities. Surgical decompression is beneficial with significant reduction in pain and disability. MDs are highly motivated and insightful; accordingly, they have a very high probability of successful work resumption, with all returning to their medical positions.

Adolescent athletes can get back in the game after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the functional outcomes among adolescent athletes with venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) and neurogenic TOS (NTOS) after thoracic outlet decompression. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of a prospective database of adolescent athletes (aged 13-19 years) from June 1, 1996 to December 31, 2021 who had undergone operative decompression for TOS. The demographic data, preoperative symptoms, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was the postoperative return to sport. The secondary outcomes included symptom resolution and assessment of the somatic pain scale, QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. The Fisher exact test and t test were used to evaluate the categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A logistic regression model was constructed to adjust for the influence of preoperative factors and return to sport. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (40.0% with VTOS and 60.0% with NTOS) were included. The average age of the VTOS patients was 17.2 years vs 16.6 years for the NTOS patients (P = .265). The NTOS patients were more likely to be female (88.9% vs 62.5%; P = .024). The NTOS patients had more frequently presented with pain (97.2% vs 70.8%; P = .005), paresthesia (94.4% vs 29.1%; P = .021), and weakness (67.7% vs 12.5%; P = .004) but had less often reported swelling (25.0% vs 95.8%; P < .001). At presentation, the NTOS patients had also reported a longer symptom duration (17.7 months vs 3.1 months; P < .001). Transaxillary first rib resection with subtotal scalenectomy was performed for 100% of the VTOS patients and 94.4% of the NTOS patients undergoing cervical rib resection (2.8%) or scalenectomy alone (2.8%). Additionally, 11.1% of the NTOS patients had undergone combined first rib resection and cervical rib resection. For the VTOS patients, postoperative venography showed patent subclavian veins in 27.8%. In addition, 44.4% had required venoplasty, 16.8% had required thrombolysis, and 11% were chronically occluded. No significant differences were found in blood loss, operative time, or length of stay between the groups. No surgical complications occurred. The average follow-up was 6.3 months. Significant differences were found between the VTOS and NTOS groups for the pre- and postoperative somatic pain scale, QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. Complete symptom resolution had occurred in 83.3% of the VTOS and 75% of the NTOS patients (P = .074). No statistically significant difference in the return to sport was observed between the two groups (VTOS, 94.4%; vs NTOS, 73.9%; P = .123). Of the NTOS patients, 10.0% had had other concomitant injuries and 5.0% had had medical conditions that had precluded their return to sport. Logistic regression found no significant relationship between the preoperative somatic pain scale score, QuickDASH score, or duration of symptoms and the return to sport. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent athletes with VTOS and NTOS can have good functional outcomes, and most will be able to return to sport after surgery. Greater initial symptom severity and concomitant injuries were observed in adolescents with NTOS. Of those who had not returned to sport postoperatively, three of seven had had unrelated health issues that had prevented their return to sport.

Surgical decompression among Paget-Schroetter patients with subacute and chronic venous occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: Management of Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) with first rib resection (FRR) and venoplasty is successful in re-establishing subclavian vein (SCV) patency in most cases. However, in cases with subacute or chronic venous occlusion, SCV patency may not be achieved. Thus, the role for FRR remains controversial in cases of subacute or chronic SCV occlusion. Our goal is to determine whether FRR is beneficial in PSS patients with subacute or chronic SCV occlusion. METHODS: A prospectively maintained thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) database was searched for patients undergoing FRR who were identified as having SCV occlusion on preoperative venography between 2012 and 2021. Preoperative and postoperative venous patency were determined by venography. Standardized functional outcomes were assessed using the Quick Disability Arm, Shoulder, Hand (QuickDASH-QDS) and Somatic Pain Scale (SPS) before and after FRR. The Derkash outcome score was recorded after FRR. RESULTS: Over the study period, 966 TOS operations were performed; of these, 401 were for venous TOS, and 33 patients were identified with subacute or chronic preoperative SCV occlusion verified by venography. The median age was 29 years, with 73% men. Eighteen patients had attempted thrombolysis; eight were performed at our institution, and ten performed at a referring facility. The median time from the symptom onset of SCV occlusion to FRR was 78 days for all patients. For the group that achieved venous patency after FRR, the time from SCV occlusion to FRR was 71 days, and it was 106 days for the group that remained occluded after FRR. All underwent postoperative venography and percutaneous attempt at SCV recanalization. Recanalization was successful in 64% (21) and unsuccessful in 36% (12). All patients experienced improvement in SPS and QDS. For all patients, the average SPS improved from 1.69 preoperatively to 0.25 postoperatively and the average QDS improved from 27.63 preoperatively to 10.19 postoperatively (P > .05). For patients who were successfully recanalized, the final SPS was 0.18 and the final QDS was 11.22 (P > .05). In patients who failed to achieve recanalization, the final SPS was 0.40 and the final QDS was 9.06 (P > .05). All postoperative Derkash outcome scores were excellent and good, with none fair or poor. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with subacute or chronic preoperative SCV occlusion, surgical decompression and postoperative angioplasty resulted in re-establishing SCV patency in 64% of patients. Symptomatic patients clinically improve after surgical decompression regardless of whether venous patency is successfully re-established. These results indicate that symptomatic patients with PSS should be considered for TOS decompression even if their SCV is occluded in the subacute or chronic presentation.

