Lower-extremity pressure, staging, and grading thresholds to identify chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

INTRODUCTION: The Society for Vascular Surgery Threatened Limb Classification System ('WIfI') is used to predict risk of limb loss and identify peripheral artery disease in patients with foot ulcers or gangrene. We estimated the diagnostic sensitivity of multiple clinical and noninvasive arterial parameters to identify chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: We performed a single-center review of 100 consecutive patients who underwent angiography for foot gangrene or ulcers. WIfI stages and grades were determined for each patient. Toe, ankle, and brachial pressure measurements were performed by registered vascular technologists. CLTI severity was characterized using Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS stages) and angiosomes. Medial artery calcification in the foot was quantified on foot radiographs. RESULTS: GLASS NA (not applicable), I, II, and III angiographic findings were seen in 21, 21, 23, and 35 patients, respectively. A toe-brachial index < 0.7 and minimum ipsilateral ankle-brachial index < 0.9 performed well in identifying GLASS II and III angiographic findings, with sensitivity rates 97.8% and 91.5%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy rates of noninvasive measures peaked at 74.7% and 89.3% for identifying GLASS II/III and GLASS I+ angiographic findings, respectively. The presence of medial artery calcification significantly diminished the sensitivity of most noninvasive parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The use of alternative noninvasive arterial testing parameters improves sensitivity for detecting PAD. Abnormal noninvasive results should suggest the need for diagnostic angiography to further characterize arterial anatomy of the affected limb. Testing strategies with better accuracy are needed.

Racial and ethnic disparities in abdominal aortic aneurysm evaluation and treatment rates in Texas.

BACKGROUND: Screening identifies intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAAs) before progression to ruptured AAAs (rAAAs). However, screening efforts have been limited by the low overall diagnostic yield and unequal screening among minority populations. The goal of the present study was to identify equitable AAA screening strategies for both majority and minority populations. METHODS: We performed epidemiologic and geospatial analyses of inpatient and outpatient procedures for iAAAs and rAAAs at Texas hospitals from 2006 through 2014 at all nonfederal hospitals and clinics in Texas. The data were aggregated by area (metropolitan statistical area vs rural region) and then supplemented by six additional data sources to estimate the AAA repair incidence rates, rates of AAA-related clinic and ultrasound visits, travel distance to providers, and the location and number of unrecognized AAAs. RESULTS: Most AAA repairs had occurred among men aged 65 to 84 years and categorized as White in large metropolitan areas. The area procedure rates for rAAAs and iAAAs were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.47). Two other variables-the proportions of persons categorized as White and those aged ≥65 years in a region-identified subgroups within the majority population with a high risk of iAAAs (R2 = 0.46). Lower rates of clinic visits and AAA ultrasound scans were seen among persons categorized as Black. Several areas with disproportionately higher rAAA/iAAA repair ratios were found, mainly affecting persons categorized as Black. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple focused AAA screening strategies could be required to address the disproportionately lower AAA identification among persons categorized as Black.

Hospital Payer Mix and Amputation Rates Among Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease Complications.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that Medicaid coverage is associated with higher rates of primary amputation among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We sought to identify whether hospital payer makeup also influences outcomes among these patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment for foot complications in Texas were identified and aggregated by hospital. Hospitals were grouped by payer mix: low-income payer predominant versus high-income payer predominant. Variance analyses were used to find differences between the groups. Individual and hospital-level regression analyses were used to find associations with amputation rates. RESULTS: Out of 21,592 patients, 9,098 (42%) underwent amputation. They presented to 337 hospitals out of which 49 (15%) had a low-income predominant payer mix, and 109 (32%) had a high-income predominant payer mix. Patients at low-income payer predominant hospitals were more likely to present with gangrene (0.74 vs. 0.65, P < 0.01), undergo emergency admissions (0.67 vs. 0.50, P < 0.01), undergo amputation (0.53 vs. 0.42, P < 0.05), and incur higher per-day charges ($8,145 vs. $6,790, P < 0.05). At the individual level, despite risk-adjusting for disease-specific factors, amputation rate was associated with hospital payer mixes with greater proportions of Medicaid and lower proportions of commercially insured patients. At the hospital level, amputation rate was associated with higher proportion of Medicaid patients in hospital payer mix, lower hospital volumes, lower per-day charges, and higher gangrene and osteomyelitis rates (R2 = 0.30, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher proportion of Medicaid patients in a hospital payer mix is associated with an increased risk of primary amputation for PAD patients regardless of insurance coverage.

