Copenhagen Mesenteric stent study (COMESS)-a randomized trial of stent versus covered stent treatment for chronic mesenteric ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Current management of mesenteric ischemia is primarily endovascular stent treatment. Typical CMI symptoms are postprandial abdominal pain, food fear, weight loss, and diarrhea. Revascularization is often necessary, as mesenteric ischemia may progress to bowel necrosis and death if left untreated. This study aims to compare the outcome using bare metal stent (BMS) or covered stent (CS) in the endovascular treatment of chronic and acute on chronic mesenteric ischemia. METHODS: This is an investigator-driven, prospective, randomized, single-blinded, and single-center, national cohort study at the Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. A total of 98 patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) and acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia (AoCMI) will be randomized to treatment with either BeSmooth BMS (Bentley Innomed GmbH) or BeGraft CS (Bentley Innomed GmbH). Randomization occurs intraoperatively after lesion crossing. DISCUSSION: There is currently no published data from prospective controlled trials regarding the preferred type of stent used for the treatment of chronic and acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia. This trial will evaluate the short- and long-term outcome of BMS versus CS when treating CMI and AoCMI, as well as the benefit of a more intense postoperative surveillance program. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05244629. Registered on February 8, 2022.

Hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms in vivo: A narrative review.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are relatively common, primarily among older men, and, in the case of rupture, are associated with high mortality. Although procedure-related morbidity and mortality have improved with the advent of endovascular repair, noninvasive treatment and improved assessment of AAA rupture risk should still be sought. Several cellular pathways seem contributory to the histopathologic changes that drive AAA growth and rupture. Hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) is an oxygen-sensitive protein that accumulates in the cytoplasm under hypoxic conditions and regulates a wide array of downstream effectors to hypoxia. Examining the potential role of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of AAAs is alluring, because local hypoxia is known to be present in the AAA vessel wall. A systematic scoping review was performed to review the current evidence regarding the role of HIF-1α in AAA disease in vivo. After screening, 17 studies were included in the analysis. Experimental animal studies and human studies show increased HIF-1α activity in AAA tissue compared with healthy aorta and a correlation of HIF-1α activity with key histopathologic features of AAA disease. In vivo HIF-1α inhibition in animals protects against AAA development and growth. One study reveals a positive correlation between HIF-1α-activating genetic polymorphisms and the risk of AAA disease in humans. The main findings suggest a causal role of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of AAAs in vivo. Further research into the HIF-1α pathway in AAA disease might reveal clinically applicable pharmacologic targets or biomarkers relevant in the treatment and monitoring of AAA disease.

Proteomic analysis of the extracellular matrix of human atherosclerotic plaques shows marked changes between plaque types.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, with atherosclerosis the major underlying cause. While often asymptomatic for decades, atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture can arise suddenly and cause acute arterial occlusion or peripheral embolization resulting in myocardial infarction, stroke and lower limb ischaemia. As extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling is associated with plaque instability, we hypothesized that the ECM composition would differ between plaques. We analyzed atherosclerotic plaques obtained from 21 patients who underwent carotid surgery following recent symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Plaques were solubilized using a new efficient, single-step approach. Solubilized proteins were digested to peptides, and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using data-independent acquisition. Identification and quantification of 4498 plaque proteins was achieved, including 354 ECM proteins, with unprecedented coverage and high reproducibility. Multidimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical clustering indicate two distinct clusters, which correlate with macroscopic plaque morphology (soft/unstable versus hard/stable), ultrasound classification (echolucent versus echogenic) and the presence of hemorrhage/ulceration. We identified 714 proteins with differential abundances between these groups. Soft/unstable plaques were enriched in proteins involved in inflammation, ECM remodelling, and protein degradation (e.g. matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsins). In contrast, hard/stable plaques contained higher levels of ECM structural proteins (e.g. collagens, versican, nidogens, biglycan, lumican, proteoglycan 4, mineralization proteins). These data indicate that a single-step proteomics method can provide unique mechanistic insights into ECM remodelling and inflammatory mechanisms within plaques that correlate with clinical parameters, and help rationalize plaque destabilization. These data also provide an approach towards identifying biomarkers for individualized risk profiling of atherosclerosis.

