Occurrence, Predictors, and Management of Late Vascular Complications following Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications (VC) associated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) during index hospitalization are prevalent and associated with increased mortality. Few studies have evaluated late VC following ECMO; this study aims to assess occurrence and management practices of late VC following discharge. METHODS: A retrospective single-institution review was performed of all patients surviving initial hospitalization after being cannulated for central or peripheral veno-venous (VV) or veno-arterial (VA) ECMO between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2020. Primary outcomes were to categorize and determine the rate late VC. Late VCs were defined as any cannulated vessel injury resulting from ECMO cannulation presenting after discharge from index hospitalization. Analysis was conducted by cannulated vessel and stratified by VV or VA ECMO configurations. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients were identified, of which 50.6% (n=116) survived until discharge. Late VC occurred in 7.8% of the surviving cohort (n=9/116); with a median time until presentation of 150 days (IQR 83-251). The most common late VC was infection (n=5, 55.6%) followed by progression to limb threatening ischemia (n=4, 44.4%). Urgent procedures were required in 55.6% of patients (n=5), while 44.4% (n=4) were elective interventions. Interventions performed for management of late VC included lower extremity arterial revascularization (n=6, 66.7%), major (n=1, 11.1%) or minor amputation (n=1, 11.1%), and wound debridement (n=1, 11.1%). The majority of patients presenting with late VC had initially been cannulated for peripheral-VA ECMO (n=8, 88.9%) and 1 patient (11.1%) was cannulated for peripheral-VV ECMO. VC during index hospitalization were seen in 77.8% (n=7) of patients returning with late VC. Odds for late VC were significantly increased in patients that had been cannulated for ECMO as part of extracorporeal-cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) (OR 8.4, p=0.016) and in cases were patient had experienced an index VC during index hospitalization (OR 19.3, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Late vascular complications after peripheral ECMO cannulation are not rare, particularly after arterial cannulation. Patients should be followed closely early after surviving ECMO with wound evaluation and formal assessment of perfusion with ankle-branchial indices in the cannulated limb.

Clinical Impact of an Enhanced Recovery Program for Lower-extremity Bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) implementation with length of stay (LOS) and perioperative outcomes after lower-extremity bypass (LEB). BACKGROUND: ERPs have been shown to decrease hospital LOS and improve perioperative outcomes, but their impact on patients undergoing vascular surgery remains unknown. METHODS: Patients undergoing LEB who received or did not receive care under the ERP were included; pre-ERP (January 1, 2016-May 13, 2018) and ERP (May 14, 2018-July 31, 2022). Clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 393 patients who underwent LEB [pre-ERP: n = 161 (41%); ERP: n = 232 (59%)], most were males (n = 254, 64.6%), White (n = 236, 60%), and government-insured (n = 265, 67.4%). Pre-ERP patients had higher Body Mass Index (28.8 ± 6.0 vs 27.4 ± 5.7, P = 0.03) and rates of diabetes (52% vs 36%, P = 0.002). ERP patients had a shorter total [6 (3-13) vs 7 (5-14) days, P = 0.01) and postoperative LOS [5 (3-8) vs 6 (4-8) days, P < 0.001]. Stratified by indication, postoperative LOS was shorter in ERP patients with claudication (3 vs 5 days, P = 0.01), rest pain (5 vs 6 days, P = 0.02), and tissue loss (6 vs 7 days, P = 0.03). ERP patients with rest pain also had a shorter total LOS (6 vs 7 days, P = 0.04) and lower 30-day readmission rates (32%-17%, P = 0.02). After ERP implementation, the average daily oral morphine equivalents decreased [median (interquartile range): 52.5 (26.6-105.0) vs 44.12 (22.2-74.4), P = 0.019], while the rates of direct discharge to home increased (83% vs 69%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest single-center cohort study evaluating ERP in LEB, showing that ERP implementation is associated with shorter LOS and improved perioperative outcomes.

Treatment Location Variation for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Patients With Kidney Failure.

