The long-term fate of renal and visceral vessel reconstruction after open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: In the ever-advancing era of endovascular thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) repair, understanding long-term patency of renovisceral reconstructions after open TAAA repair provides important benchmarks. METHODS: Institutional open TAAA repair patient data were queried. Patients dying during index admission or with incomplete operative detail were excluded. Visceral and renal reconstructions were categorized as bypass, incorporation into a proximal or distal beveled aortic anastomosis, inclusion button, Carrel patch, or hybrid stent along with endarterectomy/stent adjuncts. Axial imaging or angiography determined long-term patency. Vessel event was defined as new occlusion or reintervention after repair. Overall time-to-event analysis was performed as well as separate analyses for each vessel (celiac, superior mesenteric artery [SMA], right renal, left renal) by reconstruction type utilizing Kaplan-Meier methods. Log-rank testing was employed to compare reconstructive strategies. RESULTS: Over 28 years, 604 repairs (type I, 106 [18%]; type II, 73 [12%]; type III, 195 [32%]; and type IV, 230 [38%]) were identified. Follow-up (median, 500 days) was available in 410/570 (72%) celiac, 406/573 (71%) SMA, 379/532 (71.2%) right renal, and 370/515 (72%) left renal reconstructions. There were five celiac, one SMA, eight right renal, and 10 left renal events. No type of reconstruction or adjunct was significantly associated with event. Overall 5-year patency of all renal/visceral reconstructions was 94% (95% confidence interval, 90%-96%). Estimated 5-year patency of the celiac, SMA, left renal, and right renal were similar, and were 99%, 100%, 97%, and 96%, respectively (P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Visceral and renal long-term patency after open TAAA repair is excellent regardless of reconstructive technique. No differences are appreciated even when target vessel disease is addressed at the time of reconstruction. These findings continue to substantiate the effective long-term durability of open TAAA repair and are particularly germane to the ongoing evolution of endovascular strategies.

Society for Vascular Surgery femoral runoff score is associated with limb-based patency after aortofemoral bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Despite advancements, aortofemoral bypass (AFB) remains the most durable option for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Although runoff has been shown to be associated with AFB patency, the association of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) thigh runoff scoring system with patency has not been assessed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the SVS runoff scoring system and limb-based primary patency after AFB. METHODS: Institutional data for patients undergoing AFB with preoperative runoff imaging available from 2000 to 2017 were queried. Runoff scores were assigned according to the presence of occlusive disease in the superficial femoral artery and profunda femoris artery (minimum, 1; maximum, 10) as described by the 1997 SVS reporting standards for lower extremity ischemia. Limb-based patency was the primary endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the long-term limb-based patency and freedom from reintervention between limbs with runoff scores ≥6 and those with runoff scores <6. Propensity score-weighted Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association between a runoff score of ≥6 and primary patency loss, controlling for other factors associated with primary patency. RESULTS: In 161 patients, 316 limbs had undergone revascularization. The mean patient age was 66.7 ± 11.3 years, and 51.6% were women. Most limbs had undergone revascularization for claudication (56.5%). Most (89.4%) had TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus class D lesions, 27.3% had required suprarenal or higher clamping, and 11.2% had undergone concomitant mesenteric intervention. A femoral outflow adjunct and concurrent lower extremity bypass was required in 41.8% and 2.9% of limbs, respectively. Those with a runoff score of ≥6 had experienced greater rates of 30-day myocardial infarction (11% vs 1%; P = .005), respiratory failure (11% vs 1%; P = .005), and mortality (8% vs 0%; P ≤ .006). The median follow-up period was 4.0 years (interquartile range, 6.5 years). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary patency was 94.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.9%-97.3%), 89.2% (95% CI, 85.4%-93.2%), and 81.4% (95% CI, 76.0%-87.1%), respectively. The 5-year primary-assisted patency, secondary patency, and freedom from reintervention were 84.9% (95% CI, 79.7%-90.5%), 91.7% (95% CI, 87.3%-96.3%), and 83.3% (95% CI, 78.3%-88.7%), respectively. Patients with a runoff score of ≥6 had lower primary (log-rank P < .01), primary-assisted (P < .01), and secondary patency (P = .01). The factors associated with the loss of primary patency included a high runoff score (runoff score of ≥6: hazard ratio [HR], 4.1; 95% CI, 2.1-8.0; P < .01), simultaneous mesenteric endarterectomy (HR, 13.5; 95% CI, 1.9-97.8; P = .01), and chronic kidney disease (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.5-14.6; P = .01). Increasing age (HR, 0.94 per year; 95% CI, 0.91-0.97; P < .01) and hyperlipidemia (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.85; P = .01) were protective. CONCLUSIONS: The SVS femoral runoff score is an important factor associated with long-term AFB limb patency. Scores of ≥6 portend for worse limb outcomes and a greater incidence of operative complications. The SVS score can be determined from preoperative axial imaging studies and serve as a guide in decision-making and operative planning.

