Complicated and Uncomplicated Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissections Demonstrate Different Patient Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is a rare entity with poorly defined risk factors and wide variation in management. We set forth to compare patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of uncomplicated isolated abdominal aortic dissection (uIAAD) versus high risk and complicated isolated abdominal aortic dissection (hrcIAAD) to investigate whether these categories can be utilized to guide IAAD management and provide risk stratification for intervention. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients with spontaneous IAAD at a tertiary health care system between 1996 and 2022. Demographics, comorbidities, factors relating to initial presentation including imaging findings, and dissection outcomes including long-term all-cause mortality and aortic-related mortality from time of dissection to final available record were abstracted. IAAD demonstrating rupture or malperfusion were designated as complicated, those with aortic diameter greater than 4 cm on presentation or refractory pain were designated as high risk, and the remainder was designated as uIAAD. All variables were compared between hrcIAAD and uIAAD using Fisher's exact test, unpaired t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test as appropriate. RESULTS: Over the study period, 74 patients presented with spontaneous IAAD (mean age 60 ± 16 years, 61% male) with postdissection follow-up records to an average of 6.8 ± 5.8 years. Of these, 76% presented with uIAAD versus 24% with hrcIAAD. hrcIAAD was diagnosed at a significantly younger age on average than uIAAD (52 ± 14 vs. 62 ± 16 years, P = 0.02), was less likely to present with concomitant hyperlipidemia (0% vs. 41%, P < 0.01), coronary artery disease (6% vs. 47%, P < 0.01), and prior smoking history (39% vs. 72%). hrcIAAD was more likely to present in patients with a genetic aortopathy (27% vs. 7%, P = 0.03). Hypertension was not significantly different between groups. Patients with hrcIAAD were significantly more likely to present with extension into iliac arteries compared to uIAAD (61% vs. 18%, P < 0.01). A much higher proportion of hrcIAAD required hospitalization compared to uIAAD (83% vs. 30%, P < 0.01) and operative intervention (67% vs. 7%, P < 0.01). While there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between groups, there was a significant difference between aortic-related mortality which only occurred in those with hrcIAAD (28% vs. 0%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of long-term outcomes suggests that hrcIAAD is associated with increased hospitalization and need for operative intervention compared to uIAAD. Significant differences in atherosclerotic risk factors and proportions of connective tissue disease history between patients who present with hrcIAAD and uIAAD suggest that differences in underlying etiology are largely responsible for whether IAAD progresses towards rupture or has a more benign course and should be considered in risk stratification to guide more specific and targeted management of IAAD.

Surgical release of anterior tibial artery entrapment with associated popliteal artery entrapment.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is compression of the popliteal artery from embryologic myotendinous variation or calf muscle hypertrophy. PAES necessitates prompt diagnosis and complete release of the entrapped vasculature for symptom relief and to prevent chronic cumulative vascular damage. Our patient is a 27-year-old female referred for progressive bilateral claudication. Workup was consistent with bilateral PAES with preoperative imaging notable for an atypically proximal origin of the anterior tibial artery, which was also encased anterior to the popliteus muscle. Preoperative angiogram confirmed the diagnosis, and complete surgical release resolved symptoms by 4 months postoperatively.

Editor's Choice - An Endovascular Approach to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture is Associated With Improved Outcomes for Patients With Prior Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether outcomes of rupture repair differ by aortic repair history and determine the ideal approach for rupture repair in patients with previous aortic repair. METHODS: This retrospective review included all patients who underwent repair of a ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2003 - 2021 recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry. Pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes and long term survival were compared between patients with and without prior aortic repair. To assess the impact of open and endovascular approaches to rupture, a subgroup analysis was then performed among patients who ruptured after a prior infrarenal aortic repair. Univariable and adjusted analyses were performed to account for differences in patient characteristics and operative details. RESULTS: A total of 6 197 patients underwent rupture repair during the study period, including 337 (5.4%) with prior aortic repairs. Univariable analysis demonstrated an increased 30 day mortality rate in patients with prior repairs vs. without (42 vs. 36%; p = .034), and prior repair was associated with increased post-operative renal failure (35 vs. 21%; p < .001), respiratory complications (32 vs. 24%; p < .001), and wound complications (9 vs. 4%; p < .001). Following adjustment, all outcomes were similar with the exception of bowel ischaemia, which was decreased among patients with prior repair (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 - 0.9). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients with a prior aortic repair history who underwent open rupture repair had increased odds for 30 day death (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 - 1.7) and adverse secondary outcomes compared with those managed endovascularly. CONCLUSION: Prior infrarenal aortic repair was not independently associated with increased morbidity or mortality following rupture repair. Patients with a prior aortic repair history demonstrated statistically significantly higher mortality and morbidity when treated with an open repair compared with an endovascular approach. An endovascular first approach to rupture should be strongly encouraged whenever feasible in patients with prior aortic repair.

