Systematic review of risk factors and outcomes of post-implantation syndrome following endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Post implantation syndrome (PIS) is an early systemic inflammatory response following endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). The response is variable in patients and the clinical significance of PIS upon outcomes is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic implication of PIS. METHODS: Systematic literature review and analysis was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane guidelines of PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible English-language studies regarding PIS after infrarenal EVAR were included, after removing duplicates. RESULTS: After screening, 31 studies were included. A total of 2847 patients were reviewed, with mean age of 70.7 years, of which 2012 (90.4%) were male, with a pooled mean follow-up of 26.1 months. PIS was reported in 25.3% of cases, with mean aneurysm diameter of 56.4 cm. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts were utilized in 794 patients (27.9%) with polyester in 1839 (64.6%). White blood cell count, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels were all significantly elevated postoperatively. Thirty-day outcomes included type I endoleak rate of 0.8%, type II endoleak rate of 1.7%, reintervention rate of 0.35%, and mortality rate of 0.25%. Subgroup pooled analysis of patients with PIS (n = 309) vs No-PIS (n = 691) revealed that polyester (n = 642), rather than PTFE (n = 234) grafts, were associated with a higher rate of PIS (94.8% vs 3.7%; P = .0001), White blood cell count was higher in the PIS group both preoperatively (7.61 vs 6.76 × 109/L; P = .04) and postoperatively (15.0 vs 9.8 × 109/L; P = .0007) and IL-6 levels were higher in the PIS group postoperatively (98.6 vs 25.2 pg/mL; P = .02). Aneurysm diameter and amount of chronic or new thrombus within the aneurysm sac was not identified as a risk factor for PIS. Pooled outcomes of patients with PIS vs No-PIS demonstrated a significantly higher rate of 30-day mortality (0.6% vs 0%; P = .03) and major adverse cardiac events (5.8% vs 0.43%; P < .0001) without any differences seen in reintervention or 30-day type I or type II endoleaks. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review suggests that polyester grafts are strongly associated with PIS compared with PTFE. Interestingly, this report is suggestive of an association between 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiac events and PIS. Given these clinical sequelae, consideration for use of PTFE over polyester grafts to reduce the incidence of PIS may be a simple step to improve overall outcome. Further, exploration of the relationship between inflammatory mediators associated with PIS and mortality and cardiac complications may engender deeper understanding of risks, leading to eventual mitigation of harm for patients experiencing PIS.

Needle fenestration of popliteal artery covered stent graft to salvage inadvertent stent misdeployment.

Endovascular methods have transformed treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease but can still present technical challenges. We report the case of a 69-year-old man with rest pain who underwent superficial femoral artery recanalization with covered stents. During completion angiography, the distal stent was discovered to have been misdeployed into an anterior geniculate branch overlying the behind-the-knee popliteal artery. Subsequently, an endovascular reentry device was used to fenestrate the stent posteriorly to enter the lumen of the popliteal artery. Cutting balloons were used to enlarge the fenestration in the stent fabric, with placement of an additional 6 × 50-mm covered stent bridging from the popliteal artery into the fenestrated misdeployed covered stent. Completion angiography demonstrated no evidence of distal embolization and patent two-vessel runoff. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and at 2 years of follow-up remained asymptomatic with documented popliteal stent patency.

A Systematic Review of Contemporary Outcomes from Aortic Arch In Situ Laser Fenestration During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: In situ laser fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (L-FEVAR) is a novel and creative solution for complex aortic pathologies in the urgent and emergency setting. Outcomes of this technique, however, are poorly reported. We sought to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of L-FEVAR in aortic arch pathologies. METHODS: A systematic literature review and analysis were conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and Cochrane guidelines. A search was conducted using Google, PubMed, and Scopus to identify studies evaluating L-FEVAR. Two independent reviewers determined study inclusion. Case reports and series including < 10 patients were excluded. Reviewers also assessed the methodological quality and extracted data regarding outcomes. A meta-analysis of endoleak event rates was conducted using a fixed-effect model due to small sample size. RESULTS: Eight studies met inclusion criteria between 2013 and 2021. Most studies were retrospective (87.5%) with median follow-up duration of 12.5 months (range 10-42). There were 440 patients included (range 15-148), mostly men (64%). Mean age was 61 years (range 53-68). Included patients were all symptomatic with L-FEVAR being technically successful in 93.3% of cases. The main indication for aortic arch intervention was aortic dissection. Single fenestrations occurred most frequently (68%), followed by triple (22%) then double fenestrations (9%). Meta-analysis of 8 studies (n = 440) demonstrated an endoleak event rate of 0.06 (95% confidence interval 0.04-0.09, P < 0.001) with no observed statistically significant heterogeneity of effects (Q = 7.91, P = 0.34). The median operative time was 162 min (range 53-252) with median length of stay of 10 days (range 7-17). Primary branch patency was 96.6%. Secondary patency rate was 97%. Pooled complication rates such as endoleak occurred in 4.8%, stroke in 2.0%, spinal cord ischemia in 0.2%, retrograde dissection in 0.9%, and 30-day death in 2.0%. Access complications occurred in 0.4%. Antiplatelet regimen was poorly reported in the study cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In situ laser fenestration is a feasible, safe, and effective approach to treat aortic arch disease in patients who are unsuitable for open or custom-made endovascular means. High technical success and excellent short-term branch patency can be achieved. These single-institution series exhibit promising short-term outcomes. In a similar paradigm to investigational device exemptions studies for custom-made and physician modified endografts, these preliminary data make a persuasive argument for larger long-term multi-institutional prospective study of this promising technique.

