Peripheral Artery Disease Leading to Major Amputation: Trends in Revascularization and Mortality Over 18 Years.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at risk for amputation. The aim of this study was to assess the type of revascularization prior to and the 30-day mortality rate after major amputation due to PAD. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing major amputation for PAD between 01/2000 and 12/2017 at a tertiary referral center. The number and target level of ipsilateral revascularizations prior to amputation were analyzed per patient and over the years. There were 3 types of revascularization (open, endovascular and combined treatment) at 3 levels: aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of level of amputation and patient characteristics with 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (65.7% male) with a mean age of 73.3 ± 11 years underwent 338 major amputations: 70 (21%) above/through knee and 268 (79%) below knee. A median of 2 (interquartile range, IQR 1-4) revascularizations were performed prior to amputation, with a slight decrease of 1.4% per year from 2000-2017 (incidence rate ratio of 0.986 0.974-0.998; Poisson regression analysis, P = 0.021). 16% (53/338) of patients underwent primary amputation without revascularization; this number remained relatively stable throughout the study period. The proportion of exclusively open treatment before amputation decreased substantially from 35% in 2006 to none in 2016, while exclusively endovascular revascularizations were performed increasingly from 17% in 2002 to 64% in 2016. Amputation occurred after a median of 9.5 months (IQR 0.9-67.6 months) if the first revascularization was aortoiliac or femoropopliteal and after 2.1 months (IQR 0.5-13.8 months) if the first intervention was infrapopliteal (P < 0.001) with no significant change over the years (normal linear regression, P= 0.887). Thirty-day mortality was 8.9% (22/247) after below knee and 27.7% (18/65) after above/through knee amputation (adjusted OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.74-8.54, P= 0.001) with a slight increase of mortality over the study period (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.018-1.159, Poisson regression analysis, P= 0.021). The uni- and multivariate analysis of patient characteristics did not show an association with mortality, except higher ASA classification (adjusted OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.23-5.72, P= 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality, especially after above/through knee amputation, remains high over the past 2 decades. There is a clear shift towards endovascular treatment of patients with PAD prior to major amputation. In patients needing infrapopliteal revascularizations, amputation was performed much sooner than in those with aortoiliac or femoropopliteal interventions, with no improvement over the years. Strategies to extend limb salvage in these patients should be the focus of further research.

The Impact of a Limb Preservation Service on the Incidence of Major Amputations for All Indications at a Level I Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary limb preservation services (LPS) have improved the care of patients with limb-threatening vascular disease. However, the impact of an LPS on major amputations for nonvascular etiologies is unknown. We sought to characterize the trends in major amputations performed at a level I trauma center following the institution of an LPS. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing amputation at a level I trauma center from January 2009 to December 2018 was performed. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those undergoing amputation pre-LPS (2009-2013) and post-LPS (2014-2018). Major amputations were defined as any amputation at or proximal to the below-knee level. Indications for amputation included chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), acute limb ischemia (ALI), trauma, infection, and revision amputations. RESULTS: During the study period, 609 major amputations were performed, 490 pre-LPS and 119 post-LPS, representing a 76% reduction. Reductions were seen for every indication, including trauma (95%), ALI (90%), chronic infection (83%), revision (79%), CLTI (68%), and acute infection (62%). CONCLUSIONS: Although previous work has validated the role of an LPS in advanced vascular disease, its value extends beyond vascular disease alone. The drastic reductions seen in the number of amputations performed for a variety of indications, including trauma and diabetic foot infections, further validate the use of a multidisciplinary LPS.

Vascular Surgeons Carry an Increasing Responsibility in the Management of Lower Extremity Vascular Trauma.

