2020 JAPAN Critical Limb Ischemia Database (JCLIMB) Annual Report.

Since 2013, the Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery has started the project of nationwide registration and tracking database for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) who are treated by vascular surgeons. The purpose of this project is to clarify the current status of the medical practice for the patients with CLI to contribute to the improvement of the quality of medical care. This database, called JAPAN Critical Limb Ischemia Database (JCLIMB), is created on the National Clinical Database and collects data of patients' background, therapeutic measures, early results, and long-term prognosis as long as 5 years after the initial treatment. The limbs managed conservatively are also registered in JCLIMB, together with those treated by surgery and/or endovascular treatment. In 2020, 1299 CLI limbs (male 890 limbs: 69%) were registered by 85 facilities. Arteriosclerosis obliterans has accounted for 99% of the pathogenesis of these limbs. In this manuscript, the background data and the early prognosis of the registered limbs are reported. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2023; 32: 363-391.).

Comparative effectiveness of endovascular treatment modalities for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the best endovascular treatment for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up through network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Medical databases were searched on September 17, 2023. 17 trials and 7 treatments were selected. Outcomes were primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation and all-cause mortality at 3 and/or 5 years. RESULTS: Regarding 3-year primary patency, drug-eluting stents (DES) was the best and better than balloon angioplasty (BA; odds ratio [OR], 4.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-9.18), bare metal stents (BMS; OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.45-5.46), cryoplasty (OR, 6.75; 95% CI, 2.76-16.50), covered stents (CS; OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.19-8.87) and drug-coated balloons (DCB; OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.14-3.63). Regarding 5-year primary patency, DES was the best and better than BMS (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.10-4.99). Regarding 3-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44). Regarding 5-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42) and balloon angioplasty with brachytherapy (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74). Regarding 3- and 5-year major amputation, DCB was the best. Regarding 3-year mortality, DES was the best and better than CS (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: DES was the best treatment regarding 3-year primary patency, TLR and mortality, and DCB was the best regarding major amputation. DES was the best treatment regarding 5-year TLR, and DCB was the best regarding primary patency and major amputation. DES and DCB should be given priority in treating femoropopliteal lesions.

Exploring the incidence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease following COVID-19 infection: A retrospective cohort study.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is a clinical manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis and is always associated with cerebrovascular disease and various complications. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the subsequent PAOD development. A retrospective cohort study was conducted and individuals with COVID-19 infection were identified from the TriNetX analytics platform. A total of 2 206 065 patients with COVID-19 infection and 2 206 065 patients without COVID-19 infection were recruited after exclusion and matching. The primary outcome was the development of PAOD after the COVID-19 infection. The Cox proportional hazard regression was adopted to yield the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of PAOD between groups. After the whole follow-up period, the incidence of PAOD was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group at both the 3-month follow-up (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.24-1.30) and the 12-month follow-up (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.31-1.35) The Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test demonstrated a higher cumulative probability of PAOD in the COVID-19 group compared to the non-COVID-19 group (p < 0.001). In stratified analysis using 65 years as the threshold, both age groups in the COVID-19 group exhibited a higher risk of PAOD. Similarly, in the sex and race stratified analysis, the COVID-19 group performed a higher risk of PAOD in both subgroups. In conclusion, the COVID-19 infections are strongly associated with an increment of PAOD incidence.

