One-staged brachial-basilic vein transposition versus arm straight arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVES: After forearm and arm cephalic veins are no longer available as options, the choices of arm vascular access between one-staged brachial-basilic vein transposition (BBAVF) and arm straight arteriovenous graft (AS-AVG) for hemodialysis are controversial. This study aims to compare outcomes between groups. METHODS: All one-staged BBAVF and AS-AVG from August 2014 to December 2019 were reviewed. In cases of suitable basilic vein of 3 mm or more present from cubital crease to axilla, one-staged BBAVF was preferred. AS-AVG was performed for patients who need timely functioning access or have no suitable basilic vein. RESULTS: Twenty-eight one-staged BBAVF and 74 AS-AVG were included. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different, except AS-AVG had less previous ipsilateral access (9% vs 39%; p < .001). Postoperative complications were not different. With six loss follow-ups (3 in BBAVF and 3 in AS-AVG), 24 (96%) and 64 (90%) matured after one-staged BBAVF and AS-AVG, respectively (p = .676). BBAVF took about 30 days (95% CI: 10, 51) longer time to first successful cannulation. Primary patency was significantly better for one-staged BBAVF (hazard ratio (HR) of 3.0 (95%CI: 1.2, 7.7)), whereas secondary patency was not different. The total access failure (i.e. failure to mature combined with any thrombosis or intervention to maintain patency) significantly favored BBAVF (HR 2.7 (95%CI: 1.1, 6.6)). CONCLUSIONS: Provided a suitable arm basilic vein is available, one-staged BBAVF is preferred over AS-AVG when forearm AVF, forearm AVG, and arm cephalic veins are out. However, it requires a longer time to start cannulating than AS-AVG.

Anthropometric parameters as a predictor for abdominal wall thickness in a patient with gastrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Enteral feeding tubes play essential roles in clinical management and nutritional support. Knowledge of the abdominal wall is beneficial in surgical practice and safe for gastrostomy. Anthropometric parameters are currently used for clinical assessment in many clinical applications. That might be beneficial if we applied anthropometric measurement for thickness prediction of the abdominal wall to the schedule of patients' gastrostomy care. This study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric parameters of abdominal wall thickness (AWT). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with anthropometric parameters and CT-measured anterior AWT were assessed and analyzed. RESULTS: The data are collected from January 2020 to March 2021. Arm circumference and body mass index were strongly correlated with AWT at left upper quadrant area and anterior AWT at middle area. The data was created in an TAWT (Thammasat AWT) chart to represent body parameters to AWT. CONCLUSIONS: Arm circumference is related to AWT. A TAWT chart is designed to help medical personnel evaluate the thickness of the abdominal wall and could guide estimating the gastrostomy tube length.

Association Between the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)-WIfI (Wound, Ischemia, Foot Infection) Classification, Wagner-Meggitt Classification, and Amputation Rate in Patients With Diabetic Foot Infection.

Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is a common problem in patients with diabetic foot disease. Amputations and other complications of DFI lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)-WIfI (wound, ischemia, and foot infection) classification system can evaluate the benefit from revascularization and the risk of amputation in 1 and 3 years. We aimed to evaluate SVS-WIfI and Wagner-Meggitt (WM) prediction of DFI outcome, and to determine factors associated with major amputation and mortality rate. The patients with diabetes who presented between June 2018 and May 2020 with characteristics suggesting a more serious DFI or potential indications for hospitalization were reviewed in this cohort study. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and type of revascularization were evaluated. One-year and 3-year amputation and mortality rates were the main outcomes. The grading of WM classification and the SVS-WIfI score were compared between amputation and nonamputation groups. Association between mortality and comorbidity were analyzed. One hundred and thirty-one patients admitted with DFI were included in study. And 73.28% had peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The 1-year and 3-year major amputation rates were 16.03% and 26.23%, respectively. Seventy-eight (59.54%) patients required minor amputation to control infection before revascularization. PAD (risk ratio [RR] 1.47: 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.67, P = .032), benefit from revascularization clinical stage 3 on SVS-WIfI score (RR 4.56: 95%CI 1.21-17.21, P = 0.007), and high WM classification score (RR 9.46: 95% CI 5.65-15.82, P < 0.001) were associated by multivariate analysis with high amputation rates. 1-year & 3-year amputation risk on SVS-WIfI score were not associated with amputation rates in DFI (P = .263 and .496). Only 9 (6.8%) patients were lost to follow up during the 3-year period. WM classification score, SVS-WIfI score on benefit from revascularization, and PAD were strongly associated with major amputation rates in patients with DFI.

Successful Revascularization, Angiosome Concept, and Multivessel Revascularization: Effects on Wound Healing: An Asian Perspective.

