Factors associated with ablation-related thrombus extension following microfoam versus radiofrequency saphenous vein closure.

OBJECTIVE: Polidocanol endovenous microfoam ablation (MFA) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for great saphenous vein (GSV) closure, yet there are few published data on the subsequent risk of ablation-related thrombus extension (ARTE). Recent societal practice guidelines recommend against routine postprocedure duplex ultrasound (DU) examination after thermal ablation of the GSV in asymptomatic patients. At present, limited data do not allow this recommendation to extend to MFA. Our aim is to identify characteristics and outcomes associated with ARTE following MFA vs radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted of patients who underwent MFA and RFA closure of incompetent above-knee GSVs. Patients treated for isolated tributary vein treatment or did not have a postprocedure DU examination within 48 to 72 hours were not included. Patients were classified into two groups: ARTE and no ARTE. Demographic data, Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic and Pathophysiologic class, Venous Clinical Severity Score, operative details, postprocedure (48-72 hours) DU findings, and adverse events were analyzed. Variables that were significant on univariate analysis were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression with the primary outcome being development of ARTE. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and February 2023, 800 limbs were treated with either MFA (n = 224) or RFA (n = 576). Ninety-six GSVs treated with MFA met the study criteria. One hundred fifty successive GSVs treated with RFA during the same period were included as a comparison group. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline demographics between the two groups. Six patients (2.4%) demonstrated ARTE on postoperative DU examination at 48 to 72 hours (MFA, n = 5 [5.2%]; RFA, n = 1 [0.7%]; P = .02). Saphenous vein ablation with MFA (P = .045) and a vein diameter of >10 mm (P = .017) were associated with ARTE on both univariable and multivariable analysis. All patients who developed ARTE were treated with oral anticoagulants (mean, 15.6 days). Body mass index, Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic and Pathophysiologic class, Venous Clinical Severity Score, microfoam volume, operative time, and prior deep venous thrombosis were not predictive of ARTE. CONCLUSIONS: ARTE after above-knee GSV closure occurred more frequently after MFA. Our results suggest that a saphenous vein diameter of >10 mm may be associated with ARTE. Despite this finding, all patients with ARTE were treated with short-term anticoagulation with no related complications. Until larger studies with high-risk subgroups have been studied after MFA, DU examination should be performed routinely after this procedure and patients with ARTE anticoagulated until the thrombus retracts caudal to the saphenofemoral junction or is no longer present on DU examination. Current societal guidelines recommending against routine post-thermal ablation DU examination should not be applied to similar patients after saphenous nonthermal MFA ablation.

Increased body mass index and vein diameter are associated with incomplete target vein closure following microfoam ablation of incompetent saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE: Patient characteristics and risk factors for incomplete or non-closure following thermal saphenous vein ablation have been reported. However, similar findings have not been clearly described following commercially manufactured polidocanol microfoam ablation (MFA). The objective of our study is to identify predictive factors and outcomes associated with non-closure following MFA of symptomatic, refluxing saphenous veins. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained patient database was performed from procedures in our Ambulatory Procedure Unit. All consecutive patients who underwent MFA with commercially manufactured 1% polidocanol microfoam for symptomatic superficial vein reflux between June 2018 and September 2022 were identified. Patients treated for tributary veins only, without truncal vein ablation, were excluded. Patients were then stratified into groups: complete closure (Group I) and non-closure (Group II). Preoperative demographics, procedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Preoperative variables that were significant on univariate analysis (prior deep venous thrombosis [DVT], body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2, and vein diameter) were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model with the primary outcome being vein non-closure. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and September 2022, a total of 224 limbs underwent MFA in our ambulatory venous center. Of these, 127 limbs in 103 patients met study inclusion criteria. Truncal veins treated included the above-knee great saphenous vein (Group I: n = 89, 77% vs Group II: n = 7, 58%; P = .14), below-knee great saphenous vein (Group I: n = 7, 6% vs Group II: n = 0; P = .38), anterior accessory saphenous vein (Group I: n = 17, 15% vs Group II: n = 4, 33%; P = .12, and small saphenous vein (Group I: n = 4, 4% vs Group II: n = 1, 8%; P = .41). Complete closure (Group I) occurred in 115 limbs, and 12 limbs did not close (Group II) based on postoperative duplex ultrasound screening. The mean BMI in Group II (36.1 ± 6.4 kg/m2) was significantly greater than Group I (28.6 ± 6.1 kg/m2) (P < .001). Vein diameter of ≥10.2 mm was independently associated with truncal vein non-closure with an odds ratio of 4.8. The overall mean foam volume was 6.2 ± 2.7 ml and not different between the two cohorts (Group I: 6.2 ± 2.6 ml vs Group II: 6.3 + 3.5 ml; P = .89). Post MFA improvement in symptoms was higher in Group I (96.9%) compared with Group II (66.7%) (P = .001). The mean postoperative Venous Clinical Severity Score was also lower in Group I (8.0 ± 3.0) compared with Group II (9.9 ± 4.2) (P = .048). The overall incidences of ablation-related thrombus extension and DVT were 4.7% (n = 6) and 1.6% (n = 2), and all occurred in Group I. All were asymptomatic and resolved with anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: Microfoam ablation of symptomatic, refluxing truncal veins results in excellent overall closure rates and symptomatic relief. BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and increased vein diameter are associated with an increased risk of saphenous vein non-closure following MFA. Non-closure is associated with less symptomatic improvement and a lower post-procedure reduction in Venous Clinical Severity Score. Despite the incidence of ablation-related thrombus extension and DVT in this study being higher than reported rates following thermal ablation, MFA is safe for patients with early postoperative duplex ultrasound surveillance and selective short-term anticoagulation.