Laparotomy- and groin-associated complications are common after aortofemoral bypass and contribute to reintervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite endovascular advancements, aortofemoral bypass (AFB; aortounifemoral and aortobifemoral bypass) remains the most durable option for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Whereas AFB reduces vascular aortoiliac reintervention, the impact of laparotomy-associated and groin wound complications on morbidity and reintervention is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of nonvascular complications after AFB and to determine their effect on reintervention. METHODS: Institutional data for AFB (2000-2017) were queried. Primary end points included laparotomy-associated and groin wound complications. Total reintervention was defined as the composite outcome of reinterventions for laparotomy and groin wound complications and graft patency. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated freedom from reintervention. Fine-Gray method for competing long-term risk determined predictors of laparotomy complications. Logistic regression, adjusting variability for patient-level clustering, determined predictors of wound complications. RESULTS: There were 553 limbs in 281 patients (272 aortobifemoral and 9 aortounifemoral bypasses; age, 67.6 ± 11.0 years; 50.5% female). Ninety (32%) patients had prior abdominal surgery, 3.2% had prior ventral hernia (VH) repair, 2.9% had untreated VH, and 0.7% had history of small bowel obstruction. The majority of patients underwent AFB for claudication (66.2%); 87.2% had TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) D lesions, 31.4% required a suprarenal clamp or higher, 16.4% had concomitant renovisceral revascularization, and 6.4% were receiving anticoagulation. Sixty-seven (12.1%) limbs had redo femoral artery exposures, 32.4% required femoral outflow adjunct, and 1.8% had simultaneous lower extremity bypass. The 30-day mortality was 2.9%. During median follow-up of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 7.3 years), 21% had laparotomy complications (VH, 15.3%; small bowel obstruction, 7.5%; other, 2.1%), including 10.0% requiring operative intervention. Sixty-seven (12%) groins had a wound complication; 4.9% required intervention. Unadjusted 1-, 3-, and 5-year freedom from graft reintervention was 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.1%-96.5%), 85.3% (80.7%-90.2%), and 79.6% (74.1%-85.5%), respectively. Freedom from total reintervention at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years was 82.1% (95% CI, 77.4%-87.1%), 73.6% (68.0%-79.6%), and 65.1% (58.7%-72.2%). Predictors of laparotomy complications were untreated VH (P = .01) and hypertension (P = .01). Protective factors were thoracoabdominal approach (P < .01) and aortounifemoral bypass (P < .01). Predictors of wound complications included body mass index (per kg, 1.07; CI, 1.01-1.15; P = .018), anticoagulation (2.59; CI, 1.01-8.37; P = .049), and previous iliac stents (2.60; CI, 1.36-4.94; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas AFB is a durable reconstruction with infrequent need for graft reintervention, laparotomy- and groin wound-associated complications contribute significantly to morbidity and reintervention after AFB. Predictive factors for laparotomy and groin wound complications should be considered in preoperative planning and selection of patients for AFB and in the discussion of outcomes.

