Using Vascular Deserts as a Guide for Limb Preservation Outreach Programs Successfully Targets Underserved Populations.

BACKGROUND: Vascular deserts, regions without vascular providers, previously described targets for limb salvage efforts. The Comprehensive Heart and Multidisciplinary Limb Preservation Outreach Networks (CHAMPIONS) programs targeted regions for outreach and evaluated the population using desert maps. METHODS: At 2 events targeting underserved regions between 2022 and 2023, providers screened and educated participants on peripheral arterial and cardiovascular disease (PACD). Demographics and cardiovascular risk factors were collected. Using Arc geographic information system, vascular surgeons, and Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) participating facilities were mapped with a 30-mile buffer. Participants were mapped with census data, and the healthy places index (HPI) was overlayed for population and social determinants of health data analysis in medical service study areas (MSSA), a geographical analysis unit. (Figure 1) Results were compared to prior statewide deserts. RESULTS: Outreach program participants' mean age was 56 (range 6-88); 39% were male, and the majority were Hispanic (86%). 27% had no primary care provider (PCP). 30% had diabetes, 10% undiagnosed before the event, 38% had hypertension, 40% undiagnosed prior to the event, and 21% described intermittent claudication. 81% made <$30,000 annually, and 28% reported no health insurance. Similarities were observed when comparing program participant demographics to the population-level data from the targeted regions. Patients were more frequently Hispanic than other desert regions (68% vs. 36%, P < 0.001). Compared to other vascular desert regions, the target population was more disadvantaged in all HPI domains, including economic (18 vs. 38%, P < 0.001), education (21 vs. 39%, P < 0.001), and transportation (30 vs. 40%, P < 0.001). Worse education, financial, and transportation resources correspond to decreased care access due to poor literacy and travel burdens. CONCLUSIONS: CHAMPIONS programs successfully targeted populations needing care based on vascular care desert maps, demonstrating that at-risk populations can be successfully identified and screened for cardiovascular disease.

Impact of COVID-19 on patients undergoing scheduled procedures for chronic venous disease.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the medical landscape. Various strategies have been employed to preserve hospital beds, personal protective equipment, and other resources to accommodate the surges of COVID-19 positive patients, hospital overcapacities, and staffing shortages. This has had a dramatic effect on vascular surgical practice. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical delays and adverse outcomes for patients with chronic venous disease scheduled to undergo elective operations. METHODS: The Vascular Surgery COVID-19 Collaborative (VASCC) was founded in March 2020 to evaluate the outcomes of patients with vascular disease whose operations were delayed. Modules were developed by vascular surgeon working groups and tested before implementation. A data analysis of outcomes of patients with chronic venous disease whose surgeries were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 through February 2021 was performed for this study. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients from 12 institutions in the United States were included in the study. Indications for venous intervention were: 85.3% varicose veins, 10.7% varicose veins with venous ulceration, and 4.0% lipodermatosclerosis. One hundred two surgeries had successfully been completed at the time of data entry. The average length of the delay was 91 days, with a median of 78 days. Delays for venous ulceration procedures ranged from 38 to 208 days. No patients required an emergent intervention due to their venous disease, and no patients experienced major adverse events following their delayed surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions may be safely delayed for patients with venous disease requiring elective surgical intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding supports the American College of Surgeons' recommendations for the management of elective vascular surgical procedures. Office-based labs may be safe locations for continued treatment when resources are limited. Although the interventions can be safely postponed, the negative impact on quality of life warrants further investigation.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in females: A systematic review.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare anatomic condition caused by compression of neurovascular structures as they traverse the thoracic outlet. Depending on the primary structure affected by this spatial narrowing, patients present with one of three types of TOS-venous TOS, arterial TOS, or neurogenic TOS. Compression of the subclavian vein, subclavian artery, or brachial plexus leads to a constellation of symptoms, including venous thrombosis, with associated discomfort and swelling; upper extremity ischemia; and chronic pain due to brachial plexopathy. Standard textbooks have reported a predominance of females patients in the TOS population, with females comprising 70%. However, there have been few comparative studies of sex differences in presentation, treatment, and outcomes for the various types of TOS.