The impact of competitive level of high school and collegiate athletes on outcomes of thoracic outlet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has life-changing impacts on young athletes. As the level of competition increases between the high school (HS) and collegiate (CO) stage of athletics, the impact of TOS may differ. Our objective is to compare surgical outcomes of TOS in HS and CO athletes. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of HS and CO athletes within a prospective surgical TOS database. The primary outcome was postoperative return to sport. Secondary outcomes were resolution of symptoms assessed with somatic pain scale (SPS), QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using χ2 and analysis of variance, respectively. Significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: Thirty-two HS and 52 CO athletes were identified. Females comprised 82.9% HS and 61.5% CO athletes (P = .08). Primary diagnoses were similar between groups (venous TOS: HS 50.0% vs CO 42.3%; neurogenic TOS: 43.9% vs 57.7%; pectoralis minor syndrome: 6.3% vs 0.0%) (P = .12). Pectoralis minor syndrome was a secondary diagnosis in 3.1% and 3.8% of HS and CO athletes, respectively (P = 1.00). The most common sports were those with overhead motion, specifically baseball/softball (39.3%), volleyball (12.4%), and water polo (10.1%), and did not differ between groups (P = .145). Distribution of TOS operations were similar in HS and CO (First rib resection: 94.3% vs 98.1%; scalenectomy: 0.0% vs 1.9%, pectoralis minor tenotomy: 6.3% vs 0.0%) (P = .15). Operating room time was 90.0 vs 105.3 minutes for HS and CO athletes, respectively (P = .14). Mean length of stay was 2.0 vs 1.9 days for HS and CO athletes (P = .91). Mean follow-up was 6.9 months for HS athletes and 10.5 months for CO athletes (P = .39). The majority of patients experienced symptom resolution (HS 80.0% vs CO 77.8%; P = 1.00), as well as improvement in SPS, QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. Return to sport was similar between HS and CO athletes (72.4% vs 73.3%; P = .93). Medical disability was reported in 100% HS athletes and 58.3% CO athletes who did not return to sport (P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased level of competition, HS and CO athletes demonstrate similar rates of symptom resolution and return to competition. Of those that did not return to their sport, HS athletes reported higher rates of medical disability as a reason for not returning to sport compared with CO athletes.

Erector Spinae versus Surgically Placed Pain Catheters for Thoracic Outlet Decompression.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative care after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves multimodal pain control. Pain catheters with bupivacaine infusion are a modality to minimize perioperative narcotic use. Our study aims to compare surgically placed pain catheters (SP) with erector spinae pain catheters (ESP) placed by the anesthesia pain service. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained surgical TOS database identified patients undergoing transaxillary first rib resection (FRR) who had either SP or ESP placed for pain control. Patients were matched for age and gender. Data collected included demographics, operative details, and perioperative pain medication use. Narcotic pain medication doses were converted to milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) for comparison between groups. Pain medications were collected for several time points: intraoperatively, for each postoperative day (POD) and for the entire hospital stay. RESULTS: Eighty-eight total patients were selected for comparison: 44 patients in the SP and ESP groups. Patients in each group did not differ with regards to age, body mass index, gender, diagnosis, or comorbidities. There were no differences in preoperative narcotic use, preoperative pain score, or Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. All patients underwent FRR. Concurrent cervical rib resection was performed in 6.8% SP and 6.8% ESP patients (P = 1.00), pectoralis minor tenotomy in 34.1% SP and 29.5% ESP patients (P = 0.65), and venogram in 31.8% SP and 31.8% ESP patients (P = 1.00). Mean operating room time was 90.0 min in SP and 105.3 min in ESP cases (P = 0.15). Mean length of stay was 1.9 days for SP and 1.8 days for ESP patients (P = 0.56). There were no significant differences in intraoperative narcotics dosing in MME (SP: 22.1 versus ESP: 25.3, P = 0.018). On POD 0, there were no differences in total narcotics dosing (MME) (SP: 112.0 versus ESP: 100.7, P = 0.59), or in the use of acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants. A similar trend in narcotics dosing was observed on POD 1 (SP: 58.6 versus ESP: 69.7, P = 0.43) and POD 2 (SP: 23.5 versus ESP: 71.3, P = 0.23). On POD 1, there was a higher percentage of SP patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (63.6% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.024); however, this difference was not observed on POD 2. There were no differences in acetaminophen or muscle relaxant use on POD 1 or 2. Total hospital stay MME was similar between groups (SP: 215.9 versus ESP: 250.9, P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Pain catheters with bupivacaine infusions are helpful adjuncts in postoperative pain control after FRR for TOS. This study compares SP to ESP and demonstrates no difference in narcotics use between SP and ESP groups. SP should be used for pain control in facilities which do not have an anesthesia pain service available for ESP placement.

