Multi-Center Experience with Intravascular Lithotripsy for Treatment of Severe Calcification during TCAR for High-Risk Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) offers a safe alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), but severe calcification is currently considered a contraindication in carotid artery stenting. This study aims to describe the safety and effectiveness of TCAR with intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in patients with traditionally prohibitive calcific disease. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent TCAR+IVL from 2018-2022 at nine institutions were identified. IVL was combined with pre-dilatation angioplasty to treat calcified vessels before stent deployment. The primary outcome was a new ipsilateral stroke within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included any new ipsilateral neurologic event (stroke/TIA) at 30 days, technical success, and <30% residual stenosis. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (62% Male, mean age 78±6.6 years) underwent TCAR+IVL, with 22 (38%) for symptomatic disease. Fifty-seven patients (98%) met high-risk anatomical or physiologic criteria for CEA. Forty-seven patients had severely calcific lesions. Fourteen patients (30%) had isolated eccentric plaque, 20 patients (43%) had isolated circumferential plaque, and 13 had eccentric and circumferential calcification (27%). Mean procedure and flow reversal times were 87±27 and 25±14 minutes. The median number of lithotripsy pulses per case was 90 (range 30-330), and mean contrast usage was 29 mL. No patients had EEG changes or new deficits observed intraoperatively. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with 98% having <30% residual stenosis on completion angiography. One patient had an in-hospital post-procedural stroke (1.72%). Four patients total had any new ipsilateral neurologic event (stroke/TIA) within 30 days for an overall rate of 6.8%. One TIA and one stroke occurred during the index hospitalization, and two TIAs occurred after discharge. Preoperative mean stenosis in patients with any post-operative neurologic event was 93% (versus 86% in non-stroke/TIA patients, p=.32), and chronic renal insufficiency was higher in patients who had a new neurologic event (75% vs. 17%, p=.005). No differences were observed in calcium, procedural, or patient characteristics between the two groups. The mean follow-up was 132 days (range 19-520). Three stents developed recurrent stenosis (5%) on follow-up duplex; the remainder were patent without issue. There were no reported interventions for recurrent stenosis during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: IVL sufficiently remodels calcified carotid arteries to facilitate TCAR effectively in patients with traditionally prohibitive calcific disease. One patient (1.7%) suffered a stroke within 30 days, though four patients (6.8%) sustained any new neurological event (stroke/TIA). These results raise concerns about the risks of TCAR + IVL and whether it is an appropriate strategy for patients who could potentially undergo CEA.

Capturing the complexity of open abdominal aortic surgery in the endovascular era.

OBJECTIVE: Volume and quality benchmarks for open abdominal aortic surgery and particularly open aortic aneurysm repair (OAR) in the endovascular era are guided by the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines, but the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) OAR module fails to capture the full spectrum of complex OAR. We hypothesized that VQI-ineligible complex OAR would be the dominant form of open repairs performed at a VQI-participating tertiary center. METHODS: All OAR cases performed at a single tertiary care center from 2007 to 2020 were reviewed. The VQI OAR criteria were applied with exclusions (non-VQI) defined as concomitant renal bypass, clamping above the superior mesenteric artery or celiac artery, repairs performed for trauma, anastomotic aneurysm, isolated iliac aneurysm, or infected aneurysms. Linear regression was used to assess temporal trends. RESULTS: Among a total of 481 open abdominal aortic operations, 355 (74%) were OAR. The average annual OAR volume remained stable over 14 years (25 ± 6; P = .46). Non-VQI OAR comprised 54% of all cases and persisted over time (R2 = 0.047, P = .46). Supraceliac clamping (35%) was often necessary. The proportion of endograft explantation cases significantly increased over time from 4% in 2007 to 20% in 2019 (P = .01). Infectious indications represented 20% (n = 70) of cases. Visceral branch grafts were performed in 16% of all cases. OAR for ruptured aneurysm constituted 10% of cases. Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher in non-VQI vs VQI-eligible OAR cases (10% vs 4%; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Complex OAR comprises a majority of OAR cases in a contemporary tertiary referral hospital, yet these cases are not accounted for in the VQI. Creation of a "complex OAR" VQI module would capture these cases in a quality-driven national registry and help to better inform benchmarks for volume and outcomes in aortic surgery.

