Racial disparities in presentation and outcomes for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we used a national database to identify racial differences in the presentation and outcomes for patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR) and identified areas for improving their care. METHODS: We queried the EVAR-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2016-2019) to identify patients who had undergone EVAR for both ruptured and nonruptured AAAs. The patients were categorized according to race (White, Black, and Asian). Patients with a history of abdominal aortic surgery or an indication other than AAAs were excluded. The data was analyzed using the χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests, presented as frequencies and percentages or median and interquartile range (IQR) for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: We identified 3629 patients (16.6% female), including 3312 White (91.3%), 248 Black (6.8%), and 69 Asian (1.9%) patients. Black patients were more frequently women (27.0%) compared with White patients (15.9%) and were younger (median age, 71 years; IQR, 64-77 years) than White (median age, 73 years; IQR, 67-79 years) and Asian (median age, 76 years; IQR, 67-81 years) patients (P < .001 for both). The incidence of smoking, congestive heart failure, and dialysis dependency was highest for Black patients, and the incidence of obesity was lowest for Asian patients. The AAAs in Black patients extended more frequently beyond the aortic bifurcation (P = .047). In Asian patients, the internal iliac arteries were more involved (P = .040). For Black patients, 29.8% of the EVARs were performed in a nonelective setting compared with 20.2% for the White and 15.9% for the Asian patients (P < .001). The aneurysm diameter, nonruptured symptomatic rate, and rupture rate were similar across the groups (P = .807). The operative time was prolonged for Black (median, 128 minutes; IQR, 96-177 minutes) compared with White (median, 114 minutes; IQR, 84-162 minutes) patients (P < .001). Postoperatively, Black patients were more likely to require blood transfusion (16.5%) and had prolonged length of hospital stay (median, 2 days; IQR, 1-4 days) compared with White (10.0%; median, 1 day; IQR, 1-3 days) and Asian (4.3%; median, 1 day; IQR, 1-3 days) patients (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). Black patients also had a higher 30-day readmission rate (P = .038). On multivariate analysis, Black race was an independent factor for length of stay >1 day after both elective and nonelective EVAR and 30-day readmission for elective EVAR, but not 30-day mortality after elective and nonelective EVAR. CONCLUSIONS: In the present nationwide sample of EVAR cases, Black patients were more often women and younger. Despite similar rates of symptomatic and ruptured AAAs at presentation and 30-day mortality, Black patients more often presented and were treated during the same nonelective admission; they also had associated increased length of hospital stay and readmission. These findings signal a missed opportunity to diagnose, optimize, and treat this particular group of patients in an elective setting.

Race-based outcomes of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections in the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study characterizes racial differences in presentation, as well as short- and long-term outcomes after endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and type B aortic dissection (TBAD). METHODS: We queried the Gore Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment for thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVARs) performed between 2010 and 2016 and followed through 2022. Pathologies represented were descending TAA, complicated TBAD, and uncomplicated TBAD. Using standard statistical tests, we compared overall and pathology-specific demographics, procedural factors, and outcomes among Black and White patients undergoing TEVAR. RESULTS: We identified 438 TEVAR cases, including 236 descending TAA, 121 complicated TBAD, and 74 uncomplicated TBAD. Overall, Black patients were younger and had a higher incidence of renal insufficiency (P = .001), whereas White patients had more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .003) and cardiac arrhythmias (P = .037). In patients treated for descending TAA, Black patients had increased device- and procedure-related complications (34.3% vs 17.4%; P = .014), conversion to open repair (2.9% vs 0%; P = .011) and type II endoleak (5.7% vs 1.0%; P = .040), but no differences in mortality, length of hospital stay, or major adverse cardiovascular events. Whereas outcomes of TEVAR for uncomplicated TBAD were comparable, Black patients more frequently presented with complicated TBAD than White patients (Black, 40.5% vs White, 24.8%; P = .008) and had subsequently greater reintervention rates (28.1% vs 12.4%; P = .012), all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-10.5; P = .002) and aortic-related mortality (hazard ratio, 16.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-186; P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased device- and procedure-related complications, similar short- and long-term outcomes are achieved in Black and White patients undergoing TEVAR for descending TAA and uncomplicated TBAD. However, Black patients are more likely to present with, require reintervention for, and suffer mortality from complicated TBAD.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Early Outcomes of Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: This study compares the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), based on their weight status as defined by their body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Patients with primary EVAR for ruptured and intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2016-2019). Patients were categorized by weight status (underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, normal weight: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, overweight: 25-29.9 kg/m2, Obese I: 30-34.9 kg/m2, Obese II: 35-39.9 kg/m2, Obese III: > 40 kg/m2). Preoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Of 3,941 patients, 4.8% were underweight, 24.1% normal weight, 37.6% overweight, and 22.5% with Obese I, 7.8% Obese II, and 3.3% Obese III status. Underweight patients presented with larger (6.0 [5.4-7.2] cm) and more frequently ruptured (25.0%) aneurysms than normal weight patients (5.5 [5.1-6.2] cm and 4.3%, P < 0.001 for both). Pooled 30-day mortality was worse for underweight (8.5%) compared to all other weight status (1.1-3.0%, P < 0.001), but risk-adjusted analysis demonstrated that aneurysm rupture (odds ratio [OR] 15.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.98-28.0) and not underweight status (OR 1.75, 95% CI 0.73-4.18) accounted for increased mortality in this population. Obese III status was associated with prolonged operative time and respiratory complications after ruptured AAA, but not 30-day mortality (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.25-2.62). CONCLUSIONS: Patients at either extreme of the BMI range had the worst outcomes after EVAR. Underweight patients represented only 4.8% of all EVARs, but 21% of mortalities, largely attributed to higher incidence of ruptured AAA at presentation. Severe obesity, on the other hand, was associated with prolonged operative time and respiratory complications after EVAR for ruptured AAA. BMI, as an independent factor, was however not predictive of mortality for EVAR.