Operative Complexity and Prior Endovascular Intervention Negatively Impact Morbidity after Aortobifemoral Bypass in the Modern Era.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy is first-line treatment for aortoiliac occlusive disease. This shift has altered case volume, patient selection, and risk profile for aortobifemoral bypass (ABF). Given this, we sought to investigate factors influencing morbidity and mortality after ABF in the endovascular era. METHODS: Data for patients undergoing primary ABF from 2000 to 2017 were queried. Primary endpoints included major complication (unplanned return to the operating room, life-or-limb-threatening complications, and 30-day readmission or death) and long-term survival. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models determined predictors of primary endpoints. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated patency, freedom from reintervention, and long-term survival. RESULTS: During these 17 years, 256 patients underwent primary ABF. Mean age was 67.9 ± 10.6 years and 51.2% were women. Most had claudication (69.5%); 28.9% had critical ischemia. Sixty-five (25.4%) patients had prior aortoiliac endovascular intervention, 106 (41.4%) required aortic cuff endarterectomy, 111 (43.3%) femoral outflow adjunct, 9 (3.5%) simultaneous lower extremity bypass, and 230 (89.8%) had Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions. Concomitant renovisceral revascularization was needed in 42 (16.4%) patients. Thirty-day mortality was 2.7%. Major complication occurred in 92 patients (35.9%). Predictors included prior endovascular intervention (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-4.1; P = 0.01), malignancy (OR, 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.3; P = 0.01), intraoperative complication (OR, 3.3; 95% CI: 1.3-9.2; P = 0.03), operative blood loss, (OR, 1.0 per 100 ml; 95% CI: 1.0-1.0; P = 0.03), and cuff endarterectomy (OR, 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.1; P = 0.04). Median follow-up was 5.3 years (interquartile range: 7.2 years). Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 94%, 90%, and 82% respectively. Primary patency and freedom from reintervention at 5 years were 76% and 79%, respectively. Predictors of late mortality included malignancy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3-3.9; P < 0.01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.1; P = 0.02), congestive heart failure (HR, 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.3; P = 0.01), Rutherford's class (HR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.1; P = 0.01), operative blood loss (HR 1.0 per 100 ml; 95% CI: 1.0-1.0; P = 0.04) and chronic kidney disease (HR, 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.2; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although late outcomes after ABF in the contemporary era remain acceptable, major complications are frequent. Operative complexity and prior endovascular revascularization predict complications. Long-term survival is driven by degree of limb ischemia and comorbidities. These should be considered in selection for ABF, potentially modifying approach to improve outcomes.

Durability of open surgical repair of type I-III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Early outcomes and late mortality after open repair of extent I to III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are described, but late graft and aortic events are seldom detailed. This study investigated long-term aortic and graft outcomes as these data are increasingly important as endovascular repair matures. METHODS: During 28 years, 516 patients underwent repair (type I, n = 177 [34%]; type II, n = 100 [20%]; type III, n = 239 [46%]). Patients were monitored for late events. Late aortic events were defined as native aortic disease leading to death or further intervention. Planned secondary procedures were excluded. Graft complications included anastomotic aneurysm, graft infection, and branch occlusions. Variables were assessed for association with end points using log-rank methods and Cox proportional hazards regression. Time-to-event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: In-hospital death occurred in 40 patients (8%), leaving 476 for surveillance. Mean age was 69.8 ± 10.5 years. Mean follow-up was 4.9 ± 4.6 years. Repair conduct included distal aortic perfusion and motor evoked potential monitoring (n = 169 [35.5%]), clamp and sew (n = 307 [64.5%]), and selectively applied in-line mesenteric shunting (n = 172 [36.1%]). At the time of repair, 117 patients (24.6%) had 122 synchronous, noncontiguous aortic aneurysms. There were 98 late aortic and graft events in 89 patients (18.7%); 62 aortic-related events occurred in 56 patients (12%; elective repair, n = 47; emergent repair, n = 14; type A dissection, n = 1) at a mean of 4.4 ± 4.2 years after repair. Variables independently predictive of an aortic event were aortic clamp time (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02/min; P = .001), type III extent (HR, 2.5; P = .008), and expansion of retained aorta (HR, 10.4; P < .0005). There were 33 patients (7%) who experienced 36 graft-related events (anastomotic aneurysm, n = 14 [3% of cohort; aortic, n = 7; visceral patch, n = 6; side graft, n = 1]; graft infection, n = 12; renovisceral occlusion/repair, n = 9 [1.9%; side-arm graft, n = 8; native, n = 1]; and anastomotic stricture, n = 1) occurring at 4.7 ± 4.5 years. Variables predictive of graft-related complication were type II extent (HR, 3.4; P = .002) and distal aortic perfusion and motor evoked potential monitoring (HR, 3.6; P = .02). Freedom from aortic- or graft-related event was 80% at 5 years. Freedom from any aortic or graft reintervention was 84% at 5 years. Aortic-related mortality after discharge was 2.7% and estimated to be 3.1% at 5 years. Overall survival was 67% and 44% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After type I-III TAAA repair, late aortic and graft-related events occur in 19% of patients. Native aortic disease sequelae are more common than graft complication. Aortic events are predicted by complex operation and degree of remaining aorta. Extensive reconstruction drives graft-related events. Ultimately, reintervention is rare and aorta-related mortality low. These findings verify durability of extensive TAAA repair, serving as benchmarks for endovascular repair.

