Single Center Outcomes of Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization in Patients with End-Stage Peripheral Artery Disease.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can present as chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) with ischemic pain and tissue loss. Progression of distal disease can lead to a "no option" or end-stage disease without traditional open or endovascular revascularization due to lack of pedal targets. Innovations in endovascular technology allow for the use of percutaneous deep vein arterialization (pDVA) to treat patients with CLTI. Purpose: We describe our experience and technique for treating four patients with end-stage PAD with pDVA. Research Design: Four patients with end-stage PAD were followed during and after pDVA creation. Technical success, complications, wound healing, and freedom from major amputation were analyzed. Data Collection and Analysis: Patient data and outcomes were collected via chart review and at time of follow up appointments in vascular surgery clinic. Results: Technical success was 100%, without post-procedural complications, and patients were continued on antiplatelet and anticoagulation. Three patients (75%) had successful wound healing, with 2 patients healing after transmetatarsal amputation (TMA), and 1 healing a distal foot ulceration that did not require surgery. One patient had worsening ischemic breakdown of a TMA, despite re-intervention on the pDVA, which required a below knee amputation (BKA). Freedom from major amputation was 75% overall, with an average follow-up time of 410 days post-procedure (Range: 113-563 days). Conclusions: Percutaneous deep vein arterialization attempts to provide blood flow to the preserved venous bed in patients with end-stage PAD. Exploration and utilization of this technique continues to expand in the modern vascular era. This case series highlights 4 patients with end-stage PVD who underwent pDVA, with 100% procedural success, and 75% limb salvage rate.

Understanding and addressing varying perceptions of autonomy.

Recently, there has been a major shift in the concept of resident autonomy in the operating room. As a result, surgical residents' independence has decreased during their training years. This change has been secondary to multiple factors, including fragmented attending resident interactions, hospital demands for productivity, operating room efficiency, and the public's perception of resident participation in surgery. Multiple gender, personality, and racial biases have also influenced the autonomy of surgical residents. In this paper, we have analyzed the impact of all these factors on the current state of resident autonomy after reviewing relevant literature. We have proposed a strategy to increase resident autonomy via increased resident and faculty interactions, case planning, and encouraged recruitment of diverse vascular surgery trainees and faculty.

Panel composition and disparities in the topics of presentation in vascular surgery conferences.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies identified gender disparities in surgical conference presenters and moderators. We sought to assess disparities in the representation of women in terms of speakers and moderators, but with particular emphasis on panels and topics of discussion at vascular surgery conferences. METHODS: Data regarding presenters and moderators from the Southern Association of Vascular Surgery, Western Vascular Society, Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society, Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, and Society for Vascular Surgery conferences was obtained from online meeting archives and via email correspondence. Scientific session speakers, moderators, and panelists were identified by sex. Specific vascular topics for each discussion were also identified. Keynote speakers or special guests were excluded. RESULTS: Compared to men, women were less often presenters (18% versus 82%, p < .002) and moderators (16% versus 84%, p < .001) of conference sessions. Women were most likely to present on dialysis access and least likely to present on venous disease overall. Women were more likely to present on aortic (24% vs 19%; p < .013) and cerebrovascular disease (33% vs 27%; p < .021) at regional compared to national conferences. Of panels assessed, 68% were all-male. Subgroup analysis suggests that some improvements have been made over time. CONCLUSIONS: Significant disparities persist in the topics presented and in panel composition suggesting potential areas for improvement in equity. Further study should focus on evaluating trends in the training level of the presenter and the topics presented, and assessing parity in structural factors that impact research presentation opportunities.

Review of Malpractice Litigation in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous & Lymphatic Disease.