Surgical resection and graft replacement for primary inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma: A multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVE: Primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is best managed with surgical resection when technically feasible. However, consensus is lacking regarding the best choice of conduit and reconstruction technique. The aim of the present multicenter study was to perform a comprehensive assessment through the VLFDC (Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium) to determine the most effective method for caval reconstruction after resection of primary leiomyosarcoma of the IVC. METHODS: A multicenter, standardized database review of patients who had undergone surgical resection and reconstruction of the IVC for primary leiomyosarcoma from 2007 to 2017 was performed. The demographics, periprocedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients (60 women and 32 men), with a mean age of 60.1 years (range, 30-88 years) were treated. Metastatic disease was present in 22%. The tumor location was below the renal veins in 49 (53%), between the renal and hepatic veins in 52 (57%), and above the hepatic veins in 13 patients (14%). The conduits used for reconstruction included ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; n = 80), nonringed PTFE (n = 1), Dacron (n = 1), autogenous vein (n = 1), bovine pericardium (n = 4), and cryopreserved tissue (n = 5). Complete R0 resection was accomplished in 73 patients (79%). In-hospital mortality was 2%, with a median length of stay of 8 days. The primary patency of PTFE reconstructed IVCs was 97% and 92% at 1 and 5 years, respectively, compared with 73% at 1 and 5 years for the non-PTFE reconstructed IVCs. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival for the entire cohort were 94%, 86%, and 65%, respectively CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our multi-institutional study have demonstrated that complete en bloc resection of IVC leiomyosarcoma with vascular surgical reconstruction in selected patients results in low perioperative mortality and is associated with excellent long-term patency. A ringed PTFE graft was the most commonly used conduit for caval reconstruction, yielding excellent long-term primary patency.

Prophylactic Muscle Flaps in Primary Vascular Procedures of the Groin.

BACKGROUND: Complications following vascular procedures involving the groin can lead to significant morbidity. Achieving stable soft tissue coverage over sites of revascularization can help mitigate complications. Prior evidence supports the use of muscle flaps in reoperative groins and in high risk patient populations to reduce postoperative complications. Data regarding the use of prophylactic muscle flap coverage of the groin is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of immediate prophylactic muscle flap coverage of vascular wounds involving the groin. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients undergoing primary open vascular procedures involving the groin for occlusive, aneurysmal, or oncologic disease between 2014 and 2020 at a single institution where plastic surgery was involved in closure. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical details, and postoperative complications were compared between patients who had sartorius muscle flap coverage of the vascular repair versus layered closure alone. RESULTS: A total of 133 consecutive groins were included in our analysis. A sartorius flap was used in 115 groins (86.5%) and a layered closure was used in 18 (13.5%). Wound breakdown was similar between groups (25.2% sartorius vs. 38.9% layered closure, P = 0.26). However, the rate of reoperation was significantly higher in the layered closure group (50.0% vs. 12.2%, P < 0.01). Among patients who experienced wound breakdown (N = 36), a larger proportion of layered closure patients required operative intervention (71.4% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.02). Other rates of complications were not statistically different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing primary open vascular procedures involving the groin, patients who underwent prophylactic sartorius muscle flap closure had lower rates of reoperation. Although incisional breakdown was similar between the groups overall, the presence of a vascularized muscle flap overlying the vascular repair was associated with reduced need for reoperation and allowed more wounds to be managed with local wound care alone. Consideration should be given to this low morbidity local muscle flap in patients undergoing vascular procedures involving the groin.

Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion From L2 to S1: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

This surgical video demonstrates the technique of an oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in the lumbar spine from L2 to L5 as well as an oblique approach to the L5-S1 level. It demonstrates the surgical approach, technical nuances of OLIF, and pearls of the surgery. The video discusses the importance of the release of the disc space to allow for height restoration and deformity correction, endplate preparation to enhance arthrodesis, and appropriate implant sizing. The concept of the approach is the minimally invasive blunt dissection through the abdominal wall musculature and mobilization of the retroperitoneal fat. Unlike the transpsoas approach, the surgery is performed anterior to the psoas, avoiding the lumbar plexus.1 For L5-S1, the approach is still performed in the lateral position but with an oblique approach. A vascular surgeon performs the L5-S1 approach, and the disc space is accessed through the iliac bifurcation.2 The discectomy and interbody fusion are performed similarly to a standard anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), but in a lateral position and at an oblique angle. The patient consented to this procedure and for filming a video of this case.

Lymphocele after anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a review of 1322 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is an effective surgical modality for many lumbar degenerative pathologies, but a rare and infrequently reported complication is postoperative lymphocele. The goals of the present study were to review a large consecutive series of patients who underwent ALIF at a high-volume institution, estimate the rate of lymphocele occurrence after ALIF, and investigate the outcomes of patients who developed lymphocele after ALIF. METHODS: A retrospective review of the electronic medical record was completed, identifying all patients (≥ 18 years old) who underwent at a minimum a single-level ALIF from 2012 through 2019. Postoperative spinal and abdominal images, as well as radiologist reports, were reviewed for mention of lymphocele. Clinical data were collected and reported. RESULTS: A total of 1322 patients underwent a minimum 1-level ALIF. Of these patients, 937 (70.9%) had either postoperative abdominal or lumbar spine images, and the resulting lymphocele incidence was 2.1% (20/937 patients). The mean ± SD age was 67 ± 10.9 years, and the male/female ratio was 1:1. Patients with lymphocele were significantly older than those without lymphocele (66.9 vs 58.9 years, p = 0.006). In addition, patients with lymphocele had a greater number of mean levels fused (2.5 vs 1.8, p < 0.001) and were more likely to have undergone ALIF at L2-4 (95.0% vs 66.4%, p = 0.007) than patients without lymphocele. On subsequent multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.12, p = 0.013), BMI (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.18, p = 0.021), and number of levels fused (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.05-3.14, p = 0.032) were independent prognosticators of postoperative lymphocele development. Patients with symptomatic lymphocele were successfully treated with either interventional radiology (IR) drainage and/or sclerosis therapy and achieved radiographic resolution. The mean ± SD length of hospital stay was 9.1 ± 5.2 days. Ten patients (50%) were postoperatively discharged to a rehabilitation center: 8 patients (40%) were discharged to home, 1 (5%) to a skilled nursing facility, and 1 (5%) to a long-term acute care facility. CONCLUSIONS: After ALIF, 2.1% of patients were diagnosed with radiographically identified postoperative lymphocele and had risk factors such as increased age, BMI, and number of levels fused. Most patients presented within 1 month postoperatively, and their clinical presentations included abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and/or wound complications. Of note, 25% of identified lymphoceles were discovered incidentally. Patients with symptomatic lymphocele were successfully treated with either IR drainage and/or sclerosis therapy and achieved radiographic resolution.

Contemporary Experience with Paravisceral Aortic Aneurysm (PVAAA) Repair in a Tertiary Center.