Gender, racial and ethnic disparities in index hospitalization operations for symptomatic carotid stenosis in Texas hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature and societal recommendations support early revascularization of symptomatic carotid patients over the traditional six-week period. Nonetheless, the timing of these interventions can vary widely among populations. The goal of this study is to identify any factors influencing carotid revascularization during the index hospitalization for patients with symptomatic disease. METHODS: The Texas Department of State Health Services database was queried to identify all patients > 45 years old admitted to nonfederal Texas Hospitals between 2009 to 2013 with an admission diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis and either transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or amaurosis fugax. Diagnoses codes and demographic data were also used to adjust for clinical, social, and demographic factors (including area of residence and treatment). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify significant factors for index admission revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 29,046 symptomatic patients were identified among the 153,484 patients who had an eligible admission diagnosis. This included 16,244 (55.9%) males and 12,802 (44.1%) females. Only 4,594 (15.8%) patients were revascularized during the index hospitalization. The majority of these patients presented with amaurosis (OR 5.58; 95% CI 4.84-6.44) instead of CVAs (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.45-0.51) or TIAs . Adjusting for hospital volume, insurance coverage, residence, and other clinical factors, rates of index admission carotid intervention remained significantly lower for women (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79-0.91), persons categorized as black (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.53-0.69), and persons categorized as Hispanic (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.70-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Gender, race and ethnicity appear to correlate with rates of carotid intervention at index hospitalization despite thorough risk adjustment for clinical, social and demographic factors. Efforts should be directed towards reducing these disparities.

Healthcare disparities in vascular surgery: A critical review.

Health disparities in vascular surgical care have existed for decades. Persons categorized as Black undergo a nearly twofold greater risk-adjusted rate of leg amputations. Persons categorized as Black, Latinx, and women have hemodialysis initiated via autogenous fistula less often than male persons categorized as White. Persons categorized as Black, Latino, Latina, or Latinx, and women are less likely to undergo carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis and repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. New approaches are needed to address these disparities. We suggest surgeons use data to identify groups that would most benefit from medical care and then partner with community organizations or individuals to create lasting health benefits. Surgeons alone cannot rectify the structural inequalities present in American society. However, all surgeons should contribute to ensuring that all people have access to high-quality vascular surgical care.

Outcomes after Endovascular Stent Placement for Long-Segment Superficial Femoral Artery Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular intervention is commonly pursued as first-line management of symptomatic, long-segment superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. The relative effectiveness and comparative long-term outcomes among bare metal stents (BMS), covered stents (CS), and drug-eluting stents (DES) for long-segment SFA lesions remain uncertain. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study identified patients with symptomatic SFA lesions measuring at least 15 cm in length who successfully received an endovascular stent (BMS, CS, or DES). The outcomes were patency, patient presentation upon stent occlusion, amputation-free survival (AFS), and all-cause mortality. Proportional hazards regressions and a multinomial logistic regression model were used to control for significant confounders. RESULTS: A total of 226 procedures were analyzed (BMS: 95 [42%]; CS: 74 [33%]; DES: 57 [25%]). There were no significant differences among the 3 stent types with respect to age, prevalence of either diabetes or end-stage renal disease, or smoking history. The median length of the SFA lesion varied across the cohorts (BMS: 28 cm [interquartile range, IQR 20-30]; CS: 26 cm [IQR 20-30]; DES: 20 cm [IQR 16-25]; P = 0.002). The unadjusted primary patency of BMS at 12, 24, and 48 month following index stent placement was 57%, 47%, and 44%, respectively. This is compared to 62%, 49%, and 42% for CS, and 81%, 66%, and 53% for DES, respectively (log-rank P = 0.044). In adjusted models, however, there were no significant differences in primary patency among the stent types. Compared to CS however, DES was associated with improved primary-assisted patency (hazard ratio [HR] for patency loss: 0.35, P = 0.008) and secondary patency (HR: 0.32, P = 0.011). Across the entire follow-up period, stent occlusions occurred in 38 (40%) BMS cases, 42 (57%) CS, and 11 (19%) DES (P < 0.001). Of these, acute limb ischemia (ALI) occurred in 2 (5%) BMS cases, 14 (33%) CS, and 1 (9%) DES (P = 0.010). After adjustment, the relative risk of presenting with ALI as opposed to claudication was 27 times greater among patients re-presenting with occluded CS compared to BMS (P = 0.020). There were no significant differences in AFS or all-cause mortality across the 3 cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: For long-segment SFA lesions, DES is associated with improved primary-assisted and secondary patency over long-term follow-up. In the event of stent occlusion, CS is associated with an increased risk of ALI.