BACKGROUND: Malpractice claims involving nonthrombotic venous and lymphatic diseases and interventions have not been reported previously. We investigated common reasons for litigation, medical specialties involved, patient injuries, and case outcomes in malpractice litigation involving venous and lymphatic disease. METHODS: Litigation cases entered into the Westlaw database from June 8th, 1984 to February 15th, 2018 were analyzed. Search terms included relevant words and phrases related to nonthrombotic venous, thoracic outlet syndrome, and lymphatic disease and treatment. Data on physician specialty, malpractice claims, and patient injuries jury outcomes, amount awarded to the plaintiff, and jury fees were collected and compared for each category. RESULTS: A total of 144 cases were identified. 41 cases involved varicose veins, 11 spider veins, 35 thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), 17 other venous diseases, and 40 lymphatic diseases. Physician defendants were frequently vascular surgeons (23%) and general surgeons (15%). The majority of litigation claims involved "post-procedure complication" (77%), "lack of informed consent" (25%), "failure to diagnose & treat" (15%), and "intraoperative complications" (13%). The most common injuries were skin damage (27.8%), nerve damage (25%), and lymphedema (24%). Patient death occurred in 6% of cases. Out of venous malpractice cases with post-procedure complications, stab phlebectomy (27%) was the most common intervention followed by foam sclerotherapy (21%), rib resection (21%), laser spider vein removal (5%), and endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT)(3%). Of varicose vein cases, 15% included deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism as post-procedure complications. In TOS rib resections, 65% of cases referenced nerve damage and 12% involved arterial injury. For lymphatic disease cases, general surgeons were frequently identified defendants (25%). Lymphedema (93%) and lymphangitis (7%) occurred as post-procedure complications after breast, gynecologic, orthopedic, and radiation procedures. A majority of complications occurred after breast cases (40%). Verdicts overall ruled in favor of the defendant in 71% (102/144) of cases and the plaintiff in 20% (29/144) of cases. Out of cases ruled in favor of the plaintiff, 31% were lymphatics, 24% varicose veins, and 24% TOS cases. Only 8% (12/144) of cases were settled and one outcome was unknown. The mean award was $820,193 (standard deviation SD $1,226,008, Range $12,853 - $6,500,000). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of venous and lymphatic litigation cases involve claims of post-procedure complications. Venous complications occurred after open and endovascular treatment of varicose veins, spider vein treatment, and surgical management of TOS. Lymphedema occurred after breast, oncology, and orthopedic procedures. These cases reflect opportunities for intervention to help potentially prevent litigation.

Targeted muscle reinnervation: A narrative review of a novel tool for the management of neuropathic pathology in major lower extremity amputations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative review is to provide the vascular surgery community with updated recommendations and information regarding the use of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) for both the prevention and treatment of chronic pain and phantom limb pain occurring in patients after undergoing lower extremity amputation for peripheral artery disease. METHODS: Current available literature discussing TMR is reviewed and included in the article in order to provide a succinct overview on the indications, clinical applications, and surgical technique for TMR. Additionally, early studies showing favorable long-term results after TMR are discussed. Patient consent for publication was obtained for this investigation. RESULTS: TMR has been demonstrated to be an effective means of both treating and preventing neuroma-related symptoms including chronic pain and phantom limb pain. It has been proven to be technically feasible, and can help patients to have improved utilization of prostheses for ambulation, which can conceivably lead to a reduction in mortality. CONCLUSIONS: TMR is an important tool to consider for any patient undergoing lower extremity amputation for a vascular-related indication. A vascular-plastic surgeon dual team approach is an effective means to prevent and reduce neuromas and associated chronic pain in this patient population.

Treatment of a descending thoracic mycotic aneurysm secondary to disseminated aspergillosis infection with thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Mycotic aortic aneurysms are a rare and potentially fatal aortic pathology. Advancements in vascular technology have allowed endovascular repair to be a durable and less invasive option for the treatment of mycotic aortic aneurysms. We have presented the case of a 51-year-old man with a mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta secondary to chronic, disseminated aspergillosis infection after liver transplantation. The aneurysm was successfully treated with thoracic aortic stent graft deployment. No perioperative complications occurred, and follow-up computed tomography angiography showed no signs of an endoleak. The patient will continue with lifelong antifungal therapy and close follow-up with vascular surgery.