OBJECTIVES: To describe contemporary outcomes from a single center capable of both complex open and endovascular aortic repair for paravisceral aortic aneurysms (PVAAA). METHODS: Data on all patients receiving open or endovascular (endo) treatment for aortic aneurysms with proximal extent at or above the renal arteries and distal to the inferior pulmonary ligament (IPL) were reviewed. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) on age, aneurysm type, gender, coronary artery disease (CAD), previous aortic surgery and symptomatic status created balanced cohorts for outcomes comparisons. RESULTS: Between October, 2006 and February, 2018, 194 patients were treated for juxtarenal (40%), pararenal (21%), paravisceral (6%) and Type 4 thoracoabdominal (34%) aortic aneurysms with open (81, 42%) or endo (113, 58%) at a single tertiary center. Endo repairs included renal coverage with a bifurcated graft (2%), unilateral (13%) or bilateral (4%) renal snorkels, Z-fen (15%), multi-branched graft (IDE protocol; 62%) and unique complex configurations (4%). On multivariable analysis, patients selected for open surgery were more likely to be symptomatic, whereas older patients, female patients and those with Type 4 TAAA extent were more often selected for endovascular treatment. Matching based on the significant independent covariates reduced the open and endovascular groups by one-third. Survival at 30 days was 97% for endo and 94% for open repair, 98% for both subgroups when excluding symptomatic cases, and was not different between the matched groups (98% vs 89%; P=0.23). Hospital and ICU stays were longer in open patients (8 vs. 10 days, 2 vs. 4, both P≤0.001). Post-op CVA, MI, lower extremity ischemia, surgical site infections and reoperation were not different between matched groups (all p>0.05), while pulmonary and intestinal complications, as well as grade 1/2 renal dysfunction by RIFLE criteria, were more common after open repair (all P<0.05). Spinal cord ischemia was significantly more frequent in the unmatched Endo group (11% vs. 1%, P=0.02), but this difference was not significant after matching. Composite major aortic complications was no different between treatment groups (unmatched P=0.91, matched P=0.87). Endo treatment resulted in patients more frequently discharged to home (84% vs. 66%, P=0.02). Reintervention after 30 days occurred more frequently in the endo group (P=0.002). Estimated survivals at 1 and 5 years for endo and open are 96% vs. 81% and 69% vs. 81% respectively (Log-rank P=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary repair of PVAAA demonstrates safe outcomes with durable survival benefit when patients are well-selected for open or complex endovascular repair. We believe these data have implications for off-label device use in the treatment of PVAAA, and that open repair remains an essential option for younger, good risk patients in experienced centers.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Cage Retrieval for the Treatment of Pseudarthrosis After Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Single-Institution Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of pseudarthrosis after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) can be challenging, particularly when anterior column reconstruction is required. There are limited data on TLIF cage removal through an anterior approach. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) as a treatment for pseudarthrosis after TLIF. METHODS: ALIFs performed at a single academic medical center were reviewed to identify cases performed for the treatment of pseudarthrosis after TLIF. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, perioperative complications, and 1-yr radiographic data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were identified with mean age of 59 yr and 37 women (44.0%). A total of 16 patients (19.0%) underwent removal of 2 interbody cages for a total of 99 implants removed with distribution as follows: 1 L2/3 (0.9%), 6 L3/4 (5.7%), 37 L4/5 (41.5%), and 55 L5/S1 (51.9%). There were 2 intraoperative venous injuries (2.4%) and postoperative complications were as follows: 7 ileus (8.3%), 5 wound-related (6.0%), 1 rectus hematoma (1.1%), and 12 medical complications (14.3%), including 6 pulmonary (7.1%), 3 cardiac (3.6%), and 6 urinary tract infections (7.1%). Among 58 patients with at least 1-yr follow-up, 56 (96.6%) had solid fusion. There were 5 cases of subsidence (6.0%), none of which required surgical revision. Two patients (2.4%) required additional surgery at the level of ALIF for pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSION: ALIF is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of TLIF cage pseudarthrosis with a favorable risk profile.

Supine anterior lumbar interbody fusion versus lateral position oblique lumbar interbody fusion at L5-S1: A comparison of two approaches to the lumbosacral junction.