Lower Extremity Amputations Among Veterans: Have Ambulatory Outcomes and Survival Improved?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize among patients undergoing lower extremity amputation, access to pre-, and post operative rehabilitation services; as well as improved medical care, have led to higher rates of postoperative ambulation, and improved survival. METHODS: Retrospective single center review of all major lower extremity amputations performed at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System from 2000-2020 stratified into multiyear cohorts. We abstracted demographics, operative indication, comorbidities, preoperative medical management, perioperative complications, discharge location, and pre and postoperative ambulatory status. Odds of ambulation after amputation were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Survival was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariate logistic predictors were selected based on prior literature and clinical experience. RESULTS: We identified 654 operations in our study, noting fewer amputations performed in the latest 3 cohort years as compared to the initial cohort (2000-2004). Patients undergoing below-knee amputations (BKA) had 2.7 times (P < 0.05) greater odds of postoperative ambulation and 86% (P < 0.05) increased odds of survival compared to above-knee amputations (AKA). The odds of ambulation increased by 8.8% (P < 0.05) for each consecutive study year. Ambulation post-amputation conferred 13.2 times (P < 0.05) greater odds of survival. The odds of survival in "emergent" operations decreased by 48% (P < 0.05) compared to an "elective" operation. For each additional comorbidity, the odds of survival decreased by 18% (P < 0.05). Patients with any perioperative complication had a 48% (P < 0.05) lower odds of survival. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates demonstrated significant survival difference between patients by amputation level and postoperative ambulatory status (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory status following distal amputation has improved over time and is significantly associated with increased survival post-amputation. Patients undergoing a BKA or discharged home were most likely to ambulate postoperatively. Amputation level, preoperative comorbidities, and perioperative complications remain strong predictors of survival.

Preoperative thrombolysis is associated with improved vein patency and functional outcomes after first rib resection in acute Paget-Schroetter syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Most patients with acute Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) present in one of two manners: (1) thrombosis managed initially with thrombolysis and anticoagulation and then referred for surgery, and (2) initial treatment with anticoagulation only and later referral for surgery. Definitive benefits of thrombolysis in the acute period (the first 2 weeks after thrombosis) over anticoagulation alone have not been well reported. Our goal was to compare patients managed with early thrombolysis and anticoagulation followed by first rib resection (FRR) and later postoperative venography with venoplasty (PTA) with those managed with anticoagulation alone followed by FRR and PTA using vein patency assessed with venography and standardized outcome measures. METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively collected database from 2000 to 2019. Two groups were compared: those managed with early thrombolysis at our institution (Lysis) and those managed with anticoagulation alone (NoLysis). All patients underwent FRR. Venography was routinely performed before and after FRR. Standardized outcome measures included Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores and Somatic Pain Scale. RESULTS: A total of 50 Lysis and 50 NoLysis patients were identified. Pre-FRR venography showed that thrombolysis resulted in patency of 98% of veins, whereas 78% of NoLysis veins were patent. After FRR, postoperative venography revealed that 46 (92%) patients in the Lysis group and 37 (74%) patients in the NoLysis group achieved vein patency. Thrombolysis was significantly associated with final vein patency (odds ratio: 17 [4-199]; P < .001). Lysis patients had a trend toward lower QuickDASH scores from pre-FRR to post-FRR compared with NoLysis patients with a mean difference of -16.4 (±19.7) vs -5.2 (±15.6) points (P = .13). The difference in reduction of Somatic Pain Scale scores was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolysis as initial management of PSS, combined with anticoagulation, followed by FFR and VenoPTA resulted in improved final vein patency and may lead to an improved functional outcome measured with QuickDASH scores. Therefore, clinical protocols using thrombolysis as initial management should be considered when planning the optimal treatment strategy for patients with acute PSS.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Major League Baseball Pitchers: Return to Sport and Performance Metrics After Rib Resection.