INTRODUCTION: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is an established risk factor for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Procedural location for ESKD patients has not been well described. This study aims to examine variation in index procedural location in ESKD versus non-ESKD patients undergoing peripheral vascular intervention for CLTI and identify preoperative risk factors for tibial interventions. METHODS: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) peripheral vascular intervention dataset. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compared between patients with and without ESKD and those undergoing index tibial versus nontibial interventions. A multivariable logistic regression evaluating risk factors for tibial intervention was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 23,480 procedures were performed on CLTI patients with 13.6% (n = 3154) with ESKD. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients were younger (66.56 ± 11.68 versus 71.66 ± 12.09 y old, P = 0.019), more often Black (40.6 versus 18.6%, P < 0.001), male (61.2 versus 56.5%, P < 0.001), and diabetic (81.8 versus 60.0%, P < 0.001) than non-ESKD patients. Patients undergoing index tibial interventions had higher rates of ESKD (19.4 versus 10.6%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (73.4 versus 57.5%, P < 0.001) and lower rates of smoking (49.9 versus 73.0%, P < 0.001) than patients with nontibial interventions. ESKD (odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52-1.86, P < 0.001), Black race (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.30, P < 0.001), and diabetes (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.71-2.00, P < 0.001) were risk factors for tibial intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ESKD and CLTI have higher rates of diabetes and tibial disease and lower rates of smoking than non-ESKD patients. Tibial disease was associated with ESKD, diabetes, and Black race.

Aortic endarterectomy in patients with severe multivessel paravisceral and aortoiliac occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic endarterectomy (AE), once a treatment of choice for aortoiliac occlusive disease, is now rarely performed in favor of endovascular procedures or open aortobifemoral bypass. However, in select patients with paravisceral or aortoiliac occlusive disease, AE remains a viable alternative for revascularization, either as a primary procedure or after prior interventions have failed. Here, we evaluated outcomes for an extended series of patients undergoing paravisceral or aortoiliac endarterectomy, demonstrating that these procedures can be an excellent alternative with acceptable morbidity and mortality in properly selected patients. METHODS: A single institution retrospective review of 20 patients who underwent AE from 2017 to 2023 was performed. RESULTS: Five patients (25%) underwent paravisceral endarterectomy and 15 (75%) underwent aortoiliac endarterectomy. There were no perioperative mortalities. One paravisceral patient died 3 months postoperatively from complications of pneumonia. Three patients in the paravisceral group required reinterventions; one acutely due to thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) requiring extension of the endarterectomy and patch angioplasty on postoperative day 0, one due to stenosis at the distal edge of the endarterectomy 1 month postoperatively, successfully treated with SMA stenting, and one at 10-month follow-up due to SMA stenosis at the distal aspect of the endarterectomy, also successfully treated with SMA stenting. With these reinterventions, the 1-year primary patency in the paravisceral group was 40%, primary-assisted patency was 80%, and secondary patency was 100%. In the aortoiliac group, 1-year primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency were 91%, 91%, and 100%, respectively. One patient developed iliac thrombosis 10 days postoperatively owing to an intimal flap distal to the endarterectomy site. She and one other patient, a young man with an undefined hypercoagulable disorder, ultimately required neoaortoiliac reconstructions at 18 and 32 months postoperatively, respectively (the latter in the setting of stopping anticoagulation). The remaining 13 patients experienced no complications. All patients had rapid resolution of clinical symptoms, and median postoperative ankle-brachial indexes of 1.06 on the right and 1.00 on the left, representing a median improvement from preoperative ankle-brachial indexes of +0.59 on the right and +0.56 on the left (P < .01 and P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In this series of 20 patients undergoing paravisceral and infrarenal aortoiliac endarterectomy, AE was associated with no perioperative mortality, relatively low and manageable morbidity, and excellent clinical outcomes in patients with both paravisceral and aortoiliac occlusive disease. SMA-related early reintervention was not uncommon in the paravisceral group, and attention should be given particularly to the distal endarterectomy site. AE remains a viable treatment for severe multivessel paravisceral or aortoiliac occlusive disease isolated to the aorta and common iliac arteries in select patients.

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.