3-D Contrast-Enhanced Fusion Ultrasound for Accurate Volume Assessment of Vessel Lumen and Plaque in Carotid Artery Disease as Compared With Computed Tomography Angiography.

OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced fusion ultrasound (CEFUS) of atherosclerotic carotid arteries provides spatial visualization of the vessel lumen, creating a lumenography. As in 3-D computed tomography angiography (CTA), 3-D CEFUS outlines the contrast-filled lumen. Plaque and vessel contours are distinguished in 3-D CEFUS, allowing plaque volume quantification as a valid estimate of carotid plaque burden. Three-dimensional CEFUS is unproven in intermodality studies, vindicating the assessment of 3-D CEFUS applicability and comparing 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA lumenography as a proof-of-concept study. METHODS: Using an ultrasound system with magnetic tracking, a linear array transducer and SonoVue contrast agent, 3-D CEFUS acquisitions were generated by spatial stitching of serial 2-D images. From 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA imaging, the atherosclerotic carotid arteries were reconstructed with lumenography in an offline software program for lumen and plaque volume quantification. Bland-Altman analysis was used for inter-image modality agreement. RESULTS: The study included 39 carotid arteries. Mean lumen and plaque volume in 3-D CEFUS were 0.63 cm3 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.26) and 0.62 cm3 (SD: 0.26), respectively. Lumen volume differences between 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA were non-significant, with a mean difference of 0.01 cm3 (SD: 0.02, p = 0.26) and limits of agreement (LoA) range of ±0.11 cm3. Mean plaque volume difference was -0.12 cm3 (SD: 0.19, p = 0.006) with a LoA range of ±0.39 cm3. CONCLUSION: There was strong agreement in lumenography between 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA. The interimage modality difference in plaque volumes was substantial because of challenging vessel wall definition in 3-D CTA. Three-dimensional CEFUS is viable in quantifying carotid plaque volume burden and can potentially monitor plaque development over time.

Certification of Basic Skills in Endovascular Aortic Repair Through a Modular Simulation Course With Real Time Performance Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is being used increasingly for the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Improvement in educational strategies is required to teach future vascular surgeons EVAR skills, but a comprehensive, pre-defined e-learning and simulation curriculum remains to be developed and tested. EndoVascular Aortic Repair Assessment of Technical Expertise (EVARATE), an assessment tool for simulation based education (SBE) in EVAR, has previously been designed to assess EVAR skills, and a pass limit defining mastery level has been set. However, EVARATE was developed for anonymous video ratings in a research setting, and its feasibility for real time ratings in a standardised SBE programme in EVAR is unproven. This study aimed to test the effect of a newly developed simulation based modular course in EVAR. In addition, the applicability of EVARATE for real time performance assessments was investigated. METHODS: The European Society of Vascular Surgery (ESVS) and Copenhagen Certification Programme in EVAR (ENHANCE-EVAR) was tested in a prospective cohort study. ENHANCE-EVAR is a modular SBE programme in EVAR consisting of e-learning and hands-on SBE. Participants were rated with the EVARATE tool by experienced EVAR surgeons. RESULTS: Twenty-four physicians completed the study. The mean improvement in EVARATE score during the course was +11.8 (95% confidence interval 9.8 - 13.7) points (p < .001). Twenty-two participants (92%) passed with a mean number of 2.8 ± 0.7 test attempts to reach the pass limit. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.91, corresponding to excellent reliability of the EVARATE scale. Differences between instructors' EVARATE ratings were insignificant (p = .16), with a maximum variation between instructors of ± 1.3 points. CONCLUSION: ENHANCE-EVAR, a comprehensive certifying EVAR course, was proven to be effective. EndoVascular Aortic Repair Assessment of Technical Expertise (EVARATE) is a trustworthy tool for assessing performance within an authentic educational setting, enabling real time feedback.

Symptoms of arteria spinalis anterior syndrome in a patient with ischaemic stroke and Takayasu arteritis.