Utility of Closed Suction Drains in Groin Incisions after Femoral Artery Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Surgical groin wounds are at risk of delayed healing and infection, leading to costly and prolonged postoperative recoveries. This study assesses the use of closed suction drains (CSDs) as a wound care adjunct in groin incisions to prevent surgical site infections (SSI). METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed on 210 consecutive patients after vascular surgery with common femoral artery exposure from 2016 to 2021. The cohort was divided into 2 groups, groins with and without CSD, looking for surgical site complications. A subgroup analysis comparing postoperative outcomes between complicated and uncomplicated groin incisions within both groups was also performed. RESULTS: Of 293 surgical groins, 20% (n = 59) had drains. Overall, the CSD group had higher SSI rates (14% vs. 5.6%), but also had higher proportion of smokers (92% vs. 83%; P = 0.019), diabetes (56% vs. 36%; P = 0.005), coronary artery disease (69% vs. 46%; P = 0.001), hyperlipidemia (69% vs. 51%; P = 0.01), and previous groin surgery (54% vs. 17%; P < 0.001). The higher risk of SSI was not significant after adjustment of these confounders. A separate analysis within each group showed SSI groins with CSD had lower reintervention rates (37.5%) than those without CSD (69%), as well as shorter length of hospital stay (7 [5-11] vs. 22 [7-25] days). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that CSDs can be a beneficial adjunct for groin wounds after common femoral artery exposure in patients with comorbidities cited above. CSDs decrease the risk of reintervention and length of hospital stay.

Penetrating aortic ulcer and aortic intramural hematoma: Treatment strategy.

OBJECTIVES: The indication, timing, and choice of the treatment modality for penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematoma (IMH) are frequently challenging. This article reviews these pathologies and their relation to aortic dissection and proposes a diagnostic and treatment algorithm. METHODS: A review of literature on diagnosis and treatment of PAU and IMH was conducted. The PubMed database was searched using the terms "penetrating aortic ulcer" and "aortic intramural hematoma". Articles were reviewed and the studies involving diagnosis and management of PAU and IMH were included. We subsequently proposed a management algorithm for PAU and IMH based on available evidence. RESULTS: PAU and IMH are distinct entities from aortic dissection, although they carry a significant risk of progression into dissection, aneurysm, and rupture. PAU and IMH originating in zone 0 of the aorta generally require surgical treatment. When the origin is beyond zone 0, a trial of medical therapy is recommended. Progression of disease on imaging studies, persistent uncontrolled pain, and certain high-risk features warrant surgery. High-risk features signaling risk of disease progression include PAU with IMH, PAU depth more than 10 mm, PAU diameter more than 20 mm, IMH thickness more than 10 mm, and maximum initial aortic diameter more than 40 mm. CONCLUSIONS: High-quality evidence regarding the treatment of PAU and IMH is lacking. These entities can have a malignant course when they are present with associated symptoms and/or when they have associated high-risk features on imaging. An aggressive surgical approach is necessary in that group of patients.