Modified Harborview Risk Score accurately predicts mortality for patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The modified Harborview Risk Score (HRS) is a simple measure initially derived from a single institutional dataset used to predict ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair survival preoperatively using basic labs and vital signs collected upon presentation. However, validation of this widely applicable scoring system has not been performed. This study aims to validate this scoring system using a large multi-institutional database. METHODS: All patients who underwent repair of an rAAA from 2011 to 2018 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and at a single academic medical center were included. The modified HRS was calculated by assigning 1 point for each of the following: age >76 years, creatinine >2 mg/dL, international normalized ratio >1.8, and any systolic blood pressure less than 70 mmHg. Assessment of the prediction model was then completed. Using a primary outcome measure of 30-day mortality, the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was calculated. The discrimination between datasets was compared using a Delong test. Mortality rates for each score were compared between datasets using the Pearson χ2 test. Comparative analysis for patients with a score of 4 was limited due to a small sample size. RESULTS: A total of 1536 patients were identified using NSQIP, and 163 patients were assessed in the institutional dataset. There were 518 patients with a score of 0 (455 NSQIP, 63 institutional), 676 patients with a score of 1 (617 NSQIP, 59 institutional), 391 patients with a score of 2 (364 NSQIP, 27 institutional), 106 with a score of 3 (93 NSQIP, 13 institutional), and 8 patients with a score of 4 (7 NSQIP, 1 institutional). No difference was found in the receiver operating characteristic area under the curves between datasets (P = .78). Thirty-day mortality was 10% NSQIP vs 22% institutional for a score of 0; 28% NSQIP vs 36% institutional for a score of 1; 41% NSQIP vs 44% institutional for a score of 2; 45% NSQIP vs 69% institutional for a score of 3; and 57% NSQIP vs 100% institutional for a score of 4. Score 0 was the only score with a significant mortality rate difference between datasets (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The modified HRS is confirmed to be broadly applicable as a clinical decision-making tool for patients presenting with rAAAs. Therefore, this easily applicable model should be applied for all patients presenting with rAAAs to assist with provider and patient decision-making prior to proceeding with repair.

Modified Harborview Risk Score improves ease in predicting mortality after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: The Harborview Risk Score (HRS) is a simple, accurate 4-point preoperative risk scoring system used to predict 30-day mortality following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair. The HRS assigns 1 point for each of the following: age >76 years, pH <7.2, creatinine >2 mg/dL, and any episode of severe hypotension (systolic blood pressure <70 mmHg). One potential limitation of this risk scoring system is that arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is required to determine arterial pH. Because ABG analysis is not routinely performed prior to patient transfer or rAAA repair, we sought to determine if the HRS could be modified by replacing pH with the international normalized ratio (INR), a factor that has been previously shown to have a strong and independent association with 30-day death after rAAA repair. METHODS: A retrospective review of all rAAA repairs done at a single academic medical center between January 2002 and December 2018 was performed. Our traditional HRS was compared with a modified score, in which pH <7.2 was replaced with INR >1.8. Patients were included if they underwent rAAA repair (open or endovascular), and if they had preoperative laboratory values available to calculate both the traditional and modified HRS. RESULTS: During the 17-year study period, 360 of 391 repairs met inclusion criteria. Observed 30-day mortality using the modified scoring system was 17% (18/106) for a score of 0 points, 43% (53/122) for 1 point, 54% (52/96) for 2 points, 84% (27/32) for 3 points, and 100% (4/4) for 4 points. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed similar ability of the two scoring systems to predict 30-day death: there was no significant difference in the area under the curve (AUC) comparing the traditional (AUC = 0.74) and modified (AUC = 0.72) HRS (P = .3). CONCLUSIONS: Although previously validated among a modern cohort of patients with rAAA, our traditional 4-point risk score is limited in real-world use by the need for an ABG. Substituting INR for pH improves the usefulness of our risk scoring system without compromising accuracy in predicting 30-day mortality after rAAA repair.