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare injury that affects Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and is often corrected with surgical resection of the first rib. There are limited return-to-play (RTP) data for this surgery in MLB pitchers. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that MLB pitchers who undergo first rib resection for TOS will show (1) a high rate of RTP, (2) no difference in postoperative career length compared with controls, (3) no difference in pre- and postoperative performance, and (4) no difference in postoperative performance compared with controls. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated MLB pitchers with neurogenic or vascular TOS who underwent rib resection surgery between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2019. Players were identified through public injury reports from press releases, the MLB website, MLB team injury reports, and blogs. A demographics- and performance-matched control group was generated for comparison. Each player in the control group was given an index year that corresponded to the surgery year of the case group. Performance data included innings pitched (IP), games played (GP), earned run average (ERA), complete GP, shutouts, saves, hits, runs, home runs (HR), walks, strikeouts (K), walks plus hits per IP (WHIP), and earned runs (ER). Results: We identified 26 MLB pitchers who underwent rib resection for neurogenic or vascular TOS; 21 players (81%) had a successful RTP. Pitchers were 30 ± 3.6 years old at the time of surgery and had played 6.2 ± 3.5 seasons before undergoing surgery. Average postoperative career length was 3.1 ± 2.0 seasons, with an average time from surgery to RTP being 10 ± 4.7 months. Pitchers who RTP showed no significant differences in performance metrics compared with controls. Players pitch 0.94 (P < .05) more IP/GP in the season directly following RTP compared with the season before surgical intervention. Conclusion: MLB pitchers undergoing rib resection for TOS demonstrated (1) high RTP rates following rib resection, (2) no difference in postoperative career length compared with controls, (3) improvement in postoperative performance, and (4) no difference in postoperative performance compared with controls.

A Single Institution 30-Year Review of Abnormal First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital abnormalities of the first rib (ABNFR) are a rare cause of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The range of abnormalities have not been clearly documented in the literature. Surgical decompression in these patients presents with increased complexity secondary to anomalous anatomy. Our goal is to review an institutional experience of first rib resection (FRR) performed for ABNFRs, to present a novel classification system, and to analyze outcomes according to clinical presentation. METHODS: A prospectively collected database was used to identify individuals with ABNFRs who underwent FRR for TOS between 1990-2021. These individuals were identified both by preoperative imaging and intraoperative descriptions of the first rib after resection. Demographic, clinical, perioperative and pathological data were reviewed. ABNFRs were classified into 3 categories according to anatomical criteria: (I) Hypoplastic, (II) Fused, and (III) Hyperplastic. Outcomes were rated using the standardized Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand Scores (QDS), Somatic Pain Scores (SPS) and Derkash Scores (DkS). RESULTS: Among the 2200 cases of TOS, there were 19 patients (0.8%) with ABNFR who underwent FRR. Average age at surgery was 30.5 (range 11-74), including 13 men and 6 women. Presentations included 9 arterial (ATOS), 6 neurogenic (NTOS), and 4 venous (VTOS) cases. There were 6 class I, 6 class II, and 7 class III ABNFRs. Among 6 NTOS patients there were 4 abnormal nerve conduction tests and 5 positive anterior scalene muscle blocks. Among the 9 patients with ATOS, thrombolysis was attempted in 5 patients, and of these, 3 ultimately required surgical thrombectomy. Of 4 VTOS cases, 2 were managed with thrombolysis, and 2 with anticoagulation alone. The approach for FRR was transaxillary in all patients. Secondary procedures included 1 pectoralis minor tenotomy, 1 scalenectomy, and 1 contralateral rib resection. No major neurological or vascular complications occurred. There was 1 patient who required surgical evacuation of a hematoma. Intraoperative chest tube placement was required in 5 patients secondary to pleural entry during dissection. There was an overall improvement in symptoms over an average follow-up of 7.4 months. QDS reduced from 49.7 pre-op to 22.1 (P < 0.05). SPS improved from 3.4 pre-op to 1.8. DkS scores were good to excellent in 79% of patients. Residual symptoms were noted in 7, and ATOS accounted for 5 (70%) of these. All patients were able to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased complexity, ABNFRs may be safely resected via transaxillary approach with low incidence of complications, very good symptom relief, and excellent outcomes. Congenital ABNFRs may by classified into 3 categories (hypoplastic, fused, and hyperplastic) with a variety of presentations, including ATOS, NTOS, and VTOS. Classification of ABNFRs allows concise description of abnormal anatomy which facilitates comparison between series and provides direction for surgical management to ultimately optimize patient outcomes.