Differences in Long-Term Outcomes in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease and major adverse limb events following infra-inguinal bypass. Despite comprising an important patient population, ESKD patients are rarely analyzed as a subgroup and are underrepresented in vascular surgery guidelines. This study aims to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with and without ESKD undergoing endovascular peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: CLTI patients with and without ESKD from 2007-2020 were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative PVI dataset. Patients with prior bilateral interventions were excluded. Patients undergoing femoral-popliteal and tibial interventions were included. Mortality, reintervention, amputation, and occlusion rates at 21 months following intervention were examined. Statistical analyses were completed with the t-test, chi-square, and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The ESKD cohort was younger (66.4 ± 11.8 vs. 71.6 ± 12.1 years, P < 0.001) with higher rates of diabetes (82.2 vs. 60.9%, P < 0.001) the non-ESKD cohort. Long-term follow-up was available for 58.4% (N = 2,128 procedures) of ESKD patients and 60.8% (N = 13,075 procedures) of non-ESKD patients. At 21 months, ESKD patients had a higher mortality (41.7 vs. 17.4%, P < 0.001) and a higher amputation rate (22.3 vs. 7.1%, P < 0.001); however, they had a lower reintervention rate (13.2 vs. 24.6%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CLTI patients with ESKD have worse long-term outcomes at 2 years following PVI than non-ESKD patients. Mortality and amputation are higher with ESKD, while the reintervention rate is lower. Development of guidelines within the ESKD population has the potential to improve limb salvage.

Investigating glycemic control in patients undergoing lower extremity bypass within an enhanced recovery pathway at a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) aim to lower perioperative stress to facilitate recovery. Limited fasting combined with carbohydrate loading is a common ERP element. The effect of limited fasting has not been elucidated in patients with diabetes. Given the known deleterious effects of poor glycemic control in the perioperative period, such as increased rates of surgical site infection, the associations of preoperative limited fasting with perioperative glycemic control and early outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) were investigated. METHODS: A single institutional retrospective review of patients who underwent infrainguinal LEB from 2016 to 2022 was performed. The ERP was initiated in May 2018. Patients were stratified by diabetes diagnosis and preoperative hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels. Perioperative glycemic control was compared between the limited fasting and traditional fasting patients (nil per os at midnight). Limited fasting was defined as a clear liquid diet until 2 hours before surgery with recommended carbohydrate loading consisting of 400 cc of a clear sports drink (approximately 30 g of carbohydrates). All limited fasting patients were within the ERP. Early perioperative hyperglycemia (EPH) was defined as blood glucose of >180 mg/dL within the first 24 hours of surgery. Perioperative outcomes such as surgical site infection, readmission, reinterventions, and complications were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 393 patients were included (limited fasting patients N = 135; traditional fasting patients N = 258). A trend toward EPH was seen in all limited fasting groups. Evaluating limited fasting within diabetic patients revealed that 74.5% of limited fasting-diabetic patients had EPH compared with 49.6% of traditional fasting-diabetic patients (P = .001). When stratified by the HbA1C level, a significantly higher rate of EPH was seen in the HbA1c >8.0% groups, with 90.5% in the limited fasting patients compared with 67.9% in traditional fasting patients (P = .05). Limited fasting-diabetic patients experience a longer postoperative length of stay at 5.0 days (interquartile range: 3, 9) vs 4.0 days (2, 6) in nondiabetic patients (P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: ERP limited fasting was associated with early perioperative hyperglycemia after LEB, particularly in patients with HbA1C >8.0%. Due to the high prevalence of diabetic patients undergoing LEB under ERP, the role of limited fasting and common glycemic elements of ERP may need to be re-evaluated in this subpopulation.

A framework for perioperative care for lower extremity vascular bypasses: A Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) Society and Society for Vascular Surgery.

The Society for Vascular Surgery and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society formally collaborated and elected an international, multi-disciplinary panel of experts to review the literature and provide evidence-based suggestions for coordinated perioperative care for patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery for peripheral artery disease. Structured around the ERAS core elements, 26 suggestions were made and organized into preadmission, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections.

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.