The Feasibility and Applicability of Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization in Peripheral Artery Disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can often present with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), including ischemic rest pain and severe tissue loss. Progression of PAD can lead to "no option" or end-stage disease in which there are no traditional open or endovascular interventions available for revascularization. This cohort of patients have a poor prognosis, with a major amputation rate of 40% and mortality of up to 20% at six months. For this patient population, surgical deep vein arterialization (DVA) is offered as an attempt to provide blood flow to the distal preserved venous bed and reverse the ischemic process. Surgical DVA has traditionally been offered as an option and was pioneered by Herb Dardik. The evolution of endovascular technology has allowed for percutaneous DVA (pDVA). Using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, an arteriovenous channel is created between a tibial artery and vein and reinforced with covered stent grafts to increase distal limb perfusion with the goals of improving wound healing and amputation-free survival. Lysis of venous valves with a valvulotome also aids with reversal of flow into the distal venous system. Investigations of percutaneous deep vein arterialization are underway with one device, the LimFlow System (LimFlow SA, Paris, France), which is undergoing feasibility trials. Here we present the current clinical indications, feasibility, results, and our institutional experience with the use of percutaneous deep vein arterialization.

Review of Malpractice Lawsuits in the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic aneurysms and dissections are prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality. The management of aortic pathologies may be called into question in malpractice suits. Malpractice claims were analyzed to understand common reasons for litigation, medical specialties involved, patient injuries, and outcomes. METHODS: Litigation cases in the Westlaw database from September 1st, 1987 to October 23 rd, 2019 were analyzed. Search terms included "aortic aneurysm" and "aortic dissection." Data on plaintiff, defendant, litigation claims, patient injuries, misdiagnoses, and case outcomes were collected and compared for aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and overall cases. RESULTS: A total of 346 cases were identified, 196 involving aortic aneurysms and 150 aortic dissections. Physician defendants were emergency medicine (29%), cardiology (20%), internal medicine (14%), radiology (11%), cardiothoracic (10%) and vascular surgery (10%). Litigation claims included "failure to diagnose and treat" (61%), "delayed diagnosis and treatment" (21%), "post-operative complications after open repair" (10%) and "negligent post-operative care" (10%). Patients with aneurysms presented with abdominal (63%) and back pain (37%), while dissections presented with chest pain (78%), abdominal pain (15%), and shortness of breath (14%). Misdiagnoses included gastrointestinal (12%), other cardiovascular (9%), and musculoskeletal conditions (9%), but many were not specified (58%). Overall, 83% of cases were wrongful death suits. Injuries included loss of consortium (23%), emotional distress (19%), and bleeding (17%). In 53% of the cases, the jury ruled in favor of the defendant. 25% of cases ruled for the plaintiff. 22% of cases resulted in a settlement. The mean rewarded for each case was $1,644,590.66 (SD: $5,939,134.58; Range: $17,500-$68,035,462). CONCLUSION: For aortic pathologies, post-operative complications were not prominent among the reasons why suits were brought forth. This suggests improvements in education across all involved medical specialties may allow for improved diagnostic accuracy and efficient treatment, which could then translate to a decrease in associated litigation cases.