Mechanochemical Endovenous Ablation of the Saphenous Vein: A Look at Contemporary Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Endovenous ablation techniques have replaced greater saphenous vein (GSV) ligation and stripping for treatment of venous insufficiency. Our objective was to investigate our initial procedural experience and clinical presentation of patients undergoing mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) at a single institution. We hypothesized that closure level and success rate improved over time and were comparable to other endovenous ablation techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all MOCA procedures performed at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital from 2015 - 2020. Variables included CEAP and VCSS scores, patient symptoms, post procedure duplex ultrasound, closure level, and need for anticoagulation. Success was defined as GSV thrombosis on initial post procedure duplex ultrasound. Procedure associated extension of thrombus into the deep veins was defined using the American Venous Forum (AVF) endothermal heat induced thrombosis (EHIT) classification. RESULTS: 104 venous ablation procedures were performed on 86 patients. Eleven (12.8%) patients received bilateral interventions, and six (7%) patients had asynchronous interventions on the same leg. The average age was 58.4 years (SD 12) and 93% were male. Pre-procedural symptoms included pain (102, 98.1%), varicose veins (87, 83.7%), edema (58, 55.8%), and active ulcers (19, 18.3%). A CEAP category of C2 was the most common indication (34.6%), followed by C3 (22.1%) and C6 (21.2%). Forty-five (43.2%) patients had deep system reflux, and 53% had concomitant phlebectomies. Average VCSS score was 7.5 (SD 3.5).We observed a GSV ablation rate of 92.7% (n = 89) in the 96 procedures which had post-procedure follow up, with no temporal evidence of a learning curve. On post procedure duplex of the 89 technically successful ablations, 77 (86.5%) patients had AVF EHIT level 1 closure, three (3.4%) had level 2 closure, eight (8.9%) had level 3 closure, and one had a level 4 closure. Fourteen (15.7%) patients were newly started on anticoagulation for an average of 33.2 days (SD 34.1). Of the 19 legs treated for active venous ulcers, 13 (68.4%) had improvement or resolution of their venous ulcers. No pulmonary embolic complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a successful GSV thrombosis rate of 92.7% using MOCA without evidence of a learning curve and comparable to that reported in the literature. The rate of thrombus extension into the deep veins was 14.6%, with no adverse effects associated with anticoagulation or clinically significant sequelae of AVF EHIT level 2 or greater. Comparisons with MOCA associated thrombus extension into deep veins in the literature are limited as post procedure screening duplex are not standard of care. However, we demonstrated that MOCA ablation of the GSV is a safe procedure that may be performed with good technical success.

The evolving role of endovascular therapy in the management of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past two decades, vascular surgeons have successfully incorporated endovascular techniques to the routine care of patients with arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS). However, no reports have documented the impact of endovascular therapy. This study describes the trends in management of ATOS by vascular surgeons and outcomes after both endovascular and open repair of the subclavian artery. METHODS: We queried a single-institution, prospectively maintained thoracic outlet syndrome database for ATOS cases managed by vascular surgeons. For comparison, cases were divided into two equal time periods, January 1986 to August 2003 (P-1) vs September 2003 to March 2021 (P-2), and by treatment modality, open vs endovascular. Clinical presentation, outcomes, and the involvement of vascular surgeons in endovascular therapy were compared between groups. RESULTS: Of 2200 thoracic outlet syndrome cases, 51 were ATOS (27 P-1, 24 P-2) and underwent 50 transaxillary decompressive operations. Forty-eight cases (92%) presented with ischemic symptoms. Thrombolysis was done in 15 (29%). During P-1, vascular surgeons performed none of the catheter-based interventions. During P-2, vascular surgeons performed 60% of the angiograms, 50% of thrombolysis, and 100% of stent grafting. Subclavian artery pathology included 16 aneurysms (31%), 15 stenoses (29%), and 19 occlusions (37%). Compared with open aneurysmal repair, endovascular stent graft repairs took less time (241 vs 330 minutes; P = .09), incurred lower estimated blood loss (103 vs 150 mL; P = .36), and had a shorter length of stay (2.4 vs 5.0 days; P = .10). Yet the endovascular group had decreased primary (63% vs 77%; P = .481), primary assisted (75% vs 85%; P = .590), and secondary patency rates (88% vs 92%; P = .719), at a mean follow-up time of 3.0 years for the endovascular group and 6.9 years for the open group (P = .324). These differences did not achieve statistical significance. Functionally, 84% of patients were able to resume work or school. A majority of patients (88%) had a good to excellent functional outcome based on their Derkash score. Somatic pain scores and QuickDASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) scores decreased postoperatively, 2.9 vs 0.8 (P = .015) and 42.6 vs 12.6 (P = .004), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the evolving role of endovascular management of ATOS over the past two decades and documents the expanded role of vascular surgeons in the endovascular management of ATOS at a single institution. Compared with open repair, stent graft repair of the subclavian artery may be associated with shorter operative times, less blood loss, but decreased patency, without changes in long-term functional outcomes.