Effect of a Decision Aid on Agreement Between Patient Preferences and Repair Type for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can choose open repair or endovascular repair (EVAR). While EVAR is less invasive, it requires lifelong surveillance and more frequent aneurysm-related reinterventions than open repair. A decision aid may help patients receive their preferred type of AAA repair. Objective: To determine the effect of a decision aid on agreement between patient preference for AAA repair type and the repair type they receive. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cluster randomized trial, 235 patients were randomized at 22 VA vascular surgery clinics. All patients had AAAs greater than 5.0 cm in diameter and were candidates for both open repair and EVAR. Data were collected from August 2017 to December 2020, and data were analyzed from December 2020 to June 2021. Interventions: Presurgical consultation using a decision aid vs usual care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had agreement between their preference and their repair type, measured using χ2 analyses, κ statistics, and adjusted odds ratios. Results: Of 235 included patients, 234 (99.6%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 73 (5.9) years. A total of 126 patients were enrolled in the decision aid group, and 109 were enrolled in the control group. Within 2 years after enrollment, 192 (81.7%) underwent repair. Patients were similar between the decision aid and control groups by age, sex, aneurysm size, iliac artery involvement, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Patients preferred EVAR over open repair in both groups (96 of 122 [79%] in the decision aid group; 81 of 106 [76%] in the control group; P = .60). Patients in the decision aid group were more likely to receive their preferred repair type than patients in the control group (95% agreement [93 of 98] vs 86% agreement [81 of 94]; P = .03), and κ statistics were higher in the decision aid group (κ = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.60-0.95) compared with the control group (κ = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.74). Adjusted models confirmed this association (odds ratio of agreement in the decision aid group relative to control group, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.10-7.70). Conclusions and Relevance: Patients exposed to a decision aid were more likely to receive their preferred AAA repair type, suggesting that decision aids can help better align patient preferences and treatments in major cardiovascular procedures. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03115346.

Mortality Trends in Contemporary Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repairs Among Veterans.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical trials at the advent of endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (EVARs) demonstrated improved early survival with EVAR compared to open repairs; however, characterizations of routine contemporary care have been limited. This study compares postoperative survival among Veterans in clinical care following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair with EVAR versus open repairs since the widespread adoption of EVAR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis of Veterans with AAA repairs from 2007 to 2020 at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities evaluated survival by a repair method. Administrative International Classification of Diseases 9/10 codes and sociodemographic characteristics from structured charting were used for characterization and adjusted analyses. Demographics were compared via Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum testing and mortality evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses. RESULTS: Among 15,480 AAA repairs (3566 open, and 11,914 EVAR), patients receiving open repairs were younger with lower Charlson scores compared to EVARs. EVAR was associated with better survival until 2.4 y post-procedure. Mean long-term survival, however, was higher for open surgery (6.3 ± 3.8 versus 5.8 ± 3.1 y in EVAR). After adjustment for gender, race, and ethnicity, EVAR was associated with worse survival (mortality hazard ratio [HR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.24) as was each increment in Charlson score (HR 1.11; CI 1.10-1.12), whereas service-connected care (HR 0.73; CI, 0.70-0.77) and age (HR 0.99; CI, 0.98-0.99) were associated with better survival. CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary Veteran aneurysm repairs, although a higher early survival rate was observed in EVAR repairs, long-term survival was higher for open repairs. Service-connected care was independently associated with greater survival after aneurysm repair.

Migration of High Cardiac Risk Patients from Open to Endovascular Procedures is Evident within the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative.