Long-term outcomes of lower extremity graft preservation using antibiotic beads in patients with early deep wound infections after major arterial reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: Bypass graft preservation with wound sterilization using serial antibiotic bead exchange has been described in patients presenting with deep wound infections after extremity bypass. The long-term benefits of this approach remain poorly understood. We examined whether graft preservation and wound sterilization with antibiotic beads affect amputation rates and patient survival. METHODS: Patients who underwent operations for aortoiliac or infrainguinal aneurysmal or occlusive arterial disease were retrospectively analyzed. The Infection group included those with patent vascular grafts who developed Szilagyi class II or III deep wound infections within 90 days of index reconstruction and had no evidence of anastomotic or arterial bleeding. All patients in the infection group were managed with graft preservation using serial antibiotic bead exchange every 3 to 5 days until wound cultures became negative. This group was compared with a contemporary group of controls who underwent similar interventions but did not develop wound infections postoperatively. The primary outcome was amputation-free survival, defined as survival without major amputation. Secondary outcomes included major amputations and the occurrence of anastomotic pseudoaneurysms necessitating repair. Inverse propensity score weighting was used for risk adjustment between the groups. RESULTS: Over an 8-year period, we treated 701 patients (infection, 68; controls, 633). Compared with controls, patients in the infection group had a higher body mass index (mean, 28.5 vs 26.3, P = .002) and more prosthetic conduits placed during the index reconstruction. Amputation-free survival for the infection vs the control group was 78 vs 76% at 2 years, 61 vs 66% at 4 years, and 51 vs 57% at 6 years postoperatively (log-rank test, P = .516). Freedom from major amputation for the infection vs the control group was 82 vs 86% at 2 years, 80 vs 82% at 4 years, and 80 vs 76% at 6 years postoperatively (log-rank test, P = .568). In the risk-adjusted model, the presence of treated infection did not affect amputation-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.82; P = .440) or major amputation (hazard ratio, 1.02; P = .949). Anastomotic pseudoaneurysms occurred only in the Infection group (4.4%; P = .001), and were treated with interposition grafts without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Bypass graft preservation with wound sterilization using serial antibiotic bead exchange is associated with excellent limb salvage and survival rates, similar to those of noninfected wounds. With the use of this preservation strategy, close follow-up for timely detection of anastomotic pseudoaneurysms is recommended.

Leg Amputations Among Texans Remote From Experienced Surgical Care.