Elective Resection of Symptomatic Arteriovenous Fistulae and Grafts in Patients with Functioning Renal Allografts at A High Volume Transplant Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with functioning renal allografts may need ligation of pre-existing hemodialysis conduits. Chronic immunosuppression for renal allografts may adversely affect wound healing and perioperative complications following these procedures. We sought to analyze outcomes following elective ligation and resection of symptomatic arteriovenous (AV) access in immunosuppressed patients with renal allografts no longer requiring dialysis at a high-volume renal transplant hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed procedure codes for hemodialysis access resection and revision from 2014-2020 at a single academic tertiary care hospital. Patients who underwent complete or subtotal dialysis access resection with a functioning renal allograft were included for analysis of preoperative, operative, and postoperative outcomes. We performed descriptive statistics, and student's t-test using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients met inclusion criteria. The majority were male, 56%, and the most common causes of renal failure were hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Ligation and resection of proximal upper extremity access was performed in 68%. The mean operative time was 126 minutes with pain being the most common indication for intervention. Four patients required arterial reconstruction. Mean postoperative follow-up was 13 months. Arm pain and swelling resolved in 100% and 88% of patients following AV access resection, respectively. No impairment in mean postoperative glomerular filtration rates were noted. One patient required hemodialysis and died three months after fistula resection following complications from treatment of a newly diagnosed neuroendocrine tumor and subsequent fungemia, CONCLUSION: Elective operative resection of symptomatic AV access may be performed safely in immunosuppressed patients with functioning renal transplants. The risk of allograft impairment and/or failure as a result of AV access resection in our series was low. Elective ligation and resection can be achieved with low mortality, excellent symptomatic relief, and few wound complications despite chronic immunosuppression.

A novel technique for transaxillary resection of fully formed cervical ribs with long-term clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Although the supraclavicular approach has been widely adopted for cervical rib resection, a transaxillary approach has been favored by many. We have reviewed more than two decades of experience with decompression of the thoracic outlet to treat thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in patients with complete cervical ribs using a novel transaxillary approach. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing surgery for TOS was searched for patients with complete (class 3 and 4) cervical ribs from 1997 to 2019. All these patients had undergone transaxillary resection using a technique in which the cervical and first ribs were separated and then individually resected. The data abstracted included patient demographics, symptoms, surgical details, and complications. The outcomes were contemporaneously assessed clinically and using standardized functional tools: somatic pain scale (SPS) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Hand, and Shoulder questionnaire (QuickDASH). The cervical rib data were organized and reported in accordance with the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. RESULTS: During the study period, 1506 patients had undergone surgery for TOS at our institution. Of these 1506 patients, 38 had undergone complete transaxillary resection of 40 fully formed cervical ribs (10 class 3 and 30 class 4). Of these 38 patients, 74% were women. The presentations had been neurogenic (65%), arterial (31%), and venous (5%). The average initial SPS and QuickDASH score was 6.4 and 50, respectively. The duration of surgery averaged 141 minutes, blood loss was 65 mL, and length of stay was 2.1 days. None of the patients had experienced brachial plexus, phrenic, or long thoracic nerve injury. The average follow-up period was 65 months. The final mean postoperative SPS and QuickDASH scores were lower than the scores at presentation (SPS score, 6.4 vs 1.2; P < .001; QuickDASH score, 50 vs 17; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the largest reported experience of resection of fully formed cervical ribs using a transaxillary approach that allowed for individual dissection and removal of cervical and first rib segments. This technique has proved to be successful, with low morbidity and reliable improvement in patient symptom and disability scores. Based on these reported outcomes, this novel approach to transaxillary resection of fully formed cervical ribs should be considered a safe and effective operation.