Performance of the Emergency Surgery Score in Nonelective Lower-Extremity Endovascular Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple studies have validated the Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) as a tool which reliably predicts outcomes after emergency general surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of the ESS for lower-extremity endovascular procedures in nonelective setting (neLEE). METHODS: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing neLEE between 2015 and 2019. The performance of the ESS in predicting mortality in each procedure was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analyses. RESULTS: Four thousand five hundred and eighty three patients underwent neLEE with median age 68 (±12.3 SD), with 1802 females (39.3%). The ESS correlated with 30-day mortality (area under the curve [AUC] was 0.729), discharge to rehab (AUC 0.638), renal failure (AUC 0.667), postintervention ventilation requirement (AUC 0.680), and stroke (AUC 0.656). The predictive ability of the ESS decreased with increasing age, with the ESS performing best for patients between 60 and 69 y in age (AUC 0.735) and worst for patients above 80 y (AUC 0.650). A Cochran-Armitage test showed linear trend towards increased 30-day mortality among the quartiles with increasing ESS (P < 0.001), with patients with ESS ≥10 having 10 times odds of increased 30-day mortality compared to reference quartile of patients with ESS ≤4 on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The ESS score is associated with 30-day mortality and other complications after neLEE procedures. It can potentially be used as a predictive tool for preoperative risk stratification and can also be used for equitably evaluating standards and outcomes after lower extremity endovascular procedures.

Frailty Index (mFI-5) Predicts Resource Utilization after Nonruptured Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

INTRODUCTION: The 5- factor frailty index (mFI-5) has reliably predicted outcomes after vascular surgeries. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of this index in aortic endovascular surgery ( endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]) MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (NSQIP) was retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing nonruptured EVAR between 2015 and 2019. Outcomes were assessed using bivariate analysis (Mann Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and t-test) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 10,450 patients were identified with a mean age of 73.59 (SD 8.93) y. 8222 (78.7%) were performed for large diameter with the remaining indications including dissection, symptomatic, and embolization/thrombosis. 30-d mortality was 1.3%. Univariate analysis showed that mFI-5≥0.6 was associated with higher rates of prolonged hospital stay (18.8% versus 5.7%, P < 0.001, reference mFI-5 = 0), readmission (12.3% versus 5.9%, P < 0.001), mortality (3.6 % versus 1.2%, P = 0.01), intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay more than 3 d (7.2% versus 2.7%, P < 0.001). Female gender higher age, indication for surgery, and mFI-5 were all associated with increased mortality. Multivariate logistic regression showed that mFI-5 remained as a significant predictor with mFI-5≥0.6 predicting a close to 3 times higher odds for 30-d mortality (odds ratio OR 2.83, P = 0.003), ICU length of stay >3 d (OR 2.48, P < 0.001), >7 d hospital stay (OR 3.94, P < 0.001), readmission (OR 2.16, P < 0.001), and pneumonia (OR 4.2, P < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: The modified frailty index (mFI-5) is a good predictor for postoperative complications and hospital resource utilization after nonruptured EVAR.

Discharge process challenges of an academic vascular surgery service: A qualitative study.

Vascular surgery patients have a high incidence of unplanned hospital readmissions and complications. Previous research has not fully examined specific elements of the hospital discharge process for vascular surgery patients to identify issues that may contribute to readmissions. The objective of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore challenges identified by healthcare providers and patients regarding the discharge process from an academic vascular surgery service. Data were collected from eight focus group interviews and analyzed for relevant themes. Patients and healthcare providers identified several challenges within the standard discharge process, including ineffective communication, insufficient time for discharge education, and limitations accessing providers with post-discharge concerns. These obstacles may be ameliorated in part by specialized coordinators, caregiver support, and use of adaptive strategies outside of the current discharge process. The discharge challenges described by study participants likely contribute to adverse post-hospitalization outcomes, including unplanned hospital readmissions. A multifaceted approach that incorporates standardized discharge processes, as well as informal problem-solving strategies, is recommended to improve hospital discharge and outcomes for vascular surgery patients.