Assessing the Utility of Toe Arm Index and Toe Pressure in Predicting Wound Healing in Patients Undergoing Vascular Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Objective measures of perfusion such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe pressure remain important in prognosticating wound healing. However, the use of ABI is limited in patients with incompressible vessels and toe pressure may not be comparable across patients. While a toe arm index (TAI) may be of value in this setting, its role as clinical indicator of perfusion for healing in patients with lower-extremity wounds has not been well established. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all vascular patients with lower-extremity wounds that underwent peripheral vascular intervention between 2014-2019. Data regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, TAI, ABI, toe pressures, and the wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) score were collected. Associations between patient variables and wound healing at various time points were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients (67.7 ± 10.9 years; 71.1% male) were identified with lower-extremity wounds. Most patients underwent endovascular intervention (77.5%). Patients were followed for a median of 416 (IQR 129-900) days. Mean postoperative TAI was 0.35 ± 0.19 and mean WIfI score was 2.60 ± 1.17. Nine percent (15) of patients healed within 1 month, 44.8% (69) healed within 6 months, and 65.5% (97) healed within 1 year of revascularization without need for major amputation. Those that healed within 1 year without any major amputation did not differ from those that did not heal based on age, gender, race, comorbidities, periprocedural medications, or procedures performed. However, patients that healed without major amputation had a higher postoperative TAI (0.38 vs. 0.30, P = 0.02), higher toe pressure (53 vs. 40 mm Hg, P = 0.004), and lower WIfI score (2.26 vs. 3.12, P < 0.001). Patients that healed with 1 year without requiring any amputation had similar associations with postoperative TAI, toe pressure, and WIfI. Additionally, they were more likely to be White (P = 0.019) and have an open surgical procedure (P < 0.001) and less likely to have chronic kidney disease (P = 0.001) or diabetes (P = 0.008). A Youden index was calculated and identified a TAI value of 0.30 that optimized sensitivity and specificity for wound healing. The area under the curve for TAI as a predictor of wound healing was 0.62. CONCLUSIONS: Higher postoperative TAI is associated with higher odds of wound healing without need for major amputation. Toe arm index is therefore a useful tool to identify patients with adequate arterial perfusion to heal lower-extremity wounds. However, the area under the curve is poor for TAI when used as a sole predictor of wound healing potential suggesting that TAI should be one of multiple factors to considered when prognosticating wound healing potential.

How I do it. Thoracic outlet syndrome and the transaxillary approach.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a disease pattern that involves compression of neurologic venous or arterial structures as they pass through the thoracic outlet. TOS was first described as a vascular complication arising from the presence of a cervical rib. Over time, a better understanding of TOS has led to its wide range of presenting symptoms being divided into three distinct groups: arterial, venous, and neurogenic. Of the known cases, the current estimates of the incidence of neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS are 95%, 3%, and 1%, respectively. The different types of TOS have completely different presentations, requiring expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment unique to each. We present our evaluation, diagnosis, and management method of TOS patients, with specific attention paid to the transaxillary approach.

Defining Vascular Deserts to Describe Access to Care and Identify Sites for Targeted Limb Preservation Outreach.

