Use of Spinal Anesthesia during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes after spinal anesthesia (SA) versus general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing thoracic endograft placement and to evaluate the adjunctive use of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) placement. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of patients that underwent thoracic endograft placement from 2001 to 2019 was performed. Patients were stratified based on the type of anesthesia they received: GA, SA or epidural, GA with CSFD, and SA with CSFD. Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality and length of stay (LOS). Baseline characteristics were analyzed with Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 30-day mortality and longer LOS. RESULTS: A total of 333 patients underwent thoracic endograft placement; 104 patients received SA, 180 patients received GA, 30 patients received GA and CSFD, and 19 patients received SA and CSFD. Of the total patients, 16.2% underwent thoracic endograft placement for type B aortic dissection, 3.3% for type A aortic dissection, and 12.3% for penetrating ulcer. The mean age of the study population was 68.7 years old. Patients undergoing SA were older with a mean age of 73.4 years versus 64.7 years for patients undergoing GA (P < 0.001). Spinal anesthesia (SA) was preferred in patients at high risk for GA (>75 years old: 52.9% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001; renal comorbidities: 20.6% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.03, and current smokers: 26.7% vs. 9.6%, P < 0.001). Length of stay (LOS) was decreased in the SA group (4.29 days vs. 9.70 days, P < 0.001). There was a lower incidence of spinal cord ischemia in the SA group (1.0% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.44), as well as significantly decreased 30-day mortality (0% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.01), reintervention (19.2% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.02), and return to the operating room (6.8% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.02). Of the 19 patients that had SA + CSFD, there were no signs and symptoms of spinal cord ischemia and decreased incidence of perioperative complications (0% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.01). There was no difference in the risk for intraoperative complications, neurologic complications, or 30-day mortality between GA + CSFD patients versus SA + CSFD patients. Age >75 (P = 0.002), intraoperative complications (P < 0.001), and perioperative complications (P = 0.02) were associated with increased mortality after thoracic endograft placement per multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia (SA) in select high-risk patients was associated with reduced 30-day mortality, neurologic complications, and LOS compared to GA. The concurrent use of spinal drainage and SA had satisfactory results compared to spinal drainage and GA.

Advancements in Access for End-Stage Renal Disease and the Creation of Endovascular Fistulas.

The prevalence of end-stage renal disease has increased significantly since the 1980s, and the demand for successful, safe, and durable hemodialysis access is rising. Autogenous arteriovenous fistulas continue to be the gold standard modality for hemodialysis access. Biologic and synthetic grafts are used with comparable outcomes but are not without their own complications. Newer developments in hemodialysis access utilize endovascular technology, including dual catheter-based systems and thermal resistance devices, which are pushing the boundaries of fistula creation optimistically forward.

Review of Malpractice Litigation in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous & Lymphatic Disease.

BACKGROUND: Malpractice claims involving nonthrombotic venous and lymphatic diseases and interventions have not been reported previously. We investigated common reasons for litigation, medical specialties involved, patient injuries, and case outcomes in malpractice litigation involving venous and lymphatic disease. METHODS: Litigation cases entered into the Westlaw database from June 8th, 1984 to February 15th, 2018 were analyzed. Search terms included relevant words and phrases related to nonthrombotic venous, thoracic outlet syndrome, and lymphatic disease and treatment. Data on physician specialty, malpractice claims, and patient injuries jury outcomes, amount awarded to the plaintiff, and jury fees were collected and compared for each category. RESULTS: A total of 144 cases were identified. 41 cases involved varicose veins, 11 spider veins, 35 thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), 17 other venous diseases, and 40 lymphatic diseases. Physician defendants were frequently vascular surgeons (23%) and general surgeons (15%). The majority of litigation claims involved "post-procedure complication" (77%), "lack of informed consent" (25%), "failure to diagnose & treat" (15%), and "intraoperative complications" (13%). The most common injuries were skin damage (27.8%), nerve damage (25%), and lymphedema (24%). Patient death occurred in 6% of cases. Out of venous malpractice cases with post-procedure complications, stab phlebectomy (27%) was the most common intervention followed by foam sclerotherapy (21%), rib resection (21%), laser spider vein removal (5%), and endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT)(3%). Of varicose vein cases, 15% included deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism as post-procedure complications. In TOS rib resections, 65% of cases referenced nerve damage and 12% involved arterial injury. For lymphatic disease cases, general surgeons were frequently identified defendants (25%). Lymphedema (93%) and lymphangitis (7%) occurred as post-procedure complications after breast, gynecologic, orthopedic, and radiation procedures. A majority of complications occurred after breast cases (40%). Verdicts overall ruled in favor of the defendant in 71% (102/144) of cases and the plaintiff in 20% (29/144) of cases. Out of cases ruled in favor of the plaintiff, 31% were lymphatics, 24% varicose veins, and 24% TOS cases. Only 8% (12/144) of cases were settled and one outcome was unknown. The mean award was $820,193 (standard deviation SD $1,226,008, Range $12,853 - $6,500,000). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of venous and lymphatic litigation cases involve claims of post-procedure complications. Venous complications occurred after open and endovascular treatment of varicose veins, spider vein treatment, and surgical management of TOS. Lymphedema occurred after breast, oncology, and orthopedic procedures. These cases reflect opportunities for intervention to help potentially prevent litigation.