Modified frailty index as an indicator for outcomes after lower extremity endovascular revascularization.

BACKGROUND: The 5-factor frailty index is associated with adverse outcomes after various procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the 5-factor frailty index after lower extremity endovascular revascularization. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database as retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing lower extremity endovascular revascularization between 2015 and 2019. Outcomes were assessed using bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In the study, 11,947 lower extremity endovascular revascularization performed between 2015 and 2019 were identified from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database. Median age was 69 (standard deviation 11.44) years, 4,727 (39.6%) were female, and 7,570 (63.4%) were White. In addition, 7,541 (62.9%) were performed for chronic limb threatening ischemia. Thirty-day mortality was 1.7%. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that a 5-factor frailty index score greater than 0.6 was associated with higher rates of discharge to SNF (28.6% vs 8.2%, P < .001, reference 5-factor frailty index = 0), cardiopulmonary arrest (2.0% vs 0.1%, P < .001), readmission (21.1% vs 10.8%, P < .001), reintubation (2.8% vs 0.3%, P < .001), and 30-day mortality (5.1% vs 0.7%, P < .001). Beta blocker use, higher age, chronic limb threatening ischemia indication, and 5-factor frailty index were all associated with increased 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression showed that 5-factor frailty index >0.6 predicted 3 times higher odds for 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 2.988; P = .013), with physiologic high risk (odds ratio, 2.118; P < .001), chronic limb threatening ischemia indication (odds ratio, 2.157; P < .001), and inpatient procedures (odds ratio, 3.409; P < .001) also showing increased risk for mortality. CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing lower extremity endovascular revascularization, higher 5-factor frailty index was associated with increased hospital resource utilization and 30-day mortality. The 5-factor frailty index may be useful for preoperative risk stratification and predicting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing lower extremity endovascular revascularization.

Performance of the Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) for nonelective infrainguinal open revascularization procedures (NEIOR).

BACKGROUND: The Emergency Surgery Score has been previously validated as a reliable; tool to predict postoperative outcomes in emergency general surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of the Emergency Surgery Score for infrainguinal open revascularization procedures in the nonelective setting. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing infrainguinal open revascularization procedures in the nonelective setting between 2015 and 2019. The performance of the Emergency Surgery Score in predicting mortality in each procedure was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analyses. RESULTS: A total of 5,027 patients underwent infrainguinal open revascularization procedures in the nonelective setting with median age 68 (±11.66 standard deviation), with 1,666 females (33.1%). The 30-day mortality rate was 2.7%. The Emergency Surgery Score correlated with 30-day mortality (area under the curve was 0.738). The Emergency Surgery Score also predicted risk of death/discharge to hospice (area under the curve 0.756), discharge to rehab (area under the curve 0.643), renal failure (area under the curve 0.741), postintervention ventilation requirement (0.684), stroke (0.717), cardiopulmonary arrest (0.657), and septic shock (0.697). A cumulative frequency table of mortality with Emergency Surgery Score was used to partition patients into quartiles of Emergency Surgery Score ≤5, Emergency Surgery Score of 6, Emergency Surgery Score of 7 or 8, and Emergency Surgery Score ≥9. A Cochran-Armitage test showed linear trend toward increased 30-day mortality among the quartiles with increasing Emergency Surgery Score (P < .001), with quartile 4 (Emergency Surgery Score ≥10) having 13 times odds of increased 30-day mortality compared to reference quartile 1 (Emergency Surgery Score ≤4). CONCLUSION: Emergency Surgery Score performance accurately predicts mortality for infrainguinal open revascularization procedures in the nonelective setting procedures. It may be useful for preoperative risk stratification and for national benchmarking after nonelective open lower extremity procedures.