BACKGROUND: Access to care plays a critical role in limb salvage in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). A "medical desert" describes a community lacking access to medical necessities, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to describe vascular deserts, which we defined as regions with decreased access to specialty care. METHODS: All California providers performing vascular surgery procedures were identified through online provider and health care facility searches. Facility participation in the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) lower extremity bypass (LEB) and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) modules was also determined. Addresses were geocoded with a 30-mile surrounding buffer using ArcGIS (Geographic information systems), creating maps based on care type, including all providers performing vascular procedures, board-certified vascular surgeons, and facilities participating in VQI modules. Public census data overlayed on the maps demonstrated population composition in desert versus nondesert regions. Subsequently, data from the Healthy Places Index (HPI) was overlayed, providing data regarding 25 social factors, comprising an overall HPI score and percent, with lower scores corresponding to poorer health and outcomes. RESULTS: Maps depicting care regions demonstrated decreased provider coverage with increasing specialty care, with the VQI provider map showing the most prominent "desert" regions. When comparing nondesert versus desert regions by care type, demographics including race, the percentage of the population 200% below the poverty line, and the rate of uninsured residents were described. Social determinants of health were then described for desert and nondesert regions by care type, including the HPI percentage and specific domain factors. The percentage of uninsured residents was significant only in the desert and nondesert areas served by board-certified vascular surgeons (19.6 vs. 16.8%, P < 0.001). The mean HPI percentile was significantly lower in board-certified provider and VQI facility deserts than nondeserts (50.48% vs. 40.65%, P < 0.001 and 52.68% vs. 43.12%, P < 0.001, respectively). The economic and education factor percentiles were significantly lower in all desert populations, while the housing, social, and pollution factors were significantly higher in nondesert regions. Health care access, transportation, and neighborhood factor percentiles were significantly lower in board-certified and VQI facility deserts than in the nondesert areas. CONCLUSIONS: Access to vascular care plays a significant role in limb salvage. Through mapping vascular deserts, patient demographics, and social factors in desert regions are better understood, and areas that would benefit most from targeted outreach and limb preservation programs for CLTI are identified.

The use of telemedicine in peripheral artery disease and limb salvage.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia represents the morbid end stage of severe peripheral artery disease, with significant impact on patient quality of life. Early diagnosis of arterial insufficiency and referral for vascular intervention are essential for successful limb salvage. Disparate outcomes have been reported among patients residing in rural areas due to decreased access to care. Remote telemedicine outreach programs represent an opportunity to improve access to care in these rural communities. Establishment of a telehealth program requires identification of communities most in need of specialty care. After locating an ideal site, collaboration with local providers is necessary to develop a program that meets the specific needs of providers and patients. Surgeon guidance in development of screening and management algorithms ensures that patients obtain care reliably and with adjustments as needed to suit the referring provider, the patient, and the specialist. Telehealth evaluations can limit the financial burden associated with travel, while ensuring access to higher levels of care than are available in the patients' immediate area. Multiple barriers to telehealth exist. These include limited reimbursement, local provider resistance to new referral patterns, lack of in-person interaction and evaluation, and the inability to do a physical examination. Improved reimbursement models have made telehealth feasible, although care must be taken to ensure that practice patterns complement existing resources and are designed in a way that omits the need for in-person evaluation until the time of specialist intervention. Telemedicine is an underused tool in the arsenal of vascular surgeons. Targeted telehealth programs aid in increasing patient access to expert-level care, thereby improving health disparities that exist in rural populations.

Patient and provider perspectives to utilization of telemedicine in surgery.

Objectives: Determine patient and provider perspectives on widespread rapid telemedicine implementation, understand the key components of a surgical telemedicine visit and identify factors that affect future telemedicine use. Summary of background data: Compared to other specialties, the field of surgery heretofore has had limited adoption of telemedicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic Healthcare, including the surgical specialties, saw new widespread use of telemedicine. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study during the COVID-19 California stay-at-home and physical distancing executive orders. Utilization data were collected from clinics and compared to usage data during the same time 1 year later. All patients and providers who participated in a telemedicine visit during the study period were asked to complete a survey after each encounter and the surveys were analyzed for trends in opinions on future use by stakeholders. Results: Over the 10-week period, the median percentage of telemedicine visits per clinic was 33% (17%-51%) which peaked 3 weeks into implementation. One hundred and ninety-one patients (48% women) with a median age of 64 years (IQR 53-73) completed the patient survey. Patients were first-time participants in telemedicine in 41% (n = 79) of visits. Fifty-seven percent (n = 45) of first-time users preferred that future visits be in-person versus 31% of prior users (p = 0.007). The median travel time from home to the clinic was 40 min (IQR = 20-90). Patients with longer travel times were not more likely to use telemedicine in the future (61% with longer travel vs. 53% shorter, p = 0.11). From the 148 provider responses, 90% of the visits providers were able to create a definitive plan with the telemedicine visit. A physical exam was determined not to be needed in 45% of the visits. An attempt at any physical exam was not performed in 84% of routine follow-up or new-patient visits, compared to 53% of post-op visits (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Telemedicine is a viable ambulatory visit option for surgical specialists and their patients. During rapid telemedicine deployment, travel distance did not correlate with increased use of telemedicine, and in-person visits are still preferred. However, nearly half of all visits did not need a physical exam, which favors telemedicine use.

