What is the current practice for managing patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia in vascular surgery services? A survey of UK vascular surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSGBI) Peripheral Arterial Disease Quality Improvement Framework (PAD QIF) stipulates targets for managing patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI); however, it is unknown whether these are achievable. This survey aims to evaluate contemporary practice for managing CLTI in the UK. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed in conjunction with the VSGBI to survey the management of CLTI and canvass opinions on the PAD QIF. The survey was distributed to all consultant members of the VSGBI and through a targeted social media campaign. RESULTS: Forty-seven consultant vascular surgeons based at 36 arterial centres across the UK responded (response rate from arterial centres = 46%). Only 14.3% of centres provided outpatient consultation within the target of seven days from referral, with only one centre providing revascularisation within the target of seven days from consultation. For inpatient management, 31.6% provided surgical and 23.8% endovascular revascularisation within the target of three days from assessment. While 60% of participants believe the PAD QIF's 5-day 'admitted care' pathway is achievable, only 28.6% thought the 14-day 'non-admitted care' pathway was feasible. Challenges to meeting these targets include the availability of theatre space and angiography lists, and availability of outpatient appointments for patient assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The opinion of UK vascular surgeons indicates that achieving the targets of the PAD QIF represents a major challenge based upon current services. Adapting existing services with a greater focus on providing an 'urgent' model of care may help to potentially overcome these challenges.

Long-term survival after endovascular and open repair of unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine patterns of 10-year survival after elective repair of unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in different patient groups. METHODS: Patients having open repair or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the English National Health Service between January 2006 and December 2015 were identified from Hospital Episode Statistics data. Postoperative survival among patients of different age and Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) modified Charlson co-morbidity score profiles were analysed using flexible parametric survival models. The relationship between patient characteristics and risk of rupture after repair was also analysed. RESULTS: Some 37 138 patients underwent elective AAA repair, of which 15 523 were open and 21 615 were endovascular. The 10-year mortality rate was 38·1 per cent for patients aged under 70 years, and the survival trajectories for open repair and EVAR were similar when patients had no RCS-modified Charlson co-morbidity. Among older patients or those with co-morbidity, the 10-year mortality rate rose, exceeding 70 per cent for patients aged 80 years. Mean survival times over 10 years for open repair and EVAR were often similar in subgroups of older and more co-morbid patients, but their survival trajectories became increasingly dissimilar, with open repair showing greater short-term risk within 6 months but lower 10-year mortality rates. The risk of rupture over 9 years was 3·4 per cent for EVAR and 0·9 per cent for open repair, and was weakly associated with patient factors. CONCLUSION: Long-term survival patterns after elective open repair and EVAR for unruptured AAA vary markedly across patients with different age and co-morbidity profiles.

ANTECEDENTES: El objetivo de este artículo fue examinar los patrones de supervivencia a 10 aáos tras reparación electiva de aneurismas de la aorta abdominal sin rotura (abdominal aortic aneurysms, AAA) en diferentes grupos de pacientes. MÉTODOS: Se identificaron pacientes sometidos a reparación abierta (open repair, OR) o reparación endovascular (endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR) del aneurisma en el Sistema Nacional de Salud Inglés entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2015, a partir de los datos del Hospital Episode Statistics. Se analizaron la supervivencia postoperatoria entre los pacientes de diferentes edades y los perfiles de comorbilidad con la puntuación de Charlson modificada del Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) utilizando modelos de supervivencia paramétricos flexibles. También se analizó la relación entre las características de los pacientes y el riesgo de rotura tras la reparación. RESULTADOS: Un total de 37.138 pacientes fueron sometidos a reparaciones electivas de AAA, de las cuales 15.523 fueron reparaciones abiertas y 21.615 endovasculares. La mortalidad a los 10 aáos fue del 38% para los pacientes de edad inferior a los 70 aáos, y las curvas de supervivencia de la OR y EVAR fueron similares cuando los pacientes no tenían comorbilidad con el Charlson modificado del RCS. Entre los pacientes de edad avanzada y aquellos pacientes con comorbilidad, la mortalidad a los 10 aáos aumentó, excediendo el 70% para los pacientes de más de 80 aáos de edad. La media de los tiempos de supervivencia superior a 10 aáos para OR y EVAR fueron similares dentro de los subgrupos de pacientes de edad avanzada y más comorbilidad, pero las curvas de supervivencia se hicieron cada vez más diferentes, con la OR mostrando un mayor riesgo a corto plazo en los primeros 6 meses pero tasas de mortalidad a los 10 aáos más bajas. El riesgo de rotura mas allá de los 9 aáos fue 3,4% para EVAR y 0,9% para la reparación abierta, con una débil asociación con los factores inherentes a los pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: Los patrones de supervivencia a largo plazo tras OR y EVAR electivas para AAA sin rotura varían notablemente entre pacientes con perfiles de edad y comorbilidad diferentes.