Vascular Surgeons as Expert Witnesses in Malpractice Litigation.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the role of vascular surgeons as expert witnesses in United States' malpractice claims. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the Westlaw database from 1999 through 2014 using the search terms "vascular" and "surgeon". Case defendant, plaintiff, allegation, and verdict were compiled. Surgeon expert witness demographic data including age, practice duration, scholarly impact (H-index) and practice setting were reviewed using faculty websites, state licensing boards, and Scopus database. RESULTS: A total of 785 cases were identified, Three-hundred seventy-seven with a vascular surgeon as the plaintiff or defense expert witness. Vascular surgeons were defense experts in One-hundred thirty one (34.75%) cases, plaintiff experts in One-hundred eighteen (31.3%), both plaintiff and defense experts in Ninty six (25.46%), or unspecified in Thiry two cases (8.29%). Two-hunder eighty three individual expert witnesses were identified. Vascular surgeon experts who testified 4 or more times were likely to be plaintiff experts (32.5% versus 18.7%, P <0.05). Mean years of practice (23.5 versus 24.2, P = 0.10) between plaintiff and defense experts was comparable. Plaintiff experts were more likely in non-academic practice (64.4% versus 52.5%, P <0.05) with lower scholarly impact (H-index 12.8 versus 16.7, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A small percentage of vascular surgeons were experts in multiple cases, especially as plaintiff witnesses. Vascular surgeons as plaintiff's witnesses have similar years of age, work less in an academics, and have lower scholarly impact than defense witnesses. While national organizations provide guidelines defining expert witness qualifications, the required credentials vary by State. Development of minimum qualifications nationally may improve consistency in expert credentialing and lead to more ethical trial representation.

Spontaneous compartment syndrome and endovascular repair of tibioperoneal trunk pseudoaneurysm in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is caused by mutations in the COL3A1 (collagen type III alpha-1) gene, resulting in loss of integrity of arteries and hollow organs. Patients are predisposed to dissection, aneurysm, and organ rupture. The median life expectancy is ∼51 years. We have described a unique presentation of spontaneous compartment syndrome, likely secondary to ischemia reperfusion injury, in a 32-year-old man with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The compartment syndrome was treated with four-compartment fasciotomy, and subsequent evaluation demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of the tibioperoneal trunk. Endovascular intervention and stent graft deployment guided by intravascular ultrasound successfully excluded the pseudoaneurysm with three vessel run off preserved.

Trends in Ethnicity, Race, and Sex Among Psychiatry and Non-psychiatry Residency Applicants, 2008-2019.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine trends in racial/ethnic and gender representation among US psychiatry residency applicants compared with non-psychiatry applicants. METHODS: Using publicly available applicant data, racial/ethnic and gender distributions of psychiatry residency applicants from 2008 to 2019 were examined and compared with non-psychiatry residency applicants. Both longitudinal trends within both cohorts and cross-sectional, between-group differences were examined. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2019, the percentage of female, American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN), Black, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) psychiatry and non-psychiatry residency applicants increased (p<.001). Within each year, Black and Asian applicants comprised a larger percentage of psychiatry applicants compared with non-psychiatry applicants (p<.001). Between 2008 and 2019, Black psychiatry and non-psychiatry applicants increased from 9.1% to 11.6% and 6.6% to 7.6%, respectively; Asian psychiatry and non-psychiatry applicants decreased from 39.5% to 30.5% and 27.5% to 26.6%, respectively; White psychiatry and non-psychiatry applicants increased from 26.7% to 38.2% and 42.7% to 49.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Racial/ethnic and gender characteristics of US psychiatry residency applicants represent the future of the US psychiatric workforce. The US psychiatry residency applicant pool has become increasingly diverse from 2008 to 2019. Initiatives should work to enhance representation of psychiatry applicants from historically marginalized backgrounds, and simultaneously to recruit and retain a diverse psychiatric workforce following residency training.