Outcomes and role of shunting during carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Shunt placement during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has often been advocated to protect the ischemic penumbra in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. In the present study, we assessed the effect of shunt placement during CEA on postoperative stroke risk in symptomatic patients. METHODS: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2016-2019) for CEA cases with complete CEA procedure-targeted data available. Symptomatic patients were identified as those with a preoperative diagnosis of stroke on presentation (DS), transient ischemic attack, amaurosis fugax, or temporary monocular blindness. The DS patients were further analyzed according to the severity of their stroke using the modified Rankin scale scores. To better assess the effect of shunt placement on the stroke rate, we compared cases of CEA with the patch angioplasty technique stratified by the use of an intraoperative shunt. Patients who had undergone carotid eversion or primary closure were excluded. The baseline demographics and perioperative outcomes were compared using the χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative stroke and cranial nerve injury. RESULTS: We identified 4652 cases of CEA with patch angioplasty in symptomatic patients, including 1889 with (40.6%) and 2763 without (59.4%) shunt placement. The distribution of age, race, and sex was similar for both procedures. Compared with patients without a shunt, those with a shunt had significantly higher rates of emergency surgery (9.1% vs 7.0%; P = .010), nonelective surgery (40.3% vs 37.2%; P = .035), general anesthesia (97.0% vs 86.3%; P < .001), and bleeding disorders (27.2% vs 22.7%; P < .001). The 30-day incidence of postoperative stroke was similar between the patients with (3.2%) and without (2.6%) shunt placement (P = .219). Additionally, a subgroup analysis failed to show any benefit from shunt placement on the incidence of postoperative stroke, regardless of the preoperative symptoms or neurologic disability. In contrast, shunt placement was associated with an increased rate of cranial nerve injury (4.1% vs 2.4%; P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that nonelective surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.91; P < .001) and DS (vs transient ischemic attack, amaurosis fugax, or temporary monocular blindness; OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.12-2.41; P = .012) were predictive of 30-day postoperative stroke. After adjusting for confounders, shunt placement had no effect on stroke risk at 30 days but remained an independent risk factor for cranial nerve injury (adjusted OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.32-2.64; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: For symptomatic patients undergoing CEA with patch angioplasty, shunt placement was associated with an increased risk of cranial nerve injury without a reduction in postoperative stroke risk.

Establishing and maintaining a remote vascular surgery aortic program: A single-center 5-year experience at the Veterans Affairs.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to detail the process of establishing a surgical aortic telehealth program and report the outcomes of a 5-year experience. METHODS: A telehealth program was established between two regional Veterans Affairs hospitals, one of which was without a comprehensive aortic surgical program, until such a program was established at the referring institution. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent aortic surgery from 2014 to 2019. The operative data, demographics, perioperative complications, and follow-up data were reviewed. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2019, 109 patients underwent aortic surgery for occlusive and aneurysmal disease. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up were done remotely via telehealth. The median age of the patients was 68 years, 107 were men (98.2%), 28 (25.7%) underwent open aortic repair, and 81 (74.3%) underwent endovascular repair. Of the 109 patients, 101 (92.7%) had a median follow-up of 24.3 months, 5 (4.6%) were lost to follow-up or were noncompliant, 2 (1.8%) were noncompliant with their follow-up imaging studies but responded to telephone interviews, and 1 (0.9%) moved to another state. At the 30-day follow-up, eight patients (7.3%) required readmission. Four complications were managed locally, and four patients (3.6%) required transfer back to the operative hospital for additional care. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth is a great tool to provide perioperative care and long-term follow-up for patients with aortic pathologies in remote locations. Most postoperative care and complications can be managed remotely, and patient compliance for long-term follow-up is high.

COVID-19-related thrombotic complications experience before and during delta wave.