Characteristics Associated With Failure to Rescue After Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Failure to Rescue (FTR), defined as mortality following a complication of care, is an important indicator of hospital care quality. Understanding risk factors associated with FTR in the elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) population may help surgeons prevent operative mortality. METHODS: Elective open AAA repairs (2008-2018) were identified from Cerner's HealthFacts database using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes. Patient, hospital, and encounter characteristics were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models determined the relative contribution of patient and encounter characteristics leading to FTR. RESULTS: For 1761 patients who underwent open repair for nonruptured AAA, overall mortality was 6.1%. Of patients with one or more complications (40%), mortality was 9.6%, increasing to 21.5% for patients with ≥4 major complications. Complications of care most associated with death were myocardial infarction (MI), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and pulmonary failure. After multivariable adjustment, FTR was associated with advanced age (odds ratio [OR] 1.19 for 5 y, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.34); female sex (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.12-2.70); congestive heart failure (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.00-2.73); peptic ulcer disease (OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.18-13.5); diabetes (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.90-12.6), and the number of complications of care. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of care were common following open elective AAA repair. The complications with the highest mortality included MI, GI bleeding, and respiratory failure. FTR was associated with female sex, comorbidities, and increasing numbers of complications of care. Often, the lowest occurring complications had the highest FTR. Adopting gender-specific assessment tools, a protocol-driven approach for perioperative GI prophylaxis, and preoperative MI risk mitigation may lead to reduced FTR.

Opioid utilization after lower extremity amputation for peripheral vascular disease and discharge prescribing recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: Opioids are commonly used for pain control after lower extremity amputations (LEA)-below the knee amputations (BKA) and above the knee amputations (AKA). Well-defined benchmarks for prescription requirements after amputation are deficient. This analysis evaluated opioid utilization after amputation to identify high-risk patients and provide recommendations for post-hospitalization opioid prescriptions at discharge. METHODS: Patients undergoing LEA (2008-2016) with identified peripheral vascular disease were selected from Cerner's Health Facts® database using ICD-9 and 10 diagnosis and procedure codes. Patient demographics, disease severity, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics were evaluated. Post-operative opioid medications administered intravenously and orally during the hospital stay were identified from the data and converted to Morphine Milligram Equivalent per day (MME/d) for an evaluation and comparison during the index hospitalization. Descriptive statistics were used to report continuous and dichotomous variables. Dichotomous variables are reported as n (%) and continuous variables are reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Chi-square and T-tests were used as appropriate. RESULTS: 2399 patients who underwent AKA or BKA with peripheral vascular disease were evaluated. Sixty-three percent of the cohort was male, 67% Caucasian, and 42% married, and 58% had a Charlson index >3. The majority of patients had an average length of hospital stay of 5.7 days (M = 5.72, SD = 4.56). Patient groups that used significantly higher MME/d in the early postop period included: BKA (29.2 vs 20.7, p = 0.006), males (62.6 vs 54.0, p < 0.0001), Caucasians (64.3 vs 44.7, p < 0.0001), younger patients (69.6 vs 54.0, p < 0.0001), and those at non-training institutions (66.7 vs 56.7, p < 0.0001). Patients whose hospital stay was greater than 6 days were found to have increased opioid utilization likely secondary to index complications. For those discharged by post-operative day 7, the mean MME utilized on postop day 1 was 59.5 and decreased to a mean MME/d utilization prior to discharge of 17.6. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates that younger patients, males, patients with BKAs, and those who receive amputations for vascular disease at non-training institutions have higher post-operative opioid utilization during the hospital stay. At the time of discharge, patients utilized an average of 17.6 MME/d which equates to approximately three hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg tablets per day. Based on these findings, vascular surgeons are likely over prescribing opioids at discharge and must be cognizant of appropriate dosing quantities. Prescriptions at discharge should reflect the daily utilization described from this analysis and tapered to avoid chronic utilization, overdose, and possible death.

A qualitative study evaluating the discharge process for vascular surgery patients to identify significant themes for organizational improvement.

OBJECTIVE: Transition from the hospital to an outpatient setting is a multifaceted process requiring coordination among a variety of services and providers to ensure a high-quality discharge. Vascular surgery patients comprise a complex population that experiences high unplanned readmission rates. We performed a qualitative study to identify themes for process improvement for vascular surgery patients. A validated discharge process, RED (Re-Engineered Discharge), was used to identify additional actionable themes to create a more efficient discharge process tailored specifically to the vascular surgery population. METHODS: A prospective, qualitative analysis at a tertiary center using a semi-structured focus group interview guide was performed to evaluate the current discharge process and identify opportunities for improvement. Focus groups were Zoom recorded, transcribed into electronic text files, and were loaded into Dedoose qualitative software for analysis using a directed content analysis approach. Two researchers independently thematically coded each transcript, starting with accepted discharge components to identify new thematic categories. Prior to analysis, all redundancy of codes was resolved, and all team members agreed on text categorization and coding. RESULTS: Eight focus groups with a total of 38 participants were conducted. Participants included physicians (n = 13), nursing/ancillary staff (n = 14), advanced nurse practitioners (n = 2), social worker/dietitian/pharmacist (n = 3), and patients (n = 6). Transcript analyses revealed facilitators and barriers to the discharge process. In addition to traditional RED components, unique concepts pertinent to vascular surgery patients included patient complexity, social determinants of health, technology literacy, complexity of ancillary services, discharge appropriateness, and use of advanced nurse practitioners for continuity. CONCLUSIONS: Specific themes were identified to target and enhance the future vRED (vascular Re-Engineered Discharge) bundle. Thematic targets for improvement include increased planning, organization, and communication prior to discharge to address vascular surgery patients' multiple comorbidities, extensive medication lists, and need for complex ancillary services at the time of discharge. Other thematic barriers discovered to improve include provider awareness of patient health literacy, patient understanding of complex discharge instructions, patient technology barriers, and intrinsic social determinants of health in this population. To address these discovered barriers, organizational targets to improve include enhanced social support, the use of advanced nurse practitioners for education reinforcement, and increased coordination. These results provide a framework for future quality improvement targeting the vascular surgery discharge process.