Early results following comparison of radiofrequency and microfoam ablation of large diameter truncal veins demonstrate high closure rates and symptomatic relief.

OBJECTIVE: Endovenous closure of truncal veins with a large diameter (LD) (≥8 mm) has been associated with higher risk of post ablation thrombus propagation into the deep venous system. Similar findings after Varithena microfoam ablation (MFA) have not been characterized. The study objective was to analyze outcomes after both radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and MFA and of LD truncal veins. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All patients who underwent MFA and RFA for LD symptomatic truncal vein reflux (≥8 mm) were identified. All patients had postoperative duplex (48-72 hours) scanning. Patients underwent subsequent clinical follow-up at 3 to 6 weeks. Demographic data, CEAP Classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score, procedure details, adverse thrombotic events, and follow-up data were abstracted. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and September 2022, 784 consecutive limbs (RFA, n = 560; MFA, n = 224) underwent truncal vein (great, accessory, and small saphenous) closure for symptomatic reflux. Sixty-six limbs in the MFA group met inclusion criteria. Sixty-six consecutive limbs treated with RFA during the same time period were included as a comparison group. The mean truncal vein diameter treated was 10.5 mm (RFA, 10.0 mm; MFA, 10.9 mm). Twenty-nine limbs (44%) in the RFA group underwent concomitant phlebectomy. Tributary veins were concomitantly sclerosed in 34 MFA limbs (52%). Total procedural times were shorter in the MFA group (MFA, 31.6 minutes vs RFA, 55.7 minutes) (P < .001). Immediate closure rates were 100% and 95% in the RFA and MFA groups, respectively. Venous Clinical Severity Scores improved after treatment in both groups (RFA, from 9.5 to 7.8; P ≤ .001) (MFA, from 11.3 to 9.0; P ≤ .001). In the RFA and MFA groups, 83% and 79% of venous ulcers healed during the study period, respectively. Symptomatic superficial phlebitis occurred after RFA in 11% and 17% MFA. The incidence of postablation proximal deep venous thrombus extension was 3.0% in the RFA group and 6.1% in the MFA group, which was not statistically significant. All resolved with short-term oral anticoagulant therapy. No remote deep venous thromboses or pulmonary emboli occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: High early closure rates, symptom relief and ulcer healing rates can be achieved after RFA and MFA of LD saphenous veins. Both techniques can be used safely across a wide array of CEAP classes. Longer term studies are required to characterize the durability of MFA closure and sustained symptom relief in LD truncal veins.

Comparison of outcomes following polidocanol microfoam and radiofrequency ablation of incompetent thigh great and accessory saphenous veins.

BACKGROUND: Microfoam ablation (MFA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of proximal saphenous truncal veins. The objective of our study was to compare early postoperative outcomes between MFA and RFA following treatment of incompetent thigh saphenous veins. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted of patients who underwent treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) or anterior accessory saphenous veins (AASVs) in the thigh. All the patients underwent duplex ultrasound of the treated leg at 48 to 72 hours postoperatively. Patients were excluded from analysis if concomitant stab phlebectomy was performed. Demographic data, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) class, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and September 2022, 784 consecutive limbs (RFA, n = 560; MFA, n = 224) underwent venous closure for symptomatic reflux. A total of 200 consecutive thigh GSVs and ASVs treated within the study period using either MFA (n = 100) or RFA (n = 100) were identified. The patients were predominantly women (69%) with a mean age of 64 years. The preoperative CEAP classification was similar between the MFA and RFA groups. The mean preoperative VCSS was 9.4 ± 2.6 for the RFA patients and 9.9 ± 3.3 for the MFA patients. Among the RFA patients, the GSV was treated in 98% and the AASV in 2% compared with the GSV in 83% and the AASV in 17% in the MFA group (P < .001). The mean operative time was 42.4 ± 15.4 minutes in the RFA group and 33.8 ±16.9 minutes in the MFA group (P < .001). The median follow-up was 64 days for the study cohort. The mean postoperative VCSS declined to 7.3 ± 2.1 in the RFA group and 7.8 ± 2.9 in the MFA group. Complete closure occurred in 100% of the limbs after RFA and 90% after MFA (P = .005). Eight veins were partially closed and two remained patent following MFA. The incidence of superficial phlebitis was 6% and 15% (P = .06) after RFA and MFA, respectively. Overall, symptomatic relief was 90% following RFA and 89.5% following MFA. The complete ulcer healing rate for the entire cohort was 77.8%. Deep venous proximal thrombus extension (RFA, 1%; vs MFA, 4%; P = .37) and remote deep vein thrombosis (RFA, 0%; vs MFA, 2%; P = .5) showed a trend toward being higher following MFA but the difference did not reach statistical significance. All were asymptomatic and resolved with short-term anticoagulation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: MFA and RFA are both safe and effective for treating incompetent thigh saphenous veins, with excellent symptomatic relief and a low incidence of postprocedure adverse thrombotic events. RFA resulted in improved complete closure rates following initial treatment compared with MFA. The operative times were shorter with MFA. Both modalities can be used for patients with active venous ulcers with good healing rates. Longer term studies are required to characterize the durability of MFA closure for above knee truncal veins.