BACKGROUND: Surgical outcomes may differ between low-volume and experienced hospitals. We sought to identify characteristics of remote patients-those living more than 50 miles from an experienced center-who underwent leg amputations for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and foot complications at low-volume and experienced hospitals and identify regions of Texas where such patients live. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Publicly available Texas hospitalization data from 2004 through 2009 were used to identify patients with PAD who underwent leg amputation for foot complications, including foot ulcers, foot infections, and gangrene. Geocoding was used to further identify a subset of remote patients and to estimate distances from zip code of residence to hospital in which care was received. RESULTS: Among all leg amputations, 850 (18.6%) were performed on patients classified as remote, and 3723 (81.4%) were performed on patients classified as nonremote. Compared with nonremote patients, remote patients were more often categorized as white and more frequently received Medicare and/or Medicaid. Of the subset of remote patients, those at low-volume hospitals were older, were less often categorized as Hispanic, more often had Medicaid coverage, were also more frequently admitted through the emergency department, and often had a foot infection compared with those at experienced centers. Geospatial analysis identified five concentrated geographic areas of remote patients who live more than 50 miles from an experienced center. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest travel distance may at least influence, if not constrain, the choice of hospital for patients with PAD and foot complications. Efforts to decrease leg amputations among remote patients should be focused on five specific geographic areas of Texas.

Wound Complications and Reoperations after Transtibial Amputation of the Leg.

BACKGROUND: Transtibial amputations (TTAs) of the leg have been associated with high rates of wound complications. We assessed outcomes of TTAs to determine if bundled interventions implemented at our hospital had an impact on lowering wound complications, including surgical site infections. METHODS: We assessed the impact of a surgical site infection prevention bundle (negative-pressure wound therapy, minimizing the use of staples, and a decontamination protocol for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) on 90-day wound complications. The year of implementation of the prevention bundle was excluded, and the pre-eras and posteras were defined as the four-year period before and after implementation. The study sample consisted of a single-center cohort, with TTA cases identified using operating room scheduling software. RESULTS: A total of 182 TTAs were performed: 110 in the pre-era and 72 in the postera. The wound complication rate decreased from 22 to 17% despite fewer two-stage operations, less imaging to identify peripheral artery disease, and an increased proportion of patients with end-stage renal disease. Wound complications and revision to a higher level of amputation were more associated with indication (especially no-option peripheral artery disease with ischemic rest pains) than with any particular aspect of surgical technique. The use of drains was associated with reoperations but not higher level revision. CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of wound complications and revision to a higher level of amputations should be expected among patients with no-option peripheral artery disease with ischemic rest pains undergoing TTAs. Drains should be avoided.

Endovascular Therapy in an "All-Comers" Risk Group for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy When Compared with the Established Performance Criteria Proposed by the Society for Vascular Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the applicability of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) objective performance goals (OPGs) as a tool to evaluate results in the context of endovascular management of noncomplex and complex patients (i.e., end stage renal disease/history of prosthetic conduit) with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CLTI undergoing endovascular procedures from March 2016 to April 2017 were included, and medical records were examined. Patients were categorized as OPG risk (OPGR) and non-OPG risk (nOPGR) groups in accordance with the SVS performance criteria. We compared clinical events between the two groups and then further to the SVS OPGs. Thirty-day outcomes (safety) were major amputation (AMP), major adverse limb events (MALEs), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and 1-year outcomes (efficacy) were limb salvage, MALE + 30-day perioperative death (MALE + POD), and survival. Mortality was demonstrated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included (OPGR = 58.3% vs. nOPGR = 41.7%). Mean follow-up was 20 months (range, 1-40 months). Retrograde pedal access was used in 65.2% of patients. The overall AMP rate was 2.7% (OPGR = 4.7%, nOPGR = 0%, P = 0.225, vs. SVS OPG<3%), MALE was 4.1% (OPGR = 7.1%, nOPGR = 0%, P = 0.135, vs. SVS OPG<8%), and MACE was 6.9% (OPGR = 2.3%, nOPGR = 13.3%, P = 0.071, vs. SVS OPG<8%). The limb salvage was 90.3% (OPGR = 88%, nOPGR = 93.3%, P = 0.46, vs. SVS OPG>84%), MALE + POD was 76.4% (OPGR = 78.6%, nOPGR = 73.4%, P = 0.606, vs. SVS OPG>71%), and survival was 77.7% (OPGR = 83.3%, nOPGR = 70%, P = 0.18, vs. SVS OPG>80%). CONCLUSIONS: The SVS OPGs set appropriate safety and efficacy standards as a bar for new technologies. In this series, endovascular therapy in all-comers exceeded the safety and efficacy endpoints proposed by the limited risk OPG panel.