Provider ankle brachial index and wound classification teaching as part of a comprehensive limb preservation outreach program.

OBJECTIVE: Utilization of evidence-based specialty guidelines is low in primary care settings. Early use of ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing and a validated wound classification system allows prompt referral of patients for specialty care. We implemented a program to teach providers ABI testing and the use of the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification tool. Here, we report program outcomes and provider perceptions. METHODS: Physicians and non-physicians from wound care centers, nursing and physician education programs, primary care offices, and federally qualified health centers were invited to participate in the educational program teaching ABI testing and the use of the WIfI tool. Pretest and posttest responses and intention to use content in the future were assessed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 101 subjects completed the ABI module, and 84 indicated their occupation (59 physicians, 25 non-physicians). Seventy-nine subjects completed the WIfI module, and 89% indicated their occupation (50 physicians, 20 non-physicians). Physicians had lower pre-test knowledge scores for the ABI module than non-physicians (mean scores of 7.9 and 8.2, respectively). Both groups had improved knowledge scores on the post-test (physicians, 13.4; non-physicians, 13.8; P < .001). Non-physicians in practice longer than 10 years at wound care centers had the lowest baseline knowledge scores, whereas physicians in practice for over 10 years had the highest. In the ABI module, the largest knowledge gap included accurately calculating the ABI, followed by the correct use of the Doppler, and management of incompressible vessels. For the WIfI module, providers struggled to accurately score patients based on wound classification. The greatest barriers to the implementation of ABI testing were the availability of trained personnel, followed by limited time for testing. Barriers to the use of the WIfI tool for physicians included lack of time and national guideline support. For non-physicians, the most notable barrier was a lack of training. CONCLUSIONS: Provider understanding of ABI and WIfI tools are limited in wound care centers, primary care offices, and federally qualified health centers. Further barriers include a lack of training in the use of tools, limited potential for point-of-care testing reimbursement, and insufficient dissemination of WIfI guidelines. Such barriers discourage widespread adoption and result in delayed diagnosis of arterial insufficiency.

In-situ bypass is associated with superior infection-free survival compared with extra-anatomic bypass for the management of secondary aortic graft infections without enteric involvement.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal revascularization modality following complete resection of aortic graft infection (AGI) without enteric involvement remains unclear. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the revascularization approach associated with the lowest morbidity and mortality using real-world data in patients undergoing complete excision of AGI. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of AGI from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standardized database. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative variables were recorded. The primary outcome was infection-free survival. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients at 34 institutions from seven countries presented with AGI during the study period (median age, 68 years; 75% male). The initial aortic procedures that resulted in AGI were 172 surgical grafts (71%), 66 endografts (27%), and three unknown (2%). Of the patients, 172 (71%) underwent complete excision of infected aortic graft material followed by in situ (in-line) bypass (ISB), including antibiotic-treated prosthetic graft (35%), autogenous femoral vein (neo-aortoiliac surgery) (24%), and cryopreserved allograft (41%). Sixty-nine patients (29%) underwent extra-anatomic bypass (EAB). Overall median Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was 5.8 years. Perioperative mortality was 16%. When stratified by ISB vs EAB, there was a significant difference in Kaplan-Meier estimated infection-free survival (2910 days; interquartile range, 391-3771 days vs 180 days; interquartile range, 27-3750 days; P < .001). There were otherwise no significant differences in presentation, comorbidities, or perioperative variables. Multivariable Cox regression showed lower infection-free survival among patients with EAB (hazard ratio [HR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-3.6; P < .001), polymicrobial infection (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5; P = .001), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7; P = .02), as well as the protective effect of omental/muscle flap coverage (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37-0.92; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: After complete resection of AGI, perioperative mortality is 16% and median overall survival is 5.8 years. EAB is associated with nearly a two and one-half-fold higher reinfection/mortality compared with ISB. Omental and/or muscle flap coverage of the repair appear protective.