In Denmark, around 4,500 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) annually. This review investigates that while the efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC is still being studied, immunotherapy is currently only indicated in the treatment of mismatch-repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic CRC, which accounts for 10-15% of patients. Recent studies indicate high rates of pathologic response in dMMR CRC treated with pre-operative immunotherapy while large-scale studies on novel immunotherapy combinations are ongoing.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Incidence of Rupture, Repair, and Death of Small and Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms under Surveillance.

BACKGROUND: The ultimate goal of treating patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is to repair them when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of repair. Small AAAs demonstrate a low rupture risk, and recently, large AAAs just above the threshold (5.5-6.0 cm) seem to be at low risk of rupture as well. The present review aims to investigate the outcomes of AAAs under surveillance through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register were searched (22 March 2022; PROSPERO; #CRD42022316094). The Cochrane and PRISMA statements were respected. Blinded systematic screening of the literature, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two authors. Conflicts were resolved by a third author. The meta-analysis of prevalence provided estimated proportions, 95% confidence intervals, and measures of heterogeneity (I2). Based on I2, the heterogeneity might be negligible (0-40%), moderate (30-60%), substantial (50-90%), and considerable (75-100%). The primary outcome was the incidence of AAA rupture. Secondary outcomes included the rate of small AAAs reaching the threshold for repair, aortic-related mortality, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Fourteen publications (25,040 patients) were included in the analysis. The outcome rates of the small AAA group (<55 mm) were 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-1.0; I2 = 76.4%) of rupture, 0.6% (95% CI 0.0-1.9; I2 = 87.2%) of aortic-related mortality, and 9.6% (95% CI 2.2-21.1; I2 = 99.0%) of all-cause mortality. During surveillance, 21.4% (95% CI 9.0-37.2; I2 = 99.0%) of the initially small AAAs reached the threshold for repair. The outcome rates of the large AAA group (>55 mm) were 25.7% (95% CI 18.0-34.3; I2 = 72.0%) of rupture, 22.1% (95% CI 16.5-28.3; I2 = 25.0%) of aortic-related mortality, and 61.8% (95% CI 47.0-75.6; I2 = 89.1%) of all-cause mortality. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated a higher rupture rate in studies including <662 subjects, patients with a mean age > 72 years, >17% of female patients, and >44% of current smokers. CONCLUSION: The rarity of rupture and aortic-related mortality in small AAAs supports the current conservative management of small AAAs. Surveillance seems indicated, as one-fifth reached the threshold for repair. Large aneurysms had a high incidence of rupture and aortic-related mortality. However, these data seem biased by the sparse and heterogeneous literature overrepresented by patients unfit for surgery. Specific rupture risk stratified by age, gender, and fit-for-surgery patients with large AAAs needs to be further investigated.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms volume growth patterns with three-dimensional ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) and computed tomography (CT) have proven abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) volume a more sensitive measure of growth than diameter. This proof-of-concept study aimed to investigate the clinical applicability of two-dimensional ultrasound and 3D-US for AAA diameter and volume growth pattern evaluation. METHODS: AAA patients with at least three follow-ups within a minimum of 24 months were included prospectively and consecutively from the COpenhagen Aneurysms CoHort (COACH). Individual diameter and volume growth rates were categorized as rapid, slow, or no growth (>6.0, 3.8-6.0, and ≤3.7 mm/year for diameter. >17.4, 8.8-17.3, and ≤8.7 mL/year for volume). Similarly, diameter and volume growth patterns were categorized as as linear, exponential, staccato, and indeterminate growth, based from individual regressions. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included, of which 19 (63%) had no diameter growth, 10 (33%) had slow growth, and one (3%) had rapid growth. Regarding volume, 11 (37%) patients had no growth, 12 (40%) had slow growth, and seven (23%) had rapid growth. Growth patterns according to diameter showed that 18 (60%) patients had linear growth, none had staccato or exponential growth. Twelve (40%) were indeterminate. Volume growth patterns found 19 (63%) patients with linear growth, 3 (10%) with staccato, and none with exponential growth. Eight (27%) were indeterminate. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of AAA volume growth patterns is a practical and safe modality that seems more sensitive at detecting growth patterns than AAA diameter. Volume also detects more AAA growth than diameter.