Ayurveda for a Type 1 Diabetes Patient with Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of Ayurvedic therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is well documented. For people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), there is little evidence on the applicability of Ayurvedic therapy. This case illustrates the course of Ayurvedic treatment in a person with T1D accompanied by peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). CASE PRESENTATION: The patient had insulin-dependent T1D since the age of 6 years. At 39 years of age, he developed progressive bilateral PAOD of the femoral arteries. He presented claudication symptoms at a walking distance of 150 m. Ten surgical interventions for recanalization have been performed. The PAOD put heavy psychological strains on the patient. He developed moderate depression with anxiety and complained of tinnitus and sleep disturbances. Through an initial outpatient Ayurvedic treatment mainly focused on dietary, lifestyle changes and phytotherapeutics, and a subsequent 6-week inpatient Ayurvedic treatment in India, a weight reduction of 12 kg, a reduction in insulin requirement to 65% of baseline, as well as a walking performance without restriction at a medium load could be achieved. The depression and inner tension retreated, and one-sided tinnitus and existing sleep disturbances dissolved completely. The lasting effect was still perceptible 5 months after the inpatient stay. CONCLUSIONS: For this person with T1D with PAOD, outpatient and inpatient Ayurvedic therapy could generate a significant improvement of his situation. The case demonstrates that people with T1D can benefit from using individualized Ayurvedic therapy. This case motivates to invest in Ayurvedic research for people with T1D and complications.Die Wirkung der ayurvedischen Therapie bei Typ-2-Diabetes (T2D) ist gut dokumentiert. Für Menschen mit Typ-1-Diabetes (T1D) gibt es kaum Belege für die Anwendbarkeit der ayurvedischen Therapie. Dieser Fall veranschaulicht den Verlauf einer ayurvedischen Behandlung bei einer Person mit T1D, begleitet von einer peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK).Der Patient hatte seit seinem 6. Lebensjahr einen insulinabhängigen 'T1D'. Im Alter von 39 Jahren entwickelte er eine fortschreitende bilaterale periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK) der Oberschenkelarterien. Bei einer Gehstrecke von 150 m zeigte er Claudicatio-Symptome. Es wurden 10 chirurgische Eingriffe zur Rekanalisation durchgeführt. Die pAVK stellte für den Patienten eine starke psychische Belastung dar. Er entwickelte eine mittelschwere Depression mit Angstzuständen und klagte über Tinnitus und Schlafstörungen. Durch eine erste ambulante ayurvedische Behandlung, die sich hauptsächlich auf Ernährungs-, Lebensstiländerungen und Phytotherapeutika konzentrierte, und eine anschließende 6-wöchige stationäre ayurvedische Behandlung in Indien wurde eine Gewichtsreduktion um 12 kg, eine Reduzierung des Insulinbedarfs auf 65% des Ausgangswerts sowie eine bedeutende Verbesserung der Gehstrecke erreicht. Die Depression und die innere Anspannung verschwanden, und der einseitige Tinnitus und bestehende Schlafstörungen lösten sich vollständig auf. Der nachhaltige Effekt war noch 5 Monate nach dem stationären Aufenthalt spürbar.Für diese Person mit T1D mit pAVK konnte eine ambulante und stationäre ayurvedische Therapie eine deutliche Verbesserung der Situation bewirken. Der Fall zeigt, dass Menschen mit T1D von einer individualisierten ayurvedischen Therapie profitieren können. Dieser Fall motiviert dazu, in die ayurvedische Forschung für Menschen mit T1D und Komplikationen zu investieren.

"A case of ocular ischemic syndrome in spontaneous acute internal carotid dissection: The importance of multidisciplinary management".

AIMS: To emphasize that ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a rare but threatening condition. It is a consequence of occlusion or dissection of internal carotid artery (ICA). METHODS: A 66-year-old caucasian male presented in the emergency room with painful vision loss in his right eye and mild neurological symptoms. He was diagnosed ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) in ICA and ophthalmic artery occlusion due to right ICA dissection. CONCLUSIONS: It is very important to know and be able to recognise OIS as it may often be misdiagnosed or treated as a different entity. Patients with ICA occlusion and OIS must be treated as soon as possible by a stroke unit team to resolve ICA occlusion/dissection and by the ophthalmologist to prevent further ocular related complications.

Purtscher-like retinopathy following carotid angioplasty and stenting in the treatment of severe carotid stenosis.