INTRODUCTION: At L5-S1, anterior access can be performed with a supine anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) or lateral position oblique lumbar interbody fusion (LOLIF). We compared clinical and radiographic features of both approaches. METHODS: A retrospective study of L5-S1 ALIF and LOLIF patients (2013-2018) by 3 spine surgeons and a vascular surgeon at our hospital was performed. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing L5-S1 anterior surgery only without other anterior or lateral fusion levels, and data collected were patient demographics, cage parameters, perioperative variables, and radiographic parameters. 58 patients were included (33 ALIF and 25 LOLIF). RESULTS: The average surgical time was 211.94 min for ALIF and 154.86 min for LOLIF (p < 0.001). The average blood loss was 214 ml for ALIF and 74 ml for LOLIF (p < 0.001). The average number of days to solid food was 2.55 for ALIF and 0.8 for LOLIF (p < 0.001). The average anterior L5-S1 disc height increase was 8.52 mm for ALIF and 5.02 mm LOLIF (p = 0.018), and the average posterior L5-S1 disc height increase was 3.34 mm for ALIF and 1.30 mm for LOLIF (p = 0.034). The average L5-S1 segmental lordosis increase was 6.82 degrees for ALIF and 7.63 degrees for LOLIF (p = 0.638). CONCLUSION: The LOLIF is a feasible option for L5-S1 anterior access compared to ALIF. However, supine ALIF afforded larger cages to be placed, resulting in greater postoperative disc height. There did not appear to be a significant difference in postoperative L5-S1 segmental lordosis between the two approaches.

The effect of anterior lumbar interbody fusion staging order on perioperative complications in circumferential lumbar fusions performed within the same hospital admission.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a powerful technique that provides wide access to the disc space and allows for large lordotic grafts. When used with posterior spinal fusion (PSF), the procedures are often staged within the same hospital admission. There are limited data on the perioperative risk profile of ALIF-first versus PSF-first circumferential fusions performed within the same hospital admission. In an effort to understand whether these procedures are associated with different perioperative complication profiles, the authors performed a retrospective review of their institutional experience in adult patients who had undergone circumferential lumbar fusions. METHODS: The electronic medicals records of patients who had undergone ALIF and PSF on separate days within the same hospital admission at a single academic center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients carrying a diagnosis of tumor, infection, or traumatic fracture were excluded. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and perioperative complications were collected and assessed. RESULTS: A total of 373 patients, 217 of them women (58.2%), met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study cohort was 60 years. Surgical indications were as follows: degenerative disease or spondylolisthesis, 171 (45.8%); adult deformity, 168 (45.0%); and pseudarthrosis, 34 (9.1%). The majority of patients underwent ALIF first (321 [86.1%]) with a mean time of 2.5 days between stages. The mean number of levels fused was 2.1 for ALIF and 6.8 for PSF. In a comparison of ALIF-first to PSF-first cases, there were no major differences in demographics or surgical characteristics. Rates of intraoperative complications including venous injury were not significantly different between the two groups. The rates of postoperative ileus (11.8% vs 5.8%, p = 0.194) and ALIF-related wound complications (9.0% vs 3.8%, p = 0.283) were slightly higher in the ALIF-first group, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Rates of other perioperative complications were no different. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing staged circumferential fusion with ALIF and PSF, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of perioperative complications when comparing ALIF-first to PSF-first surgeries.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on an academic vascular practice and a multidisciplinary limb preservation program.

With the aggressive resource conservation necessary to face the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, vascular surgeons have faced unique challenges in managing the health of their high-risk patients. An early analysis of patient outcomes after pandemic-related practice changes suggested that patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia have been presenting with more severe foot infections and are more likely to require major limb amputation compared with 6 months previously. As our society and health care system adapt to the new changes required in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 era, it is critical that we pay special attention to the most vulnerable subsets of patients with vascular disease, particularly those with chronic limb threatening ischemia and limited access to care.

The effect of obesity on perioperative morbidity in oblique lumbar interbody fusion.