Impact of Intensity of Vascular Care Preceding Major Amputation Among Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Lower-limb amputation rates in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia vary across the United States, with marked disparities in amputation rates by gender, race, and income status. We evaluated the association of patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics with the intensity of vascular care received the year before a major lower-limb amputation and how intensity of care associates with outcomes after amputation. METHODS: Using Medicare claims data (2016-2019), beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who underwent a major lower-limb amputation were identified. We examined patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics associated with the intensity of vascular care received the year before amputation. Secondary objectives evaluated all-cause mortality and adverse events following amputation. RESULTS: Of 33 036 total Medicare beneficiaries undergoing major amputation, 7885 (23.9%) were due to chronic limb-threatening ischemia; of these, 4988 (63.3%) received low-intensity and 2897 (36.7%) received high-intensity vascular care. Mean age, 76.6 years; women, 38.9%; Black adults, 24.5%; and of low income, 35.2%. After multivariable adjustment, those of low income (odds ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.58-0.72]; P<0.001), and to a lesser extent, men (odds ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.98]; P=0.019), and those who received care at a safety-net hospital (odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97]; P=0.012) were most likely to receive low intensity of care before amputation. High-intensity care was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality 2 years following amputation (hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.74-0.85]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were of low-income status, and to a lesser extent, men, or those cared for at safety-net hospitals were most likely to receive low-intensity vascular care. Low-intensity care was associated with worse long-term event-free survival. These data emphasize the continued disparities that exist in contemporary vascular practice.

Patterns in Complex Aortic Vascular Surgery Training and Early Career Practice.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature has suggested a decreasing experience with open aortic surgery among recent vascular surgery graduates. While trainees have a wide exposure to endovascular aortic repair, experience with both endovascular and open management of thoracoabdominal aneurysms, as well as the early career surgeon comfort with these procedures, remains unknown. Thus, we sought to evaluate early practice patterns in the surgical treatment of complex aortic surgery among recent US vascular surgery graduates. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed among all vascular surgeons who completed vascular surgery residency or fellowship in 2020. Self-reported data assessed the number and type of cases performed in training, surgeon experience in early practice, and surgeon desire for additional training in these areas. RESULTS: A total of 62 surgeons completed the survey with a response rate of 35%. Seventy-nine percent of respondents completed fellowship training (as compared to integrated residency), and 87% self-described as training in an academic environment. Sixty-six percent performed less than 5 open thoracoabdominal aortic surgeries and 58% performed less than 5 4-vessel branched/fenestrated aortic repairs (F/BEVARs), including 56% who completed less than 5 physician modified endovascular grafts repairs. Only 11% of respondents felt adequately prepared to perform open thoracoabdominal operations following training. For both open and F/BEVAR procedures, more than 80% respondents plan to perform such procedures with a partner in their current practice, and the majority desired additional open (61%) and endovascular (59%) training for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: The reported infrequency in open thoracoabdominal and multivessel F/BEVAR training highlights a desire and utility for an advanced aortic training paradigm for surgeons wishing to focus on this area of vascular surgery. Further research is warranted to determine the optimal way to provide such training, whether through advanced fellowships, junior faculty apprenticeship models, or regionalization of this highly complex patient care. The creation of these programs may provide pivotal opportunity, as vascular surgery and the management of complex aortic pathology continues to evolve.