A Statistical Model-driven Surgical Case Scheduling System Improves Multiple Measures of Operative Suite Efficiency: Findings From a Single-center, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether a data-driven scheduling approach improves Operative Suite (OS) efficiency. BACKGROUND: Although efficient use of the OS is a critical determinant of access to health care services, OS scheduling methodologies are simplistic and do not account for all the available characteristics of individual surgical cases. METHODS: We randomly scheduled cases in a single OS by predicting their length using either the historical mean (HM) duration of the most recent 4 years; or a regression modeling (RM) system that accounted for operative and patient characteristics. The primary endpoint was the imprecision in prediction of the end of the operative day. Secondary endpoints included measures of OS efficiency; personnel burnout captured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory; and a composite endpoint of 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, wound infection, bleeding, amputation, or reoperation. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven operative days were allocated to scheduling with either the RM or the HM methodology. Mean imprecision in predicting the end of the operative day was higher with the HM approach (30.8 vs 7.2 minutes, P = 0.024). RM was associated with higher throughput (379 vs 356 cases scheduled over the course of the study, P = 0.04). The composite rate of adverse 30-day events was similar (2.2% vs 3.2%, P = 0.44). The mean depersonalization score was higher (3.2 vs 2.0, P = 0.044), and mean personal accomplishment score was lower during HM weeks (37.5 vs 40.5, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the HM scheduling approach, the proposed data-driven RM scheduling methodology improves multiple measures of OS efficiency and OS personnel satisfaction without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.

Ischemia-induced lower extremity neurologic impairment after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Placement of large sheaths in the iliac system during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) leads to lower extremity (LE) ischemia that can be associated with serious neurologic complications. We sought to determine the effect of LE ischemic time on neurologic impairment after FEVAR. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent FEVAR at a single institution were analyzed. LE ischemic time was calculated from the time of large sheath (≥18F) insertion to the time of sheath removal from the iliac arteries that led to continuous LE ischemia. The primary outcome was neurologic impairment defined as any new sensory or motor deficit in either LE. Outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and modeled with logistic regression with interaction terms. Each individual LE was used as a unit of analysis. RESULTS: We examined 101 patients (202 lower extremities) who underwent FEVAR over a 5-year period. The median LE ischemic time was 2.75 hours (range, 0.8-5.2 hours). Neurologic impairment developed in 18 extremities (9%). Of those, 12 (67%) developed mild sensory loss, 6 (33%) complete sensory loss, 4 (22%) loss of proprioception, and 2 (11%) motor dysfunction. Sensory deficit was permanent in four limbs (2%) and motor dysfunction in one limb (0.5%). In all other cases, the neurologic examination returned to baseline by postoperative day 15. Duration of LE ischemic time (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-12.4; P < .001) and common iliac artery (CIA) stenosis to a lumen of 8 mm or less (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-7.3; P = .002) were independent predictors for the development of neurologic impairment. An interaction term between LE ischemic time and CIA stenosis was statistically significant (P = .042), indicating that the presence of CIA stenosis modifies the effect of LE ischemic time. In those with CIA stenosis to a lumen of 8 mm or less, the risk of neurologic impairment increased rapidly after 2.5 hours of LE ischemia, and became nearly certain after 4 hours of ischemic time. By contrast, patients without CIA stenosis tolerated longer ischemic times and demonstrated a less steep increase in the risk for LE neurologic impairment. CONCLUSIONS: LE neurologic impairment after FEVAR is strongly associated with LE ischemic time and CIA occlusive disease to a lumen of 8 mm or less. Our data indicate that, when the LE ischemic time is expected to exceed 2.5 hours (in patients with CIA stenosis) or 3 hours (in patients without CIA stenosis), measures to ensure LE perfusion should be given consideration.