OBJECTIVE: Hypercoagulability and thrombotic complications seen in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as well as the associated pathophysiology, have been reported extensively. However, there is limited information regarding the factors related to this phenomenon and its association with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Delta variant. METHODS: A retrospective review including patients admitted to a tertiary center with a COVID-19 positive test and at least one acute thrombotic event confirmed by imaging between June 2020 and August 2021 was performed. We compared the rates of thrombotic events in patients with COVID-19 before and during the Delta peak. We also analyzed the association of the thrombotic complications with demographic characteristics, comorbidities, anticoagulation strategies, and prothrombotic markers while describing other complications secondary to COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Of 964 patients admitted with COVID-19 diagnosis, 26.5% (n = 256) had a thrombotic event evidenced by ultrasound or computed tomography scan. Venous thromboembolism was found in 60% (n = 153), arterial thrombosis in 23% (n = 60), and both venous and arterial thromboses in 17% (n = 17) of the study cohort. Of all patients, 94% were not vaccinated. Delta variant wave (DW) patients had thrombotic episodes in 34.7% (n = 50/144) of cases compared with 25% (n = 206/820) of non-Delta wave (NDW) patients, posing an estimated risk 1.36 times higher in patients infected with COVID-19 during the DW than NDW. Overall, DW subjects were significantly younger (P < .001) with lower body mass index (P = .021) compared with NDW patients. Statistical analyses showed African American patients were more likely to have arterial thrombosis compared with the other groups when testing positive for COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-3.05; P = .035, whereas immunosuppressed patients had less risk of arterial thrombosis (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-0.96; P = .042). Female gender (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.20-3.85; P = .009) and patients with active malignancy (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 2.14-16.78; P = .001) had an increased risk of having multiple thrombotic events at different locations secondary to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 infection is associated with elevated rates of thrombotic complications and an especially higher risk in patients infected during the Delta variant peak. We highlight the importance of vaccination and the development of new anticoagulation strategies for patients with COVID-19 with additional hypercoagulable risk factors to prevent thrombotic complications caused by this disease.

Traumatic Lower Extremity Vascular Injuries and Limb Salvage in a Civilian Urban Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Data on management of traumatic lower extreity arterial injuries comes largely from military experience and involves few civilian centers. This study reports on the experience of an urban trauma center and factors associated with limb loss. METHODS: A retrospective review of lower extremity arterial injuries between 2013 and 2020 at an academic urban level 1 trauma center was completed. Patients with lower extremity revascularization were included in the final data analysis. Demographics, clinical variables, operative details, type of revascularization, as well as 30-day morbidity and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day limb loss. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in our analysis. Sixty-nine were male (92%), mean age 33 ± 15 years, 50 patients had penetrating trauma (67%), mean injury severity score was 15 ± 9. Thirty-day limb loss was reported in 8 (11%). Factors associated with limb loss included female sex (P = 0.001), high body mass index (P = 0.001), blunt injury (P = 0.001), associated fractures (P = 0.005), significant soft tissue injury (P = 0.007), delayed repair after shunt placement (P = 0.003), bypass revascularization (P = 0.001), initial revascularization failure (P = 0.019), and wound complications (P < 0.001). Fifty-five patients had at least one return to the operating room (ROR), including 24 patients (32%) for complications related to their revascularization. These included delayed compartment syndrome (n = 7), revascularization failure (n = 9), bleeding (n = 3), and vascular surgical wound complications (n = 5). Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) for the cohort was 24 ± 20 days with 3 ± 3 ROR, in contrast patients who ultimately required amputation had LOS of 57 ± 21 days with 8 ± 4 ROR. Fifty-seven patients (76%) followed in clinic for a median 36 [14-110] days, with only 32 (43%) at >30 days. Twenty-three reported ambulation without assistance, 9 neuromotor deficit including 1 patient that had delayed amputation. CONCLUSION: Patients with blunt trauma and associated fracture and/or extensive soft tissue injury are at risk of limb loss. These injuries are often associated with postoperative wound complications, requiring aggressive soft tissue care that substantially increases ROR and LOS; Expectations for limb salvage in these patients should be tempered when the other associated factors with limb loss mentioned above are also present. When limb salvage is achieved, regaining full limb function remains a challenge.

Percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with monitored anesthesia care decreases operative time but not pulmonary complications.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience and compare the results of percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR) performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) to PEVAR under general anesthesia (GA). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent non-emergency endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) was completed. Patients were excluded if they had a complex repair, including fenestrated, branched, or parallel endografting. Demographics, operative data, 30-day mortality/morbidity and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were identified with a median age of 69. 115 patients had PEVAR, 45 (39.1%) PEVAR MAC and 70 (60.9%) PEVAR GA. PEVAR MAC compared to PEVAR GA had decreased operative time (106 vs. 134 min, P < 0.001), time in the operating room (163 vs. 245 min, P = 0.016), and estimated blood loss (EBL) (115 vs. 176 mL P = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in the hospital length of stay (LOS) (1.9 vs. 2.7 days, P = 0.133), and post-operative complications including pulmonary (2.2 vs. 2.9%, P = 0.835). Forty-four patients had EVAR with a femoral cutdown (FC), including 14 PEVAR conversions. PEVAR conversion was associated with higher EBL (543 vs. 323 mL, P = 0.03), operative time (230 vs. 178 min, P = 0.01), and operating room time (307 vs. 275 min, P = 0.01) compared to planned EVAR with FC. CONCLUSIONS: PEVAR under MAC is associated with shorter time in the operating room compared to PEVAR under GA. PEVAR under MAC does however not decrease overall morbidities, including postoperative pulmonary complications.

Chronic total occlusion and spontaneous recanalization of the internal carotid artery: Natural history and management strategy.

OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous recanalization of a chronic total occlusion of the extra-cranial internal carotid artery is an under-reported clinical entity. This paper reviews the different etiologies of internal carotid artery occlusion, its natural course, as well as the significance and our recommendations for the management of spontaneous internal carotid artery recanalization. METHODS: A review of literature on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of internal carotid artery occlusion and recanalization was conducted. PubMed database was searched using the terms "internal carotid occlusion" and "recanalization". Articles were reviewed and studies involving the management of internal carotid artery occlusion and spontaneous recanalization were included. We subsequently developed a management algorithm for chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery and spontaneous recanalization of such lesions based on the available evidence. RESULTS: Common etiologies of chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery include carotid atherosclerotic disease, cardioembolic, and carotid dissection. Progression of an asymptomatic to symptomatic occlusion is estimated at 2-8% annually. Well-compensated patients can be asymptomatic. In others, clinical symptoms range from ipsilateral or global hypoperfusion to embolic stroke in some cases of spontaneous recanalization. Spontaneous recanalization occurs in 2.3-10.3% of patients but rarely results in a cerebrovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: Progression of an asymptomatic chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery to symptomatic is infrequent. The management algorithm of chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery and spontaneous recanalization of the internal carotid artery must be tailored to the patient based on symptoms, etiology of the lesion, imaging findings, surgical risk, and reliability for follow-up.

Hybrid Treatment of an Enlarging Hypogastric Aneurysm Previously Excluded During Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Hypogastric aneurysm is rare, often asymptomatic, but associated with high mortality if it ruptures. Given the deep location of the artery and proximity to critical anatomical structures (i.e., ureter, bladder, and rectum), open surgical repair carries high morbidity and mortality compared with an endovascular approach. We report a simple hybrid approach to repair an enlarging isolated hypogastric aneurysm after a previous aortic aneurysm repair during which the origin of the hypogastric artery was ligated.

Staged Treatment for an Unusual Case of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Caused by Compression of the Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries.

We report the unusual presentation of a patient with median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) and compression of both the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). He underwent a staged treatment. First, a laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament was performed. In the second stage, due to persistent postprandial pain, the SMA was stented, resulting in complete symptom relief. Recognizing this rare anatomical presentation is very important to avoiding MALS misdiagnosis and providing the appropriate staged treatment.

The role of heparin in endovascular repair of blunt thoracic aortic injury.

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve survival of patients with blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). Often, aortic surgical intervention may be delayed because of increased risk of bleeding with heparin, particularly in polytrauma victims. We believe that surgical delay may be remedied by proceeding without heparinization. This study reviewed the outcome of patients subjected to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) under full, low-dose, and no intraoperative systemic heparinization. METHODS: There were 77 cases of confirmed BTAI identified and retrospectively analyzed at a high-volume urban trauma center during a period of 15 years (March 2003-September 2017). Patients were stratified into three groups on the basis of the intraoperative use of heparin during TEVAR, as follows: full heparin (FH), low-dose heparin (LH), and no heparin (NH). Baseline characteristics including the patients' demographics, diagnostic laboratory data and imaging studies, operative reports, postoperative complications, embolic and bleeding outcomes, and mortality data were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 77 total patients who underwent TEVAR for BTAI, 42 patients received full-dose heparinization, 18 received low-dose heparin, and 17 had no use of systemic heparin. There was no significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, or smoking history. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision. Grade 3 (pseudoaneurysm) was the predominant type of BTAI (FH, 69.0%; LH, 61.1%; NH, 76.5%; P = .23). The mean interval between admission and repair was three times longer in the FH group than in the NH group (FH, 2.33 days; NH, 0.76 day; P = .091). The mean time in the intensive care unit was shorter in the NH group vs the FH group (15 days vs 26.21 days; P = .025). Thromboembolic and bleeding outcomes and mortality rates were comparable in all three groups; 57 patients continued follow-up for a mean time of 30.99 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the heparinized and nonheparinized groups. The primary benefit of the NH group is seen in time to repair. Although not statistically significant, the mean time to repair was three times longer in the FH group. Patients in the NH group also benefited from prompt intervention and treatment. Therefore, intraoperative heparinization in critically ill patients with BTAI undergoing TEVAR remains at the surgeon's discretion, although the lack of heparinization appears to be a safe and potentially faster alternative, particularly in the polytrauma patient.