Burnout and Its Consequences among Vascular Surgeons and Trainees: A Danish National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Burnout among physicians has widespread negative consequences. Little is known about burnout among European vascular surgeons (VS). A previously published study found that 82% of VS and vascular surgical trainees (VST) in Denmark experience burnout symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate work- and health-related consequences of burnout. STUDY DESIGN: An electronic survey was distributed to all VS/VST in Denmark in January 2020. Validated assessment tools were used to measure burnout, mental health, and psychosocial work environment aspects. RESULTS: Of 104 invited VS/VST, 82% (n = 85) completed the survey. VS accounted for 72% (n = 61) of the respondents, and 40% (n = 33) were female. Statistically significant associations were found between higher levels of burnout and a range of work- and health-related outcomes, including a sense of meaning at work, workplace commitment, conflicts between work and private life, work stress, sick leave, and depressive symptoms. VS/VST using pain medication daily or weekly had significantly higher burnout scores than respondents who rarely or never use pain medication. A significant association between burnout and job satisfaction and retention was found, with respondents indicating an intention to stay within the specialty having significantly lower burnout scores than those who considered leaving within 5 years. Among those who indicated leaving the specialty, 35% (n = 13) attributed this to their current working conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout among VS/VST in Denmark is negatively associated with various work- and health-related outcomes. The work environment seems to play an essential role in these associations, and alterations in workplace organization may remedy this situation.

Single branch arch stent graft combined with laser fenestration in the treatment of a zone two penetrating thoracic aortic ulcer.

We present the case of a 75-year-old man with a symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer located in zone 2 on the arch inner curve between the left subclavian artery and left carotid artery treated using a single branch thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with in situ laser fenestration. The patient underwent a successful procedure with no neurologic impairment and was discharged on the second postoperative day. The postoperative follow-up showed a well-excluded penetrating aortic ulcer.

Atherosclerotic renovascular disease.

This review investigates patients with renovascular disease due to atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. This group of patients has a very high risk of cardiovascular events. Randomised trials have failed to show that renal artery stenting is more effective than medical therapy alone in most patients but did not enroll patients with high-risk clinical syndromes. Recent cohort studies have observed a beneficial effect of renal artery stenting on blood pressure and kidney function in high-risk patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease. Therefore, a Danish randomised trial has been initiated to explore these observations further.

Massed Training is Logistically Superior to Distributed Training in Acquiring Basic Endovascular Skills.

OBJECTIVE: A "PROficiency based StePwise Endovascular Curricular Training" (PROSPECT) has proven its superiority over traditional training in a randomised controlled trial to acquire basic endovascular skills outside theatre, but real life adherence is low. This study aimed to compare the original distributed training format, where trainees learn at their own pace, with a massed training format offering the same content within a limited time span while exempt from clinical duties. Secondly, long term skills retention was evaluated. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective study allocated participants to the distributed D-PROSPECT or to a massed, compact version (C-PROSPECT) based on logistics such as travel time, participant and instructor availability. A multiple choice question (MCQ) test (max. score 20) tested cognitive skills. Technical skills were assessed using a global rating scale (GRS) (max. score 55), examiner's checklist (max. score 85), and validated simulator metrics. Data were collected pre- and post-programme and at three, six, and 12 months after programme completion. RESULTS: Over four years and in two countries, D-PROSPECT was implemented in two centres and C-PROSPECT in three. A total of 22 participants completed D-PROSPECT with a 41% dropout rate, and 21 completed C-PROSPECT with 0% dropout rate. All participants showed significant improvement for all performance parameters after programme completion: MCQ test (median 14.5 vs. 18; p < .001), GRS (median 20 vs. 41; p < .001), examiner's checklist (median 49 vs. 78.5; p < .001), and simulation metrics (p < .001). Scores of C- or D-PROSPECT participants were not significantly different. No significant differences were seen between groups during the retention period. CONCLUSION: PROSPECT significantly improves the quality of simulated endovascular performances using a massed or distributed training format. A massed training format of PROSPECT may be preferred to decrease dropout during standardised training to obtain basic endovascular skills in existing surgical curricula.