Variability in 30-day major amputation rates following endovascular peripheral vascular intervention for critical limb ischemia.

Introduction: Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) can undergo endovascular peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) to restore blood flow and decrease risk of amputation. As a potential indicator of quality for CLI care, we sought to describe 30-day major amputation rates following PVI. We also examined rate variability, and patient-level and site-level factors predicting amputations, using a national electronic health record (EHR) database. Methods: Using the Cerner Health Facts de-identified EHR database, patients with CLI diagnosis codes undergoing PVI were identified. The rate of amputation within 30 days of PVI was calculated. Risk ratios predicting amputation were derived using a mixed effects Poisson regression model adjusting for 16 patient and clinical factors. Median risk ratios (MRRs) were calculated to quantify site-level variability in amputations. Results: A total of 20,204 PVI procedures for CLI from 179 healthcare sites were identified. Mean age at procedure was 69.0 ± 12.6 years, 58.0% were male, and 29.6% were persons of color. Amputation within 30 days of PVI occurred after 570 (2.8%) procedures. Malnutrition, previous amputation, diabetes, and being of Black race were predictors of amputation. Amputation rates across sites ranged from 0.0% to 10.0%. The unadjusted MRR was 1.40 (95% CI 1.35-1.46), which was attenuated after adjusting for patient-level factors (MRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.26-1.34) and site characteristics (MRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09-1.13). Conclusions: Among PVI procedures for CLI treatment, 30-day amputation rates varied across institutions. Although patient-level factors explained some variability, site-level factors explained most variation in the rates of these outcomes.

30-Day Readmission and Outcomes after Fenestrated Versus Traditional Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for repairing complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Comparisons of outcomes for FEVAR and traditional endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are limited. We evaluated outcomes following elective endovascular AAA repair with FEVAR or EVAR. METHODS: Hospitalizations for elective nonruptured AAA repair from 2014 to 2016 were selected from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) using ICD-9 and ICD-10 procedure and diagnosis codes. In-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), complications, 30-day readmission, and charges were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounding between groups. RESULTS: We identified 23,262 EVAR and 2,373 FEVAR with nonruptured elective procedures. In-hospital mortality was 0.14% for both groups (P = 0.99). Of those at risk for readmission (21,152 EVAR, 1,915 FEVAR), index LOS was greater for FEVAR compared to EVAR, 1.8 days versus 1.7 days (P = 0.028). There was no difference in procedure type based on hospital location (P = 0.37), teaching status (P = 0.17) or hospital size (P = 0.26). During the index hospitalization, pneumonia, renal, and respiratory complications were similar between groups (all P > 0.05). FEVAR patients were more likely to experience cardiac complications (P = 0.0098) or hemorrhage (P = 0.029). Total charges for the index stay were greater for FEVAR compared to EVAR ($125,381 vs. $113,513, P < 0.0001). All-cause 30-day readmission was similar between groups (7.0% EVAR vs. 8.0% FEVAR, P = 0.37), as were time to readmission (11.9 vs. 13.3 days, P = 0.16) and readmission charges ($53,967 vs. $56,617, P = 0.75). Renal failure was the most common readmission stay complication, with similar rates for EVAR and FEVAR patients (P = 0.22). Pneumonia was a more common complication during the readmission stay for EVAR patients (P = 0.004). Renal disease and chronic pulmonary disease were the most common comorbidities in the readmission stay for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with nonruptured elective AAA, FEVAR was not associated with increased mortality, length of stay, readmission, or most complications compared to traditional EVAR. Despite the increased technical complexity of cannulating and stenting visceral arteries with FEVAR, these data demonstrate that FEVAR carries a similar risk of renal, respiratory, and infectious complications compared to traditional EVAR. FEVAR patients were more likely to experience hemorrhagic and cardiac complications during the index hospitalization. EVAR patients were more likely to have pneumonia during readmission. The overall risk for readmission after an endovascular aortic repair was associated with female sex, greater age, chronic pulmonary disease, malignancy, and loss of function. Further investigations into the causes and prevention of 30-day readmissions are needed for both procedures.