Durability of open surgical repair of type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative outcomes and late mortality after open type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair are known, yet risk of late graft and subsequent aortic events is infrequently described. Such data are increasingly important as endovascular repair becomes an option and are the subject of this study. METHODS: During a 27-year interval, 233 patients underwent open surgical repair of type IV TAAA. Surviving patients were monitored for late aortic or graft-related events. Late aortic events were defined as native aortic disease unrelated to the prior reconstruction leading to death or further intervention. Graft-related complications included anastomotic aneurysm, graft infection, and branch occlusion. Variables were assessed for association with study end points using univariate log-rank methods and Cox proportional hazards regression. Time-to-event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier techniques. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality occurred in 7 patients (3%), leaving 226 available for surveillance. Mean age was 72 ± 9 years; 50 patients (21%) had 52 synchronous, noncontiguous aortic aneurysms at time of repair (n = 11 ascending aorta/arch; n = 41 descending thoracic aorta). Mean follow-up was 4.3 ± 3.7 years (median, 3.5 years; interquartile range, 5 years). Aortic events (n = 19 [8%]) included elective aortic repair (n = 15), emergent repair (n = 2), and atheroembolic embolization (n = 2) at a mean of 2.6 ± 2.2 years after type IV TAAA repair. There were 17 patients (8%) who experienced graft-related events (renovisceral occlusion [n = 10; 4% of cohort], anastomotic aneurysm repair [n = 5], graft infection [n = 1], and graft-caval fistula [n = 1]) occurring at 1.7 ± 1.9 years after repair. Variables independently predictive of an aortic event were initial rupture (hazard ratio, 5.6; P = .02) and native aortic expansion during surveillance (hazard ratio, 3.9; P = .04). No independent predictors of graft-related complication were identified. Freedom from an aortic or graft-related event was 93% at 1 year and 66% at 5 years. Freedom from graft or aortic reintervention was 86% at 5 years. Aortic-related mortality in follow-up was 2% and estimated to be 5% at 5 years after type IV TAAA repair. Overall survival was 92% and 66% at 1 year and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After open type IV TAAA repair, late aortic and graft-related events are uncommon. Native aortic disease sequelae and graft complications occur with equal frequency and with similar temporal relation to repair. Need for reintervention is infrequent, and aortic-related mortality is low. These findings verify durability of open type IV TAAA repair and serve as long-term comparative results for endovascular repair.

Use of extracorporeal bypass is associated with improved outcomes in open thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus on the use or benefit of extracorporeal circulation (EC) during aneurysm repair of the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) or thoracoabdominal aorta (TAA). We evaluated the role of EC during DTA or TAA aneurysm repair using U.S. Medicare data. METHODS: Medicare (2004-2007) patients undergoing open repair of nonruptured DTA or TAA aneurysm were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code. Specific exclusions included ascending aortic or arch repairs, concomitant cardiac procedures, and procedures employing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The impact of EC (code 3961) on early and late outcomes was analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariable regression. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: There were 4230 patients who had repair of intact DTA or TAA aneurysms, 2433 (57%) of which employed EC. Differences in baseline clinical features of EC and non-EC patients showed that patients undergoing aortic reconstruction with EC were older (73 ± 1 years vs 72 ± 1 years; P = .002), were more likely to be female (53% vs 47%; P < .001), and had more hypertension (56% vs 53%; P = .02); they had less chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (28% vs 34%; P < .0001), peripheral vascular disease (5.7% vs 11.3%; P < .001), and chronic kidney disease (7.7% vs 5.5%; P = .003). The 30-day mortality (9.7% for EC vs 12.2%; P = .02) and any major complication (49% for EC vs 58%; P < .001) were significantly reduced with EC use. EC use was associated with a shorter length of stay (13.5 ± 13 days vs 17.2 ± 18 days; P < .01) and lower total hospital charges ($151,000 ± 140,000 vs $180,000 ± 190,000; P < .01) compared with non-EC patients. EC patients were more likely to be discharged home instead of to an extended care facility (67% vs 56%; P < .01). Multivariable regression modeling to adjust for baseline clinical differences showed EC to independently reduce the risk of operative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.97; P = .02), any complication (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59-0.76; P < .01), pulmonary complications (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59-0.79; P < .01), and acute renal failure (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.44-0.61; P < .01). Long-term survival was higher (log-rank, P < .01) in EC patients at 1 year (81% ± 0.8% vs 73% ± 1%) and 5 years (67% ± 1% vs 52% ± 1%). Risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression also showed that EC was independently associated with improved long-term survival (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.63-0.74; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Although important clinical variables such as DTA or TAA aneurysm extent and spinal cord ischemic complications cannot be assessed with the Medicare database, EC use during open DTA and TAA aneurysm repair is associated with improved late survival and a significant reduction in operative mortality, morbidity, and procedural costs. These data indicate that EC should be a more widely applied adjunct in open DTA or TAA aneurysm repair.