The 100 most cited articles in the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent disease that places major lifestyle limitations and mortality risk on affected individuals. As the understanding of the disease has grown in the medical community, it is unknown which literature has made the greatest impact on the knowledge of PAD. We performed a bibliometric analysis using the number of citations as an indication of impact to analyze the top 100 most influential articles on PAD management. METHODS: A retrospective search of the Web of Science (Thomson Reuters, New York, NY) database for English-only publications was conducted in November 2020. We identified initial references from the database using the search terms "Peripheral Arterial Disease," "Peripheral Vascular Disease," "Claudication," "Critical Limb Ischemia," "Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia," "Rest Pain," "Ischemic Ulcer," "Toe Gangrene," "Ankle Brachial Index," and "Leg Ischemia" in Web of Science Core Collections. Articles were ranked based on the number of citations and then analyzed based on citation count and average number of citations per year. Additional metrics included the overall average number of publications per year, the journals, journal discipline, author (including degree and gender), institution, country, topic area, and the level of evidence. RESULTS: The most popular articles were published between 1959 and 2017, with 46,716 citations in total (average 27.26 citations/y). The most popular article had 2225 citations in total and was Rutherford's "Recommended standards for reports dealing with lower extremity ischemia: Revised version." Peak years of citations were 2016, 2014, and 2018 (2753, 2674, and 2639 citations, respectively). Top journals for the most cited publications were Circulation, Journal of Vascular Surgery, and the Lancet with 21, 13, and 7 articles, respectively. A majority of articles originated from the United States (58 articles), followed by the United Kingdom (15 articles) and Germany (13 articles). Major topic areas of interest and trends in the progressive understanding of PAD were noted. Top areas of focus included surgical interventions (29%), therapeutic angiogenesis (15%), epidemiological studies in PAD (14%), and diagnosis and evaluation (13%). In the top cited literature, 48% (14/29) of surgical articles investigated endovascular interventions for PAD. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, PAD research has evolved from basic epidemiological studies to advanced management with continued investigation toward future, improved treatments for PAD.

Perioperative Opioid and Nonopioid Prescribing Patterns in AVF/AVG Creation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate postoperative opioid prescribing patterns in patients undergoing hemodialysis access creation. METHODS: Operative logs were reviewed to identify patients undergoing creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) from September 2016 to January 2018. Immediate postoperative opioid prescriptions were compared for ambulatory patients versus inpatients. Opioid prescriptions at the time of discharge for inpatients were recorded. Rates of opioid prescribing were standardized by conversion to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). Opioid use postoperatively and at the time of discharge based on anesthetic technique, general anesthesia versus regional or local anesthesia with sedation were compared. Alternative pain medications administered and pain scores were recorded. Comparisons were made between the percentage of opioid use and doses administered between AVF and AVG patient groups, ambulatory and inpatients, and type of anesthetic technique used. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS: We identified 164 patients undergoing AV access creation but not receiving chronic opioid therapy. A significantly higher percentage of inpatients received opioids in the immediate postoperative period than ambulatory patients (AVF: 72% vs. 19%, P < 0.001; AVG: 62% vs. 25%, P = 0.001). Overall, all AVG patients were more likely to be discharged with an opioid prescription than all AVF patients (37% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Of AVG patients managed in the ambulatory setting, 48% were discharged with an opioid prescription. The mean total opioid postoperative dose prescribed to inpatients was significantly higher than that prescribed to ambulatory patients for both fistulas (28.73 MMEs vs. 1.27 MMEs, P < 0.001) and grafts (22.11 MMEs vs. 2.16 MMEs, P = 0.005). General anesthesia patient groups were more likely to receive opioids postoperatively than local anesthesia with sedation patients for both AVF (54% vs. 24%, P = 0.027) and AVG creation (61% vs. 17% P < 0.001). Postoperative alternative medication use in the hospital was low with 18% acetaminophen and 1% nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use for AVF patient groups and 24% acetaminophen and 0% nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use for AVG patient groups. The percentage of patients reporting postoperative pain in the recovery room and on the inpatient units was comparable between ambulatory and inpatient settings (AVF: 21% vs. 28%, P = 0.534; AVG: 23% vs. 44%, P = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS: A higher percentage of inpatients undergoing hemodialysis access received opioids when compared with ambulatory patients in the immediate postoperative period. Inpatients were prescribed higher mean doses than ambulatory patients. AVG patient groups were prescribed more opioids than AVF patient groups. Alternative analgesic agent use was low, suggesting an opportunity for improved pain control and opioid reduction. Dialysis access creation represents an opportunity to improve on opioid prescribing patterns.