BACKGROUND: There is preliminary evidence that vascular surgeons are increasingly relied on nationally to assist with the management of lower extremity vascular trauma. Current trauma center verification, however, does not require any level of vascular surgery coverage. We sought to assess practice patterns regarding vascular surgery consultation and temporal trends in the surgical management of these patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent surgical repair for vascular trauma of the lower extremity at a single, academic, public hospital from 2011 to 2018. Demographic data and procedural data were collected. Patients were assigned to a vascular surgery (VS) or nonvascular surgery (NV) group. The primary outcome measure was the rate of VS consultation. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day mortality, length-of-stay, and limb salvage. RESULTS: One hundred eighty patients were identified (77 VS group, 103 NV group). There was an increase in the proportion of repairs done by VS from 2011 to 2018 (P < 0.05). There were significant management differences between the 2 groups, with vascular surgeons more likely to perform primary end-to-end anastomosis for both arterial (21.33% vs. 6.90%) and venous (19.15% vs. 5.26%) injuries (both P < 0.05). Patients in the VS group were less likely to have balloon embolectomy, fasciotomy, or intravascular shunting than the NV group (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mortality (5.35% vs. 4.85%), length-of-stay (15.05 vs. 18.38 days), or limb salvage (94.81% vs. 95.15%). CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity vascular trauma is increasingly managed by vascular surgeons. Furthermore, vascular surgeons are more selective in the use of potentially unnecessary adjunctive maneuvers. Current accreditation guidelines should be revisited to mandate vascular surgery coverage in trauma centers that frequently treat this patient population.

Functional Limb Restoration Through Amputation: Minimizing Pain and Optimizing Function With the Use of Advanced Amputation Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the role of advanced orthoplastic techniques in harnessing the full potential of elective amputation as a functionally restorative procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Once considered the unfortunate consequence of failed reconstructive efforts, recent outcomes studies have prompted a re-evaluation of the role of amputation in the management of complex extremity trauma. However, even as amputation is appropriately afforded greater consideration as part of the reconstructive algorithm, reconstructive techniques that are commonly utilized in pursuit of limb salvage are rarely applied to amputation. METHODS: The following case demonstrates the successful application of orthoplastic reconstructive techniques to achieve optimal pain and functional outcomes in a 41-year-old active duty soldier who underwent an elective transtibial amputation after prolonged, limb salvage. RESULTS: The patient presented with a large osteocutaneous proximal tibial defect secondary to trauma and subsequent osteomyelitis. The patient underwent a free scapular-parascapular fasciocutaneous flap to provide soft tissue coverage and facilitate the skeletal reconstruction necessary for either continued limb salvage or amputation. Due to tibial allodynia and severely limited ankle function, the patient subsequently elected for amputation in favor of continued limb salvage. Thus, a transtibial amputation was performed concurrently with a pedicled vascularized fibula to address the proximal tibial defect. A modified agonist-antagonist myoneural interface procedure was used to maximize post-amputation function, with creation of regenerative peripheral nerve interface constructs to prophylax against neurogenic pain. After the operation, the patient achieved improved function of the extremity with the use of a prosthesis and reported substantially improved pain while remaining on active duty in a warfighting military occupational specialty. CONCLUSIONS: By addressing all of the reconstructive components commonly considered in limb salvage, an orthoplastic approach to amputation surgery can minimize pain and maximize the rehabilitative potential of the amputee.

Evolution of Major Amputation Risk in Patients Hospitalized in France for Critical Limb Ischemia: The COPART Registry.

Over the past decade, improvements in medical treatment and revascularization techniques have been beneficial for patients with peripheral artery disease in the late stage of critical limb ischemia (CLI). We evaluated the putative reduction in the number of major amputees in the Cohorte des Patients ARTeriopathes (COPART) cohort over time. Patients were selected from this multicenter cohort, from 2006 to 2016, for CLI according to Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease II criteria. Patients included before and after 2011 were compared. Patients were followed for 1 year. Primary outcome was the rate of major amputations. Secondary outcomes were minor amputations, deaths from all causes, cardiovascular deaths; 989 patients were included, 489 before 2011 and 450 after 2011. There was a significant decrease in rates of major amputation after 2011 (17% vs 25%), confirmed in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.5 [1.1-2.2]), an increase in revascularization, particularly distal angioplasty (OR: 2.7 [1.7-4.4]) and increased statin intake (OR: 1.6 [1.1-2.1]). For secondary outcomes, there was no significant difference. Limb prognosis of CLI patients has improved over the past decade, possibly due to more revascularizations, particularly distal ones, and increased statin use.

Sex Differences in Management and Outcomes of Critical Limb Ischemia in the Medicare Population.