The mental health impact of aortic dissection.

Although the topics of surgical techniques and medical therapies have been widely studied in aortic dissection (AD), studies examining the short- and long-term impact of this event on mental health are largely lacking. Many of the studies have used the 36-Item Short Form Survey at variable time points after the event. However, AD as medical trauma has a complex impact on a person's identity. Its implications for emotional, mental, social, existential, and self-concept could be explored more robustly. This topic was identified as a topic of interest by the AD Collaborative. The AD Collaborative Mental Health Working Group was formed and performed a landscape review to summarize current literature surrounding quality of life research in those who have experienced AD, identify gaps in knowledge, and to outline future research questions.

Loss of independence as a metric for racial disparities in lower extremity amputation for diabetes: A National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the association between race/ethnicity and amputation with mortality and loss of independence (LOI) for diabetic gangrene. METHODS: We analyzed the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database from 2016 to 2019. Chi-squared tests were performed to evaluate differences in baseline characteristics and complications. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to model LOI and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: 5250 patients with diabetes underwent lower extremity amputation as treatment for gangrene. Hispanic patients were more likely to undergo below the knee amputation (BKA) (P = 0.006). Guillotine amputation (GA) was associated with age > 65 (P < 0.0001), independent functional status prior to admission (P < 0.0001), and mortality (OR 1.989, 95%CI 1.29-3.065), but was not associated with LOI. Mortality was less frequent in Black patients (OR 0.432, 95%CI 0.207-0.902), but loss of independence (LOI) was more frequent in Black patients (OR 1.373, 95%CI 1.017-1.853). Hispanic patients were less likely to experience LOI (OR 0.575, 95%CI 0.477-0.693). CONCLUSIONS: LOI and mortality provide contrasting perspectives on outcomes following lower extremity amputation. Further assessment of risk factors may illuminate healthcare disparities.

Sex-based differences in loss of independence after lower extremity bypass surgery.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzes sex-based differences in the risk of discharge to a nonhome facility (loss of independence) after lower extremity revascularization and resultant outcomes. METHODS: Data from the NSQIP database for years 2015-2017 was utilized to assess sex-based differences in loss of independence and associated unplanned readmission and 30-day amputation using chi-square, student t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analyses where appropriate. RESULTS: There was increased loss of independence in women (34.9% vs. 26.1 %, p < .01) and associated increase in unplanned readmission (18.4% vs. 13.6 %, p = .01) and length of stay (12.1 days vs 6.5 days, p < .01). Endovascular revascularization was associated with decreased likelihood of loss of independence (OR 0.43, CI 0.36-0.50). CONCLUSION: Loss of independence after lower extremity bypass surgery affects women more than men and it is associated with worse postoperative outcomes.