Facilitators and Barriers to Implementation of Simulation Based Education in Vascular Surgery in Europe.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the status and availability of simulation based education (SBE) for learning vascular surgical procedures identified in the 2019 General Needs Assessment in vascular surgery in Europe (GNA-2019) and identified facilitators and barriers to SBE implementation in vascular surgery. METHODS: A three round iterative survey was distributed via the European Society for Vascular Surgery and the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes. Members from leading committees and organisations within the European vascular surgical community were invited to participate as key opinion leaders (KOLs). Three online survey rounds explored demographics, SBE availability, and facilitators and barriers to SBE implementation. RESULTS: Overall, 147 KOLs (target population 338) accepted invitation to round 1, representing 30 European countries. The dropout rates for rounds 2 and 3 were 29% and 40%, respectively. Most respondents (88%) were senior, consultant level or higher. No mandatory SBE training was required in their department before training on patients, according to 84% of the KOLs. There was high consensus on the need for structured SBE (87%) and mandatory SBE (81%). SBE is available for the top three prioritised procedures in GNA-2019 (basic open skills, basic endovascular skills, and vascular imaging interpretation) in 24, 23, and 20 of the 30 represented European countries, respectively. The highest ranking facilitators were structured SBE programmes, availability of simulation equipment locally and regionally, good quality simulators, and having a dedicated person running the SBE. The highest ranked barriers were lack of structured SBE curriculum, equipment costs, lack of SBE culture, no or limited dedicated time for faculty to teach in SBE, and clinical work overload. CONCLUSION: Based largely on the opinions of KOLs in vascular surgery in Europe, this study revealed that SBE is needed in vascular surgery training and that systematic and structured programmes are required to ensure successful implementation.

One-year volume growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms measured by extended field-of-view ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of volume has the potential to detect subtle growth not recognized in the current surveillance paradigm of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Currently available three-dimensional ultrasound allows for estimation of AAA volume, but for most patients, the AAA extends beyond the ultrasound field-of-view and only allows visualization of a partial AAA volume. A new extended field-of-view three-dimensional ultrasound protocol (XFoV US) has been found to improve the proportion of patients with visualization of the full AAA volume. METHODS: To investigate the applicability of the XFoV US protocol in estimating AAA volume growth in follow-up, 86 patients with AAAs were recruited from the surveillance program at a university hospital. All were imaged by XFoV US at baseline and at one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Assessment of full volume, based on visualization of the AAA neck and bifurcation at both baseline and one-year follow-up, was achieved in 67/86 (78%) of patients. One-year mean growth in maximum diameter was 2.8 mm (6%/year), in centerline length 2.9 mm (4%/year), and in volume 15.9 mL (19%/year). In 17/67 (25%) of patients, volume growth was detected in diameter-stable AAAs. Baseline XFoV US volume was associated with one-year AAA volume growth, while, conversely, maximum baseline diameter was not associated with one-year AAA diameter growth. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that the XFoV US protocol provides a safe and repeatable modality for assessing AAA volume growth, and that AAA volume is a promising predictive measure of AAA growth.

Endoleak following endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm: clinical outcome and contrast-enhanced ultrasound detection.