Outcomes After Selective Fasciotomy for Revascularization of Nontraumatic Acute Lower Limb Ischemia.

Objectives: Limited data support the use of fasciotomies in acute limb ischemia (ALI) in patients with isolated arterial occlusion. This study describes an experience in which fasciotomies are not regularly performed post-revascularization. Methods: Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Edition codes, patients presenting to the University of California Davis Medical Center between January 2003 and July 2018 with ALI, excluding those with traumatic injuries were identified. The primary outcome was major amputation, and the secondary outcome was foot drop. Additionally, the characteristics of those patients in each category of ischemic severity excluding those with grade 3 ischemia were summarized. Results: Of the 253 patients identified, revascularization was successful in 230 patients with 11 total fasciotomies performed. One hundred thirty-five patients were Rutherford Class 1/2A and 95 were 2B. In those with 1/2A ischemia, 134 (102 had >6 hours of symptoms) did not undergo fasciotomy with only one amputation occurring in this group. In those with 2B ischemia, 65 had >6 hours of symptoms; 58 did not undergo fasciotomy with 4 major amputations. In the 30 patients with ≤6 hours of ischemic symptoms, 27 did not undergo fasciotomy with 1 major amputation occurring in this group. There were no amputations in those patients who underwent fasciotomies. Additionally, there were 14 patients with a foot drop, of which 11 were in patients with 2B ischemia without fasciotomy. Conclusions: The data suggest that regardless of ischemic duration, 1/2A patients may not need fasciotomies, while those patients with 2B ischemia may benefit.

Intern Perceptions and Participation in the Operating Room.

OBJECTIVE: ACGME work hour restrictions and decreasing resident case volumes have led to concern regarding competence of surgical residency graduates. Early operative experience is an important component of surgical education, providing a foundation for further learning. Intern year represents an opportunity for increased exposure. We sought to examine factors impacting intern perceptions and participation in the operating room. METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated the experience of interns from June 2019 through June 2020. Data was collected from nursing operative case logs, self-reported ACGME intern case logs, and an intern survey from the 2019 to 2020 academic year for 3 surgical services at a large academic institution. The primary endpoint was intern presence in operative cases and perceived experience. SETTING: University of California, Davis Medical Center, a large academic training institution and tertiary referral center located in Sacramento, California. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 31 interns comprised the 2019 to 2020 training cohort, including preliminary, categorical general surgery, and integrated subspecialty residents classified as intern by the institution, regardless of postgraduate training year. RESULTS: Interns were present in 945 (46%) of 2054 operative cases. Multivariable analysis indicated the presence of an APP (OR 1.68, 95% C.I. 1.34-2.10, p = 0.00) and a female attending (OR 1.30, 95% C.I. 1.07-1.58, p = 0.01) increased the likelihood of intern participation, while presence of an upper level resident decreased the likelihood (OR 0.35, 95% C.I. 0.22-0.57, p = 0.00). Interns participated in more cases later in the year compared to earlier (43% vs 59%, Z = 4.72, p = < 0.001). Surveys demonstrated participation was associated with encouragement by faculty and senior residents and a positive learning environment. Competing floor and clinic responsibilities negatively impacted participation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intern operative experience can be robust in the setting of ACGME work hour guidelines. Identified factors represent possible areas for improvement in service organization.

Early ABI Testing May Decrease Risk of Amputation for Patients With Lower Extremity Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lower extremity wounds from diabetes mellitus or peripheral artery disease (PAD) have a risk of amputation as high as 25%. In patients with arterial disease, revascularization decreases the risk of amputation. We aimed to determine if the early assessment of arterial perfusion correlates with the risk of amputation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients referred to the vascular clinic over 18 months with Rutherford Grade 5 and 6 chronic limb-threatening ischemia to determine if patients had a pulse exam done at the time the wound was identified and when ankle brachial index (ABI) testing to evaluate perfusion was performed. Kaplan Meier analysis was used to determine if the timing of ABI testing affected the time to revascularization, wound healing, and risk of amputation. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients with lower extremity wounds were identified. Of these, 59 patients (63%) did not have a pulse exam performed by their primary care provider when the wound was identified. Patients were classified by when they underwent ankle brachial index testing to assess arterial perfusion. Twenty-four had early ABI (<30 days) testing, with the remaining 69 patients having late ABI testing. Patients in the early ABI group were more likely to have a pulse exam done by their PCP than those in the late group, 12 (50%) vs. 22 (32%), P = 0.03. Early ABI patients had a quicker time to vascular referral (13 days vs. 91 days, P < 0.001). Early ABI patients also had quicker times to wound healing than those in the late group (117 days vs. 287 days, P < 0.001). Finally, patients that underwent early ABI were less likely to require amputation (Fig. 1), although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Early ABI testing expedites specialty referral and time to revascularization. It can decrease the time to wound healing. Larger cohort studies are needed to determine the overall effect of early ABI testing to decrease amputation rates.