Importance of the profunda femoris upon patency following aortoiliac procedures.

OBJECTIVE: The importance of the profunda femoris for aortoiliac inflow procedure patency is well-recognized. We aim to quantify the characteristics of the profunda femoris and its relation to patency following aortoiliac inflow procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing aortoiliac inflow procedures between 2009 and 2019 were identified. These were classified into aorto-bifemoral bypass (ABF), extra-anatomic bypass (EAB), femoral endarterectomy (FEA), and iliac stenting. Preoperative imaging characteristics of the profunda femoris were reviewed as well as outcomes. RESULTS: We performed 269 procedures in 202 patients. Of these, 162 were men (59.8%), with a mean age of 61 years (standard deviation, 11.45 years). A total of 123 patients (45.3%) presented with claudication, 69 (25.9%) with critical limb ischemia, and 30 (11.2%) with acute limb ischemia. Fifty patients (18.6%) underwent ABF, 44 (16.4%) underwent EAB, 57 (21.2%) underwent FEA, and 158 (58.7%) underwent iliac stenting. Fourteen patients (5.2%) underwent FEA plus iliac stenting. Fifty-two patients (19.2%) had an occluded superficial femoral artery. Twenty-four patients (8.9%) had additional outflow procedures performed during the index operation, including infrainguinal endovascular intervention in 10 patients (3.7%), infrainguinal bypass in 10 patients (3.7%), and femoropopliteal thrombectomy in 5 patients (1.9%). The mean follow-up was 17.5 months with overall 2-year primary patency (PP) of 79%. Two-year PP was 94.7% for FEA, 85.6% for ABF, 79.8% for iliac stents, and 62.5% for EAB. Unadjusted analysis revealed that loss of primary assisted patency was associated with active smoking (67.6% vs 48.6%; P = .035), lower creatinine (mean, 0.84 vs 1.06 mg/dL; P = .003), critical limb ischemia vs claudication (37.8% vs 21.4%; P = .037), and profunda femoris with fewer than five branches >2 mm in size (88.2% vs 68.5%; P = .011). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a profunda with five or more branches >2 mm in diameter was significantly associated with a lower risk of thrombosis (odds ratio, 0.30; P = .034). Size of the profunda greater than 6 mm approached statistical significance on univariate analysis (35% of the non-thrombosed vs 21% in the thrombosed; P = .073), but did not significantly affect risk of thrombosis on the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.58; P = .25). The 2-year PP when all operations were considered was 76% compared with 72% for profunda with fewer than five branches > 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic characteristics of the profunda are associated with patency of inflow procedures. Care should be taken to assess the main profunda and branch diameters on preoperative imaging. A concomitant infrainguinal procedure should be considered in cases of profunda with inadequate large branches, to ensure long-term patency of the inflow operation.

Outcomes of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the setting of malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: Elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair for patients with a diagnosis of cancer has remained controversial. In the present study, we evaluated the in-hospital outcomes for patients who had undergone AAA repair in the setting of a cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Inpatients (2008-2018) who had undergone elective AAA repair were selected from the Cerner Health Facts database using International Classification of Diseases, ninth and tenth revision, procedure codes. We used χ2 analysis and logistic regression models to evaluate the association of patient characteristics with the medical and vascular outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 8663 patients who had undergone AAA repair were identified (270 with a cancer diagnosis and 8393 without a cancer diagnosis). No significant demographic differences were found between the two groups, except that more patients with a cancer diagnosis had undergone endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) than open aneurysm repair (88.2% vs 82.1%; P = .01). Male reproductive organ (24.8%) and lung (24.4%) cancer were the most common cancer diagnoses in the cohort. The unadjusted analysis revealed that patients with a cancer diagnosis were more likely to require remedial EVAR (relative risk, 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-10.2) or reoperation for bleeding, infection, or thrombosis (relative risk, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.09-2.32). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that, overall, patients with a cancer diagnosis were more likely to require a prolonged length of stay (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-3.3) and to have developed respiratory failure (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4) or infection (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4). Similar point estimates were found for men with and without a cancer diagnosis. However, women with a cancer diagnosis had a greater odds of a prolonged length of stay compared with women without a cancer diagnosis (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.6). EVAR in the presence of a cancer diagnosis was also significantly associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Elective AAA repair for patients with a cancer diagnosis was associated with a prolonged length of stay and the development of infection, respiratory failure, and vascular-specific complications during the inpatient hospitalization. Given that differences in outcomes stratified by gender and treatment modality have been shown for patients with a cancer diagnosis, careful patient selection is important and reinforces the finding that cancer exerts negative systemic postoperative effects even when treated or quiescent.

Chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (ChEVAR) for hostile neck complex aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Recent guidelines recognize the role of chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (ChEVAR) in the treatment of complex aortic disorders. The optimal configuration and number of visceral vessels that can be incorporated is still controversial. We aim to review outcomes from a multi-institutional decade-long experience with ChEVAR. METHODS: Patients undergoing ChEVAR with multiple (≥2) chimney branches were selected from a prospectively maintained database at the two academic university hospitals. All patients were poorly suited for fenestrated or branched endograft repair (F/BEVAR) and deemed poor-risk for open surgery. RESULTS: Forty-nine multiple ChEVAR were performed in 44 men and 5 women, with complete outcome data at a mean follow-up of 18 months. Overall, 2 patients died during follow-up (4%) with no aneurysm-related mortality and two ruptures after ChEVAR (4.1%) due to a type Ib endoleak from iliac limb pullout and persistent gutter-flow, both repaired with endovascular means. No stroke or spinal cord ischemia was noted during the follow-up period. Reintervention was undertaken in eight patients (16.3%) with five reinterventions for persistent gutter-flow and four chimney graft-associated. Three-vessel ChEVAR was performed in 16 patients, with two-vessel ChEVAR in 33 patients for a total of 114 chimney branches (mean 2.3 chimneys per patient). There were 21 superior mesenteric artery (SMA), 45 right renal, 46 left renal artery (LRA), and two accessory LRA chimneys placed. Antegrade configuration of chimney branches was chosen in 43 patients (88%). There were no significant differences between three-vessel and two-vessel ChEVAR upon univariate analysis in aneurysm size (65.6 vs 60.5 mm; p = 0.059), iliac diameter (7.3 vs 7.1 mm; p = 0.85), or endograft oversizing (30 vs 32.5%; p = 0.43). Three-vessel ChEVAR was associated with a larger aneurysm neck diameter (28.4 vs 25.0 mm; p = 0.021), shorter native infrarenal neck (0.5 vs 3.37 mm; p = 0.002) as well as longer seal zone (36.33 vs 22.67 mm; p = 0.005) compared with two-vessel ChEVAR. At follow-up, there were no significant differences in gutter area between three-vessel and two-vessel ChEVAR (18.9 vs 15.7 mm3; p = 0.73) nor the rate of persistent gutter-flow (12.5 vs 9.1%; p = 0.71). CONCLUSION: Reintervention to multiple chimney grafts and for persistent gutter-flow is higher compared to single chimneys and demands close surveillance. However, based upon this combined transantlantic experience, we believe multiple ChEVAR provides a reasonable and safe option for complex aortic aneurysm repair when open or custom endografts are not available or indicated based on their Instructions For use, even when triple chimney grafts are required. The optimal configuration for multiple ChEVAR still warrants further study, although theoretical preliminary advantages may exist for a combination of antegrade and retrograde chimneys.

Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Adjunctive Stenting.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aneurysm repair is the standard of care for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, however data regarding adjunctive stenting at the time of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are limited. The study aims to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing EVAR with and without adjunctive stenting. METHODS: Patients undergoing EVAR with stenting (EVAR-S) and without stenting (EVAR) (2008 - 2017) were selected from Cerner HealthFacts database using ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of patient characteristics with medical and vascular outcomes. RESULTS: 4,957 patients undergoing EVAR procedures were identified (3,816 EVAR and 1,141 EVAR-S). Demographic analysis revealed that patients who underwent EVAR-S had higher Charlson comorbidity scores (2.35 vs. 2.13, P = 0.0001). EVAR-S was associated with a greater frequency of vascular complications such as thrombolysis/percutaneous thrombectomy (0.9% vs. 0.2%; P < 0.0004). There were no differences seen in access complications between EVAR and EVAR-S. Multivariable analysis revealed that EVAR-S was associated with prolonged length of stay (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03-1.82), readmission < 30 days (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.68), major adverse cardiac events (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.09-2.32), respiratory complications (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16-1.88) and renal failure (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.16-2.11). CONCLUSION: Endovascular aneurysm repair with adjunctive stenting (EVAR-S) was associated with vascular complications requiring reintervention, although the overall rate was very low. As well, readmission within 30 days, cardiac complications, respiratory problems and renal failure were more likely when compared to standard EVAR. The need for adjunctive stenting acts as a marker for an overall sicker and more complex population, not just in terms of vascular complications but across all medical complications as well. Staging the procedure may be helpful in terms of spreading out the operative risk into smaller portions. Furthermore, consideration of a non-operative strategy should be discussed with the patient if the risk of the procedure outweighs the risk of aneurysm rupture in high-risk groups.