Predicting Factors Associated with Postoperative Hypotension following Carotid Artery Stenting.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged hemodynamic instability after carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been associated with increased incidence of stroke and other major adverse events. The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with hypotension following CAS. In particular, this study evaluates whether involvement of the carotid bifurcation/bulb and degree of calcification can predict postoperative hypotension. METHODS: A retrospective review of 90 CASs performed in 88 patients at a single tertiary center was completed. In patients with proximal internal carotid stenosis involving the carotid bifurcation, the extent of bifurcation/bulb calcification on preoperative computed tomography angiography was assessed using a scoring system. Calcium scores were assigned based on the percent of circumferential calcification of carotid bifurcation as follows: grade 1, <10%; grade 2, 10-50%; grade 3, 50-90%; and grade 4, >90%. Perioperative factors associated with prolonged postoperative hypotension requiring vasopressor infusion were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, postoperative hypotension requiring vasopressors occurred in 26 (28.9%) of CAS. There were no differences in baseline demographics, comorbidities, or CAS indication between patients who required postoperative vasopressors for hypotension and those who did not. The majority of patients (64.4%) were on 2 or more antihypertensive medications preoperatively. Stenosis involved carotid bifurcation in 64 (71.1%) cases. Of these, 27 (42.2%) were grade 1, 19 (29.7%) were grade 2, 10 (15.6%) were grade 3, and 8 (12.5%) were grade 4 based on our calcium scoring system. On risk-adjusted analysis, carotid bifurcation/bulb involvement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-18.5) and preoperative regimen of 2 or more antihypertensives (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-16.0) were independent predictors of hypotension requiring vasopressors following CAS. Among patients with carotid bifurcation involvement, severity of calcium score was not a significant predictor of postoperative hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: CAS for carotid stenosis involving the carotid bifurcation/bulb is associated with a higher risk for postoperative hypotension requiring vasopressors. Patients with preoperative hypertension requiring 2 or more antihypertensive medications are also at increased risk. However, severity of carotid bifurcation calcification is not a significant predictor of need for postoperative vasopressors.

Endovascular Aortoiliac Revascularization in a Patient with Spinal Cord Injury and Hip Contracture.

Treatment of chronic peripheral ischemic wounds in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be technically challenging, especially if they have significant hip contracture. This article describes the endovascular aortoiliac revascularization of a paraplegic patient with hip contracture and a hostile abdomen. It also reviews the particularity of the peripheral arterial system in SCI patients.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Thrombin Injection of Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysms Based on Neck Dimension.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection (UGTI) of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms after endovascular procedures is an effective therapy. There is controversy in the literature regarding injecting pseudoaneurysms with short and/or wide necks. This article reports our experience in UGTI of pseudoaneurysms in 1 hospital regarding the efficacy of this treatment in all pseudoaneurysms regardless of the size of the necks. METHODS: A retrospective review of 46 patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 with groin pseudoaneurysms using established duplex ultrasound criteria. Mean age was 68 years (range 27-87). Ten pseudoaneurysms thrombosed spontaneously, 5 were thrombosed by ultrasound-guided compression, and 2 were treated surgically due to disqualifying criteria. In this retrospective review, we analyzed the remaining 29 pseudoaneurysms regarding the dimensions of their neck lengths and outcomes after attempting thrombin injection. RESULTS: The mean aneurysm neck length and width were 1.03 ± 0.9 cm and 0.30 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. All 29 patients were evaluated with respect to pseudoaneurysm size, neck length, neck width, and complexity. Successful treatment of 29 pseudoaneurysms (2 external iliac, 20 common femoral, 2 deep femoral, and 5 superficial femoral) with UGTI was achieved without complications in 100% of the cases, regardless of pseudoaneurysm size, neck dimensions, or complexity. Anticoagulation status did not affect the efficacy of the procedure. Nine of the 29 pseudoaneurysms (31.0%) had neck length less than 0.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of UGTI in treating iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm in 29 of 29 patients, even in patients with pseudoaneurysm with short neck lengths. Our experiences support injecting all pseudoaneurysms irrespective of dimension.