Society for Vascular Surgery best practice recommendations for use of social media.

The use of social media (SoMe) in medicine has demonstrated the ability to advance networking among clinicians and other healthcare staff, disseminate research, increase access to up-to-date information, and inform and engage medical trainees and the public at-large. With increasing SoMe use by vascular surgeons and other vascular specialists, it is important to uphold core tenets of our commitment to our patients by protecting their privacy, encouraging appropriate consent and use of any patient-related imagery, and disclosing relevant conflicts of interest. Additionally, we recognize the potential for negative interactions online regarding differing opinions on optimal treatment options for patients. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is committed to supporting appropriate and effective use of SoMe content that is honest, well-informed, and accurate. The Young Surgeons Committee of the SVS convened a diverse writing group of SVS members to help guide novice as well as veteran SoMe users on best practices for advancing medical knowledge-sharing in an online environment. These recommendations are presented here with the goal of elevating patient privacy and physician transparency, while also offering support and resources for infrequent SoMe users to increase their engagement with each other in new, virtual formats.

Surgical and oncologic outcomes following arterial resection and reconstruction for advanced solid tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although arterial involvement for advanced tumors is rare, vascular resection may be indicated to achieve complete tumor resection. Given the potential morbidity of this approach, we sought to evaluate perioperative outcomes, vascular graft patency, and survival among patients undergoing tumor excision with en bloc arterial resection and reconstruction. METHODS: From 2010 to 2020, we identified nine patients with tumors encasing or extensively abutting major arterial structures for whom en bloc arterial resection and reconstruction was performed. RESULTS: Mean age was 53 ± 20 years, and 89% were females. Diagnoses were primary sarcomas (5), recurrent gynecologic carcinomas (3), and benign retroperitoneal fibrosis (1). Tumors involved the infrarenal aorta (2), iliac arteries (6), and superficial femoral artery (1). Three patients (33%) had severe perioperative morbidity (Grade III + ) with no mortality. At a median follow-up of 23 months, eight patients (89%) had primary graft patency, and five patients (56%) had no evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial resection and reconstruction as part of the multimodality treatment of regionally advanced tumors is associated with acceptable short- and long-term outcomes, including excellent graft patency. In appropriately selected patients, involvement of major arterial structures should not be viewed as a contraindication to attempted curative surgery.

Representation of women in vascular surgery science and societies.

OBJECTIVE: Medical schools and surgical residencies have seen an increase in the proportion of female matriculants, with 30% of current vascular surgery trainees being women over the past decade. There is widespread focus on increasing diversity in medicine and surgery in an effort to provide optimal quality of patient care and the advancement of science. The presence of gender diversity and opportunities to identify with women in leadership positions positively correlates with women choosing to enter traditionally male-dominated fields. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the representation of women in regional and national vascular surgical societies over the last 20 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of the meeting programs of vascular surgery societies was performed. Data were collected on abstract presenters, moderators, committee members and chairs, and officers (president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, and treasurer). The data were divided into early (1999-2009) and late (2010-2019) time periods. RESULTS: Five regional and five national societies' data were analyzed, including 139 meetings. The mean percentage of female abstract presenters increased significantly from 10.9% in the early period to 20.6% in the late period (P < .001). Female senior authors increased slightly from 8.7% to 11.5%, but this change was not statistically significant (P = .22). Female meeting moderators increased significantly from 7.8% to 17.2% (P < .001), as well as female committee members increased from 10.9% to 20.3% (P = .003). Female committee chairs increased slightly from 10.9% to 16.9%, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .13). Female society officers increased considerably from 6.4% to 14.8%. (P = .002). Significant variation was noted between societies, with five societies (three regional and two national) having less than 10% women at the officer level in 2019. There was a wide variation noted between societies in the percentage of female abstract presenters (range, 7.6%-34.9%), senior authors (3.9%-17.9%), and meeting moderators (5.4%-40.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the representation of women in vascular surgery societies among those presenting scientific work, serving as meeting moderators, and serving as committee members. However, the representation of women among committee chairs, senior authors, and society leadership has not kept up pace with the increase noted at other levels. Efforts to recruit women into the field of vascular surgery as well as to support the professional development of female vascular surgeons are facilitated by the presence of women in leadership roles. Increasing the representation of women in vascular society leadership positions may be a key strategy in promoting gender diversity in the vascular surgery field.