BACKGROUND: Continued blood flow in the aneurysm sac after repair, also known as endoleak, can occur after both open and endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair (EPAR) with risk for aneurysm sac enlargement. Primary aims were to investigate aneurysm sac growth and the presence and classification of endoleak after EPAR using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients receiving EPAR with expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) covered stent-grafts between 1st of January 2009 and 1st of February 2019 at a tertiary referral endovascular center. Patients were re-invited in 2021 and 31 legs were examined for endoleak using CEUS. Endoleaks were classified by a core-lab consisting of three CEUS-experienced physicians. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 57 months (range 33-143 months). Endoleak was detected in 16 PAA, and categorized as type I (N.=3), type II (N.=10), type III (N.=1) or indeterminate (N.=2). Median maximal PAA diameter was 24 mm (range 15-55 mm) at the time of EPAR compared to 17 mm (range 6-43 mm) at follow-up (P<.001). Maximal aneurysm sac diameter was smaller at follow-up than at the index procedure in both PAAs with and without endoleak on CEUS (P=0.005 vs. P<0.001, respectively). There was no difference in PAA sac shrinkage at follow-up between patients with or without endoleak (P=0.28). Freedom from aneurysm sac growth was 97%. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS was sensitive in endoleak detection after EPAR. Shrinkage of the PAA sac was found in both patients with and without endoleaks. CEUS appears useful for targeted examinations rather than routine surveillance after EPAR.

The use of evidence-based medical therapy in patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia.

AIMS: To describe the practice patterns of evidence-based medical therapy (EBM) and overall mortality in high-risk patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), compared with patients with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Using Danish registries, we identified patients 40-100 years of age with a first-time hospitalization for CLTI or MI from 2008-2018 and grouped them into CLTI, MI, and CLTI and history of MI (CLTI + MI). We examined the likelihood of filling prescriptions with EBM [i.e. antiplatelets (Aps), lipid-lowering agents (LLAs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), or angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs)] within 3 months after discharge among survivors. Further, we assessed the adjusted 3-year mortality rates. We included 92 845 patients: 14 941 with CLTI (54.7% male), 74 830 with MI (64.6% male) and 3,074 with CLTI + MI (65.2% male). Patients with CLTI and CLTI + MI were older and had more comorbidities than patients with MI. Compared with patients with MI, the unadjusted odds ratios of filling prescriptions were 0.15 [confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.15] for AP, 0.26 (CI: 0.25-0.27) for LLA, and 0.71 (CI: 0.69-0.74) for ARB/ACEi in patients with CLTI, and 0.22 (CI: 0.20-0.24) for AP, 0.38 (CI: 0.35-0.42) for LLA, and 1.17 (CI: 1.08-1.27) for ARB/ACEi in patients with CLTI + MI. Adjusted analyses showed similar results. Compared with patients with MI, adjusted 3-year hazard ratios for mortality were 1.69 (CI: 1.64-1.74) in patients with CLTI and 1.60 (CI: 1.51-1.69) in patients with CLTI + MI. CONCLUSION: Patients with CLTI were undertreated with EBM and carried a more adverse prognosis, as compared with patients with MI, despite similar guidelines.

KEY FINDINGS: Patients with CLTI are undertreated, compared with patients suffering from heart attacks, despite similar treatment guidelines. Patients with CLTI had an increased risk of death compared with patients suffering from a heart attack.

Patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and death compared with patients suffering from a heart attack. Clinicians are recommended by guidelines to prescribe drugs that can reduce the risk in both patient groups.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Reveals Perioperative Hypoglycemia in Most Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Major Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and duration of hypo- and hyperglycemia, assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during and after major surgery, in departments with implemented diabetes care protocols. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Inadequate glycemic control in the perioperative period is associated with serious adverse events, but monitoring currently relies on point blood glucose measurements, which may underreport glucose excursions. METHODS: Adult patients without (A) or with diabetes [non-insulin-treated type 2 (B), insulin-treated type 2 (C) or type 1 (D)] undergoing major surgery were monitored using CGM (Dexcom G6), with an electrochemical sensor in the interstitial fluid, during surgery and for up to 10 days postoperatively. Patients and health care staff were blinded to CGM values, and glucose management adhered to the standard diabetes care protocol. Thirty-day postoperative serious adverse events were recorded. The primary outcome was duration of hypoglycemia (glucose <70 mg/dL). Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04473001. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included, with a median observation time of 4.0 days. CGM was recorded in median 96% of the observation time. The median daily duration of hypoglycemia was 2.5 minutes without significant difference between the 4 groups (A-D). Hypoglycemic events lasting ≥15 minutes occurred in 43% of all patients and 70% of patients with type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes spent a median of 40% of the monitoring time in the normoglycemic range 70 to 180 mg/dL and 27% in the hyperglycemic range >250 mg/dL. Duration of preceding hypo- and hyperglycemia tended to be longer in patients with serious adverse events, compared with patients without events, but these were exploratory analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Significant duration of both hypo- and hyperglycemia was detected in high proportions of patients, particularly in patients with diabetes, despite protocolized perioperative diabetes management.