BACKGROUND: Evidence about sex differences in management and outcomes of critical limb ischemia (CLI) is conflicting. METHODS: We identified Fee-For-Service Medicare patients within the 5% enhanced sample file who were diagnosed with new incident CLI between 2015 and 2017. For each beneficiary, we identified all hospital admissions, outpatient encounters and procedures, and pharmacy prescriptions. Outcomes included 90-day mortality and major amputation. RESULTS: Incidence of CLI declined from 2.80 (95% CI, 2.72-2.88) to 2.47 (95% CI, 2.40-2.54) per 1000 person from 2015 to 2017, P<0.01. Incidence was lower in women compared with men (2.19 versus 3.11 per 1000) but declined in both groups. Women had a lower prevalence of prescription of any statin (48.4% versus 52.9%, P<0.001) or high-intensity statins (15.3% versus 19.8%, P<0.01) compared with men. Overall, 90-day revascularization rate was 52%, and women were less likely to undergo revascularization (50.1% versus 53.6%, P<0.01) compared with men. Women had a similar unadjusted (9.9% versus 10.3%, P=0.5) and adjusted 90-day mortality (adjusted rate ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.85-1.12], P=0.7) compared with men. Over the study period, unadjusted 90-day mortality remained unchanged for men (10.4% in 2015 to 9.9% in 2017, Pfor trend=0.3), and women (9.5% in 2015 to 10.6% in 2017, Pfor trend=0.2). Men had higher unadjusted (12.9% versus 8.9%, P<0.001) and adjusted risk of 90-day major amputation (adjusted rate ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.14-1.48], P<0.001). One-third of patients with CLI underwent major amputation without a diagnostic angiogram or trial of revascularization in the preceding 90 days regardless of the sex. CONCLUSIONS: Women with new incident CLI are less likely to receive statin or undergo revascularization at 90 days compared with men. However, the differences were small. There was no difference in risk of 90-day mortality between both sexes. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on an academic vascular practice and a multidisciplinary limb preservation program.

With the aggressive resource conservation necessary to face the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, vascular surgeons have faced unique challenges in managing the health of their high-risk patients. An early analysis of patient outcomes after pandemic-related practice changes suggested that patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia have been presenting with more severe foot infections and are more likely to require major limb amputation compared with 6 months previously. As our society and health care system adapt to the new changes required in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 era, it is critical that we pay special attention to the most vulnerable subsets of patients with vascular disease, particularly those with chronic limb threatening ischemia and limited access to care.

Trends in the Surgical Management of Lower Extremity Gustilo Type IIIB/IIIC Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, innovations in microsurgical technique have coincided with advances in orthoplastic approaches. However, no single algorithm exists to guide management of limb salvage versus amputation. As such, one would expect these procedures to be performed at equal rates given studies showing similar outcomes. Anecdotally, the observation at the authors' institution is that amputations are being performed more frequently. The purpose of this study was to determine trends in lower extremity trauma management. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Level I trauma center on patients with Gustilo type IIIB/IIIC lower extremity trauma from 2005 to 2014. Overall, 148 patients were included. Patients were subdivided into amputation (n = 69) and reconstruction (n = 79) cohorts. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to compare trends in amputation and reconstruction groups. Plastic surgery consultation data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Amputation was performed more frequently over the study period (r = 0.292; p < 0.001). Plastic surgeons were consulted in 67.5 percent of cases. A plastic surgery consultation was obtained in only 30 percent of amputation cases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the data show a trend toward amputation and a shift in management of lower extremity trauma, the observed trend may be attributable in part to deviation from an orthoplastic approach to lower extremity trauma. However, lower extremity reconstruction remains a viable option in select patients, and advances in microsurgery can provide excellent outcomes in the face of severe lower extremity trauma.

New Innovations and Devices in the Management of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

As the number of patients afflicted by chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) continues to grow, new solutions are necessary to provide effective, durable treatment options that will lead to improved outcomes. The diagnosis of CLTI remains mostly clinical, and endovascular revascularization remains mostly balloon-based. Multiple innovative techniques and technologies are in development or in early usage that may provide new solutions. This review categorizes areas of advancement, highlights recent developments in the management of CLTI and looks forward to novel devices that are currently under investigation.

The Ever-Changing World of Limb Salvage Surgery for Malignant Bone Tumors.

The treatment of malignant bone tumors, also called bone sarcomas, has changed dramatically over the past 50 years owing to the advances in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, prosthetic technology, and surgical advances. There are 3 main primary bone cancers: osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma (or Ewing's family of sarcoma), and chondrosarcoma. Before advances in limb preservation techniques and before the development of prosthetic replacement, the treatment for a malignant bone tumor of the extremity was amputation. This article discusses the progression of surgical treatment of malignant bone cancers.