Dynamic Imaging is the Ideal Modality for the Diagnosis of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is a rare vascular condition with significant equipoise on how to properly diagnose and evaluate relevant imaging. This can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in surgical management. The objective of this study is to describe and compare distinct imaging features of dynamic versus static images to help determine the ideal imaging modality for diagnosis of PAES. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients referred for PAES at a single institution. We reviewed noninvasive imaging studies, diagnostic arteriograms, and cross-sectional images which include computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). For each affected and unaffected extremity, the characteristic collaterals for PAES were named and measured on arteriogram using Picture Archiving and Communication Software. Available cross-sectional images were also analyzed and compared with arteriogram and intraoperative findings during surgical exploration. RESULTS: There were 23 patients referred for PAES who underwent diagnostic evaluation and surgical management between 2013 and 2022. All patients had a duplex ultrasound that revealed a mean popliteal peak systolic velocity of 78 cm/sec at rest. With forced plantar flexion, the peak systolic velocity increased to a mean 175 cm/sec. A total of 12 extremities had complete loss of flow with provocation during duplex ultrasound. All patients underwent diagnostic angiography of 46 extremities. All limbs with PAES (n = 35) exhibited complete popliteal artery occlusion during angiography with forced plantar flexion. Distinct angiographic findings on resting images included a well-developed medial sural artery in 100% of limbs with PAES with a mean diameter of 2.7 mm. In limbs without PAES, only 80% had a visualized medial sural artery on arteriogram with a mean diameter of 2.0 mm (P = 0.1). A lateral sural artery was seen in 85% of affected extremities (mean diameter of 1.8 mm), while an anterior tibial recurrent artery was seen in 59% of affected extremities (mean diameter of 1.3 mm). In unaffected limbs, there were no visible lateral sural or anterior tibial recurrent arteries. The mean contrast used with diagnostic arteriograms was 58 milliliters (range 10-100 milliliters). Axial imaging was available for 9 affected extremities. Five had a previous MRA with only 1 being truly positive for arterial compression. Four extremities had previous CTA with 3 being falsely negative despite having type 3 PAES discovered during surgical exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic imaging with angiography provides immediate surgeon feedback by visualizing popliteal artery compression and enlarged sural collaterals during resting arteriography. The medial sural collateral is enlarged in patients with PAES and often the lateral sural and anterior tibial recurrent arteries can be visualized as well. CTA and MRA are associated with high false-negative rates, and therefore cause delays in diagnosis and surgical management of PAES. Dynamic imaging should, therefore, be the gold standard for the diagnosis of PAES.

Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination performance following implementation of the Vascular Surgical Council on Resident Education curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: The Vascular Surgery Surgical Council on Resident Education (VSCORE) program is a standardized curriculum intended to prepare Vascular Surgery trainees for the annual Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination (VSITE). This study evaluated the performance of 0+5 and 5+2 Vascular Surgery trainees on the VSITE prior to and following implementation of the VSCORE curriculum. METHODS: VSITE scores, measured as percentage of questions correct, were collected for Vascular Surgery trainees at a United States academic medical center between 2015 and 2022. The VSITE scores were compared for the periods prior to (2015-2021) and following (2022) implementation of the VSCORE curriculum. RESULTS: Fifty-seven VSITE scores were evaluated, including 46 examinations completed prior to and 11 after the implementation of the VSCORE curriculum. The mean VSITE score across all training levels (post-graduate year [PGY] 1-7) increased significantly from 68.4% ± 1.5% prior to implementation of VSCORE curriculum to 76.5% ± 3.1% following implementation (P = .03). Two-way analysis of variance identified pre- and post-VSCORE implementation as a statistically significant categorical variable when residents were stratified into junior (PGY 1-2), senior (PGY 3-5), and fellow (PGY 6-7) training levels (P < .001). The mean change in score between consecutive years also increased following VSCORE implementation (14.1% ± 2.3%) compared with the pre-VSCORE era (5.7% ± 1.7%; P = .002) CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the VSCORE curriculum at an academic medical center improved VSITE scores across vascular surgery trainees at all levels.

Males and females have similar mortality after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury.