OBJECTIVE: Obese patients have been shown to have longer operative times and more complications from surgery. However, for obese patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery, these differences may not be as significant. In the lateral position, it is thought that obesity is less of an issue because gravity pulls the visceral fat away from the spine; however, this observation is primarily anecdotal and based on expert opinion. The authors performed oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and they report on the perioperative morbidity in obese and nonobese patients. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent OLIF performed by 3 spine surgeons and 1 vascular surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, from 2013 to 2018. Data collected included demographic variables; approach-related factors such as operative time, blood loss, and expected temporary approach-related sequelae; and overall complications. Patients were categorized according to their body mass index (BMI). Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and severe obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. RESULTS: There were 238 patients (95 males and 143 females). There were no significant differences between the obese and nonobese groups in terms of sex, levels fused, or smoking status. For the entire cohort, there was no difference in operative time, blood loss, or complications when comparing obese and nonobese patients. However, a subset analysis of the 77 multilevel OLIFs that included L5-S1 demonstrated that the operative times for the nonobese group was 223.55 ± 57.93 minutes, whereas it was 273.75 ± 90.07 minutes for the obese group (p = 0.004). In this subset, the expected approach-related sequela rate was 13.2% for the nonobese group, whereas it was 33.3% for the obese group (p = 0.039). However, the two groups had similar blood loss (p = 0.476) and complication rates (p = 0.876). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and morbid obesity generally do not increase the operative time, blood loss, approach-related sequelae, or complications following OLIF. However, obese patients who undergo multilevel OLIF that includes the L5-S1 level do have longer operative times or a higher rate of expected approach-related sequelae. Obesity should not be considered a contraindication to multilevel OLIF, but patients should be informed of potentially increased morbidity if the L5-S1 level is to be included.

Predictors and Outcomes of Paramedian Incisional Hernia After Anterior Spine Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Anterior exposures for lumbar spine surgery are increasingly common for treating various spinal pathologies. A retroperitoneal approach via a paramedian incision has grown rapidly in popularity, but little is known about the risk of incisional hernia development with this technique. We sought to assess the incidence of paramedian incisional hernia development and identify risk factors that are associated with occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent anterior lumbar spine exposure by a paramedian approach between 2012 and 2017 at a single, tertiary medical center. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative paramedian incisional hernia. RESULTS: Of the 735 patients included in the study, 445 (60.5%) were women, and the mean (standard deviation) age of all patients was 60 y (12.4). Nearly all (97.4%) paramedian approaches were performed with a vascular surgeon present. Median follow-up time was 10 mo (interquartile range 3.5-19.9). Postoperative paramedian hernia developed in 20 patients (2.7%), of which 14 underwent repair. The mean (standard deviation) size of the hernia was 13.5 cm (5.5); 9 of 14 (64%) were repaired with synthetic mesh, whereas 3 of 14 (21%) required bowel resection. On multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with hernia development were male gender (0.045), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (0.039), history of abdominal surgery (P = 0.013), and postoperative intensive care unit admission (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A paramedian approach for anterior lumbar spine exposure resulted in a low rate of incisional hernia with minimal morbidity. Surgeons involved in these collaborative procedures should consider the risk factors that predispose patients to develop these hernias.

Outcomes of arterial bypass preceding resection of retroperitoneal masses involving major vessels.

BACKGROUND: Current surgical management of retroperitoneal masses involving major vessels now includes complete en bloc resection with in situ venous, arterial, or combined reconstruction. No studies have investigated preresection arterial bypass for continuous lower extremity perfusion during definitive resection. Here, we characterize and compare the outcomes of surgery for retroperitoneal masses with major vascular involvement by a two-stage approach (femoral-femoral bypass preceding resection) and the traditional one-stage approach (consecutive resection and in situ vascular reconstruction). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent resection of retroperitoneal masses and reconstruction of major arterial or venous structures from 2004 to 2016. Outcomes were compared with unpaired t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent a two-stage procedure, and seven underwent a one-stage procedure for retroperitoneal masses with vascular involvement. Mean (±SD) oncologic resection time (443 ± 215 versus 648 ± 128 min, P = 0.047) and postoperative ICU stay (0.9 ± 1.3 versus 4.4 ± 2.9 d, P = 0.018) were significantly shorter for the two-stage approach. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a two-stage approach for resection of retroperitoneal masses with major vessel involvement. Femoral-femoral arterial bypass before definitive resection could be a viable option for improving intraoperative vascular control and decreasing perioperative complications in these complex procedures.