Clinical characteristics of acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis diagnosed by duplex in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated hypercoagulability. We sought to characterize patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) identified after admission for COVID-19. METHODS: All adult patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center from March 1, 2020, to April 10, 2020, and undergoing lower extremity venous duplex for DVT evaluation were included. Patients admitted with suspicion of COVID-19 were divided into severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive and SARS-CoV-2 negative groups based on in-hospital test results. Patients without clinical suspicion for COVID-19 were not tested. A retrospective case-control study design was used to identify potential risk factors for DVT in patients with COVID-19. Demographic, radiographic, and laboratory values were abstracted and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 3404 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were admitted to the hospital. Of the 135 SARS-CoV-2 patients who underwent duplex scanning, there were 18 (13.3%) noted to have DVT compared with 72 of the 711 patients (10.1%) who were either SARS-CoV-2 negative or untested. The odds ratio for DVT in COVID-19 was 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 0.78-2.34; P = .289). Baseline characteristics for COVID-19 patients with and without DVT were overall similar. COVID-19 patients with DVT had an elevated median first d-dimer (18.88 µg/mL [interquartile range (IQR), 7.79-20.00] vs 2.55 µg/mL [IQR, 1.45-6.28]; P = .002; reference value, <0.5 µg/mL), average in-hospital d-dimer (median, 11.93 µg/mL [IQR, 8.25-16.97] vs 3.54 µg/mL [IQR, 2.05-8.53]; P < .001) and median fibrinogen level (501.0 [IQR, 440.0-629.0] vs 654.5 [IQR, 535.8-780.0]; P = .002; reference range, 187-502 mg/dL). There was a trend to significance for COVID-19 patients with DVT compared with without DVT in median d-dimer levels at the time of the duplex (13.61 µg/mL [IQR, 4.04-19.97] vs 3.58 µg/mL [IQR, 2.51-9.62]; P = .055) and median ferritin levels (1679.0 ng/mL [IQR, 1168.0-2577.0] vs 1103.0 ng/mL [IQR, 703.5-2076.5]; P = .055; reference range, 25-270 ng/mL). Twelve of the 18 patients with COVID who developed DVT did so despite chemical thromboprophylaxis, and 2 developed DVT despite therapeutic anticoagulation CONCLUSIONS: We found only a modestly increased risk of DVT in patients with COVID-19, likely underestimated owing to limitations in duplex testing early in the epidemic. Elevated d-dimer and a less elevated fibrinogen are associated with DVT in patients with COVID-19 who seem to form thrombus despite conventional chemical thromboprophylaxis. Additionally, an increasing d-dimer over time may be a reflection of the development of DVT in patients with COVID-19.