Predictors of late aortic intervention in patients with medically treated type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Patients with medically managed type B aortic dissection (TBAD) have a high incidence of aorta-related complications over time. Whereas early thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to seal the entry tear can promote aortic remodeling and prevent late aneurysm formation, there are sparse data as to which patients will benefit from such therapy. The goal of this study was to identify clinical and anatomic factors that are associated with the need for subsequent aortic intervention in patients who present with uncomplicated TBAD. These factors could guide the selection of patients who will benefit from TEVAR in the subacute phase. METHODS: Patients who presented with acute uncomplicated TBAD and were initially managed medically from January 2000 to December 2013 were included in the study. Timing of intervention was stratified into early (within 180 days of initial presentation) and late (181 days and later) cohorts. All patients had follow-up axial imaging studies. These imaging studies were reviewed for anatomic criteria in a retrospective fashion. Predictors of aortic intervention were determined using Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 254 patients (65% men) with medically managed acute TBAD. The average age at presentation was 66.3 years, and 82.5% had a history of hypertension. Mean follow-up was 6.8 years (range, 0.1-13.6 years). There were a total of 97 (38%) patients who required an aortic intervention during follow-up; 30 (12%) patients required an early intervention, and 67 (26%) were treated during late follow-up (100% for aneurysmal degeneration). Predictors of late aortic intervention included entry tear >10 mm (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-3.8; P = .03), total aortic diameter >40 mm at time of presentation (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8-4.3; P = .02), false lumen diameter >20 mm (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7; P = .03), and increase in total aortic diameter >5 mm between serial imaging studies (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-3.5; P = .02). Complete thrombosis of the false lumen was protective against late operative intervention (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.11-0.48; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 40% of patients who present with an uncomplicated TBAD will ultimately require an aortic intervention. All of the late interventions were performed for aneurysmal degeneration. A variety of readily available anatomic features can predict the need for eventual operative intervention in TBAD; accordingly, these parameters can guide the desirability of early TEVAR.

Characterization of perioperative contralateral stroke after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Contralateral stroke is an infrequent cause of perioperative stroke after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Whereas the risks of ipsilateral stroke complicating CEA have been discriminated, factors that lead to contralateral stroke are poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk of perioperative (30-day) contralateral stroke after CEA as well as predisposing preoperative and operative factors. Its specific effect on long-term survival was interrogated. METHODS: The Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) was queried from April 1, 2003, to February 29, 2016, for all CEAs. Duplicated patients and those without complete data were excluded. Patients sustaining contralateral stroke after CEA in the 30-day postoperative period were identified. Demographic, preoperative, and operative factors were analyzed to identify discriminators between those with and those without contralateral stroke. Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify factors independently associated with contralateral stroke. The effect of contralateral stroke on 5-year survival was compared with patients with ipsilateral stroke and no stroke using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank testing compared survival curves. RESULTS: There were 10,837 CEAs performed during the study. Average age was 70.4 ± 9.3 years; 6605 (61%) patients were male, and 40% (n = 4324) were performed for symptoms. Most were current or former smokers (n = 8619 [80%]). Coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure were identified in 31% and 8.6%, respectively. Overall, there were 190 strokes within 30 days of CEA (1.8%); 131 were ipsilateral (1.3%), and 59 (0.5%) patients were identified as having contralateral perioperative stroke. Thirteen patients sustained bilateral stroke (0.1%). Significant univariate associations included urgency (P = .0001), ipsilateral stenosis severity (P = .004), length of operation (P = .0001), CEA with coronary artery bypass graft (P = .0001), CEA with other arterial surgery (P = .01), and CEA with proximal endovascular procedure (P = .03). Contralateral occlusion (P = .06) and degree of contralateral carotid stenosis (P = .14) did not correlate. After logistic regression analysis of significant univariate anatomic and operative factors, length of procedure (odds ratio [OR], 1.08/15 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.15; P = .02), urgency of operation (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.6; P = .006), and concomitant proximal endovascular intervention (OR, 8.7; 95% CI, 4.5-31.2; P = .001) remained predictors of contralateral stroke after CEA. Occurrence of both ipsilateral (P < .001) and contralateral (P = .023) stroke significantly reduced 5-year survival compared with those without stroke. There was no difference in the negative survival effect based on laterality of stroke (P = .24). CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral stroke after CEA is rare, affecting 0.5% of patients. Traditional risk reduction medical therapy does not affect occurrence. Degree of contralateral stenosis, including contralateral occlusion, does not predict perioperative contralateral stroke. Urgency of operation, length of operation, and performance of concomitant, ipsilateral endovascular intervention predict contralateral stroke risk with CEA. Contralateral stroke affects long-term survival similar to ipsilateral stroke after CEA.