BACKGROUND: In this study, pre-operative medical complexity is estimated by the independently validated Vascular Quality Initiative VQI Cardiac Risk Index (CRI). This study aims to identify and correlate trends of CRI for open abdominal aortic aneurysm (OAR) with trends in the CRI for corresponding endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). This assessment of differences in estimated procedural risks will be used to support the theory that, patient migration is an important factor contributing to decreased POMI following open vascular procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of VQI data from 2003 to 2020 for all patients undergoing elective aortic repairs (OAR and EVAR) was conducted. The CRI scoring developed for the open repair (oCRI) was applied to both the OAR and EVAR cohorts, with variables specific to EVAR translated from similar open repair factors in the model where feasible. To evaluate for changes across time, patients were grouped into Eras based on year of procedure, subsequently, univariate analysis of post-operative myocardial infarction (POMI) rates and CRI scores were perfomed between each era. RESULTS: A total of 56,067 elective aortic repairs were identified (83% EVAR, 17% OAR). Within the OAR cohort, the average oCRI estimate was 7.1% with significant decrease across the studied timeframe (8% ± 4.6%→6.9% ± 4.4%, P < 0.001), which corresponded to a significant decrease in observed clinical myocardial infarction (MI) rate (4.1%→1.4%, P < 0.001). Over that same time period, the open CRI was applied to the EVAR cohort, and the average oCRI estimate was 7.2% and showed a significant increase (6.6% ± 2.8%→7.2% ± 4.4%, P < 0.001). Within the EVAR cohort, the eCRI estimate did not show any significant changes over time (average 0.48%), while the actual rate of clinical MI showed a significant decrease (1.1%→0.3%, P = 0.002). Gap analysis was conducted within the EVAR cohort between CRI estimates of procedural risks from an open operation versus an EVAR, which demonstrated that patients within the EVAR cohort would, on an average, has had 6.7% higher risk of POMI had they undergone an open procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Paradigm shifts with regard to patient selection for aortic repair is evident within this large national cohort. Over time, OAR patients had fewer preoperative estimated cardiac comorbidities and there is a corresponding decrease in POMI rates. As high-risk patients migrate from OAR to EVAR, there has been a subsequent increase in EVAR estimated pre-operative risks as the patients become more medically high-risk. Despite increasing complexity, rates of POMI in EVAR significantly decreased, potentially explained by improved operative technique and peri-operative care.

Association of Statin and Antiplatelet Use with Survival in Patients with AAA with and without Concomitant Atherosclerotic Occlusive Disease.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy has been associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing treatment for vascular disease. Current guidelines do not address statin therapy in isolated abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the absence of other atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This study aims to elucidate effects of statin therapy, either as monotherapy or combined with antiplatelet agents, on the long-term mortality of patients with and without ASCVD who undergo elective AAA repair. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all AAA patients treated electively with endovascular (EVAR) and open aortic repair (OAR) in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative from 2003-2020. Long-term mortality was evaluated based on the presence of statin and antiplatelet medication use at discharge stratified by those with and without a history of ASCVD. Unadjusted survival was estimated by Kaplan Meier methodology. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine mortality risk after adjusting for key factors. RESULTS: A total of 47,012 AAA repairs were selected for analysis: 80.7% EVAR (N = 40,153) and 19.3% OAR (N = 6,859). EVAR patients on combined statin/antiplatelet (AP) therapy had significantly better survival irrespective of whether they had known ASCVD. In the presence of ASCVD, EVAR patients on statin alone had improved survival compared to those not on a statin (10.9 ± 0.5 vs. 10.5 ± 0.4 years, Log Rank < 0.001), with survival being even greater among those receiving combined statin/AP therapy (12.2 ± 0.2 vs. 10.5 ± 0.4 years, Log Rank < 0.001). In the absence of ASCVD, EVAR patients on statin alone also had better mean survival compared to patients not on a statin (8.7 ± 0.5 vs. 8.4 ± 0.4 years, Log Rank<.001), with higher survival among statin/AP therapy patients (9.4 ± 0.2 years vs. 8.7 ± 0.5 years, Log Rank < 0.001). Comparison of adjusted survival via Cox multivariable regression demonstrated a protective effect of statins (HR = 0.737, P = 0.04, vs. no medication) and combined statin/AP therapy (HR = 0.659, P = 0.001, vs no medication) in patients with ASCVD history. A similar protective effect (statin: HR 0.826, P = 0.05. Combination statin/AP: HR 0.726, P < 0.001, vs. no medication) was identified in patients without ASCVD history. Within the OAR cohort, statin therapy was not associated with improved survival among patients without ASCVD; however, combined statin/AP therapy had a protective effect for patients with a known ASCVD diagnosis. Based on KM analysis, OAR patients with ASCVD on combined statin/AP therapy had significantly higher mean survival compared to isolated statin therapy (12.7 ± 0.2 vs. 10.3 ± 0.65 years) and no medical therapy (10.5 ± 0.8 years, Log Rank < 0.001). In KM analysis, OAR patients without known ASCVD indications (N = 3591) had no significant survival differences based on the presence of combined statin/AP therapy (8.4 ± .07 vs. 8.5 ± .11 years, Log Rank = 0 638). CONCLUSION: Isolated statin therapy and combined statin/AP therapy showed significant survival benefit in all EVAR and OAR patients with ASCVD indications, as well as among EVAR patients without a known ASCVD diagnosis. OAR patients without ASCVD did not have a significant survival benefit from statin therapy, but low numbers in this group may have confounded the findings. Combined statin/AP therapy appears to have significant post-repair survival benefits even in isolated AAA without ASCVD, as demonstrated in post-EVAR patients in this study. Expansion of statin use recommendations within aneurysm treatment guidelines may be warranted.