Advances in the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper provides a concise update on the management of peripheral artery disease (PAD). RECENT FINDINGS: PAD continues to denote a population at high risk for mortality but represents a threat for limb loss only when associated with foot ulcers, gangrene, or infections. Performing either angiogram or non-invasive testing for all patients with foot ulcers, gangrene, or foot infections will help increase the detection of PAD, and refined revascularization strategies may help optimize wound healing in this patient group. Structured exercise programs are becoming available to more patients with claudication as methods to improve adherence to community-based exercise programs will improve. Finally, ensuring more patients with PAD receive aspirin therapy and statins may improve long-term survival, while further research will help determine if adding newer antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications may reduce leg amputations in selected patients. Clinicians should have a low threshold to obtain an angiogram and to pursue revascularization in patients with foot ulcers, gangrene, or foot infections. In patients with claudication, clinicians should maximize the benefits derived from exercise therapy and medical management before offering percutaneous or surgical revascularization.

Health Care Resource Distribution of Texas Counties With High Rates of Leg Amputations.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity amputation rates associated with peripheral arterial disease in Texas are high and vary disproportionately among different populations. We sought to assess the impact of socioeconomic status and health care resource distribution on the geographic prevalence of lower extremity amputation in Texas counties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collated 2005-2009 data on all 254 Texas counties. The primary outcome was the number of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations. Population-adjusted regressions identified factors that could explain increasing amputation rates. RESULTS: We identified 33 counties with population-weighted amputation rates in the highest 25%. These counties had higher rates of diabetes, larger populations of people categorized as black, fewer health care resources, and lower health care utilization. In the presence of more emergency room visits, dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility decreased total amputations. In counties with more than 70% rural communities, additional primary care providers also significantly decreased amputations per 100,000 residents (mean difference = -0.12, 95% confidence interval: -0.23, -0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Policy-driven strategic health care resource allocation at the local level may benefit patients in high-need, low-resource areas and promote a reduction in amputations.

Discordant isolates in bone specimens from patients with recurrent foot osteomyelitis.

We compared paired operative bone cultures (initial operation and reoperation) for 35 patients who experienced foot osteomyelitis treatment failure at a single hospital. Concordance was poor (kappa = 0.180). Staphylococcus aureus, gram negatives, and anaerobes were the most common discordant bacteria seen at reoperation, while Enterococcus was the most persistent.

Delayed gratification and adherence to exercise among patients with claudication.

Few studies have explicitly identified factors that explain an individual's willingness to engage in community-based exercise for claudication. Identifying the unique characteristics of those inclined toward physical activity would inform interventions that encourage walking. We examined the utility of behavioral economics-related concepts in understanding walking among Veterans with claudication. Patients who received care at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, were surveyed on symptom severity, behavioral economics, stress, and depression. The primary outcome was a binary variable measuring current walking for exercise and defined as walking for at least 30 minutes every day. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify variables, both clinically and statistically significant, at a p-value < 0.05. Between April 2017 and March 2018, we received 148 (30%) responses. A total of 35% (n = 51) of respondents indicated that they walked recreationally for exercise compared to 65% (n = 94) who did not. Characteristics that were significantly associated with walking included regularly saving money (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 10.7, p = 0.001), seeking complex problem-solving (aOR = 0.12, p = 0.002), and severe symptoms (aOR = 0.24, p = 0.017). Individuals describing a preference for the future rather than immediate benefit also reported currently walking for exercise. Defining the characteristics of those who exercise may help inform strategies designed to increase walking among those who do not adhere to recommendations.