Follow-up after acute thrombotic events following COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 infection results in a hypercoagulable state predisposing patients to thrombotic events. We report the 3- and 6-month follow-up of 27 patients who experienced acute arterial thrombotic events in the setting of COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected and maintained for all vascular surgery consultations in the Mount Sinai Health System from patients who presented between March 16 and May 5, 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients experienced arterial thrombotic events. The average length of stay was 13.3 ± 15.4 days. Fourteen patients were treated with open surgical intervention, six were treated with endovascular intervention, and seven were treated with anticoagulation only. At 3-month follow-up, 11 patients (40.7%) were deceased. Nine patients who expired did so during the initial hospital stay. The 3-month cumulative primary patency rate for all interventions was 72.2%, and the 3-month primary patency rates for open surgical and endovascular interventions were 66.7 and 83.3, respectively. There were 9 (33.3%) readmissions within 3 months. Six-month follow-up was available in 25 (92.6%) patients. At 6-month follow-up, 12 (48.0%) patients were deceased, and the cumulative primary patency rate was 61.9%. The 6-month primary patency rates of open surgical and endovascular interventions were 66.7% and 55.6%, respectively. The limb-salvage rate at both 3 and 6 months was 89.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 infections who experienced thrombotic events saw high complication and mortality rates with relatively low patency rates.

Loss of independence after emergency inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients: How aggressive should we be?

BACKGROUND: Loss of independence (LOI) assesses patient quality of life after surgery and is associated with increased readmission and death. This paper compares LOI among the elderly who received elective versus emergent inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Participant User Files from 2015 to 2017 were reviewed for inguinal hernia repairs in patients 70-years-old or older. Chi-square analysis, Student t-test, and backwards multivariate logistic analysis were performed appropriately. RESULTS: Patients undergoing elective open or laparoscopic repair were less likely to experience LOI (OR 0.061, CI 0.035-0.106) and (OR 0.052 CI 0.024-0.113), respectively, and they were less likely to experience mortality (OR 0.07, CI 0.026-0.185) and (OR 0.059, CI 0.015-0.229), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant debility occurs following emergency inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients. Elective surgery may be indicated more often in order to reduce emergencies and LOI in elderly patients.

Management of Innominate Artery Occlusion With Severe Left Common Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Innominate artery occlusion is a rare entity, particularly when coupled with severe left common carotid artery stenosis. Innominate artery disease may present with varying degrees of symptomatology and can place patients at risk for both posterior fossa and hemispheric ischemic events. We present a symptomatic case of innominate artery occlusion with severe left common carotid disease. We reviewed the literature and current options for the treatment of innominate artery disease. The patient underwent successful hybrid repair with left carotid artery retrograde stenting and left carotid artery to right carotid artery bypass. She has been symptom and re-intervention free during her one-year follow-up. We describe a successful hybrid repair of symptomatic innominate artery occlusion with concomitant severe left carotid artery stenosis in a patient with a prohibitive open thoracic surgical risk.

Large-bore Aspiration Thrombectomy for Acute Venous Thromboembolism.

Pulmonary embolism can occur following dislodgement of deep venous thrombosis into the pulmonary artery circulation, which results in obstruction of the pulmonary artery system and can be fatal. The consequences of pulmonary embolism include hypotension, right heart strain, and hypoxia. In the long term, pulmonary embolism may lead to Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). Patients who develop hypotensive massive and submassive pulmonary embolism can be treated with large-bore aspiration thrombectomy. In the acute setting, this improves short-term outcomes by decreasing the ICU stay. It can also reduce the risk of CTEPH. Options for large-bore aspiration thrombectomy include the FlowTriever™ system (Inari Medical, Irvine, CA) and the Lightning 12 vascular thrombectomy system (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, CA). This review discusses the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism, management, and options for large-bore aspiration thrombectomy.

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization and Advances in Vascular Surgery for Carotid Artery Disease.

Carotid artery atherosclerotic disease impacts over 2 million Americans annually. Since the advent of the carotid endarterectomy by Debakey in 1953, the surgical management of carotid artery stenosis has prevented cerebrovascular accidents. The technology utilized to manage carotid artery stenosis continued to evolve with the utilization of carotid artery stenting in 1989 and more recently transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). This review discusses the modern management of carotid artery stenosis with an emphasis on transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and reversal of flow for reversal of flow for embolic protection.

Spontaneous compartment syndrome and endovascular repair of tibioperoneal trunk pseudoaneurysm in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is caused by mutations in the COL3A1 (collagen type III alpha-1) gene, resulting in loss of integrity of arteries and hollow organs. Patients are predisposed to dissection, aneurysm, and organ rupture. The median life expectancy is ∼51 years. We have described a unique presentation of spontaneous compartment syndrome, likely secondary to ischemia reperfusion injury, in a 32-year-old man with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The compartment syndrome was treated with four-compartment fasciotomy, and subsequent evaluation demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of the tibioperoneal trunk. Endovascular intervention and stent graft deployment guided by intravascular ultrasound successfully excluded the pseudoaneurysm with three vessel run off preserved.