Perioperative care in open aortic vascular surgery: A consensus statement by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society and Society for Vascular Surgery.

The Society for Vascular Surgery and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society formally collaborated and elected an international, multidisciplinary panel of experts to review the literature and provide evidence-based recommendations related to all the health care received in the perioperative period for patients undergoing open abdominal aortic operations (both transabdominal and retroperitoneal approaches, including supraceliac, suprarenal, and infrarenal clamp sites) for aortic aneurysm and aortoiliac occlusive disease. Structured around the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery core elements, 36 recommendations were made and organized into preadmission, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative recommendations.

Clinical practice and volume trends of inferior vena cava filter usage at a single tertiary care center during a 19-year period.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical practice and volume trends of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) usage at a single institution for an extended period and identified the potential factors affecting the clinical decision for placement, follow-up, and retrieval. METHODS: An institutional database was queried for IVCFs placed from 2000 to 2018 using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. The medical records were reviewed to evaluate the demographics, economic status, placement indication, IVCF type, follow-up evaluation for retrieval, and retrieval success rates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and t tests for continuous and χ2 for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 3915 IVCFs were placed from 2000 to 2018. The placement of IVCFs had increased steadily from 2000 (127 IVCFs/y), peaking in 2010 at 371 IVCFs/y and representing a 292% increase in IVCF usage. Since 2010, the number of IVCFs placed has steadily declined until 2016 to 2018, with a 426% decrease from the peak. In a subgroup of IVCFs placed for prophylaxis, the total volume trends paralleled a shift in clinical indications, peaking in 2010 and accounting for 45% of all IVCFs placed and then decreasing from 2013 to 2018 to ≤10%. Overall, 989 permanent IVCFs (25.3%) and 2926 retrievable IVCFs (74.7%) were placed during the entire study period. Before dedicated efforts to implement retrieval follow-up visits, the successful retrieval rate was ∼1% from 2000 to 2006 and had increased to ∼10% to 15% from 2007 to 2015, 36.7% in 2016, 40.2% in 2017, and 40.3% in 2018 after implementation of more active retrieval follow-up protocols. The predictors for the lack of evaluation for IVCF retrieval included an extended length of stay (P = .004) and geographic distance (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of IVCFs during the past 19 years at our institution reflected increased usage from 2000 to 2010, corresponding to an increase in prophylactic placement, followed by a decreasing total volume from 2011 to 2018, largely attributable to decreased prophylactic IVCF placement. Improved retrieval rates were seen after implementation of an active IVCF retrieval program.