Successful Smoking Cessation Associated with Walking Behavior in Patients with Claudication.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral economics theories suggest that a preference for delayed benefits promotes positive behavioral change, a concept relevant to both smoking cessation and community-based exercise regimens for claudication. Given the high rate of smoking among older veterans, we were interested in examining the association between smoking cessation, exercise regimen adherence, and preferences for delayed versus immediate benefits. METHODS: Between April 2017 and March 2018, patients with claudication at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, received questionnaires collecting information on social, behavioral, and psychological characteristics. A dual validation system, via the electronic medical record and survey data, measured the primary outcome-smoking cessation versus current smoking. Self-reported physical activity was measured through the validated Ainsworth's compendium of Physical Activities and binary survey questions. The Walking Impairment and Barratt's Impulsivity Questionnaires measured subjective symptom severity and behavioral economics factors, respectively. Multivariable, logistic regression models identified significant associations. RESULTS: The survey was mailed to 500 patients who met the eligibility criteria. We received responses from 148 individuals (30%), and 67 of 141 (48%) indicated that they had successfully quit smoking. In unadjusted comparisons, the median cognitive complexity score in the smoking cessation group was higher than that in the current smoking group. A greater proportion of patients who reported walking for exercise (n = 46) also reported successful smoking cessation (28/46, 61%). Among those who were not walking for exercise (n = 88), more individuals reported current smoking (49/88, 56%). In the multivariable model, individuals who had successfully stopped smoking were older (odds ratio [OR]: 7.59, P < 0.001), more likely to walk for exercise (OR: 3.94, P = 0.009), more interested in the future than in the present (OR: 1.73, P = 0.030), and more likely to regularly save money (OR: 3.49, P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: We found that participants who reported successful smoking cessation were more likely to report walking for exercise. Our findings suggest that adherence to walking may be less challenging for patients who have already successfully implemented and continue to implement another beneficial health behavior (smoking cessation). Patients with claudication who are current smokers may be less likely to adopt exercise recommendations.

Distal vein patch use and limb events after infragenicular prosthetic bypasses.

OBJECTIVE: In the absence of suitable autologous vein, the use of prosthetic grafts for infragenicular bypasses in peripheral arterial disease has become standard practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether creating a vein patch at the distal anastomosis would further improve patency and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALEs). Furthermore, we sought to investigate whether the use of a distal vein patch (DVP) was associated with lower rates of acute limb ischemia (ALI) for those presenting with occluded prosthetic bypass graft. METHODS: The cases of all patients undergoing infragenicular prosthetic bypass grafts between January 2009 and July 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics of the patients, clinical data, and outcomes (graft patency and MALEs) were collected. Patients were compared according to treatment group (DVP vs no DVP). A Cox regression analysis was used to analyze follow-up results. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 373 patients underwent infragenicular bypass at our institution; of those, 93 (24.9%) had prosthetic grafts (DVP, 39; no DVP, 54). Overall, 92 (98.9%) patients were male; the mean age was 63.3 ± 6.6 years and did not differ between the two groups. Patients undergoing prosthetic bypass with DVP were more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (38.5% vs 14.8%; P = .009) and less likely to have chronic kidney disease (2.6% vs 20.4%; P = .011). Follow-up data were available for all patients for a median of 7.8 months (range, 1-89 months). After adjustment for differences in demographics and clinical data between the two groups, when outcomes were analyzed, MALEs were significantly lower in the DVP group (35.9% vs 57.4%; odds ratio [OR], 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-0.9; P = .041). Similarly, reintervention rates were significantly lower in the DVP group (30.8% vs 50.0%; OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .044). There was a trend toward higher primary patency in the DVP group (46.2% vs 35.2%; OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.7-3.5; P = .206) and lower rates of ALI after bypass occlusion (30.0% vs 42.9%; OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2-1.8; P = .345). A Cox regression time-to-event analysis revealed late separation of freedom from MALEs for DVP relative to no DVP (log rank, P = .269). CONCLUSIONS: In this evaluation of infragenicular prosthetic bypass grafts, the creation of a vein patch at the distal anastomosis was associated with lower reintervention rates and a trend toward improved primary patency and MALEs. Furthermore, for those presenting with occluded prosthetic bypass graft, the use of a DVP was associated with a trend toward lower rates of ALI.