Intravascular Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Endovascular intervention has become first-line treatment for the majority of atherosclerotic lesions associated with peripheral artery disease. Traditionally, treatment modalities have included various types of balloon angioplasty and stenting. However, recent technological advancements have introduced the concept of endovascular lithotripsy as a novel alternative to angioplasty and stenting. This new addition to the armamentarium of surgeons and interventionalists has the potential to alter the treatment paradigm for patients with complex peripheral artery disease.

Double-barrel stenting for endovascular repair of a superior mesenteric artery dissecting aneurysm.

The patient was a 58-year-old man with a history of hypertension who had incidentally been found to have a 2.7-cm dissecting fusiform superior mesenteric artery aneurysm involving a long segment of a proximal to distal superior mesenteric artery. Double-lumen anatomy was present, with the true lumen perfusing the proximal and mid-small bowel and the false lumen perfusing the distal small bowel and the ileocolic artery. The patient elected to undergo endovascular repair using double-barrel stenting with self-expanding and balloon-expandable covered stents, as described. Computed tomography angiography after 1 year demonstrated patent stents.

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal vein and artery in siblings.

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is an uncommon condition in which mucoid cysts form within the adventitial layer of the arterial or venous wall. We have presented two cases in which two first-degree relatives (brother and sister) had acquired CAD ∼6 years apart, one involving the popliteal artery and the other involving the popliteal vein. We have reported a rare case of a possible familial association of CAD. We have discussed the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and imaging modalities between arterial and venous CAD to aid in the management and selection of optimal treatment strategies.

A review of acute limb ischemia in COVID-positive patients.

This literature review discusses the current evidence on acute limb ischemia (ALI) in patients with COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, these patients have been at increased risk of arterial thrombotic events and subsequent mortality as a result of a hypercoagulable state. The exact mechanism of thrombosis is unknown; however arterial thrombosis may be due to invasion of endothelial cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, endothelial injury from inflammation, or even free-floating aortic thrombus. Multiple studies have been performed evaluating the medical and surgical management of these patients; the decision to proceed with operative intervention is dependent on the patient's clinical status as it relates to COVID-19 and morbidity of that disease. The interventions afforded typically include anticoagulation in patients undergoing palliation; alternatively, thrombectomy (endovascular and open) is utilized in other patients. There is a high risk of rethrombosis, despite anticoagulation, given persistent endothelial injury from the virus. Postoperative mortality can be high in these patients.

Hydrosurgical Debridement Use Associated With Decreased Surgical Site-Related Readmissions: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Debridement is the cornerstone of wound care management. It allows for the removal of fibrinous and necrotic debris from the wound bed as well as the reduction of bacterial bioburden, thus allowing for proper granulation and wound healing. Hydrosurgical debridement uses a controlled, high-pressure fluid jet to cut and remove necrotic debris, contaminants, and bacteria, thereby facilitating a potentially more aggressive debridement. OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of this system was compared with that of other methods of debridement in reducing readmissions due to surgical site infections (SSIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify 289 unique patients treated for lower extremity wounds. All patients were treated at a vascular surgery service in a large tertiary care wound program from January 2016 to June 2018. Chart review on wound management was performed. A total of 190 of the 289 patients underwent wound debridement over the course of treatment. Logistic regression was calculated with subsequent SSI admission as the dependent variable. RESULTS: On assessing readmissions owing to SSI following debridement, use of hydrosurgical debridement was found to be associated with decreased SSI admissions (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.142-0.677; P < .05). This finding was compared with the results of either standard sharp soft tissue excisional debridement or the use of pulse irrigation. CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple options to consider when formulating an approach for wound management, including the method of debridement used. One goal of debridement is to decrease the bacterial bioburden in the wound bed to both encourage better wound healing and decrease the rate of wound infections. The present study found that the use of hydrosurgical debridement was associated with decreased SSI readmissions, which could potentially result in better wound care for the patient and possibly decreased health care costs because of a lower rate of readmissions. Further investigation of these 2 potential outcomes is necessary.