Point-of-care access to clinical guidelines may improve management of incidental findings in the primary care setting.

RATIONALE: Incidental radiographic findings are common, and primary care providers (PCPs) are often charged with the conducting or initiating an appropriate evaluation. Clinical guidelines are available for management of common 'incidentalomas' including lung and adrenal nodules, but guidelines-adherent evaluations are not always performed; for example, in the setting of incidental adrenal masses (IAMs), recent literature suggests that an evidence-based evaluation occurs in <25% of patients for whom it is warranted-a quality and safety concern. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine whether point-of-care access to concise clinical guidelines would promote appropriate evaluations of two common incidentalomas: IAMs and lung nodules. METHOD: This study was a survey-based, single-blinded, randomized experiment of decision-making within clinical vignettes. Respondents were PCPs in a variety of clinical practice settings, and half were randomly assigned to surveys that included concise clinical guidelines while the other half served as controls without access to guidelines. Scenarios involved patients with IAMs and lung nodules, and the scenarios included both higher-risk and lower-risk lesions. Our primary analysis examined safe versus inappropriate clinical decisions, while a secondary analysis compared guidelines-concordant versus guidelines-discordant responses. RESULTS: For both the higher-risk IAM and higher-risk lung nodule scenarios, safe answer choices were selected at a similar rate by respondents regardless of whether they had access to guidelines or not. However, for the lower risk scenarios, inappropriate answer choices were chosen substantially more frequently by respondents without access to guidelines compared to those with the guidelines (lung: 29.3% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.003, adrenal: 31.6% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.01). There was less variation in the secondary analysis. CONCLUSION: Survey respondents were significantly more likely to make safe management decisions in lower-risk clinical scenarios when clinical guidelines were available. Point-of-care access to clinical guidelines for incidentalomas is an intervention that may reduce management errors and improve patient safety.

Adolescent athletes can get back in the game after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the functional outcomes among adolescent athletes with venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) and neurogenic TOS (NTOS) after thoracic outlet decompression. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of a prospective database of adolescent athletes (aged 13-19 years) from June 1, 1996 to December 31, 2021 who had undergone operative decompression for TOS. The demographic data, preoperative symptoms, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was the postoperative return to sport. The secondary outcomes included symptom resolution and assessment of the somatic pain scale, QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. The Fisher exact test and t test were used to evaluate the categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A logistic regression model was constructed to adjust for the influence of preoperative factors and return to sport. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (40.0% with VTOS and 60.0% with NTOS) were included. The average age of the VTOS patients was 17.2 years vs 16.6 years for the NTOS patients (P = .265). The NTOS patients were more likely to be female (88.9% vs 62.5%; P = .024). The NTOS patients had more frequently presented with pain (97.2% vs 70.8%; P = .005), paresthesia (94.4% vs 29.1%; P = .021), and weakness (67.7% vs 12.5%; P = .004) but had less often reported swelling (25.0% vs 95.8%; P < .001). At presentation, the NTOS patients had also reported a longer symptom duration (17.7 months vs 3.1 months; P < .001). Transaxillary first rib resection with subtotal scalenectomy was performed for 100% of the VTOS patients and 94.4% of the NTOS patients undergoing cervical rib resection (2.8%) or scalenectomy alone (2.8%). Additionally, 11.1% of the NTOS patients had undergone combined first rib resection and cervical rib resection. For the VTOS patients, postoperative venography showed patent subclavian veins in 27.8%. In addition, 44.4% had required venoplasty, 16.8% had required thrombolysis, and 11% were chronically occluded. No significant differences were found in blood loss, operative time, or length of stay between the groups. No surgical complications occurred. The average follow-up was 6.3 months. Significant differences were found between the VTOS and NTOS groups for the pre- and postoperative somatic pain scale, QuickDASH, and Derkash scores. Complete symptom resolution had occurred in 83.3% of the VTOS and 75% of the NTOS patients (P = .074). No statistically significant difference in the return to sport was observed between the two groups (VTOS, 94.4%; vs NTOS, 73.9%; P = .123). Of the NTOS patients, 10.0% had had other concomitant injuries and 5.0% had had medical conditions that had precluded their return to sport. Logistic regression found no significant relationship between the preoperative somatic pain scale score, QuickDASH score, or duration of symptoms and the return to sport. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent athletes with VTOS and NTOS can have good functional outcomes, and most will be able to return to sport after surgery. Greater initial symptom severity and concomitant injuries were observed in adolescents with NTOS. Of those who had not returned to sport postoperatively, three of seven had had unrelated health issues that had prevented their return to sport.