We present a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy (PLR) following carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). A 56-year-old man with a history of severe stenosis of the left carotid artery and treated by CAS refers acute and painless visual loss on the left eye (OS) 48 h after the procedure. Funduscopic examination showed cotton wool spots and intraretinal hemorrhages confined to the peripapillary and posterior pole of the OS. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed retinal thickening and hyperintense lesions in the inner nuclear layer retina.

Effectiveness of Specific Single-Use Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (PICO System) After Major Lower Extremity Amputation.

Lower extremity amputation (LEA), particularly in patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, often results in complications such as surgical site infections (SSIs) and wound dehiscence. This study examined whether utilizing the portable and user-friendly PICO system (Smith and Nephew Medical Ltd, Hull, UK) as incisional negative-pressure wound therapy can reduce post-LEA complications. This study was conducted at a Japanese tertiary medical center and involved a retrospective analysis of LEA cases (n = 32) between January 2021 and December 2022. The PICO dressing group (n = 16) was compared to the conventional dressing group (n = 16) for post-LEA wound management. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative wound complications, including SSI and wound dehiscence, within 15 days of LEA. Superficial/deep SSI and wound dehiscence occurred less frequently in the PICO dressing group than in the conventional dressing group (12.5% vs 43.8%; p = .054). There were no cases of deep SSIs in the PICO dressing group. Although this study has limitations owing to its retrospective design and small sample size, the results suggest the potential of the PICO system for improving outcomes in post-LEA wound management.

Literature review of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in peripheral arterial occlusive disease of the lower limbs.

The therapeutic challenge in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) is often to increase walking distance, improve pain or heal a wound when PAD is symptomatic. Walking rehabilitation or surgical revascularization techniques are limited. Others strategies as alternatives and/or complementary treatments are needed. Among alternative options, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulations (TENS) could be of interest, both for improved walking distance or pain reduction. The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological, mini-invasive technique involving transcutaneous electrical stimulation. However, there are other transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation techniques based on the principle of vagus nerve stimulation with different mechanistics. Trans-auricular Vagus nerve stimulation (Ta-VNS) is another TENS technique (electrode on the external ear) which relies on the anti-inflammatory pathways of efferent and afferent vagal fibers. We propose here to review the literature of mini-invasive electrical stimulations, whatever the anatomical zone concerned, in PAD. METHOD: The aim was to evaluate the use of non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapies (regardless of location) in PAD of the lower limbs, whatever the disease grade. A review of the literature was carried out via a search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database from 1975 to 2023. The articles were selected via abstracts by checking (1) medical indications: PAD patients with claudication were retained, excluding neurological or venous claudication, PAD whatever the disease grade (intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia [CLI]) and (2) non invasive electrical stimulations were considered (neuromuscular electrical stimulation and spinal cord stimulation were excluded) whatever the anatomical site. Non-electrical stimuli such as acupuncture and reflexotherapy were excluded. RESULTS: Only 9 items were selected, including 7 studies with TENS treatment on the calf, one with trans-auricular vagus nerve stimulation and one with electro-acupuncture points of stimulation. CONCLUSION: Even if the mechanisms involved are different, TENS on the calves or in the external ears show an improvement of walking distance in PAD patients with intermittent claudication. The results of the studies show few positive effects in arteriopathy but we should keep vigilant in the technics used since mechanisms are different and not fully understood. Electro-stimulation of the calf and external ear appears to be an easy-to-use and accessible therapeutic option, especially since some PAD patients are still failing to be released from pain, despite the rise of endovascular interventional techniques.