Population-based study of mortality and major amputation following lower limb revascularization.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate separate risks of major lower limb amputation and death following revascularization for peripheral artery disease (PAD) using competing risks analysis. METHODS: Routinely collected data from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) were used to identify patients who underwent endovascular or open lower limb revascularization for PAD in England from 2005 to 2015. The primary outcomes were major lower limb amputation and death within 5 years of revascularization. Cox proportional hazards and Fine-Gray competing risks regression were used to examine the competing risks of these outcomes. RESULTS: Some 164 845 patients underwent their first lower limb revascularization for PAD during the study interval. Most were men (64·6 per cent) and the median age was 71 (i.q.r. 62-78) years. Following endovascular revascularization, the 5-year cumulative incidence of amputation was 4·2 per cent in patients with intermittent claudication and 18·0 per cent in those with a record of tissue loss. The corresponding rates were 10·8 and 25·3 per cent respectively after open revascularization, and 8·1 and 25·0 per cent after combined procedures. The 5-year cumulative incidence of death varied from 24·5 to 39·8 per cent, depending on procedure type. Competing risks methods consistently produced lower estimates than standard methods. CONCLUSION: The 5-year risk of major amputation following lower limb revascularization for PAD appears lower than estimated previously. Patients undergoing revascularization for tissue loss and those who require an open procedure are at highest risk of limb loss.

Topical oxygen therapy promotes the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Interventions that can heal or reduce diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) size may reduce the incidence of infection and amputation, and reduce associated social and economic costs. Many chronic wounds exhibit a degree of hypoxia and this leads to a reduction in healing processes including cell division and differentiation, angiogenesis, infection prevention, and collagen production. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effects of a device supplying continuous oxygen ambulatory therapy on healing in chronic DFUs. METHOD: Patients with chronic DFUs from two tertiary referral hospitals in the UK received treatment with the device. Data were prospectively obtained on wound size using standardised digital images measured by a clinician blinded to the study. Data on device satisfaction and pain were also obtained. RESULTS: We recruited 10 patients, with a mean ulcer duration of 43 weeks (median: 43 weeks) before treatment. By week eight, mean ulcer size had decreased by 51% (median: 53%). Seven of the 10 ulcers were in a healing trajectory, one ulcer present for 56 weeks healed completely, a two-year old ulcer was reduced by more than 50%, and a third, present for 88 weeks, was down to 10% of its original size by the end of the eight-week study. There was also a non-significant trend towards reduction in pain and the device was extremely well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The ambulatory topical oxygen delivery device showed a significant beneficial effect on wound size. This poses practical advantages over currently existing oxygen-based wound therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to its continuous oxygen delivery, ease of use, safety and lower cost. The results of this study warrant further review of the device in comparison to standard wound therapies.

Editor's Choice - Assessment of International Outcomes of Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair over 9 Years.