OBJECTIVE: Prior literature has demonstrated worse outcomes for female patients after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Also, prior studies in the context of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysms have reported conflicting results regarding sex-related outcomes. Because the influence of sex on the outcomes after TEVAR for blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) remains understudied, we evaluated the association between sex and outcomes after TEVAR for BTAI. METHODS: We identified patients who had undergone TEVAR for BTAIs in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry from 2013 to 2022 and included those who had undergone TEVAR within zones 2 to 5 of the thoracic aorta. Patients with missing information regarding the aortic injury grade (Society for Vascular Surgery aortic injury grading system) were excluded. We performed multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression to determine the influence of sex on the perioperative outcomes and long-term mortality, respectively. RESULTS: We identified 1311 patients, of whom 27% were female. The female patients were significantly older (female, 47 years [interquartile range (IQR), 30-63 years]; male, 38 years [IQR, 28-55 years]; P < .001) with higher rates of comorbidities. Although the female patients had had higher Glasgow coma scale scores (median, 15 [IQR, 11-15]; vs 14 [IQR, 8-15]; P = .028), no differences were found in the aortic injury grade or other coexisting traumatic injuries between the sexes. Apart from the longer procedure duration for the female patients (median, 79 minutes [IQR, 52-119 minutes]; vs 69 minutes [IQR, 48-106 minutes]; P = .008), the procedural characteristics were comparable. After adjustment, no significant association was found between female sex and perioperative mortality (7.1% vs 8.1%; odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-1.3; P = .34). The male and female patients had had comparable rates of postoperative complications (26% vs 29%; odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.52-1.5]; P = .26) including access-related complications (0.5% vs 0.8%; P=.83). However, females had a significantly higher risk for reintervention during the index admission (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.5; P = .024). No significant difference was found between the male and female patients with respect to 5-year mortality (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.57-1.35; P = .50). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the sex-based outcome disparities observed after thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, we found no significant association between sex and perioperative outcomes or long-term mortality after TEVAR for BTAIs. This contrast in the sex-related outcomes after other vascular pathologies might be explained by differences in the pathology, demographics, and anatomic factors in these patients.

Clinical Outcomes of a Diagnostic and Management Protocol for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome at a Large Referral Center.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is a rare clinical entity without a standardized algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a unique diagnostic and management algorithm for patients with PAES managed at a quaternary referral center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with PAES at a single institution between 2013 and 2021. Demographics, physical exam findings, noninvasive imaging results, and angiographic images were assessed to validate a diagnostic and management algorithm (Figure 1). Surgical findings, operative technique, post-operative complications, and symptomatic improvement were assessed to validate this clinical algorithm. RESULTS: There were 35 extremities in 23 patients treated for PAES (Table I). The mean age was 28, and 82.6% of patients were female. Physical exam revealed a decrement in pedal pulse with provocative maneuvers in 90% of treated limbs. Noninvasive studies to include treadmill exercise testing revealed a mean Ankle-brachial indices (ABI) drop of 0.28 and positional duplex demonstrated that the mean peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the popliteal artery was 78 cm/sec at rest which increased to 175 cm/sec with provocation. Diagnostic arteriography was performed in all patients and revealed awell-developed geniculate and sural collaterals in 100% of the treated limbs and complete effacement of the popliteal artery with active provocative maneuvers in all treated limbs (Figure 2). Surgical exposure was performed via a posterior approach and intraoperative completion duplex was performed in all cases. Type III PAES was discovered in 89% of cases. Arterial reconstruction was required in 2 patients who presented with an occluded popliteal artery. All but one patient was discharged on post-operative day one. Wound complications occurred in 4 limbs (3 patients) and included seroma and hypertrophic scarring. All patients experienced symptomatic relief with a median follow-up of 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: We reported 100% technical and clinical success in patients with PAES diagnosed and managed using our clinical algorithm. Cross-sectional imaging is not necessary for the diagnosis. Dynamic angiography confirms the diagnosis and intraoperative duplex is essential for successful clinical outcome by confirming complete release of the popliteal artery.

Outcomes and practice patterns of medical management of blunt thoracic aortic injury from the Aortic Trauma Foundation global registry.

OBJECTIVE: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is the second leading cause of death from blunt trauma. In the present study, we aimed to determine the outcomes of medical management (MM) for BTAI. We hypothesized from the results of several previously reported studies, that patients with a minimal aortic injury (BTAI grades 1 and 2) could safely be treated with definitive MM alone. METHODS: The Aortic Trauma Foundation international prospective multicenter registry was used to examine the demographics, injury characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with BTAI. We analyzed a subset of patients for whom MM was initiated as definitive therapy. RESULTS: From November 2016 to April 2020, 432 patients (median age, 41 years; 76% male; median injury severity score, 34) with BTAI (Society for Vascular Surgery grade 1, 23.6%; grade 2, 14.4%; grade 3, 51.2%; grade 4, 10.9%) were evaluated. Of the 432 patients, 245 (57%) had received MM in the initial period and 114 (26.4%) had received MM as the planned definitive therapy (grade 1, 59.6%; grade 2, 23.7%; grade 3, 15.8%; grade 4, 0.9%). The most common mechanism of BTAI was a motor vehicle collision (60.4%). Hypotension was present on arrival in 74 patients (17.2%). Continuous titratable infusion of antihypertensive medication was used for 49.1%, followed by intermittent bolus administration (29.8%), with beta-blockers (74.6%) the most common agent used. Treatments were targeted to a goal systolic blood pressure for 83.3%, most often to a target goal systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg (66.3%). The MM goals based on blood pressure control were attained in 64.0% (73 of 114). Twelve patients (10.5%; grade 1, 1; grade 2, 0; grade 3, 10; grade 4, 1) had required subsequent intervention after MM. Eleven patients (9.6%) had undergone thoracic endovascular aortic repair and one (0.9%) had required open repair for a grade 4 injury. The overall in-hospital mortality for patients selected for definitive MM was 7.9%. No aortic-related deaths had occurred in the patients receiving definitive MM. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in four patients with BTAI will receive MM as definitive therapy. The variation in the pharmacologic therapies used is considerable. MM for patients with minimal aortic injury (BTAI grades 1 and 2) is safe and effective, with a low overall intervention rate and no aortic-related deaths. These findings support the use of definitive MM for grade 2 BTAI.

Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with concomitant blunt thoracic aortic injury and traumatic brain injury from the Aortic Trauma Foundation global registry.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) are the top two leading causes of death after blunt force trauma. Patients presenting with concomitant BTAI and TBI pose a specific challenge with respect to management strategy, because the optimal hemodynamic parameters are conflicting between the two pathologies. Early thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is often performed, even for minimal aortic injuries, to allow for the higher blood pressure parameters required for TBI management. However, the optimal timing of TEVAR for the treatment of BTAI in patients with concomitant TBI remains an active matter of controversy. METHODS: The Aortic Trauma Foundation international prospective multicenter registry was used to identify all patients who had undergone TEVAR for BTAI in the setting of TBI from 2015 to 2020. The primary outcomes included delayed ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, in-hospital mortality, and aortic-related mortality. The outcomes were examined among patients who had undergone TEVAR at emergent (<6 vs ≥6 hours) or urgent (<24 vs ≥24 hours) intervals. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (median age, 43 years; 79% men; median injury severity score, 41) with BTAI (Society for Vascular Surgery BTAI grade 1, 3%; grade 2, 10%; grade 3, 78%; grade 4, 9%) and concomitant TBI who had undergone TEVAR were identified. Emergent repair was performed for 51 patients (51%). Comparing emergent repair (<6 hours) to urgent repair (≥6 hours), no difference was found in delayed cerebral ischemic events (2.0% vs 4.1%; P = .614), in-hospital mortality (15.7% vs 22.4%; P = .389), or aortic-related mortality (2.0% vs 2.0%; P = .996) and no patient had experienced delayed hemorrhagic stroke. Likewise, repairs conducted in an urgent (<24 hours) setting showed no differences compared with those completed in an emergent (≥24 hours) setting regarding delayed ischemic stroke (2.6% vs 4.3%; P = .548), in-hospital mortality (18.2% vs 21.7%; P = .764), or aortic-related mortality (1.3% vs 4.3%; P = .654), and no patient had experienced delayed hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to prior retrospective efforts, results from the Aortic Trauma Foundation international prospective multicenter registry have demonstrated that neither emergent nor urgent TEVAR for patients with concomitant BTAI and TBI was associated with delayed stroke, in-hospital mortality, or aortic-related mortality. In these patients, the timing of TEVAR did not have an effect on the outcomes. Therefore, the decision to intervene should be guided by individual patient factors rather than surgical timing.

Understanding and finding opportunities for inclusive mentorship and sponsorships in vascular surgery.

Deliberate efforts are needed to address the lack of diversity in the vascular surgery workforce and to correct the current scarcity of diversity in vascular surgery leadership. Effective mentorship and sponsorship are crucial for success in academic surgery. In the present report, we have explained the importance of mentorship and sponsorship relationships for surgeons historically underrepresented in medicine, discussed the unique challenges faced by them in academic surgery, and provided a practical framework for fostering intentional and thoughtful mentor and sponsor relationships to nurture their careers.