Management of aortic injury during minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive lateral approaches to the lumbar spine allow for interbody fusion with good visualization of the disk space, minimal blood loss, and decreased length of stay. Major neurologic, vascular, and visceral complications are rare with this approach; however, the steps in management for severe vascular injuries are not well defined. We present a case report of aortic injury during lateral interbody fusion and discuss the use of endovascular repair. METHODS: This study is a case report of an intraoperative aortic injury. RESULTS: A 59-year-old male with ankylosing spondylitis suffered an acute L1 Chance fracture after mechanical fall. He was taken to the operating room for a T10-L4 posterior instrumented fusion followed by a minimally invasive L1-L2 lateral interbody fusion for anterior column support. During the discectomy, brisk arterial bleeding was encountered due to an aortic injury. The vascular surgery team expanded the incision in an attempt to control the bleeding but with limited success. The patient underwent intraoperative angiogram with placement of stent grafts at the level of the injury followed by completion of the interbody fusion. Despite the potentially catastrophic nature of this injury, the patient made a good recovery and was discharged home in stable condition with no new neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of immediate recognition and imaging of any potential vascular injury during minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion. Given the poor outcomes associated with attempted open repair, endovascular techniques provide a valuable tool for the treatment of these complex injuries with significantly less morbidity.

Cryopreserved saphenous vein as a last-ditch conduit for limb salvage.

OBJECTIVE: In patients lacking autogenous vein suitable for infrainguinal bypass, cryopreserved saphenous vein (CSV) allograft (CryoLife, Inc, Kennesaw, Ga) may be an acceptable alternative. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of CSV conduit for infrainguinal revascularization. METHODS: Between February 2008 and August 2015, 70 patients underwent infrainguinal bypass grafts in 73 limbs using CSV. All patients lacked suitable arm or leg vein. Demographic data and patient outcomes were retrospectively collected using electronic medical records. RESULTS: The mean age of our cohort was 70 ± 14 years, and 36 (51%) were male; 47 (67%) were white, 39 (56%) had coronary artery disease, 27 (39%) had diabetes, 56 (80%) had hypertension, and 50 (71%) were former or current smokers. Median follow-up was 304 days (interquartile range, 130-991 days). Indications for the index operation included rest pain (27%), tissue loss (55%), and prosthetic graft infection (18%); 62 of 73 (85%) bypasses were performed for critical limb ischemia, and 45 of 73 (62%) were redo operations. Distal targets included superficial femoral artery or popliteal (38%), tibial (55%), and pedal (7%). All grafts had a minimum diameter of 3 mm. At 30 days, 55 of 64 grafts (86%) were patent; 9 were lost to early follow-up. The only significant risk factors associated with 30-day failure were ABO mismatch (43% vs 10%; P = .05) and donor blood type B or AB (40% vs 9%; P = .03). Estimated overall 1-year primary patency was 35%. In a multivariate analysis, nonblack race (P = .05), donor B or AB blood type (P = .01), and bypass to a tibial or pedal target (P = .05) were independently associated with loss of primary patency. There were 20 (27%) major amputations, and all grafts in these limbs had occluded at the time of amputation. Of the 33 limbs with ischemic tissue loss that had long-term follow-up, 17 of 33 (52%) went on to graft occlusion, 10 of 33 (30%) had a major amputation, and 24 of 33 (73%) had complete healing of the index wound. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of a multidisciplinary team with aggressive wound care, CSV may be a reasonable choice for infrainguinal revascularization in patients with ischemic tissue loss who lack autogenous conduit. However, poor midterm to long-term patency suggests that optimal selection of patients is needed to derive meaningful clinical benefit.

Risk Factors for 30-Day Hospital Readmission in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease.