BACKGROUND: Case mix and outcomes of complex surgical procedures vary over time and between regions. This study analyses peri-operative mortality after intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in 11 countries over 9 years. METHODS: Data on primary AAA repair from vascular surgery registries in 11 countries for the years 2005-2009 and 2010-2013 were analysed. Multivariate adjusted logistic regression analyses were carried out to adjust for variations in case mix. RESULTS: A total of 83,253 patients were included. Over the two periods, the proportion of patients ≥80 years old increased (18.5% vs. 23.1%; p < .0001) as did the proportion of endovascular repair (EVAR) (44.3% vs. 60.6; p < .0001). In the latter period, 25.8% of AAAs were less than 5.5 cm. The mean annual volume of open repairs per centre decreased from 12.9 to 10.6 between the two periods (p < .0001), and it increased for EVAR from 10.0 to 17.1 (p < .0001). Overall, peri-operative mortality fell from 3.0% to 2.4% (p < .0001). Mortality for EVAR decreased from 1.5% to 1.1% (p < .0001), but the outcome worsened for open repair from 3.9% to 4.4% (p = .008). The peri-operative risk was greater for octogenarians (overall, 3.6% vs. 2.1%, p < .0001; open, 9.5% vs. 3.6%, p < .0001; EVAR, 1.8% vs. 0.7%, p < .0001), and women (overall, 3.8% vs. 2.2%, p < .0001; open, 6.0% vs. 4.0%, p < .0001; EVAR, 1.9% vs. 0.9%, p < .0001). Peri-operative mortality after repair of AAAs <5.5 cm was 4.4% with open repair and 1.0% with EVAR, p < .0001. CONCLUSIONS: In this large international cohort, total peri-operative mortality continues to fall for the treatment of intact AAAs. The number of EVAR procedures now exceeds open procedures. Mortality after EVAR has decreased, but mortality for open operations has increased. The peri-operative mortality for small AAA treatment, particularly open surgical repair, is still considerable and should be weighed against the risk of rupture.

Weekend effect in non-elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: The 'weekend effect' describes the phenomenon where patient outcomes appear worse for those admitted at the weekend. It has been used recently to justify significant changes in UK health policy. Recent evidence has suggested that the effect may be due to a combination of inadequate correction for confounding factors and inaccurate coding. The effects of these factors were investigated in patients with acute abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Patients undergoing non-elective AAA repair entered into the UK National Vascular Registry from January 2013 until December 2015 were included in a case-control study. The patients were divided according to whether they were treated during the week (Monday 08.00 hours to Friday 17.00 hours) or at the weekend. Data extracted included demographics, co-morbidities, preoperative medications and baseline blood test results, as well as outcomes. Coding issues were investigated by looking at patients treated for ruptured, symptomatic or asymptomatic AAA within the non-elective cohort. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of inpatient stay, and cardiac, respiratory and renal complications. RESULTS: The mortality rate appeared to be higher at the weekend (odds ratio (OR) 1·69, 95 per cent c.i. 1·47 to 1·94; P < 0·001), but this effect disappeared when confounding factors and coding issues were corrected for (corrected OR for ruptured AAA 1·09, 0·92 to 1·29; P = 0·330). Differences in outcomes were similar for prolonged length of hospital stay (uncorrected OR 1·21, 95 per cent c.i. 1·06 to 1·37, P = 0·005; corrected OR for ruptured AAA 1·06, 0·91 to 1·10, P = 0·478), and morbidity outcomes. CONCLUSION: After appropriate correction for confounding factors and coding effects, there was no evidence of a significant weekend effect in the treatment of non-elective AAA in the UK.

A systematic review of postoperative cognitive decline following open and endovascular aortic aneurysm surgery.

OBJECTIVES Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a well-recognised neurological phenomenon following major surgery. Most commonly seen in elderly patients, it has direct links to increased long-term morbidity and reduced quality of life. Its incidence following open and endovascular abdominal and thoracic aneurysm surgery is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to collate available evidence for POCD following abdominal and thoracic aortic surgery, and to identify continuing controversies directing future research. METHODS A MEDLINE search was conducted following the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. Terms searched for included but were not limited to: aortic surgery, delirium, postoperative cognitive decline/dysfunction thoracic aortic surgery, abdominal aortic surgery. Reference lists were searched for additional studies. RESULTS Five observational studies were identified from the literature search. Variation in study methods, cognitive test batteries and thresholds set by the study coordinators did not allow for pooled results. In those studies that did find evidence of decline, risk was linked to age over 65 years, presence of postoperative delirium and decreased years in education. CONCLUSIONS Evidence thus far suggests that POCD can affect patients following major aortic, non-cardiothoracic as well as cardiothoracic surgery. Future research should focus on using a validated repeatable battery of cognitive tests and a single defined threshold for POCD to allow pooled analysis and more robust conclusions. Larger, adequately powered studies are required to re-evaluate the effect of aortic aneurysm surgery on postoperative cognitive function.

Extended use of endovascular aneurysm sealing: Chimneys for juxtarenal aneurysms.