Size Criteria Is Not Sufficient in Selecting Patients for Local Excision Versus Radical Excision for Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors >2 cm: A National Cancer Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors >2 cm often undergo radical surgery, despite limited data supporting this practice. Five- and 10-year survival rates for these patients have been reported previously as 74.8% and 58.6%. OBJECTIVE: Overall survival was compared between local excision and radical surgery and pN0 and pN1 within the radical surgery subgroup for rectal neuroendocrine tumors >2 cm. Factors independently associated with survival were identified. DESIGN: A retrospective, nationwide, multivariate regression analysis was performed. SETTINGS: Data are from the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). PATIENTS: Patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors >2 cm, excluding stages T4 and M1, were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were overall survival and independent risk factors for overall survival based on multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Each group had 178 patients. After local excision, 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 88% and 72% vs 51% and 42% after radical surgery (p < 0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed similar survival (p = 0.96). Tumor factors independently associated with survival were nodal metastasis (HR = 2.01 (95% CI, 1.01-3.97)), poorly differentiated tumors (HR = 4.82 (95% CI, 1.65-14.01)), and undifferentiated tumors (HR = 9.91 (95% CI, 2.77-35.49)). After radical surgery, patients with and without nodal metastasis had 5-year survival rates of 44% vs 59% (unadjusted p = 0.09; adjusted p = 0.11), with insufficient 10-year survival data. LIMITATIONS: The study is a retrospective analysis and includes only Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals. Long-term follow-up was limited. Lymphovascular invasion was missing for a majority of patients analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Local excision for select patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors >2 cm is a viable alternative to radical surgery. Nodal status and tumor grade independently predict survival and should be factored into surgical intervention selection. In higher-risk patients selected for radical surgery, survival was similar between the pN0 and pN1 groups, possibly indicating a benefit of radical surgery for these patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B455. EL CRITERIO DE TAMAO NO ES SUFICIENTE PARA SELECCIONAR PACIENTES PARA LA ESCISIN LOCAL VERSUS ESCISIN RADICAL PARA TUMORES NEUROENDOCRINOS RECTALES CM ANLISIS DE UNA BASE DE DATOS NACIONAL DE CANCER: ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con tumores neuroendocrinos rectales >2 cm a menudo se someten a cirugía radical, a pesar de los datos limitados que respaldan esta práctica. La supervivencia a cinco y diez años para estos pacientes se había informado anteriormente como 74,8% y 58,6%, respectivamente.OBJETIVO:Se comparó la supervivencia global entre escisión local y cirugía radical, y pN0 y pN1 dentro del subgrupo de cirugía radical para tumores neuroendocrinos rectales >2 cm. Se identificaron factores asociados de forma independiente con la supervivencia.DISEÑO:Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de regresión multivariante a nivel nacional.AJUSTE:Los datos provienen de la Base de Datos Nacional sobre el cáncer (2004-2013).PACIENTES:Pacientes con tumores neuroendocrinos rectales > 2 cm, excluyendo los estadios T4 y M1.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las medidas de resultado fueron la supervivencia general y los factores de riesgo independientes para la supervivencia general según el análisis de regresión multivariante.RESULTADOS:Cada grupo tuvo 178 pacientes. Después de la escisión local, la supervivencia global a cinco y diez años fue del 88% y 72% frente al 51% y el 42% después de la cirugía radical (p <0,001). Un modelo multivariado de riesgos proporcionales de Cox mostró una supervivencia similar (p = 0,96). Los factores tumorales asociados de forma independiente con la supervivencia fueron metástasis ganglionares (HR = 2,01; IC, 1,01-3,97), tumores pobremente diferenciados (HR = 4,82, IC, 1,65-14,01) y tumores indiferenciados (HR = 9,91, IC, 2,77-35,49). Después de la cirugía radical, los pacientes con y sin metástasis ganglionar tuvieron una supervivencia a cinco años del 44% frente al 59%, respectivamente (p no ajustado = 0,09; p ajustado = 0,11), con datos insuficientes de supervivencia a diez años.LIMITACIONES:El estudio es un análisis retrospectivo e incluye solo hospitales acreditados por la Comisión de Cáncer. El seguimiento a largo plazo fue limitado. La mayoría de los pacientes analizados no tenían invasión linfovascular.CONCLUSIONES:La escisión local para pacientes seleccionados con tumores neuroendocrinos rectales >2 cm es una alternativa viable a la cirugía radical. El estado ganglionar y el grado del tumor predicen de forma independiente la supervivencia y deben tenerse en cuenta en la selección de la intervención quirúrgica. En los pacientes de mayor riesgo seleccionados para cirugía radical, la supervivencia fue similar entre los grupos pN0 vs. pN1, lo que posiblemente indica un beneficio de la cirugía radical para estos pacientes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B455.