Type III endoleaks in complex endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair within the Vascular Quality Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: Type III endoleaks (T3ELs) following complex endovascular aneurysm repair (c-EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm have been historically difficult to study due to their relative rarity. Previous studies within standard infrarenal EVAR have found an association between T3ELs and decreased survival. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of T3ELs in a national multicenter cohort, identify potential procedural characteristics associated with T3EL development, and determine their impact on clinical outcomes in c-EVAR. METHODS: A retrospective cohort review was conducted of elective c-EVAR for nonruptured aneurysms within the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) between January 2010 and March 2020. The VQI standards define c-EVAR as suprarenal or pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms repaired with any thoracoabdominal repairs, fenestrated/branched repairs, parallel stent repairs, custom manufactured devices, and physician-modified endografts. End points assessed were rates of T3ELs within c-EVAR, and impact of T3ELs on reintervention and survival. Index endoleaks were defined as endoleaks discovered during index hospitalization. Incident endoleaks were defined as new endoleaks, which were not present at index hospitalization, discovered at follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 4070 c-EVAR cases were identified between January 2010 and March 2020, of which 2656 (65.2%) had appropriate follow-up data. One-half of the cohort had a modified or custom graft (n = 2055/4070; 50.5%). Branches were employed in 3687 patients (90.5%), whereas fenestrations and chimney techniques were documented in 13% (n = 533) and 15.1% (n = 613), respectively. The rate of index T3ELs was 4.1% (n = 167), and the rate of incident T3ELs at follow-up was 0.04% (n = 1). Devices categorized as either custom or physician-modified were utilized more frequently in patients with index T3ELs (78.4%; n = 131/167) compared with patients without index T3ELs (49.2%; n = 1924/3903) (P < .001). Compared with those without T3ELs, the presence of index T3ELs was not statistically associated with increased aortic reinterventions or increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: T3ELs in c-EVAR remain relatively uncommon and are identified predominately at index hospitalization. Development of T3EL was associated with higher device modularity and modification, which suggests that as device technologies continue to advance and become more intricate, the occurrence of T3ELs may persist and continue to require evaluation. In this study, the presence of T3ELs did not appear to have a statistically significant relationship with aortic reinterventions or survival; however, these findings are not definitive due to low event rate numbers and high potential for type II errors. Amid the theoretical risk of device fatigue and degeneration, continued evaluations of large cohorts at extended follow-up intervals and diligent reporting remain paramount.

Short-Term Concerns Primarily Determine Patient Preference for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair may be performed through open or endovascular approaches, but the factors influencing a patient's repair-type preference are not well characterized. Here we performed a qualitative analysis to better understand factors influencing patient preference within the Preference for Open Versus Endovascular Repair of AAA Trial. METHODS: Open-ended responses regarding primary (n = 21) and secondary (n = 47) factors influencing patient preference underwent qualitative analysis using the constant comparative method with iterative reviews. Codes were used to generate themes and themes grouped into categories, with each step conducted via consensus agreement between three researchers. Relative prevalence of themes were compared to ascertain trends in patient preference. RESULTS: Patient responses regarding both primary and secondary factors fell into four categories: Short-term concerns, long-term concerns, advice & experience, and other. Patients most frequently described short-term concerns (23) as their primary influence, with themes including post-op complications, hospitalization & recovery, and intraoperative concerns. Long-term concerns were more prevalent (20) as secondary factors, which included themes such as survival, and chronic management. The average age of patients voicing only long-term concerns as a primary factor was 11 years younger than those listing only short-term concerns. CONCLUSION: Short-term concerns relating to the procedure and recovery are more often the primary factor influencing patient preference, while long term concerns play a more secondary role. Long-term concerns are more often a primary factor in younger patients. Vascular surgeons should consider this information in shared decision making to reach an optimal outcome.