Hostile infrarenal aortic neck anatomy presents a challenge for the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Open surgical repair has been seen as the gold standard treatment for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm; however, endovascular techniques are now becoming more prevalent, particularly in patients deemed high risk for morbidity and mortality with open repair. The morphology of an aneurysm is a determinant of long-term outcomes, and short aneurysm necks are associated with poorer outcomes and a higher rate of secondary reinterventions. Parallel grafts have been used in combination with endovascular aneurysm repair to elongate the sealing zone into the paravisceral segment of the aorta. This technique is associated with a risk of proximal Type I endoleak due to "guttering." This risk may be decreased when parallel grafts are used in combination with endovascular aneurysm sealing and, as such, this technique may represent an alternative to current techniques for the treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, such as the use of conventional bifurcated grafts (with or without parallel grafts) and fenestrated endovascular stent grafts.

Expansion rate of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance is mandatory for all patients with a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). The frequency of surveillance imaging, however, is not evidence-based, as few data exist regarding TAA growth rates. This study aimed to determine the rate of TAA expansion and to inform surveillance intervals based on TAA diameter. METHODS: Patients with a TAA for whom morphological data were available from serial CT scans were studied. Annualized growth rates based on diameter at presentation and time taken to reach a theoretical intervention threshold of 55 mm were calculated. The number of patients who would have achieved the threshold undetected was determined based on simulated imaging intervals of 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 2916 scans from 995 patients were analysed. The mean aortic expansion rate was 2·76 mm per year for all patients, with an exponential increase observed at sizes above 45 mm. Only 3·9 per cent of patients with a starting diameter of 30-39 mm and 5·3 per cent of those with a diameter of 40-44 mm achieved threshold size within 2 years. Conversely, the probability of expansion to more than 55 mm was 74·5 per cent in 2 years for patients with a starting diameter of 50-54 mm, rising to 85·7 per cent at 3 years. CONCLUSION: Based on a threshold of 55 mm for intervention, most patients with a maximum aortic diameter below 40 mm could safely undergo surveillance at 2-yearly intervals. Above 45 mm, annual surveillance is recommended. Patients with a diameter greater than 50 mm could be optimized for possible repair, if this is clinically appropriate.

The Endovascular Sealing Device in Combination with Parallel Grafts for Treatment of Juxta/Suprarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Short-term Results of a Novel Alternative.

BACKGROUND: The chimney technique using parallel grafts offers an alternative to fenestrated or branched endovascular solutions for juxtarenal and suprarenal aneurysms. Endograft deployment proximal to the renal or visceral ostia is combined with parallel stents to the aortic side branches. Application of the chimney technique using the Nellix device (Ch-EVAS) may offer some potential advantages with respect to the seal between the endograft and the parallel grafts. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the Nellix endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) system in conjunction with parallel grafts for the treatment of juxtarenal and suprarenal aneurysms. METHODS: A prospective evaluation of patients treated for juxtarenal and suprarenal non-ruptured aortic aneurysms using Ch-EVAS was undertaken in a single vascular unit. Patients were treated with this technique if they were unsuitable for either open repair or a custom-made complex branched/fenestrated endograft. Procedural, postoperative morbidity, and mortality data were recorded. RESULTS: Between March 2013 and April 2015, 28 patients were treated with Ch-EVAS. The median age was 75 years (range 60-87 years) and the median aneurysm diameter 66 mm (IQR 60-73 mm). Eight patients underwent suprarenal aneurysm repair including parallel grafts in the superior mesenteric artery and renal arteries. Five patients had a double chimney configuration; all the other patients were treated with a single chimney configuration. There was one 30-day or in-hospital mortality in a patient with a symptomatic aneurysm (4%) and three further deaths within 1 year of follow-up. One proximal type I endoleak and one type II endoleak occurred. Four patients underwent a reintervention. One patient experienced a transient ischemic attack and two patients suffered from a minor stroke (7%), therefore the total number of cerebrovascular complications was 11%. No patient required postoperative renal replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Ch-EVAS appears to offer a feasible solution for juxtarenal and suprarenal aneurysms with adverse morphology. In this short-term follow-up endoleak rates were low and re-intervention rates were acceptable. Outcomes over extended follow-up will determine the application of this novel technique and better define which patients and aneurysm morphology can be treated effectively.