The presentation and management of aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade.

OBJECTIVE: Gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (GDAAs) and pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs) are uncommon lesions associated, however, with a significant risk of rupture. This study describes the clinical presentation, associated imaging findings, and operative strategies for these aneurysms. METHODS: The records of all patients with GDAAs or PDAAs identified through an institutional database by axial imaging between 1994 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, imaging findings, and outcomes after operative intervention were collected and examined. RESULTS: We identified 11 GDAAs and 25 PDAAs in 35 patients. Mean size of the GDAAs was 31.1 mm (range, 10-60 mm) and mean size of the PDAAs was 19.1 mm (range, 10-48 mm). At presentation, 13 aneurysms (36%) were symptomatic and seven aneurysms (19.4%) were ruptured. Median size of ruptured aneurysms was 20 mm (range, 10-60 mm). On axial imaging, 24 aneurysms (67%) were associated with a severe stenosis or occlusion of the celiac axis origin, and 11 aneurysms (31%) were thought to be associated with compression of the celiac axis in the setting of median arcuate ligament syndrome. Twenty-four aneurysms (67%) underwent repair. Of these aneurysms, 18 (75%) were successfully managed with primary endovascular repair (coil embolization with or without celiac stent), whereas endovascular therapy failed in two (8%) and required open repair. Four aneurysms (17%) were treated with primary open repair. Overall 30-day morbidity and mortality after aneurysm repair were 29% and 4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GDAAs and PDAAs are uncommon lesions that are often associated with a celiac axis stenosis/occlusion leading to altered hemodynamics in the pancreaticoduodenal arcade. These aneurysms are prone to rupture regardless of size, and intervention is accordingly recommended for all aneurysms upon recognition. Despite the concordant celiac axis obstruction and concern for maintenance of hepatic circulation, endovascular repair of these aneurysms is generally successful and should be considered as the initial operative approach.

The natural history of splanchnic artery aneurysms and outcomes after operative intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Splanchnic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are uncommon, and standards for surveillance and intervention are lacking. The goal of this study was to review our 20-year experience with managing SAAs. METHODS: The Research Patient Data Registry at the Massachusetts General Hospital was queried, and all patients with SAAs identified by axial imaging from 1994 to 2014 were included. Aneurysms were stratified into two cohorts: those that underwent early intervention (<6 months after lesion discovery) and those that received surveillance. Primary study end points included aneurysm growth or rupture during surveillance and patient 30-day morbidity or mortality after aneurysm repair. RESULTS: There were 264 SAAs identified in 250 patients. In 166 patients, 176 SAAs (66.6%) were placed into the surveillance cohort; 38 SAAs (21.6%) did not have subsequent axial imaging and were considered lost to follow-up. Mean aneurysm size in the surveillance cohort at first imaging study was 16.28 mm (8-41 mm), and mean surveillance time was 36.1 months (2-155 months); 126 SAAs (91.3%) remained stable in size over time, and 8 SAAs (5.8%) required intervention for aneurysm growth after a mean of 24 months. There were no ruptures in the surveillance cohort. There were 88 SAAs (33.3%) repaired early. Mean size of SAAs that were repaired early was 31.1 mm (10-140 mm). For intact SAAs, 30-day morbidity and mortality rates after repair were 13% and 3%, respectively. In the early repair cohort, 13 SAAs (14.7%) were ruptured at presentation. The 30-day morbidity and mortality rates after rupture were 54% and 8%, respectively. Five ruptured SAAs (38%) were anatomically located in the pancreaticoduodenal arcade. On univariate analysis, pancreaticoduodenal aneurysms were strongly associated with rupture (P = .0002). CONCLUSIONS: Small SAAs (≤25 mm) are not prone to significant expansion and do not require frequent surveillance imaging. Imaging every 3 years for small SAAs is adequate. Aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade and gastroduodenal aneurysms are more likely to rupture and therefore warrant a more aggressive interventional approach.