Branch retinal artery occlusion with unruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Many adverse occurrences in the eye have been reported after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. This is the first report of a patient with an unruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) who developed branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) one day after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (BNT162b2 by Pfizer-BioNTech). PATIENT REPORT: A 75-year-old man with a pertinent history of type-2 diabetes mellitus visited the hospital complaining of sudden visual loss in his right eye 1 day after receiving the fourth dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine; his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decreased from 1.0 to 0.7 (Snellen decimal). The patient had previously been diagnosed with an unruptured RAM and superior paracentral acute middle maculopathy in the same eye. Fundus examination showed increased sheathing of blood vessels. Indocyanine green showed a hyperfluorescent area suggestive of RAM on the right eye disc. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography revealed arterial obstruction findings in the upper retinal area. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTION: The patient was diagnosed with BRAO with RAM and was followed up without any additional treatment. Follow-up examination after 4 months did not show any improvement in BCVA value. CONCLUSION: This case suggested that BRAO could develop after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with unruptured RAM; however, more research is required to investigate the causes.

Hybrid Clampless Anastomosis in Antegrade Aorto-Superior Mesenteric Artery Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Bypass surgery in severe aorto-iliac calcifications is a complex procedure. Aortic clamping can be highly risky and endovascular approach can be unsuccessful. We report our experience describing three cases of chronic mesenteric ischemia. In all three cases the preoperative computed tomography angiography revealed an ostial occlusion of the celiac trunk and of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), a coral reef abdominal aorta, and severe calcification of the iliac arteries. An antegrade aorto-mesenteric bypass using a hybrid clampless anastomosis on the supraceliac aorta was performed. RESULTS: The procedures were performed via laparotomy. We carried out the exposure of the anterior supraceliac aorta limited to the zone without major calcifications; then we performed a side-to-end media-adventitial anastomosis between the supraceliac aorta and a Dacron graft 7 mm without any arteriotomy or clamping. The proximal graft and the aortic anastomosis site were punctured using a 18 G needle. An introducer was then positioned over a wire through the prosthetic graft and pushed into the aorta. Balloon expandable covered stenting to open and stabilize the anastomosis site was performed. Finally, the graft was tunneled to the SMA, and an end-to-side anastomosis was performed. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and the patients were promptly discharged. The follow-up, which in the first case is 4 years, showed the complete patency of the graft in each of the cases treated. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid clampless anastomosis appears to be safe and useful in cases of severe aortic calcification.

Branch retinal artery occlusion with paracentral acute middle maculopathy related to a COVID-19 infection in a patient with Anosmia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) due to branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) as a complication of COVID-19. METHODS: A case report evaluated through spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography, and OCT angiography. RESULTS: A 55-year-old man complained of blurred vision in the right eye. He presented with anosmia and tested positive for COVID-19 one week before. Fundus examination revealed a superior temporal whitening of the retina, SD-OCT showed a hyperreflective band-like lesion on the nuclear layer consistent with PAMM. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection involves inflammatory and thrombotic events. Even patients with just anosmia may have complications such as BRAO associated with PAMM.

Analysis of endovascular therapy for peripheral arterial disease in all German hospitals.

Background: The quality of vascular care has significantly improved in part by the expansion of endovascular techniques for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) in recent years. In Germany these are primarily provided by the three disciplines of vascular surgery, angiology, and interventional radiology (IR). However, the relative contribute of angiologists to the total number of cases performed is unknown. Patients and methods: In the present study, we analysed the respective contribution of vascular surgery, angiology, and IR to the delivery of endovascular revascularisations in symptomatic PAD in Germany based on the legally mandatory quality reports representative for the reporting year 2018. Results: Vascular surgery is the most common speciality reporting procedures in German hospitals (n=579; 25.1%), followed by IR (n=264; 11.5%), angiology (n=189; 8.2%) and cardiology (n=17; 0.7%). The combination of vascular surgery and IR was reported in 202 (8.8%), vascular surgery and angiology in 167 (7.2%) and angiology and IR in 65 (2.8%) hospitals, and 63 (2.7%) hospitals reported the combination of all three disciplines. Not every department performed catheter interventions. The analysis of procedures per centre revealed that angiology centres provided the highest numbers for both basic procedures and more complex techniques such as atherectomy, rotational thrombectomy, lithoplasty, selective thrombolysis or the use of re-entry devices. In total, angiology centres provided 24.4% of the total procedures or 23.9% of the so-called basic procedures as a surrogate for patient numbers. Conclusions: While each of the disciplines contribute significantly to the endovascular procedures, angiology centres perform more procedures per centre and more complex procedures than the other disciplines highlighting the important quantitative and qualitative contribution of angiology specialists to the care of vascular patients. The inpatient catheter interventional care of patients with PAD is still too rarely carried out in a multi-disciplinary manner in Germany.