Editor's Choice - Delays to Surgery and Procedural Risks Following Carotid Endarterectomy in the UK National Vascular Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines recommend that patients suffering an ischaemic transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke caused by carotid artery stenosis should undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) within 14 days. METHOD: The degree to which UK vascular units met this standard was examined and whether rapid interventions were associated with procedural risks. The study analysed patients undergoing CEA between January 2009 and December 2014 from 100 UK NHS hospitals. Data were collected on patient characteristics, intervals of time from symptoms to surgery, and 30-day postoperative outcomes. The relationship between outcomes and time from symptom to surgery was evaluated using multilevel multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In 23,235 patients, the median time from TIA/stroke to CEA decreased over time, from 22 days (IQR 10-56) in 2009 to 12 days (IQR 7-26) in 2014. The proportion of patients treated within 14 days increased from 37% to 58%. This improvement was produced by shorter times across the care pathway: symptoms to referral, from medical review to being seen by a vascular surgeon, and then to surgery. The spread of the median time from symptom to surgery among NHS hospitals shrank between 2009 and 2013 but then grew slightly. Low-, medium-, and high-volume NHS hospitals all improved their performance similarly. Performing CEA within 48 h of symptom onset was associated with a small increase in the 30-day stroke and death rate: 3.1% (0-2 days) compared with 2.0% (3-7 days); adjusted odds ratio 1.64 (95% CI 1.04-2.59) but not with longer delays. CONCLUSIONS: The delay from symptom to CEA in symptomatic patients with ipsilateral 50-99% carotid stenoses has reduced substantially, although 42% of patients underwent CEA after the recommended 14 days. The risk of stroke after CEA was low, but there may be a small increase in risk during the first 48 h after symptoms.

Systematic Review of the Growth Rates and Influencing Factors in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The growth rates of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and factors influencing their expansion are poorly understood. This study aimed to review systematically published literature describing TAA expansion and examine factors that may be associated with this. METHODS: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed until 30 April 2015. Studies describing rates of TAA growth were identified and systematically reviewed. Outcomes of interest were TAA growth rates and associated factors. Study quality was assessed using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality checklists for cohort studies. RESULTS: Eleven publications, involving 1383 patients, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Included studies were generally low in quality. Aneurysm measurement and growth-rate estimation techniques were inconsistently reported. Mean growth rates for all TAAs ranged from 0.2 to 4.2 mm/year. Mean growth rates for ascending and aortic arch aneurysms ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 mm/year, while those for descending and thoracoabdominal aneurysms ranged from 1.9 to 3.4 mm/year in studies reporting according to anatomical location. Large aneurysm size, distal aneurysm locations, presence of Marfan's syndrome, and bicuspid aortic valve were consistently associated with accelerated TAA growth. Presence of chronic dissection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder were also implicated as risk factors for faster TAA growth. Associations between medical comorbidity and aneurysm expansion were conflicting. Previous aortic surgery and anticoagulants were reported to have a protective effect on aneurysm growth in two studies. CONCLUSION: There is a shortfall in the understanding of TAA expansion rates. Existing studies are heterogeneous in methodology and reported outcomes. Identified unifying themes suggest that TAAs grow at a slow rate with large presenting diameter, distal aneurysm, and history of bicuspid aortic valve or Marfan's syndrome serving as main risk factors for accelerated aneurysm growth. High-quality studies with a standardised approach to TAA growth assessment are required.

Can Patients Select the Best Hospital for Carotid Revascularization?

BACKGROUND: Public reporting of cardiac surgery outcomes has been available for many years in the USA. Whether public information regarding carotid endarterectomy or stenting outcomes is available has not been studied previously. METHODS: The Medicare Hospital Compare website was analyzed for carotid endarterectomy and stenting volume and complications data. RESULTS: Within a large metropolitan area, endarterectomy volume data was provided in less than half of hospitals, with no information provided on morbidity or mortality. No information was available on carotid stenting. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of information available to patients in the USA contemplating a carotid revascularization procedure is suboptimal. Considering the volume of these procedures, greater transparency with regard to outcomes is desirable. Adoption of carotid procedure reporting practices as used in the UK should be considered.