Epidemiology of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) describes a complex disease process with three anatomic variations each with their own individual characteristics. Understanding the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of TOS is challenging for many providers. For this reason, the establishment of comprehensive care models and expert leadership by dedicated vascular surgeons with TOS experience has been invaluable.

Correlation of Patient Activation Measure Level with Patient Characteristics and Type of Vascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patient activation or level of engagement in one's medical care is linked to hospital readmissions and worse outcomes in a number of diseases. Patients with higher levels of activation are typically guiding their care rather than acting as passive observers of care. This study aims to determine if either patient demographics or type of vascular disease can predict patient activation. METHODS: All patients presenting over a 4-month period to an outpatient vascular clinic were asked to complete the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) survey. In total, 257 completed surveys were collected. Survey responses were scored on a Likert scale with anchors. Responses are tallied with a score of 1-100 and converted to summary levels 1-4 in accordance with the previously validated scoring system. Level 1 patients are considered disengaged and overwhelmed. Patients in level 2 are becoming aware of their health care, but still struggle. Level 3 patients are taking action, while level 4 represents patients who are maintaining healthy behaviors and pushing further. Chi-squared test and multivariable regression were then performed to determine if patient characteristics or type of disease correlated with activation levels. RESULTS: In total, 257 patients completed the survey. The mean participant age was 67 years (±15). Sixteen percent of patients lived alone, 58% were married, and in 39% mean household income was <$50,000. Overall, 21 patients (8.2%) were classified as level 1, 65 (25%) level 2, 94 (37%) level 3, and 77 (30%) level 4. The group comprised 32% peripheral artery disease (PAD), 20% carotid, 18% aortic/aneurysm, 14% venous, and 16% were various other vascular diseases. Over each disease group there was a wide range of activation, but no significant difference between the type of vascular disease and activation level. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients comprised 35% (n = 29) of the PAD group, and 66% of these patients reported an activation level of 3 (n = 10) or 4 (n = 9). There was no difference in the levels of activation reported by the CLTI patients compared to the general PAD cohort (P = 0.99). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that age, level of education, household income, and type of vascular disease correlated with PAM score, but there was no correlation between length of symptoms, race, or gender. CONCLUSIONS: Patient activation is unpredictable using patient characteristics or type of vascular disease, and CLTI patients report high activation levels. Quality databases that collect only patient demographics may not fully capture patient predictors of poor outcomes. Use of the PAM survey should be further explored in vascular patients to correlate activation level with vascular-specific outcomes.