Late aortic remodeling persists in the stented segment after endovascular repair of acute complicated type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute complicated type B aortic dissection (AD) promotes early positive aortic remodeling. However, little is known about the long-term effect of TEVAR on the dissected aorta, which is the goal of this study. METHODS: Between August 2005 and August 2009, 31 patients with complicated type B AD were treated with TEVAR and had >1-year follow-up imaging. Computed tomography angiograms obtained at 1 month, 1 year, and long term (average, 42 months) were compared with baseline scans. The largest diameters of the stented thoracic aorta, stented true lumen, and stented false lumen were recorded at each time point, as were the values in the unstented distal thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta. Changes over time were evaluated by a mixed effect analysis of variance model of repeated measures. RESULTS: The average age of the cohort was 56 years, and 74% were male. Indications for TEVAR were as follows: 61% malperfusion, 32% refractory hypertension, 45% impending rupture, and 32% persistent pain; 58% had more than one indication. All patients were treated in the acute phase within 7 days of the initial presentation. The average length of aorta covered was 19 cm. Observation of the stented segment over time showed that the maximum diameter of the stented thoracic aorta was stable (P = NS), the diameter of the stented true lumen increased (P < .001), and the diameter of the stented false lumen decreased (P < .001); 84% had complete false lumen obliteration across the stented aortic segment. Observation of the uncovered thoracic aorta over time showed that the maximum diameter increased (P = .014), as did the visceral segment of the aorta (P < .001). The average growth of the visceral segment was 31% in patients with a patent false lumen vs 3% in those with a thrombosed false lumen (P = .004). One patient had aneurysmal degeneration of the false lumen and required an additional endograft at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR of acute AD promotes long-term remodeling across the stented segment, with false lumen obliteration in 84% of patients. However, false lumen obliteration beyond the stented segment appears necessary to prevent late aneurysmal degeneration of the distal aorta.

Presentation and treatment outcomes of patients with symptomatic inferior vena cava filters.

BACKGROUND: Use of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) has become more prevalent for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in part due to their ease of deployment and retrieval. Nonthrombotic complications of IVCFs are unusual but have been described. This study characterizes this cohort of patients and elucidates their clinical outcome. METHODS: Between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011, six patients were identified with nonthrombotic symptoms attributed to their IVCF. Symptoms included abdominal/back pain, hypertension from renal artery compression, and hydroureter from ureteral compression. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 38.8 years (range 21 to 71 years) and all were female. Indication for IVCF placement included deep vein thrombosis (n = 2), deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism (n = 1), and perioperative prophylaxis (n = 3). Filter types included the Ninitol Bard G2 (n = 3), Cook Celect (n = 1), Gunther Tulip (n = 1), and ALN (n = 1). The median time from IVCF placement to retrieval was 285 days (range 20 to 2091 days). At presentation, all IVCFs were tilted and had struts penetrating through the vena cava wall. Every IVCF was successfully removed: four by endovascular approach and two by open surgery. All patients had complete resolution of symptoms and there were no procedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic IVCFs occur in female patients, and are always associated with device strut erosion outside the inferior vena cava. Successful retrieval can be safely achieved by an endovascular or open surgical technique, resulting in symptom resolution.