Balloon-Assisted Endovascular Thrombectomy for Tibial Thromboembolism.

We present a novel approach to endovascular thrombectomy using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System with balloon assistance for a thromboembolic occlusion to the tibioperoneal trunk and tibial arteries causing acute limb ischemia. This technique allows for effective suction thrombectomy of distal vessels into a shorter, large-diameter aspiration catheter, thereby overcoming the limitations of the longer but smaller aspiration catheters.

Preoperative HbA1c and Outcomes following Lower Extremity Vascular Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist evaluating preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients undergoing vascular procedures for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This study evaluated the relationship of preoperative HbA1c on outcomes after open and endovascular lower extremity (LE) vascular procedures for PAD. METHODS: We selected patients with PAD admitted for elective LE procedures between September 2008 and December 2015 from the Cerner Health Facts® database using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnosis and procedure codes. Bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic models examined the association of patient characteristics, procedure type, and preoperative HbA1c (normal < 6.5%, high ≥ 6.5%) with postsurgical outcomes that included infection, renal failure, respiratory or cardiac complications, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and readmission. RESULTS: Of 4087 patients who underwent a LE vascular procedure for PAD, 2462 (60.2%) had a preoperative HbA1c recorded. The cohort was mostly male (60%), white (73%), and underwent endovascular intervention (77%). Patients with high HbA1c levels were more likely of black race (P < 0.02) and had significantly higher comorbidities (P < 0.0001). Elevated HbA1c was associated with diabetes (P < 0.0001) and cellulitis (P = 0.05) on unadjusted analysis. Multivariable logistic regression (adjusting for patient, hospital, comorbidity and procedural characteristics) revealed that elevated HbA1c was significantly associated with 30-day readmission (OR = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.12), but was not associated with the other outcomes. An independent diagnosis of diabetes was not predictive of complications or readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Historic glucose control, as evidenced by a high preoperative HbA1c level, is not associated with adverse outcome, other than readmission, in patients undergoing LE procedures for PAD. Given the known association of high perioperative glucose levels with poor outcome following vascular procedures, this is suggestive of a more important effect of perioperative, as opposed to chronic, glucose control upon outcome. Thus, we suggest focusing efforts on creating standardized goal-directed guidelines for glucose control in the perioperative period for LE vascular procedures to potentially mitigate complications.

Feasibility and Evaluation of Surgical Simulation with Developed Crisis Scenarios: A Comparison of Performance by Vascular Surgery Training Paradigms.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical simulation is an integral component of training and has become increasingly vital in the evaluation and assessment of surgical trainees. Simulation proficiency determination has been traditionally based on accuracy and time to completion of various simulated tasks, but we were interested in assessing clinical judgment during a simulated crisis scenario. This study assessed the feasibility of creating a crisis simulator station for vascular surgery and evaluated the performance of vascular surgery integrated residents (0+5) and vascular surgery fellows (5+2) during a technical testing with an integrated crisis scenario. METHODS: A Modified Delphi method was used to create vascular surgery crisis simulation stations containing a clinical scenario in conjunction with either an open or endovascular simulator. Senior level vascular surgery trainees from both integrated residencies (0+5) and traditional vascular surgery fellowships (5+2) were then evaluated on two simulation stations: 1) Elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA) where the crisis is a postoperative stroke and 2) Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). Each simulation had a crisis scenario incorporated into the procedure. Assessment was completed using a performance assessment tool containing a Likert scale. Total score was calculated as a percentage. Scores were also sub-divided in the following four categories: Situation Recognition and Decision-making, Procedural Flow, Technical Skills, and Interpretation and Use of Imaging Skills. Student's t-test was used for analysis. RESULTS: 40 senior-level trainees were evaluated (27 fellows and 13 integrated residents) completing 80 simulations. The CEA crisis simulation yielded similar results between both groups (0+5 vs. 5+2, p = 1.00). The 0+5 residents in vascular surgery were graded to be more proficient in the EVAR for rAAA crisis simulation and demonstrated significant differences in Total Score (p = 0.04), Procedural Flow (p=0.03), and Interpretation and Use of Imaging Skills (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The creation of crisis-based simulation for trainees in vascular surgery is feasible and actionable. Integrated 0+5 residents performed similarly to 5+2 fellows on an open carotid endarterectomy (CEA) crisis simulation, but 0+5 residents scored significantly higher compared to traditional 5+2 fellows in an endovascular rAAA crisis simulation. Crisis simulation may offer better educational experiences and improved value compared to routine simulation. Further studies using different procedural models and clinical scenarios are needed to assess the validity of crisis simulation in vascular surgery and to better understand the performance disparities found between these training paradigms.