Early experience with arterial thromboembolic complications in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the arterial complications and hypercoagulability associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We sought to characterize our experience with arterial thromboembolic complications in patients with hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: All patients admitted from March 1 to April 20, 2020, and who underwent carotid, upper, lower and aortoiliac arterial duplex, computed tomography angiogram or magnetic resonance angiography for suspected arterial thrombosis were included. A retrospective case control study design was used to identify, characterize and evaluate potential risk factors for arterial thromboembolic disease in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Demographics, characteristics, and laboratory values were abstracted and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 424 patients underwent 499 arterial duplex, computed tomography angiogram, or magnetic resonance angiography imaging studies with an overall 9.4% positive rate for arterial thromboembolism. Of the 40 patients with arterial thromboembolism, 25 (62.5%) were SARS-CoV-2 negative or admitted for unrelated reasons and 15 (37.5%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. The odds ratio for arterial thrombosis in COVID-19 was 3.37 (95% confidence interval, 1.68-6.78; P = .001). Although not statistically significant, in patients with arterial thromboembolism, patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive compared with those testing negative or not tested tended to be male (66.7% vs 40.0%; P = .191), have a less frequent history of former or active smoking (42.9% vs 68.0%; P = .233) and have a higher white blood cell count (14.5 vs 9.9; P = .208). Although the SARS-CoV-2 positive patients trended toward a higher the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (8.9 vs 4.1; P = .134), creatinine phosphokinase level (359.0 vs 144.5; P = .667), C-reactive protein level (24.2 vs 13.8; P = .627), lactate dehydrogenase level (576.5 vs 338.0; P = .313), and ferritin level (974.0 vs 412.0; P = .47), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Patients with arterial thromboembolic complications and SARS-CoV-2 positive when compared with SARS-CoV-2 negative or admitted for unrelated reasons were younger (64 vs 70 years; P = .027), had a significantly higher body mass index (32.6 vs 25.5; P = .012), a higher d-dimer at the time of imaging (17.3 vs 1.8; P = .038), a higher average in hospital d-dimer (8.5 vs 2.0; P = .038), a greater distribution of patients with clot in the aortoiliac location (5 vs 1; P = .040), less prior use of any antiplatelet medication (21.4% vs 62.5%; P = .035), and a higher mortality rate (40.0% vs 8.0%; P = .041). Treatment of arterial thromboembolic disease in COVID-19 positive patients included open thromboembolectomy in six patients (40%), anticoagulation alone in four (26.7%), and five (33.3%) did not require or their overall illness severity precluded additional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 are at risk for acute arterial thromboembolic complications despite a lack of conventional risk factors. A hyperinflammatory state may be responsible for this phenomenon with a preponderance for aortoiliac involvement. These findings provide an early characterization of arterial thromboembolic disease in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Thoracic Aortic Endografts: Past, Present, and Future.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become first-line therapy for a wide range of thoracic aortic pathologies including traumatic thoracic aortic injury, type B aortic dissection, intramural thoracic aortic hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcers. This study aims to analyze the progress made of thoracic stent graft devices, review the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved devices, and discuss the future technological advances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this paper, we will review the history of TEVAR and the development of the first iteration of devices. We will discuss the four currently available TEVAR devices, the GORE® TAG® (W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona), Medtronic Navion™ (Medtronic plc, Santa Rosa, California), Bolton RELAY® (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, Florida), and the Zenith® Alpha™ Thoracic and the Zenith® Dissection Stent Graft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana), and the features and applications of each. Finally, future advancements in TEVAR technology and grafts currently under trial will be reviewed. RESULTS: The first generation of TEVAR grafts had several limitations including large delivery systems, the need for rapid pacing for accurate deployment, wind socking during deployment, and graft migration. The current available TEVAR grafts have novel features to address these prior pitfalls. The GORE® TAG® is initially deployed 50% with subsequent room for adjustment to increase accuracy; the Medtronic Navion™ and Bolton RELAY® are available in low-profile delivery systems; and the Cook Zenith® Alpha™ now has an open cell petticoat specific for use in dissections extending to the visceral abdominal aorta. The current generation of TEVAR devices have broadened the application of TEVAR and reduced the anatomic limitations previously encountered. CONCLUSION: TEVAR has evolved to overcome technical challenges and offer expanded applicability to different types of thoracic aortic pathologies and enhanced accuracy of deployment.

The Current Role of the Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis Access.

Dialysis is the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for the removal of accumulated toxins secondary to compromised renal function. Hemodialysis has traditionally been performed via a surgically created arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG). Novel endovascular techniques have allowed for the creation of percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access. Two devices, the Ellipsys® Vascular Access System (Avenu Medical, Inc., San Juan Capistrano, California) and the WavelinQ EndoAVF System (C.R. Bard, Inc., Murray Hill, New Jersey), are currently available for percutaneous AVF creation and investigation of their utility is ongoing. This paper describes the current utilization, differences, and results thus far with these devices and, additionally, investigates the contemporary advantages, disadvantages, and selection criteria for percutaneous AVFs overall.