Digital artery reconstruction with interposition vein graft: impact on secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon show a wide range of symptoms depending on the condition of vascular structures. If the symptoms are localized to specific fingers and angiography reveals a discrete segment of occlusion of a proper digital artery, we perform proper digital artery reconstruction with an interposition vein graft. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of the surgery in patients with chronic hand ischemia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent proper digital artery reconstruction. Each digit that underwent grafting was analysed separately. The results of surgical intervention and recurrence based on patient symptoms were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify independent risk factors associated with recurrence, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to predict the 5-year recurrence-free rate. RESULTS: A total of 79 digits from 57 patients were included in this study. The majority of patients demonstrated resolution of ischemic pain and ulceration (97.5% and 95.3%, respectively). Recurrence occurred in 16 (20.3%) patients during the follow-up period. In two cases (2.5%) surgery had no effect. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, smoking and concomitant periarterial sympathectomy were significant factors associated with recurrence. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5-year recurrence-free rate in the total study population was 69.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Digital artery reconstruction using an interposition vein graft is an effective procedure for improving ischemic pain and ulceration in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Smoking and concomitant periarterial sympathectomy were significantly associated with recurrence.

Development of a localization-based algorithm for the prediction of leg ulcer etiology.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic work-up of leg ulcers is time- and cost-intensive. This study aimed at evaluating ulcer location as a diagnostic criterium and providing a diagnostic algorithm to facilitate differential diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 277 patients with lower leg ulcers. The following five groups were defined: Venous leg ulcer, arterial ulcers, mixed ulcer, arteriolosclerosis, and vasculitis. Using computational surface rendering, predilection sites of different ulcer types were evaluated. The results were integrated in a multinomial logistic regression model to calculate the likelihood of a specific diagnosis depending on location, age, bilateral involvement, and ulcer count. Additionally, neural network image analysis was performed. RESULTS: The majority of venous ulcers extended to the medial malleolar region. Arterial ulcers were most frequently located on the dorsal aspect of the forefoot. Arteriolosclerotic ulcers were distinctly localized at the middle third of the lower leg. Vasculitic ulcers appeared to be randomly distributed and were markedly smaller, multilocular and bilateral. The multinomial logistic regression model showed an overall satisfactory performance with an estimated accuracy of 0.68 on unseen data. CONCLUSIONS: The presented algorithm based on ulcer location may serve as a basic tool to narrow down potential diagnoses and guide further diagnostic work-up.

The value of Wound, Ischemia and foot Infection classification in patients undergoing endovascular therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Wound, Ischemia and foot infection (WIfI) classification system and clinical outcomes for 1-year limb amputation-free survival (AFS), freedom from reintervention, and wound healing rate in a cohort of patients affected by chronic limb-threatening ischemia treated exclusively by endovascular procedures. METHODS: We analyzed a prospective, consecutive cohort of 203 patients (203 limbs) who underwent infrainguinal endovascular revascularization at a single center between March 2018 and January 2021. These patients were stratified into clinical stages 1 to 4 based on the SVS WIfI classification and categorized into two groups: WIfI 1 to 3 (n = 101 limbs) and WIfI 4 (n = 102 limbs). The SVS objective performance goals of 1-year limb AFS, freedom from reintervention, and wound healing were compared between the groups and assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Angiographic lesion characteristics and angioplasty details were compared. RESULTS: The average age was 72.4 years (44.3% male, 85.2% had hypertension, 80.3% had diabetes, and 87.7% had tissue loss). There were statistical differences between the groups in 1-year limb AFS Kaplan-Meier rate between WIfI clinical stages 1 to 3 group and WIfI clinical stage 4 group (82% vs 66%, respectively; P < .001), but there was no statistical difference in freedom from reintervention and wound healing rates between the groups (70% vs 64% [P = .62] and 74% vs 79% [P = .90], respectively). Owing to angiographic lesion characteristics, femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal segment distributions were similar between the groups, but there was a statistical difference in target lesion location to tibial vessels (55.4% vs 71.6%, respectively; P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, SVS WIfI clinical stage 4 had worse results in the 1-year limb AFS rate, but there was no statistical difference in freedom from reintervention and wound healing rates between the groups.