Association of Mental Health Disorders and Aortic Dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health disorders (MHD), including substance abuse, have been associated with aortic dissection (AD). Aneurysmal degeneration in the residual untreated aorta after both open and endovascular treatment is not uncommon in AD. Thus, diligent long-term follow-up is necessary and MHD may play a role in treatment plan and surveillance. The impact of MHD on management, outcomes and follow-up after AD treatment is unknown and here we sought to evaluate these associations. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all patients diagnosed with Stanford Type A and B dissections from 2008 to 2018 at a tertiary referral center. MHD was defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 649 non-traumatic aortic dissections were identified in the study timeframe. The cohort consisted of 51% Type A (n = 334) dissection and 49% Type B (n = 315) dissection. Mental health disorders were present in 49.3% of the cohort. Notably, the timing of MHD diagnosis relative to development of AD is unknown in the majority of patients. Within the Type A population, a MHD was present in 50.6% (N = 162) of patients, of which the most common indication for MHD was the presence of antidepressant or antipsychotic medication (28.6%). In patients with Type A dissections, the presence of a MHD did not significantly affect the rate of index hospitalization intervention (68%) or long-term mortality (12.5% in patients with a MHD). Within the Type B population, a MHD was present in 49.4% (n = 158) of patients, of which the most common indication for MHD was the presence of antidepressant or antipsychotic medication (30.5%). In patients with Type B dissections, the presence of a MHD did not significantly affect the rate of index hospitalization intervention (50.3% in patients with a MHD) or long-term mortality (10.1% in patients with a MHD). The overall participation in follow-up care was not significantly decreased based on the presence of a MHD compared to those without a MHD (1.66 ± 2.16 years vs. 1.68 ± 2.20 years, P = 0.93). CONCLUSION: MHD is more prevalent in AD patients than in the general population, but demonstrating a causal relationship between MHD and development/progression of AD is challenging. Despite a high prevalence of MHD in AD patients, in-hospital mortality and follow-up compliance was similar to non-MHD patients.

Incidence and predictors of early and delayed renal function decline after aortic aneurysm repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative database.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) may complicate both open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and health care expense. We aim to evaluate the incidence of postoperative AKI and factors associated with its occurrence and the effects of postoperative AKI on long-term renal function and mortality after open and EVAR in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative registry. METHODS: Elective aneurysm cases were identified including thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) and complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (cEVAR), infrarenal endovascular repair (EVAR) and infrarenal open repair (OAR) from 2003 to 2019. The preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula and stratified based on chronic kidney disease (CKD) grades. Postoperative AKI was defined per the Vascular Quality Initiative definition as a creatinine increase of 0.5 mg/dL or if postoperative dialysis was required. Patients on preprocedural hemodialysis and those with previous renal transplant were excluded. Demographics and procedural factors were evaluated for predicting in-hospital postoperative AKI (all approaches) and at 9 to 21 months of long-term follow-up (EVAR only) using logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: We identified a total of 2813 cEVAR, 2995 TEVAR, 39,945 EVAR, and 8143 OAR patients. Of those, postoperative AKI occurred in 377 cEVAR (13.5%), 199 TEVAR (6.7%), 1099 EVAR (2.8%), and 1249 OAR (15.5%). Risk factors for postoperative AKI across all groups were worse preoperative eGFR, total number of blood transfusions, perioperative anemia, reinterventions, and postoperative respiratory complications. Additional procedure-specific risk factors of postoperative AKI were preoperative hemoglobin of less than 10 and contrast volume of 125 to 150 mL, hypertension, a low ejection fraction, and a history of percutaneous revascularization for EVAR; for both EVAR/cEVAR, renal artery coverage was a risk factor, whereas for OAR, male sex, non-White race, hypertension, suprarenal aortic cross-clamp, and increased renal ischemic time were risk factors. Among 8133 EVAR patients with long-term follow-up, a decrease in kidney function occurred in 56.7% of patients with postoperative AKI vs 19.9% without postoperative AKI (P < .001). The following risk factors were associated with a decrease in renal function at long-term follow-up: postoperative AKI, a preoperative eGFR of less than 90, and hypertension. A preoperative hemoglobin of greater than 12 was protective. Postoperative AKI was associated with significantly lower survival compared with no postoperative AKI across all procedures (log rank <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AKI occurs more often in patients with worse preoperative renal function, lower preoperative hemoglobin, and in open surgeries with inter-renal or suprarenal cross-clamping. Importantly, postoperative AKI is associated with increased mortality across all types of aortic repair. Given the long-term impact of postoperative AKI on outcomes for all aortic repairs and the limitations of current insensitive functional indices, there is a need to seek more sensitive indicators of decreases in early renal structural in this population.