When Healing Hands Hurt: Epidemiology of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Among Physicians.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an infrequent condition which results in disability in use of upper extremity. While TOS is often associated with manual labor, industrial workers, and accidents, it has not been reported in a physician (MD) population. Given the investment of time and effort in training to become a MD, the impact of TOS may be devastating. Our objective is to report the presentation and outcome of TOS in MDs. METHODS: A prospectively surgical database was reviewed for MDs who sought care of disabling TOS between 1997 and 2022. Demographic, clinical, outcome and pathological data were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed based on Somatic Pain Scale (SPS), Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, and Derkash scores. Results were also assessed based on return to employment. RESULTS: A total of 19 MDs were identified, from 1,687 TOS cases. The group included 13 (63%) men, 6 (31%) women, average age 45 years (range 27-57). Presentations included 1 (5.3%) arterial TOS (ATOS), 9 (47.4%) venous TOS (VTOS), and 9 (47.4) neurogenic TOS (NTOS). All patients were right-handed, and symptomatic side was dominant hand in 7 (37%) patients. Etiologies included repetitive motion injury, athletic injury, and congenital bony abnormalities. Repetitive motion was associated with 3/9 (33%) NTOS. Significant athletic activities were noted in 12 of 19 (63%) MDs, including 8/9 (89%) VTOS and 4/9 (44%) NTOS. Athletic activities associated with VTOS included triathletes (2), rock climbing (1), long distance swimming (2), and weightlifting (3). Of the 9 NTOS cases, 3 were associated with weightlifting and 1 with skiing. Congenital causes included 1 (5%) abnormal first rib and 1 (5%) cervical rib. Time from symptom onset to consultation varied significantly according to diagnosis: ATOS 6 days, VTOS 97 days, and NTOS 2,335 days (P < 0.05). All underwent first rib resection (FRR), and 4 (4) patients required contralateral FRR. Time from surgery to last follow-up averaged 1,005 days (range: 37-4,535 days). On presentation, 6 patients were work disabled and 13 patients were work restricted. Following surgery, 4 MDs remained work restricted with mild to moderate symptoms. After surgery, standardized outcomes (SPS, Quick DASH, and Derkash score) improved in all metrics. All who were initially disabled returned to work without restriction. Significant non-TOS related comorbidities were present in all who had residual restriction. Return to work was documented in all. CONCLUSIONS: Although it has not been reported, MDs are subject to developing TOS. Causes include repetitive motions, athletic injuries, and congenital bony abnormalities. Surgical decompression is beneficial with significant reduction in pain and disability. MDs are highly motivated and insightful; accordingly, they have a very high probability of successful work resumption, with all returning to their medical positions.

Stakeholder perspectives on education in aortic dissection.

The Aortic Dissection (AD) Collaborative was established to evaluate patient-centered research priorities in AD. Education was identified as a topic of interest by the stakeholders. The AD Collaborative Education Working Group evaluated existing educational resources and identified areas amenable to comparative effectiveness research. The most important positive qualities of available AD education resources are ease of use, diversity of representation, accessibility, and organization. The most important negative qualities of these resources are non-patient-centered language, promotional themes, and those with limited applicability and accessibility. Through a series of focus groups, the Working Group identified target audiences for AD education and educational material content and critically assessed and prioritized barriers to effective AD education. Both the target audiences and the barriers include clinicians and patients themselves. The Working Group defined initiatives to overcome barriers, to include a comprehensive, universally agreed on AD resource that is updated in real time and making education accessible to all relevant target audiences. The Working Group then prioritized needs for comparative effectiveness research in AD education and determined that clinician education is the top priority for future efforts. The Working Group determined that assessment and evaluation of specific and appropriate screening strategies is the second most important priority. Finally, the Working Group identified patient education as the third most important priority, specifically determining how patients and their support groups learn best, the ideal strategies for information dissemination, and methods of assessing understanding and satisfaction with the education process.