Hybrid Revascularization Combining Iliofemoral Endarterectomy and Iliac Stent Grafting for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the outcome of hybrid revascularization combining iliofemoral endarterectomy and iliac artery stenting using covered stents in TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) involving the common femoral artery (CFA). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in patients with TASC C and D AIOD involving the CFA and undergoing hybrid revascularization. Covered stents were used primarily. Demographics, indications for surgery, lesion classification, hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day morbidity/mortality, hemodynamic and clinical success, and patency were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-six male patients (41 limbs), mean age 63.9 ± 6 years, were identified (TASC C = 39%, D = 61%). Indications for surgery were claudication (27%), rest pain (44%), and tissue loss (29%). A simultaneous adjunctive procedure (5 infrainguinal bypass, 3 superficial femoral artery stents) was performed in 22%. Thirty-day outcomes included 1 mortality (2.7%) and 2 reoperation (5.5%), 1 for femoral artery pseudoaneurysm and 1 for bilateral groin seroma. LOS was 4 days (interquartile range 3-6). All patients with available data experienced 30-day clinical and hemodynamic success. Mean follow-up was 23 months (range 1-79 months) with a primary patency of 85.4%. Cumulative primary assisted and secondary patency was 92.6%. The femoral patch repair was the most frequent site of reintervention (3/3). Mortality was 34% during the study period, and it was significantly higher in patients with tissue loss (57.1% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid approach has low morbidity, mortality, and fast recovery. The use of covered stents/stent grafts provides good mid-term patency. Close follow-up with noninvasive imaging is paramount to avoid repair failure, in particular at the femoral patch repair site.

Endovascular treatment of TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus D aortoiliac occlusive disease using unibody bifurcated endografts.

OBJECTIVE: Aortobifemoral bypass has been the gold standard treatment for extensive aortoiliac occlusive disease. Endovascular therapy and stenting of aortic and iliac occlusive lesions has proven to be efficacious, especially when dealing with short segment lesions. Endovascular treatment of TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC) D aortoiliac occlusive lesions remains a challenge, but a valuable treatment option in poor surgical candidates. We present our operative technique and midterm results in treating TASC D aortoiliac occlusive disease using unibody bifurcated endografts. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with TASC D aortoiliac occlusive disease who underwent transfemoral endovascular revascularization with the Endologix Powerlink unibody bifurcated endograft (Endologix, Irvine, Calif). Demographic data, operative details, and outcomes were collected. Paired t-tests were performed to compare preoperative and postoperative ankle brachial indexes. RESULTS: Between March 2009 and July 2011, 10 high-risk patients (8 male and 2 female) for a traditional aortobifemoral bypass were treated using this endovascular technique. The mean age was 59 ± 6 years (range, 50-69 years). All patients presented with rest pain, and four with tissue loss. Technical success was 100%, with two patients requiring brachial access and eight patients requiring additional stent placement. Postoperatively, all patients reported clinical improvement with resolution of ischemic symptoms. Mean improvement ankle brachial index was 0.50 ± 0.08 (P = .028) and 0.50 ± 0.01 (P = .034) in the left and right legs, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 40 ± 24 months (range, 4-81 months). The primary and secondary patency rates were 80% and 100%, respectively. Complications requiring early reintervention occurred in two patients and included one expanding hematoma from the percutaneous access site and one acute iliac artery thrombosis. Additionally, one patient underwent repeat angioplasty/stenting for threatened endograft limbs at 4 months. One patient expired during follow-up from an unrelated cardiac cause 19 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates that endovascular repair using a unibody bifurcated endograft for TASC D aortoiliac occlusive disease is feasible, effective, and has excellent midterm patency. It should be considered an effective treatment option when the disease process involves the aorta, in particular if the patient is surgically unfit for a traditional aortobifemoral bypass. The unibody configuration preserves the anatomic aortic bifurcation, which is particularly important in patients with peripheral occlusive disease who are deemed to undergo subsequent endovascular interventions.