Trends in Hospitalization, Management, and Clinical Outcomes Among Veterans With Critical Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary patterns in management and outcomes of critical limb ischemia among United States veterans are unknown. METHODS: We used Veterans Health Administration data to identify patients admitted for critical limb ischemia between 2005 and 2014. We examined temporal trends in incidence, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 20 938 veterans with critical limb ischemia were hospitalized between 2005 and 2014. Mean age was 67.8 years. Incidence decreased from 0.3 to 0.24 per 1000 persons from 2005 to 2013, P<0.01. During the study period, there was a temporal increase in use of revascularization within 90 days of hospitalization-endovascular (11.2% in 2005 to 18.4% in 2014), surgical (23.8% in 2005 to 26.4% in 2014), and hybrid (6.2% in 2005 to 13.1% in 2014, P value for trend <0.01). Statin prescriptions increased from 47.4% in 2005 to 60.9% in 2014 (P value for trend <0.01). There was a significant decline in risk-adjusted mortality (11.8% in 2005 to 9.7% in 2014) and major amputation (19.8% in 2005 to 12.9% in 2014; P value for trend <0.01 for both) at 90 days. In adjusted analyses, revascularization was associated with a lower risk of mortality (RR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.41-0.50]; P<0.001) and major amputation at 90 days (RR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.21-0.26]; P<0.001). Nearly half of the patients who underwent amputation did not receive an invasive vascular procedure within the preceding 90 days. There was large site-level variation in the use of revascularization (median rate, 41.7% [interquartile range, 12.5%-53.2%]). Differences in patient case-mix explained only 8% of site-level variation in receipt of revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past decade, use of revascularization increased among veterans with critical limb ischemia, which was accompanied by a reduction in mortality and major amputation. However, opportunities to further improve care in this high-risk population still remain.

Advancements in Reconstructive Surgery Broaden Opportunities for Salvage of the Injured Lower Extremity.

Advancements in microsurgery have made lower extremity reconstruction possible even after major soft tissue loss or tibial nerve disruption. There is an ongoing paradigm shift in the indications for amputation versus salvage and in flap selection protocols for different areas of the lower extremity. Initial evaluation, patient selection, triage, and timing of reconstruction are essential factors that can influence functional and aesthetic outcomes. The emergence of perforator flaps and the application of new concepts such as free-style flaps, propeller perforator flaps, thinning of free flaps, and supermicrosurgery have provided reconstructive surgeons with many techniques to decrease donor-site morbidity and improve outcomes. This includes options for reconstruction on extremities with single or no adequate runoff vessels. We present a review of the major advancements in reconstructive surgery for salvage of the traumatic lower extremity.

Functional outcome of surgical treatment of adults with extremity osteosarcoma after megaprosthetic reconstruction-single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adults and is usually located in the long bones. Standard treatment consists of perioperative chemotherapy and radical surgical resection. Limb-sparing surgery using a variety of reconstructive techniques remains the gold standard. METHODS: In our study, we retrospectively analyzed 90 adult patients operated at our institution between 2000 and 2017 for extremity osteosarcoma that underwent limb-sparing reconstruction with the megaprosthesis. Sixty-one patients underwent resection and reconstruction of the distal femur, 9 patients-proximal femur, 7 patients-proximal tibia, 5 patients-total femoral resection and reconstruction, 5 patients-proximal humeral resection, and 3 patients-other types of resection with endoprosthetic reconstruction. The median follow-up time was 41 months, median overall survival was 86 months (3-225 months), and progression-free survival was 81 months (1-86 months). Functional assessment was made on 48 out of 56 living patients, after endoprosthetic reconstruction. The assessment was made according to MSTS functional scale. RESULTS: In 14 cases (15%), the endoprosthesis had to be explanted, or amputation was performed for local recurrence or septic complication. Due to a mechanical failure of the implant, we had to perform a revision in 5 patients (5%). Eighteen out of 74 patients with endoprosthesis died of the disease. The median MSTS score was 84% (53-100%), and the best result of 85% was achieved in patients after distal femoral resection with endoprosthetic reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Careful planning of the treatment of patients with extremity osteosarcoma that is performed at the referral centers gives the possibility of long-term survival with a good and excellent functional result.