Strategies to optimize management of incidental radiographic findings in the primary care setting: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Incidental adrenal masses (IAMs) are common. Primary care providers (PCPs) are frequently responsible for incidentaloma evaluations. We evaluated whether PCPs view this paradigm effective, barriers faced, and strategies to optimize care delivery. METHODS: This is a sequential explanatory study, comprised of surveys followed by focus groups of PCPs. Because lung nodules are another type of common incidental finding, we compared PCP views on management of lung nodules to their views on IAMs. RESULTS: For IAMs, 22.3% of PCPs "always refer" to specialists, but for lung nodules this was 11.5% (p = 0.026). For lung nodules, the most significant barrier was insufficient time/support to longitudinally follow results (69%), but for IAMs it was uncertainty about which tests to order (68%). Fear of litigation was equal (lung = 22.5%, IAMs = 21.3%). Consistent themes regarding the "ideal" system included specific recommendations in radiology reports; automation of orders for follow-up tests; longitudinal tracking tools; streamlined consultations; and decision guides embedded within the electronic health record. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents are more comfortable with lung nodules than IAMs. Management of "incidentalomas" is within their scope of practice, but the current system can be optimized.

Health Care Needs of Incarcerated Patients: A Case Study at a Large Urban Hospital.

This study examined a sample of incarcerated patients who received health care at an urban safety-net hospital in Massachusetts. Sociodemographic, clinical, and utilization data were obtained from patients' charts and administrative data. Our sample was 87% male and 36% Black and included a large proportion of patients with substance-related use. Incarcerated patients receiving outside care had a wide range of acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions, necessitating both emergent and scheduled care. The most frequent outpatient encounters included surgery (neurosurgery and oral/maxillofacial surgery), ophthalmology, medicine, and radiation oncology. Our findings provide a better understanding of the health care services that incarcerated patients may require outside their facilities and the kinds of interventions and policies that are needed to increase access to more timely care.

Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Diverticular Disease.

Diverticular disease exists on a spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic diverticulosis to complicated diverticulitis. Incidence of diverticulitis in western nations has increased in recent years, although the factors that influence the progression from diverticulosis to diverticulitis are unknown. Geographic/environmental influences, lifestyle variables, and microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract are some of the factors implicated in diverticular disease.

Contemporary Analysis of Senior Level Case Volume Variation between Traditional Vascular Surgery Fellows and Integrated Vascular Surgery Chief Residents.

BACKGROUND: The present study compares the senior level operative experience of graduates from the traditional vascular surgery fellowship (5 + 2) and integrated vascular surgery training programs (0 + 5) using contemporary operative case log data. METHODS: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education integrated vascular surgery, vascular surgery fellowship, and general surgery case logs for trainees graduating between 2013 and 2018 were queried for vascular surgery procedures. "Senior" cases were categorized as cases logged as "surgeon fellow" by 5 + 2 trainees or "surgeon chief" (post graduate year-4,5) by 0 + 5 trainees. Overall case volume was defined as the combined volume of cases logged as "surgeon junior," "surgeon chief," "surgeon fellow," "teach assist," "first assist," or "secondary procedure." To reflect total vascular experience, all vascular cases done during general surgery residency were combined with cases performed during vascular surgery fellowship. Mean case volumes were compared for all operations/procedures. RESULTS: The 5 + 2 trainees had higher mean volume of open repair of suprarenal aortic aneurysms (2.4 vs. 1.4, P = 0.0026) and open repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms (0.5 vs. 0.3, P = 0.004) at the fellow level compared to 0 + 5 surgeon chief cases. Additionally, 5 + 2 trainees performed more endovascular repair of abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm (44.7 vs. 28.4, P < 0.0001), endovascular repair of iliac artery aneurysm (1.9 vs. 1.2, P = 0.0003), and endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm (14.9 vs. 8.4, P < 0.0001). The 5 + 2 fellows performed more vein bypasses than 0 + 5 chief residents (femoral-popliteal 9.8 vs. 6.4, P = 0.002; infrapopliteal 13.9 vs. 8.8, P = 0.0490), extra-anatomic bypasses (axillofemoral 4.2 vs. 2.9, P = 0.0004; femoral-femoral 5.6 vs. 3.1, P = 0.034), carotid endarterectomies (47.3 vs. 29.3, P < 0.0001), carotid artery stenting (9.6 vs. 4.5, P = 0.0001), celiac/SMA endarterectomy or bypass (3.7 vs. 1.9, P < 0.0001), renal artery balloon angioplasty/stenting (5.0 vs. 2.5, P = 0.0006), thoracic outlet decompression (5.4 vs. 1.9, P < 0.0001), traumatic repairs [thoracic vessels (0.5 vs. 0.1, P < 0.0001), neck vessels (0.7 vs. 0.3, P = 0.0004), abdominal vessels (3.0 vs. 1.7, P = 0.0005), and peripheral vessels (6.6 vs. 3.1, P = 0.034)], as well as a higher mean volume of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas (30.7 vs. 15.7, P < 0.0001), AV grafts (10.7 vs. 5.1, P < 0.0001), and revision of AV access (16.1 vs. 8.0, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Although both pathways graduate trainees with a similar overall surgical experience, 5 + 2 trainees log significantly more "Senior" cases. Further studies investigating potential variation in operative autonomy between both pathways are necessary.