The impact of foot infection on infrainguinal bypass outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in endovascular therapy, infrainguinal bypass continues to play a major role in achieving limb salvage. In this study, we sought to compare outcomes of infrainguinal bypass in patients with limb-threatening ischemia who presented with or without foot infection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass for chronic limb-threatening ischemia at a single institution. End points of interest included long-term mortality, 45-day readmission, postoperative length of stay (LOS), major amputation, and time to wound healing. Multivariable Cox, logistic, and robust regressions were used to model time to event outcomes, readmission rates, and LOS. RESULTS: There were 454 infrainguinal bypass procedures analyzed. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar, except congestive heart failure and diabetes were more common in the infection group. Presence of foot infection had no impact on mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; P = .243). Significant predictors of long-term mortality included increasing age, hypoalbuminemia, and congestive heart failure; preoperative use of clopidogrel was protective. Presence of foot infection was an independent predictor of major amputation. In the multiple regression model, the presence of foot infection was independently associated with amputation rate (HR, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.42-3.22; P < .001); use of venous conduit and increasing age and body mass index were protective. Foot infection was an independent predictor of prolonged LOS (mean LOS was 1.54 days longer in patients with vs those without infection; P = .001). Other independent predictors of prolonged LOS included intraoperative blood loss and reoperation; history of continuous preoperative aspirin use and normal baseline renal function and albumin levels were associated with decreased LOS. Readmission was influenced by reoperation (odds ratio [OR], 2.51; P < .001) but not by presence of foot infection (OR, 1.21; P = .349). There was a strong trend for prolonged wound healing time in patients with diabetes (HR, 1.58; P = .05) but not in those with foot infection (OR, 0.74; P = .36). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients requiring infrainguinal bypass for limb-threatening ischemia, infection was more common in patients with diabetes and was a significant predictor of major amputation and prolonged LOS. Infection was not predictive of mortality, wound healing time, or readmission. These findings lend support to the inclusion of infection in risk stratification schemes for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, as recommended in the Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system, because of its adverse impacts on limb salvage.

Effect of postoperative anemia and baseline cardiac risk on serious adverse outcomes after major vascular interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Published data suggest that permissive anemia strategies that allow nadir hemoglobin (nHb) values of 7 g/dL or lower are safe in a variety of clinical settings. The appropriateness of these strategies in patients at high risk for adverse postoperative cardiac events remains unclear. We sought to determine the combined effect of postoperative nHb and cardiac risk status on major complications after vascular surgical interventions. METHODS: This was a single-institution retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent elective open procedures for occlusive vascular disease and aneurysm repair, either open or endovascular. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) was used to assess baseline cardiac risk. Primary outcome was a composite end point of mortality or major ischemic events (myocardial infarction, stroke, acute kidney injury, or coronary revascularization) within 90 days from the index operation. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and 90-day respiratory complications (pneumonia, ventilator dependence for >48 hours postoperatively, or reintubation). Hierarchical multivariable regression was used to model each outcome with adjustment for age, type of operation, baseline comorbidities, and intraoperative covariates. RESULTS: We analyzed 2508 operations performed during 8 years in 2106 patients with a mean age of 67 years (range, 45-90 years). In the fully adjusted multivariable model, lower values of nHb increased the risk of the primary composite end point (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; P < .001, representing a 24% increase in the odds of the composite end point for each 1-g/dL increase in nHb). In the same model, RCRI class II (OR, 1.8; P < .001), class III (OR, 2.06; P < .0001), and class IV (OR, 2.35; P < .0001) were associated with progressively increasing odds of the composite end point compared with RCRI class I. An interaction term between transfusion and nHb was not significant statistically, indicating that the harmful effect of anemia was independent of blood transfusion. Lower values of nHb also increased the risk of respiratory complications (OR, 1.41; P = .002) and ICU LOS (average 2.6-day increase per 1-g/dL increase of nHb; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative anemia increases the rate of early postoperative mortality and major ischemic events, particularly in patients at higher baseline cardiac risk. It also adversely affects respiratory complications and ICU LOS. Until a randomized trial definitively settles the issue, restrictive transfusion strategies should be practiced with caution in patients undergoing major vascular interventions.