Temporal trends and hospital costs associated with an endovascular-first approach for acute limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies suggest similar perioperative outcomes for endovascular and open surgical management of acute limb ischemia (ALI). We sought to describe temporal trends, patient factors, and hospital costs associated with contemporary ALI management. METHODS: We used the weighted National Inpatient Sample to estimate primary ALI cases requiring open or endovascular intervention (2005-2014). We used multivariable regression models to examine temporal trends, patient factors, and hospital costs associated with endovascular-first vs open-first management. RESULTS: Of 116,451 admissions for ALI during the study period, 35.2% were treated by an endovascular-first approach. The percentage of admissions managed with an endovascular-first approach increased over time (P < .001). Independent predictors of endovascular-first management included younger age, male sex, renal insufficiency, and more recent calendar year of admission (P ≤ .02), whereas patients who underwent fasciotomy, those with Medicaid, and those admitted on a weekend were more likely to undergo open-first management (P ≤ .02). Endovascular-first management had higher mean hospital costs than open-first management ($29,719 vs $26,193; P < .001). After adjustment for patient, hospital, and admission characteristics, there was an increase of $981 in treatment costs per year in the endovascular-first group (95% confidence interval [CI], $571-$1392; P < .001), whereas the costs associated with an open-first approach remained relatively stable over time ($10 per year; 95% CI, -$295 to $315; P = .95; P < .001 for interaction). The risk-adjusted odds of in-hospital major amputation was similar in both groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.85-1.15; P = .88). CONCLUSIONS: Use of an endovascular-first approach for the treatment of ALI has significantly increased over time. Although major amputation rates are similar for both approaches, the costs associated with an endovascular-first approach are increasing over time, whereas the costs of open surgery have remained stable. The cost-effectiveness of modern ALI management warrants further investigation.

Contemporary (2009-2014) clinical outcomes after femoropopliteal bypass surgery for chronic limb threatening ischemia are inferior to those reported in the UK Bypass versus Angioplasty for Severe Ischaemia of the Leg (BASIL) trial (1999-2004).

BACKGROUND: Bypass surgery (BS) remains the gold standard revascularization strategy in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) owing to infrainguinal disease. The Bypass versus Angioplasty for Severe Ischaemia of the Leg (BASIL)-1 trial showed that, in patients with CLTI who survived for 2 years or more, BS resulted in better clinical outcomes. Despite this finding, there has been an increasing trend toward an endovascular-first approach to infrainguinal CLTI. Our aim was to investigate whether changes in practice have impacted the clinical outcomes of BS in our unit 10 years after BASIL-1. METHODS: Data for patients who underwent femoropopliteal (FP) BS in BASIL-1 (1999-2004) were retrieved from trial case record forms. The comparator contemporary series (CS) comprised all patients undergoing FP BS for CLTI in our unit between 2009 and 2014. Demographic and clinical outcome data on patients in the CS were collected from the prospectively collected hospital electronic notes. Anatomic patterns of disease in the BASIL-1 and CS cohorts were scored using the Bollinger and GLASS criteria. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS v9.4. RESULTS: There were 128 patients from BASIL-1 and 50 patients in the CS. Baseline age, gender, affected limb, and diabetes prevalence were similar, as were days spent in hospital out to 12 months and length of follow-up. BASIL-1 patients were more likely to be current smokers (P = .000) and had a higher creatinine (P = .04). The 30-day morbidity and mortality were higher in BASIL-1 (45.3% vs 22%; P = .004). There was no significant difference between BASIL-1 and CS with regard to run-off Bollinger (37.7 vs 32.1; P = .167) and IP GLASS (0 vs 0; P = .390) scores, with both groups having a median of two runoff vessels. Amputation-free survival (62% vs 28%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-2.93; P = .007), limb salvage (85% vs 69%; HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.14-4.68; P = .02), overall survival (69% vs 35%; HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.00-2.74; P = .05) and major adverse limb events (67% vs 47%; HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.15-3.22; P = .01) were all significantly better in BASIL-1. CONCLUSIONS: Although 30-day mortality and morbidity were significantly lower, all of the examined longer term clinical outcomes after FP BS were significantly worse in the CS group a decade on from BASIL-1. Further research in the form of prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials is urgently required to determine if the CS data reported herein are generalizable to current vascular surgical practice and, if so, to determine the reasons for these unexpected outcomes.