Intravenous drug use history is not associated with poorer outcomes after arteriovenous access creation.

OBJECTIVE: Rising intravenous drug use (IVDU) paralleled with an increasing dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease population may pose a challenge for creating and maintaining arteriovenous (AV) access for hemodialysis. We aimed to elucidate baseline characteristics and outcomes of AV access creation in the IVDU population. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative (2011-2018) was queried for patients undergoing AV access placement. Univariable and multivariable analyses comparing outcomes of patients with and without IVDU history were performed. RESULTS: Of 33,404 patients undergoing AV access creation, 601 (1.8%) had IVDU history (21.8% current and 78.2% past users). IVDU patients receiving AV access were more often younger, male, nonwhite, smokers, homeless, Medicaid recipients, and hospitalized at the time of surgery (P < .001 for all). They exhibited higher rates of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (P < .05 for all). They more frequently had tunneled catheters at the time of access creation (53.6% vs 42%; P < .001) and had a previous AV access (25.3% vs 21.7%; P = .002). IVDU patients more often received prosthetic AV grafts (28.6% vs 18%; P < .001) and more often had anastomoses created to basilic veins (33.1% vs 23.2%; P < .001) but less often to cephalic veins (36.8% vs 57.7%; P < .001). IVDU patients had longer postoperative length of stay (2 ± 6 days vs 0.9 ± 5 days; P < .001) but no significant difference in 30-day mortality (1.7% vs 1.2%; P = .3). Comparing IVDU vs no IVDU cohorts, 1-year access infection-free survival (85.4% vs 86.6%; P = .382), primary patency loss-free survival (39.5% vs 37.9%; P = .335), endovascular/open reintervention-free survival (58% vs 57%; P = .705), and overall survival (89.7% vs 88.9%; P = .635) were similar. On multivariable analysis, IVDU was independently associated with postoperative length of stay (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-2; P < .001) but not with 30-day mortality or 1-year infection-free survival, primary patency loss-free survival, reintervention-free survival, and all-cause mortality. The null results were confirmed in a propensity score-matched cohort. CONCLUSIONS: IVDU history was uncommon among patients undergoing AV access creation at Vascular Quality Initiative centers and was not independently associated with major morbidity or mortality postoperatively. IVDU patients more often received grafts or autogenous access with anastomoses to basilic veins. Although these patients frequently have more comorbidities, IVDU should not deter AV access creation.

Cancer stage at presentation for incarcerated patients at a single urban tertiary care center.

Patients who are incarcerated are a vulnerable patient population and may suffer from less access to routine cancer screenings compared to their non-incarcerated counterparts. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of potential differences in cancer diagnosis staging is needed. We sought to examine whether there are differences in cancer stage at initial diagnosis between non-incarcerated and incarcerated patients by pursuing a retrospective chart review from 2010-2017 for all patients who were newly diagnosed with cancer at an urban safety net hospital. Incarceration status was determined by insurance status. Our primary outcome was incarceration status at time of initial cancer diagnosis. Overall, patients who were incarcerated presented at a later cancer stage for all cancer types compared to the non-incarcerated (+.14 T stage, p = .033; +.23 N stage, p < .001). Incarcerated patients were diagnosed at later stages for colorectal (+0.93 T stage, p < .001; +.48 N stage, p < .001), oropharyngeal (+0.37 N stage, p = .003), lung (+0.60 N stage, p = .018), skin (+0.59 N stage, p = 0.014), and screenable cancers (colorectal, prostate, lung) as a whole (+0.23 T stage, p = 0.002; +0.17 N stage, p = 0.008). Incarcerated patients may benefit from more structured screening protocols in order to improve the stage at presentation for certain malignancies.