Continuous wireless pre- and postoperative vital sign monitoring reveal new, severe desaturations after vascular surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative deviating physiologic values (vital signs) may represent postoperative stress or emerging complications. But they can also reflect chronic preoperative values. Distinguishing between the two circumstances may influence the utility of using vital signs in patient monitoring. Thus, we aimed to describe the occurrence of vital sign deviations before and after major vascular surgery, hypothesising that preoperative vital sign deviations were longer in duration postoperatively. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, arterial vascular patients were continuously monitored wirelessly - from the day before until 5 days after surgery. Recorded values were: heart rate, respiration rate, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) and blood pressure. The outcomes were 1. cumulative duration of SpO2 < 85% / 24 h, and 2. cumulative duration per 24 h of vital sign deviations. RESULTS: Forty patients were included with a median monitoring time of 21 h preoperatively and 42 h postoperatively. The median duration of SpO2 < 85% preoperatively was 14.4 min/24 h whereas it was 28.0 min/24 h during day 0 in the ward (p = .09), and 16.8 min/24 h on day 1 in the ward (p = 0.61). Cumulative duration of SpO2 < 80% was significantly longer on day 0 in the ward 2.4 min/24 h (IQR 0.0-4.6) versus 6.7 min/24 h (IQR 1.8-16.2) p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: Deviating physiology is common in patients before and after vascular surgery. A longer duration of severe desaturation was found on the first postoperative day in the ward compared to preoperatively, whereas moderate desaturations were reflected in postoperative desaturations. Cumulative duration outside thresholds is, in some cases, exacerbated after surgery.

Limb graft occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair with the Cook Zenith Alpha abdominal graft.

OBJECTIVE: Prior reports of the low profile Zenith Alpha abdominal graft (Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) have shown impaired limb graft patency to be the primary causes of reintervention. Special notices from the manufacturer have indicated certain instructions for use (IFU) violations as the main reasons for these complications. In the present study, we assessed the incidence of limb graft occlusion (LGO) and analyzed the effects of the detailed anatomic risk factors for LGO highlighted in the IFU and previously reported studies. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 241 patients treated with the low profile Zenith Alpha at a single institution from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2018. All computed tomography angiograms were analyzed using three-dimensional software. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records until the end of the study period (December 31, 2020). The cumulative incidence of LGO and LGO-related reinterventions were assessed. A regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with the development of LGO at specified time points. These included aortic and iliac diameters, graft component oversizing, iliac tortuosity and calcification, overlap of graft components, proximal alignment of ipsilateral and contralateral legs, and sealing zone in the external iliac artery. Reader agreement of iliac calcification and tortuosity was assessed in patients with LGO. RESULTS: A total of 33 limbs (7%) in 27 patients (11%) had become occluded. The cumulative incidence of LGO was 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-9%) per limb up to 3 years postoperatively. The previously described risk factors for LGO were studied using regression analysis; however, no positive association with LGO was identified. Heavily calcified common iliac arteries (CIAs) and external iliac arteries were protective against LGO compared with noncalcified vessels up to 3 years postoperatively (decreased risk, 17% [95% CI, -27% to -7%]; P = .001; and 15% [95% CI, -26 to -5]; P = .005, respectively). The reader agreement of iliac calcification and tortuosity showed substantial agreement (CIA intrareader kappa = 0.75; CIA interreader kappa = 0.62) and almost perfect agreement (intrareader kappa = 0.85; interreader kappa = 0.84), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative incidence of LGO after endovascular aneurysm repair with the Zenith Alpha graft was 7% per limb up to 3 years postoperatively. None of the analyzed risk factors suggested by the IFUs or current literature were positively associated with LGO.