Endovascular aneurysm sealing for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms: 30-day outcomes of 105 patients in a single centre.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) has been proposed as a novel alternative to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The early clinical experience, technical refinements, and learning curve of EVAS in the treatment of AAA at a single institution are presented. METHODS: One-hundred and five patients were treated with EVAS between March 2013 and November 2014. Prospective data were recorded on consecutive patients receiving EVAS. Data included demographics, preoperative aneurysm morphology, and 30-day outcomes, including rates of endoleak, limb occlusion, reintervention, and death. Postoperative imaging consisted of duplex ultrasound and computed tomographic angiography. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 76 ± 8 years and 12% were female. Adverse neck morphology was present in 72 (69%) patients, including aneurysm neck length <10 mm (20%), neck diameter >32 mm (18%), ß-angulation >60° (21%), and conical aneurysm neck (51%). There was one death within 30 days. The incidence of Type 1 endoleak within 30 days was 4% (n = 4); all were treated successfully with transcatheter embolisation. All four proximal endoleaks were associated with technical issues that resulted in procedure refinement, and all were in patients with adverse proximal aortic necks. The persistent Type 1 endoleak rate at 30 days was 0% and there were no Type 2 or Type 3 endoleaks. Angioplasty and adjunctive stenting were performed for postoperative limb stenosis in three patients (3%). CONCLUSIONS: EVAS appears to be associated with reasonable 30-day outcomes despite the necessity of procedural evolution in the early adoption of this technique. EVAS appears to be applicable to patients with challenging aortic morphology and endoleak rates should reduce with procedural experience. The utility of EVAS will be defined by the durability of the device in long-term follow-up, although the absence of Type 2 endoleaks is encouraging.

Symptomatic Renal Artery Stenosis and Infra-renal AAA.

OBJECTIVES: To identify evidence to guide the vascular surgeon as to the relevance of renal artery stenting in a patient with symptomatic renal artery stenosis undergoing elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE was performed without time limits. The following terms were used in the first instance: renal artery stenting and renal artery stenosis, and any other analogous terms identified during the search. Selection criteria were set to randomised control trials. RESULTS: Despite several large, randomised controlled trials investigating renal artery stenting against medical treatment alone in symptomatic renal artery stenosis, there has been no significant benefit identified in terms of improvement in renal function, control of blood pressure, or need for dialysis. The stented populations were also more likely to suffer from complications caused by the procedure such as bleeding, cholesterol embolisation and flash pulmonary oedema. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence for the use of renal artery stenting over optimal medical management in the treatment of patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, irrelevant of the degree of stenosis. In the setting of EVAR, prevention of deterioration of renal function should be with involvement of the renal physicians, adequate hydration, and use of minimal contrast agent. Repair should be undertaken in centres with access to 24-hour haemofiltration services.

Regional Differences in Case Mix and Peri-operative Outcome After Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in the Vascunet Database.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: National differences exist in the outcome of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The role of case mix variation was assessed based on an international vascular registry collaboration. METHODS: All elective AAA repairs with aneurysm size data in the Vascunet database in the period 2005-09 were included. AAA size and peri-operative outcome (crude and age adjusted mortality) were analysed overall and in risk cohorts, as well as per country. Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS) was calculated as risk score, and patients were stratified in three equal sized risk cohorts based on GAS. Predictors of peri-operative mortality were analysed with multiple regression. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation. RESULTS: Patients from Australia, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden and the UK (n = 5,895) were analysed; mean age was 72.7 years and 54% had endovascular repair (EVAR). There were significant variations in GAS (lowest = Finland [75.7], highest = UK [79.4], p for comparison of all regions < .001), proportion of AAA < 5.5 cm (lowest = UK [6.4%], highest = Hungary [29.0%]; p < .001), proportion undergoing EVAR (lowest = Finland [10.1%], highest = Australia [58.9%]; p < .001), crude mortality (lowest = Norway [2.0%], highest = Finland [5.0%]; p = .006), and age adjusted mortality (lowest = Norway [2.5%], highest = Finland [6.0%]; p = .048). Both aneurysm size and peri-operative mortality were highest among patients with a GAS >82. Of those with a GAS >82, 8.4% of men and 20.8% of women had an AAA <5.5 cm. CONCLUSION: Important regional differences exist in case selection for elective AAA repair, including variations in AAA size and patient risk profile. These differences partly explain the variations in peri-operative mortality. Further audit is warranted to assess the underlying reasons for the regional variation in case-mix.