Early hospital readmission among vascular surgery patients is a focus of Medicare's new reimbursement structure. We aim to identify factors associated with 30-day readmission after lower extremity interventions to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD). Retrospective analysis of 174 consecutive patients discharged from the vascular surgery service between January 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012, after procedures for lower extremity PAD was performed. Of 174 patients, 37 were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the readmitted and the nonreadmitted groups. In a multivariate logistic regression model, urgent operation and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission. The most common reasons for readmission were infection of the surgical site or index limb (18 of 37), followed by unresolved limb symptoms (13 of 37). The 30-day readmission is frequent after lower extremity interventions to treat PAD. Urgent operative intervention and advanced CKD appear to be risk factors for early hospital readmission.

Outcomes of neuroischemic wounds treated by a multidisciplinary amputation prevention service.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary amputation prevention teams decrease the frequency of major amputations by increasing the use of revascularization procedures and minor amputations. The outcomes of wound healing, wound recurrence, and ambulatory status are assumed to be improved but are not routinely reported. This study investigates the midterm outcomes of neuroischemic wounds treated by our multidisciplinary team. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with neuroischemic wounds treated at a single institution amputation prevention clinic from March 2012 to July 2013. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, procedural details, and clinical and functional outcomes were reviewed. Clinical end points under study included time to wound healing, reulceration rate, and ambulatory status. RESULTS: Over 16 months, there were 202 new patients and 1,355 clinic visits. Ninety-one limbs from 89 patients were treated for complex neuroischemic wounds. In 67% (61 of 91) of limbs, wounds were present for >6 weeks before referral. A history of previous revascularization was present in 39% (31 of 91), and 28% (22 of 91) had a previous minor amputation. Forty-one percent of wounds (38 of 91) were limited to the toes or the forefoot whereas 24% (22 of 91) involved the hindfoot or ankle. A total of 151 podiatric and 86 vascular interventions were performed, with an equal distribution of endovascular and open revascularizations. Complete healing was observed for 59% of wounds (54 of 91) over the observation period (median follow up, 207 days; range 56-561 days), and the average time to full healing was 12 weeks. Hindfoot wounds were predictive of failure to heal (odds ratio, 0.21; P < 0.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.68). Nineteen percent of patients (17 of 91) developed a new wound in the ipsilateral leg during follow-up. Three major amputations were performed (2 below-knee amputation and 1 above-knee amputation) for a major/minor amputation ratio of 0.06. Ambulatory status was preserved or improved in 74% (67 of 91) of patients. The 30-day readmission rate was 11%, which was lower than that observed (21%) in a contemporaneous but all-inclusive population of lower extremity revascularization procedures performed at our institution. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary limb salvage teams effectively heal wounds and maintain ambulatory status in patients with limb-threatening neuroischemic wounds. Patient specific factors, such as hindfoot or ankle wounds, can adversely influence the outcome. Even with aggressive care, healing can be prolonged and a substantial proportion of patients can be expected to have a recurrence, making subsequent surveillance mandatory. Our data also suggest that a coordinated amputation prevention program may help to minimize hospital readmissions in this high-risk population.

Infrainguinal bypass for critical limb ischemia: tips and tricks.

A thoughtful but aggressive approach to care of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is required to alleviate lower-extremity pain/tissue injury and achieve durable limb salvage. Specific subsets of CLI patients have been identified to clearly benefit from open surgical revascularization based on presenting signs (extensive tissue loss), multi-level, long-segment arterial occlusive disease, healthy saphenous conduit, and nondiseased tibial artery target vessel with continuous patency to the pedal arch. When other clinical scenarios exist, the treatment strategy requires consideration of patient's medical and surgical risk factors, anatomic distribution of atherosclerotic disease, and the clinical status of the limb affected by CLI. Infrainguinal saphenous vein bypass is the most durable technique for limb salvage and when properly performed is associated with excellent wound healing rates and improvement in quality of life. In this review, we detail our approach to infrainguinal arterial vein bypass in patients with CLI, including patient selection criteria, surgical planning based on arterial imaging studies, and operative technical requirements required for successful open lower-extremity bypass procedures.