Intraoperative consultation of vascular surgeons is increasing at a major American trauma center.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular surgeons are often called to aid other surgical specialties for complex exposure, hemorrhage control, or revascularization. The evolving role of the vascular surgeon in the management of intraoperative emergencies involving trauma patients remains undefined. The primary aims of this study included determining the prevalence of intraoperative vascular consultation in trauma, describing how these interactions have changed over time, and characterizing the outcomes achieved by vascular surgeons in these settings. We hypothesized that growing endovascular capabilities of vascular surgeons have resulted in an increased involvement of vascular surgery faculty in the management of the trauma patient over time. METHODS: A retrospective review of all operative cases at a single level I trauma center where a vascular surgeon was involved, but not listed as the primary surgeon, between 2002 and 2017 was performed. Cases were abstracted using Horizon Surgical Manager, a documentation system used in our operating room to track staff present, the type of case, and use. All elective cases were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 256 patients initially identified, 22 were excluded owing to the elective or joint nature of the procedure, leaving 234 emergent operative vascular consultations. Over the 15-year study period, a 529% increase in the number of vascular surgery consultations was seen, with 65% (n = 152) being intraoperative consultations requiring an immediate response. Trauma surgery (n = 103 [44%]) and orthopedic surgery (n = 94 [40%]) were the most common consulting specialties, with both demonstrating a trend of increasing consultations over time (general surgery, 1400%; orthopedic surgery, 220%). Indications for consultation were extremity malperfusion, hemorrhage, and concern for arterial injury. The average operative time for the vascular component of the procedures was 2.4 hours. Of patients presenting with ischemia, revascularization was successful in 94% (n = 116). Hemorrhage was controlled in 99% (n = 122). In-hospital mortality was relatively low at 7% (n = 17). Overall, despite the increase in intraoperative vascular consultations over time, a concomitant increase in the proportion of procedures done using endovascular techniques was not seen. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular surgeons are essential team members at a level I trauma center. Vascular consultation in this setting is often unplanned and often requires immediate intervention. The number of intraoperative vascular consultations is increasing and cannot be attributed solely to an increase in endovascular hemorrhage control, and instead may reflect the declining experience of trauma surgeons with vascular trauma. When consulted, vascular surgeons are effective in quickly gaining control of the situation to provide exposure, hemorrhage control, or revascularization.

Preoperative risk score accuracy confirmed in a modern ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm experience.

OBJECTIVE: Various risk score calculators used to predict 30-day mortality after treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) have produced mixed results regarding their usefulness and reproducibility. We prospectively validated the accuracy of our preoperative scoring system in a modern cohort of patients with rAAAs. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients wiith rAAAs who had presented to a single academic center from January 2002 to December 2018 was performed. The patients were divided into three cohorts according to when the institutional practice changes had occurred: the pre-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) era (January 2002 to July 2007), the pre-Harbor View risk score era (August 2007 to October 2013), and the modern era (November 2013 to December 2018). The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Our preoperative risk score assigns 1 point for each of the following: age >76 years, pH <7.2, creatinine >2 mg/dL, and any episode of hypotension (systolic blood pressure <70 mm Hg). The previously reported mortality from a retrospective analysis of the first two cohorts was 22% for 1 point, 69% for 2 points, 78% for 3 points, and 100% for 4 points. The goal of the present study was to prospectively validate the Harborview scoring system in the modern era. RESULTS: During the 17-year study period, 417 patients with rAAAs were treated at our institution. Of the 118 patients treated in the modern era, 45 (38.1%) had undergone open aneurysm repair (OAR), 61 (51.7%) had undergone EVAR, and 12 (10.2%) had received comfort measures only. Excluding the 12 patients without aneurysm repair, we found a statistically significant linear trend between the preoperative risk score and subsequent 30-day mortality for all patients combined (P < .0001), for OAR patients alone (P = .0003), and for EVAR patients alone (P < .0001). After adjustment for the Harborview risk score, the 30-day mortality was 41.3% vs 31.6% after OAR vs EVAR, respectively (P = .2). For all repairs, the 30-day mortality was 14.6% for a score of 0, 35.7% for a score of 1, 68.4% for a score of 2, and 100% for a score of 3 or 4. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, representing one of the largest modern series of rAAAs treated at a single institution, have confirmed the accuracy of a simple 4-point preoperative risk score in predicting 30-day mortality in the modern rAAA patient. Such tools should be used when discussing the treatment options with referring physicians, patients, and their family members to help guide transfer and treatment decision-making.

Management of an Aortoenteric Fistula in a Patient with End Stage Renal and Liver Disease, Prior Endovascular Aortic Repair With Type II Endoleak.