Two novel risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism: A reconsideration of standard risk assessment and prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is usually preventable with adequate prophylaxis. In an institutional study, patients with emergency operations (EO), multiple operations (MO), and perioperative sepsis (PS) were more likely to develop VTE despite standard prophylaxis. METHODS: General surgery patients in the NSQIP database from 2011 to 2014 were stratified into VTE and non-VTE groups, and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 1,610,086 patients, 13,673 (0.8%) were diagnosed with VTE. The VTE odds ratios for patients with EO, MO and PS were 1.4 (95%CI:1.3-1.5), 1.9 (95%CI:1.7-2.0), and 2.4 (95%CI:2.2-2.5), respectively. VTE odds ratios increased with concurrence of two factors (EO+PS: 2.0 (95%CI:1.9-2.2)) (EO+MO: 2.3 (95%CI:1.9-2.7)) (MO+PS: 2.5 (95%CI:2.2-2.7)) and further still for patients with all three factors (2.7, 95%CI:2.4-3.0). CONCLUSION: General surgery patients with EO, MO, or PS have a greater likelihood of developing postoperative VTE. These factors are not necessarily captured in contemporary risk assessment models that guide chemoprophylaxis, and so these high-risk patients may receive insufficient prophylaxis.

The Boston Medical Center Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Procedure Team: Optimizing the surgeon's role in pandemic care at a safety-net hospital.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has claimed many lives and strained the US health care system. At Boston Medical Center, a regional safety-net hospital, the Department of Surgery created a dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 Procedure Team to ease the burden on other providers coping with the surge of infected patients. As restrictions on social distancing are lifted, health systems are bracing for additional surges in coronavirus disease 2019 cases. Our objective is to quantify the volume and types of procedures performed, review outcomes, and highlight lessons for other institutions that may need to establish similar teams. METHODS: Procedures were tracked prospectively along with patient demographics, immediate complications, and time from donning to doffing of the personal protective equipment. Retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain patient outcomes and delayed adverse events. We hypothesized that a dedicated surgeon-led team would perform invasive bedside procedures expeditiously and with few complications. RESULTS: From March 30, 2020 to April 30, 2020, there were 1,196 coronavirus disease 2019 admissions. The Procedure Team performed 272 procedures on 125 patients, including placement of 135 arterial catheters, 107 central venous catheters, 25 hemodialysis catheters, and 4 thoracostomy tubes. Specific to central venous access, the average procedural time was 47 minutes, and the rate of immediate complications was 1.5%, including 1 arterial cannulation and 1 pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Procedural complication rate was less than rates reported in the literature. The team saved approximately 192 hours of work that could be redirected to other patient care needs. In times of crisis, redeployment of surgeons (who arguably have the most procedural experience) into procedural teams is a practical approach to optimize outcomes and preserve resources.

Octogenarians and Nonoctogenarians Have Similar Outcomes after Upper Extremity Hemodialysis Access Creation.

BACKGROUND: Routine arteriovenous (AV) access creation in octogenarians is controversial. Our goal was to assess perioperative and long-term outcomes in octogenarians after undergoing upper extremity AV access to determine whether advanced age should influence AV access decision-making. METHODS: All AV access creations performed at a single institution from 2014-2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized as octogenarians and nonoctogenarians. Perioperative short-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Among 620 patients who underwent AV access creation, there were 40 octogenarians and 580 nonoctogenarians. Octogenarians were more likely to have private insurance, coronary artery disease, dementia, previous stroke, impaired ambulation, and less likely to be current smokers. There were no differences in outpatient status or tunneled dialysis catheter presence at creation. Access types were similar radiocephalic (12.5% vs. 14.3%), brachiocephalic (50% vs. 42.6%), brachiobasilic (12.5% vs. 26.2%), and grafts (25% vs. 13.8%). Univariable analysis demonstrated no differences in perioperative return to the operating room, hematoma, and patency loss. There were no differences in 90-day mortality (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0-2.5, P = 0.25), readmission (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.67-2.76, P = 0.39), maturation (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.46-2.01, P = 0.93), or reintervention (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.64-1.25, P = 0.53). Octogenarians had lower two-year survival (82.5% vs. 91.9%, P < 0.001), but there was no difference in reintervention-free survival (55% vs. 47%, P = 0.47) or occlusion-free survival (25% vs. 24%, P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians and nonoctogenarians have similar outcomes after upper extremity dialysis access creation. Advanced age alone should not influence dialysis access creation.

The impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading on patients with type II diabetes in an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the effects of preoperative carbohydrate-loading (CHO) as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway on patients with/without type II diabetes (DMII). METHODS: Retrospective review of ERAS patients with CHO, including 80 with DMII, 275 without DMII in addition to 89 patients with DMII from the previous (non-ERAS) year. Outcomes included glucose-levels, insulin requirements, and complications. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of any complication with perioperative glucose control variables. RESULTS: Among ERAS versus non-ERAS patients with DMII, there were significant differences in median preoperative (142 mg/dL versus 129.5 mg/dL, p = 0.017) and postoperative day-1 glucose levels (152 mg/dL, versus 137.5 mg/dL, p = 0.004). There were no differences in insulin requirements, hypoglycemic episodes, or complications. Complications were not associated with Hgb-A1C%, home DMII-medications, or preoperative glucose measurement on logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DMII tolerated CHO without increasing insulin requirements or substantially affecting glucose levels or complications.