Temporal trends in the management and clinical outcomes of lower extremity arterial thromboembolism within a national Veteran population.

Lower extremity arterial thromboembolism is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to establish temporal trends in the incidence, management and outcomes of lower extremity arterial thromboembolism within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VAHS). We identified patients admitted to VAHS between 2003 and 2014 with a primary diagnosis of lower extremity arterial thromboembolism. Medical and procedural management were ascertained from pharmaceutical and administrative data. Subsequent rates of major adverse limb events (MALE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and mortality were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. From 2003 to 2014, there were 10,636 patients hospitalized for lower extremity thromboembolism across 140 facilities, of which 8474 patients had adequate comorbid information for analysis. Age-adjusted incidence decreased from 7.98 per 100,000 patients (95% CI: 7.28-8.75) in 2003 to 3.54 (95% CI: 3.14-3.99) in 2014. On average, the likelihood of receiving anti-platelet or anti-thrombotic therapy increased 2.3% (95% CI: 1.2-3.4%) per year during this time period and the likelihood of undergoing endovascular revascularization increased 4.0% (95% CI: 2.7-5.4%) per year. Clinical outcomes remained constant over time, with similar rates of MALE, MACE and mortality at 1 year after adjustment. In conclusion, the incidence of lower extremity arterial thromboembolism is decreasing, with increasing utilization of anti-thrombotic therapies and endovascular revascularization among those with this condition. Despite this evolution in management, patients with lower extremity thromboembolism continue to experience high rates of amputation and death within a year of the index event.

Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Vascular Patient Amputation Rates in Arkansas.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010 and enacted in 2013 which improved insurance coverage across America due to increasing Medicaid eligibility as well as changes to individual insurance markets. In Arkansas, this was implemented by a Medicaid expansion waiver which allowed patients to purchase insurance with funds provided by the government to subsidize premiums through the marketplace. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Arkansas patients with peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: A pre-post research design using the Arkansas Hospital Discharge Dataset was used to study the impact of the ACA on limb amputation, distal bypass, discharge disposition, and total costs for patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease/atherosclerosis. The data were obtained for the years 2007 through 2009 (pre-ACA), 2011 through 2013 (post-ACA), and 2014 through 2015 (post-Arkansas expansion). Bivariate analysis, analysis of variance, and regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 10,923 patients were identified. Uninsured patients ("self-pay") decreased from 7% pre-ACA to 3.4% post-Arkansas expansion (P < 0.0001). There was a decrease in adjusted health-care costs after the Arkansas expansion (P < 0.0001). There was no change in mortality or transfer to rehabilitation facilities, but there was an increase in discharge to skilled nursing facilities along with a decrease in patients being discharged home (P < 0.0001). Regression analysis showed private insurance to be associated with a 49% reduction in the odds of an amputation (P < 0.0001). The Arkansas expansion was associated with a 26% reduction in the odds of an amputation when compared with that before the ACA implementation (P < 0.005). Having private insurance was associated with a 26% increase in the odds of having a bypass when compared with uninsured patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with private insurance have a decreased chance of amputation and increased odds of having a bypass when compared with patients who were of the self-pay category. The increase in private insurance coverage in our patient population could improve the rate of amputation in the vascular population in Arkansas by increasing early interventions for peripheral vascular disease.

Acute Extremity Compartment Syndrome and the Role of Fasciotomy in Extremity War Wounds.

Acute compartment syndrome (CS) is a frequent and potentially devastating complication of blunt and penetrating extremity injuries. Extremity war injuries are particularly susceptible to CS due to associated vascular injuries; high Injury Severity Score; extensive bone and soft tissue injury; and frequent transportation that may limit close monitoring of the injured extremity. Treatment consists of prompt fasciotomy of all compartments in the involved segment, over their full length. Delayed or incomplete fasciotomy is associated with worse outcomes, including muscle necrosis, infection, and amputation. Enhanced pre-deployment training of surgeons decreases the need for revision fasciotomy at higher echelons of care and should be continued in future conflicts. We recommend the liberal use of prophylactic fasciotomy prior to aeromedical evacuation and after limb reperfusion. For leg fasciotomy, we recommend a two-incision approach as it is more reproducible and allows easy vascular exposure when necessary.