Primary aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is an uncommon but life-threatening condition. We present a case of primary AEF in an octogenarian with previous endovascular aortic repair, type II endoleak and end stage liver and renal disease. He was successfully treated with accessory renal artery ligation, duodenojejunostomy, aneurysm sac debridement and irrigation and closure of the aneurysm sac over a drain. The patient made an excellent recovery and was discharged on POD #7, with no complications noted after over a year of follow up. This approach may represent a valuable option to manage primary AEF versus open endograft explant, particularly in severely ill patients.

Reevaluating the Need for Routine Coverage of the Left Subclavian Artery in Thoracic Blunt Aortic Injury.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the treatment of choice for thoracic blunt aortic injury (TBAI). A 20 mm proximal seal zone is recommended based on aneurysmal disease literature which often results in coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA). The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with TEVAR for TBAI and evaluate whether 20 mm is required to achieve successful remodeling. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective study of all consecutive patients who received a TEVAR for treatment of moderate and severe TBAI between April 2014 and November 2018. Three-dimensional software reconstruction was used for computed tomography (CT) scan centerline measurements. Outcomes included technical success, need for reinterventions, and immediate and long-term aortic-related complications. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients underwent TEVAR for TBAI during the study period. Twenty-eight (46%) patients underwent LSA coverage with an average distance from the LSA to the injury of 6.4 mm (0-15.1 mm). Of the 33 (54%) patients who did not undergo coverage of the LSA, 22 patients (66%) had less than 20 mm of proximal seal zone. The mean distance from the LSA to injury in this group was 16.6 mm (7.9-29.5 mm). None of the patients with LSA coverage developed ischemic symptoms, and an average decrease in left arm systolic blood pressure of 24.8 mm Hg (0-62 mm Hg) was noted versus the right arm. There was no aortic-related mortality in either group. Follow-up CT scans revealed excellent remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate outcomes of TEVAR for TBAI with LSA coverage are well tolerated; however, the long-term sequela of LSA coverage is unknown. Exclusion of the injury and excellent remodeling appear to occur with less than 20 mm of proximal seal, and perhaps more attention should be made to preservation of the LSA.

Ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Society for Vascular Surgery: A report of the Society for Vascular Surgery Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion represent interconnected goals meant to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their innate identity characteristics, feel welcomed and valued among their peers. Equity is achieved when all individuals have equal access to leadership and career advancement opportunities as well as fair compensation for their work. It is well-known that the unique backgrounds and perspectives contributed by a diverse workforce strengthen and improve medical organizations overall. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is committed to supporting the highest quality leadership, patient care, surgical education, and societal recommendations through promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the SVS. The overarching goal of this document is to provide specific context and guidance for enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the SVS as well as setting the tone for conduct and processes beyond the SVS, within other national and regional vascular surgery organizations and practice settings.

Management of Moderate Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injuries in Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) are the second most common cause of death due to blunt-force trauma in the United States. Patients with minimal injuries do not typically require surgical repair, whereas patients with severe injuries are treated emergently. Moderate aortic injuries are repaired in a semielective fashion, but the optimal management of patients with moderate BTAI with associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. We sought to analyze the management and outcomes of patients presenting with concomitant moderate BTAI and ICH. METHODS: Consecutive patients who received a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) at our institution for treatment of moderate BTAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed as part of an institutional review board-approved protocol. Patients were classified by our BTAI classification into "minimal", "moderate", or "severe". ICH was identified on computed tomography scan and its severity determined by the neurosurgical team. Outcome measures included surgical timing and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients had a moderate BTAI and underwent TEVAR, 20 (38 %) of whom presented with ICH. Median time from admission to surgery was 58.5 hr for patients with ICH and 26.5 hr for non-ICH patients. Intraoperative heparin was administered in all patients without ICH and in 19 of 20 (95%) patients with ICH after the ICH met criteria for stability. Protamine reversal was utilized in 80% of patients with ICH and 75% of non-ICH patients. No patient developed ischemic stroke or spinal cord ischemia. Worsening ICH was seen in only one patient, who also received heparin infusion for pulmonary embolus 24 hr before TEVAR. There were no aortic-related mortalities in either group. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 5% for patients with ICH and 3% for non-ICH patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate BTAI and stable ICH are not at increased risk of TEVAR-related complications. Administration of intraoperative heparin during TEVAR appears to be safe and does not worsen ICH.