[Topicality of the fundamental and determining importance of chronic critical ischemia of the extremities and its restorative treatment using crural/pedal bypasses in Germany and in Saxony-Anhalt]. / Aktualität der grundlegenden und determinierenden Bedeutung der chronisch-kritischen Extremitätenischämie sowie ihrer sich reetablierenden Behandlung mittels kruraler/pedaler Bypässe in Deutschland und in Sachsen-Anhalt.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is an increase in severe stages of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) with critical ischemia. This seems to correspond to the general demographic change as well as a consequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic of the last 3 years. The now established and accepted interventional/endovascular approach for severe lower leg PAOD in experienced hands is still considered the first-line treatment but from the authors' perspective crural/pedal venous bypass is experiencing a renaissance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Compact narrative review of the current state of crural/pedal bypass surgery in Germany and Saxony-Anhalt (SA) combined with selective references from the current scientific medical literature and own clinical experiences. RESULTS: The current statistics of case-related diagnosis-related groups (DRG) data show that, especially with the occurrence of the corona pandemic, a decrease in inpatient case numbers of patients with PAOD stage IIB can be observed nationwide and also in SA. The severe PAOD stages have remained approximately the same in case numbers but increased in SA. The risk stratification based on the wound, ischemia and foot infection (WIFI) classification offers the possibility to be able to make statements about the risk of amputation, benefits and type of revascularization measures. The length of the occlusion, occlusion site of the affected vessels and degree of calcification are taken into account in the global limb anatomic staging system (GLASS) to assess the prognosis. The evaluation of the case-based hospital statistics from 2015 to 2020 showed a constant use of femorocrural/femoropedal bypass surgery in Germany as well as a slight increase in reconstruction using femorocrural bypasses in SA, which seems to correlate with the tendency for an increase in the number of cases of severe PAOD. Parameter-based objectification of the severity of critical limb ischemia should be included in the indications for placement of a crural/pedal bypass. The WIFI classification and GLASS are suitable for this purpose as a relative prognosis of success is also possible. The treatment of critical limb ischemia by crural/pedal bypass surgery continues to find a constant application in Germany and SA.

Resultado funcional y mortalidad en pacientes ancianos con amputación mayor de extremidad inferior / Functional results and mortality in elderly patients with major lower limb amputation