Does speed matter? The impact of operative time on outcome in laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists concerning the importance of operative time on patient outcomes. It is unclear whether faster is better or haste makes waste or similarly whether slower procedures represent a safe, meticulous approach or inexperienced dawdling. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of operative time on 30-day outcomes in laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic general surgery procedures (colectomy, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, inguinal hernia, and gastric bypass) from the ACS-NSQIP 2005-2008 participant use file were identified. Exclusion criteria were defined a priori to identify same-day admission, elective procedures. Operative time was divided into deciles and summary statistics were analyzed. Univariate analyses using a Cochran-Armitage test for trend were completed. The effect of operative time on 30-day morbidity was further analyzed for each procedure type using multivariate regression controlling for case complexity and additional patient factors. Patients within the highest deciles were excluded to reduce outlier effect. RESULTS: A total of 76,748 elective general surgical patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures were analyzed. Univariate analyses of deciles of operative time demonstrated a statistically significant trend (p<0.0001) toward increasing odds of complications with increasing operative time for laparoscopic colectomy (n=10,135), cholecystectomy (n=37,407), Nissen fundoplication (n=4,934), and gastric bypass (n=17,842). The trend was not found to be significant for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (n=6,430; p=0.14). Multivariate modeling revealed the effect of operative time to remain significant after controlling for additional patient factors. CONCLUSION: Increasing operative time was associated with increased odds of complications and, therefore, it appears that speed may matter in laparoscopic surgery. These analyses are limited in their inability to adjust for all patient factors, potential confounders, and case complexities. Additional hierarchical multivariate analyses at the surgeon level would be important to examine this relationship further.

Does the Surgical Apgar Score measure intraoperative performance?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Surgical Apgar Scores measure the relationship between intraoperative care and surgical outcomes. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: With preoperative risk-adjustment now well-developed, the role of intraoperative performance in surgical outcomes may be considered. We previously derived and validated a 10-point Surgical Apgar Score--based on intraoperative blood loss, heart rate, and blood pressure--that effectively predicts major postoperative complications within 30 days of general and vascular surgery. This study evaluates whether the predictive value of this score comes solely from patients' preoperative risk or also measures care in the operating room. METHODS: Among a systematic sample of 4119 general and vascular surgery patients at a major academic hospital, we constructed a detailed risk-prediction model including 27 patient-comorbidity and procedure-complexity variables, and computed patients' propensity to suffer a major postoperative complication. We evaluated the prognostic value of patients' Surgical Apgar Scores before and after adjustment for this preoperative risk. RESULTS: After risk-adjustment, the Surgical Apgar Score remained strongly correlated with postoperative outcomes (P < 0.0001). Odds of major complications among average-scoring patients (scores 7-8) were equivalent to preoperative predictions (likelihood ratio (LR) 1.05, 95% CI 0.78-1.41), significantly decreased for those who achieved the best scores of 9-10 (LR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35-0.78), and were significantly poorer for those with low scores--LRs 1.60 (1.12-2.28) for scores 5-6, and 2.80 (1.50-5.21) for scores 0-4. CONCLUSIONS: Even after accounting for fixed preoperative risk--due to patients' acute condition, comorbidities and/or operative complexity--the Surgical Apgar Score appears to detect differences in intraoperative management that reduce odds of major complications by half or increase them by nearly 3-fold.

Twenty-six years of experience with the modified eloesser flap.

BACKGROUND: Empyema thoracis is a common thoracic problem with a multitude of therapeutic options. The modified Eloesser flap (MEF) is one means of dealing with this problem in selected complicated patients. The purpose of this study is to report our 26-year experience with the MEF. METHODS: A review of 78 patients who had a MEF from 1975 to 2001 was performed. RESULTS: There were 52 males (67%) and 26 females (33%). Mean age was 59 +/- 14 years. The overall length of stay was 26 +/- 27 days, while mean postoperative length of stay was 16 +/- 17 days. Microbiology of the empyema cavity revealed a predominance of gram-positive organisms. Before a modified Eloesser flap, all patients failed initial conservative interventions and 23 patients (29%) failed surgical interventions. Operative indications were as follows: parapneumonic effusions, 35 patients (45%); postresectional, 23 patients (29%); tuberculosis related, 7 patients (9%); malignant effusion, 4 patients (5%); esophageal fistulas, 4 patients (5%); abdominal sepsis, 3 patients (4%); and hemothorax secondary to trauma, 2 patients (3%). The inverted-U incision was performed in all patients. Average rib resection was 3 +/- 1 ribs. There were no intraoperative complications and adequate drainage was achieved in all patients. Thirty-day morbidity/mortality was 4 patients (5%): 3 died of sepsis and 1 died of metabolic encephalopathy; although long-term follow-up (mean: 109 +/- 141 months) revealed no additional morbidity related to the MEF. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that MEF can be performed as a safe, definitive surgical procedure for the treatment of chronic empyema thoracis. The MEF remains an important option in the surgical treatment of chronic, complicated empyema thoracis.