Introducción y objetivos: los objetivos de este trabajo han sido conocer qué factores influyen en la recupera ción funcional de los pacientes ancianos que sufren una amputación mayor de una extremidad inferior (AMeI) de etiología vascular y analizar la recuperación de la marcha y de la mortalidad al año de la amputación. Material y métodos: estudio longitudinal observacional de los pacientes mayores de 70 años valorados por el servicio de rehabilitación tras una AMeI desde el 1 enero de 2019 hasta el 1 enero de 2021. Se recogieron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, etiología, índice de masa corporal, comorbilidad (escala de Charlson), independencia en las AVd básicas (índice de Barthel) y capacidad de marcha (FAC) previas. Al año se analizaron la capacidad de marcha y la mortalidad. Resultados: el estudio se realizó en 45 pacientes con una edad media de 80,3 años (el 64,3 % varones). Todos fueron de etiología vascular. el nivel de amputación fue supracondíleo en 31 pacientes e infracondíleo en 14. Se protetizaron 13. Al año solo caminaban 5 pacientes y habían fallecido 21. Las variables relacionadas con la posibilidad de rehabilitación-protetización fueron: presentar menos comorbilidad (p = 0,004) y tener una mayor independencia funcional y de marcha previa a la amputación (p = 0,000), al igual que las relacionadas con la no mortalidad, con p = 0,005 y p = 0,017 (p = 0,013), respectivamente. Conclusión: la mejor situación funcional y clínica previa a la amputación son los factores más importantes tanto para la posibilidad de rehabilitación protésica como para la supervivencia de nuestros ancianos amputados.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: the objectives of this work have been to know what factors influence in thefunctional recovery of elderly patients who suffer a major lower limb amputation (SMA) of vascular etiology andto analyze the recovery of gait and mortality one year after the amputation. Material and methods: longitudinal observational study of patients older than 70 years assessed by the Reha-bilitation Service after SMA from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021. The following variables were collected: Age, sex, etiology, body mass index, comorbidity (Charlson scale), independence in basic ADL (Barthel index) and previous walking capacity (FAC). One year later, walking ability and mortality. Results: the study was conducted in 45 patients with a mean age of 80.3 years, 64.3 % male. All were of vascularetiology. The level of amputation was: supracondylar 31 and infracondylar 14. After a year, only 5 patients werewalking and 21 had died. The variables related to the possibility of rehabilitation-fitting were: having less comorbidity (p = 0.004) as well as having greater functional and gait independence prior to amputation (p = 0.000), as well as those related to nomortality, with a (p = 0.005) and (p = 0.017) (p = 0.013) respectively. Conclusion: the best functional and clinical situation prior to amputation are the most important factors both forthe possibility of prosthetic rehabilitation and for the survival of our elderly amputees.(AU)

Association of Glaucoma with the Risk of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the potential association between glaucoma and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The study recruited patients, including 101,309 with glaucoma and 1,860,528 without a glaucoma diagnosis, from a population of 2 million patients in the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Propensity score matching was performed between the two groups, matching for age, sex, and comorbidities. In total, 95,575 patients with glaucoma and 95,575 patients without glaucoma were analyzed for their risk of developing peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The analysis of the data revealed that the glaucoma group had a higher incidence density (ID = 4.13) of peripheral arterial occlusive disease than the non-glaucoma group (ID = 3.42). The relative risk for the glaucoma group was 1.21 (95% C.I. = 1.15-1.28). Cox proportional hazard model analysis indicated that the glaucoma group had a higher risk of developing peripheral arterial occlusive disease (HR = 1.18; 95% C.I. = 1.12-1.25). The subgroup analysis of the risk of PAOD showed that the glaucoma group had a higher risk of developing peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the age group of 20 to 39 (p for interaction = 0.002). In conclusion, patients with glaucoma were associated with a higher risk of subsequent peripheral arterial occlusive disease compared with those without a diagnosis of glaucoma.

COVID-19 related acute limb ischaemia: A case series.

COVID-19 infection or vaccination is rarely associated with arterial occlusive disease of the extremities. The surgical department of a hospital in Johor, Malaysia, recorded a significant increase in the number of COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia when the rates of COVID-19 were high both locally and internationally. The clinical presentation and management of acute limb ischaemia associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination are largely underreported in Johor. Herein, we report a case series of 12 patients managed with strategies ranging from purely anticoagulation to catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy. This case series describes the clinical presentation, risk profiles, treatment approaches and limb outcomes of the patients. The amputation rate was high in view of unfavourable factors, including delayed presentation, high-risk factors and severe COVID-19. Three cases of potential COVID-19 vaccine-related acute limb ischaemia were included. COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia can be minimised with heightened alert, preemptive optimisation with proper hydration and consideration for early prophylactic anticoagulation in high-risk cases.