Endovascular treatment for revascularization in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which is commonly found in patients with diabetes mellitus demonstrates a variable result of vessel patency, wound healing rate, and limb salvage rate. The angiosome concept has been adopted to determine the best target arterial path (TAP) for revascularization for wound healing in CLTI patients. Recent publications demonstrated the benefit of angiosome-targeted revascularization to guide the endovascular treatment in patients CLTI. The best TAP under angiosome concept by direct revascularization with at least 2 of 3 below-the-knee arteries runoff to restore in-line pulsatile blood flow to the ischemic tissue shows the best patency and high rate of wound healing. However, the clinical evidence and application of the angiosome concept in daily practice are difficult and not well established. The vascular territories, collateral vessel, wound area, and locations which associated with angiosome are varied. This article review aims to summarize the concept of angiosome-targeted revascularization and multivessel revascularization for application to the real-world practice under the evidence-based data.

The needs of patients with diabetes for the prevention and treatment of foot complications in Thailand: A qualitative descriptive study.

Background: Inadequate diabetes self-management leads to foot infections and lower extremity amputations. Effective self-care, supported by nurse-provided information, is crucial, particularly in foot care. However, the current approach in Thailand focuses more on what nurses want patients to know rather than addressing patients' actual needs. Consequently, nurses might misunderstand their patients' perspectives. Hence, nurses need to grasp patients' needs for successful foot care behavior. Objective: This study aimed to explore the needs of patients with diabetes regarding the prevention and treatment of foot complications. Methods: The study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Thirty participants classified as high risk for foot ulcers were purposively selected from Thailand's university hospitals. Focus group discussions were used for data collection between June and July 2021. Verbatim transcription and content analysis were carried out for data analysis. Results: Four emergent themes highlighted patients' needs: 1) information-giving, 2) proactive foot screening with foot-care affirmation, 3) foot care services, and 4) relieving foot burdens and limb loss. Conclusion: Nurses should change their mindset to care for and continually understand patients' needs. This involves adapting educational strategies like the teach-back method and coaching while providing skill training. Offering diverse service platforms, both online and onsite education programs and counseling, is essential. Additionally, ensuring accessibility and affordability, such as establishing after-hours clinics and supplying foot care toolkits, remains crucial.

Influences of age and gender on operative risks following carotid endarterectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This review aims to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature and investigate associations of age and gender on 30 days post carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and up to 5 years post CEA stroke, death, and combined stroke and death. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Three main electronic databases including the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched from their inception to July 2022. Studies examining operative risks (i.e., stroke, death, and combined stroke and death following CEA) linked to age or gender were included. Two independent reviewers were responsible for study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of all outcomes were calculated. RESULTS: 44609 studies were retrieved from the search. There were 127 eligible studies (80 studies of age, 72 studies of gender, 25 studies of age and gender) for pooling in the meta-analysis. With regards to stroke and death risks within 30 days post CEA; patients aged ≥75 had higher death (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.10-1.75) than patients aged <75. Patients aged ≥80 had higher stroke risk (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.07-1.27) and death risk (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.48-2.30) particular in asymptomatic patients (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.56-3.81). Pooled effect estimates by gender, at 30 days post CEA, showed that female was associated with increased risk of stroke (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.16-1.40), with more risk in asymptomatic female patients (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.14-1.99). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis highlights that older people is associated with increased stroke risk, particularly asymptomatic octogenarians who had higher likelihood of death within 30 days post CEA. In addition, female especially those with asymptomatic carotid stenosis had greater likelihood of stroke within 30 days post CEA surgery.

A COVID-19 Silver Lining-Decline in Antibiotic Resistance in Ischemic Leg Ulcers during the Pandemic: A 6-Year Retrospective Study from a Regional Tertiary Hospital (2017-2022).

Antibiotic resistance (AR) associated with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) poses additional challenges for the management of ischemic leg ulcers, increasing the likelihood of severe outcomes. This study assessed AR prevalence in bacteria isolated from CLTI-associated leg ulcers before (1 January 2017-10 March 2020; n = 69) and during (11 March 2020-31 December 2022; n = 59) the COVID-19 pandemic from patients admitted with positive wound cultures to a regional hospital in Chiang Mai (Thailand). There was a marked reduction in AR rates from 78% pre-pandemic to 42% during the pandemic (p < 0.0001), with rates of polymicrobial infections 22 percentage points lower (from 61% to 39%, respectively; p = 0.014). There were reduced AR rates to amoxicillin/clavulanate (from 42% to 4%; p < 0.0001) and ampicillin (from 16% to 2%; p = 0.017), as well as multidrug resistance (19% to 8%; p = 0.026). Factors associated with increased AR odds were polymicrobial infections (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.6 (95% CI 2.1, 15.0); p = 0.001), gram-negative bacteria (aOR 7.0 (95% CI 2.4, 20.5); p < 0.001), and prior use of antibiotics (aOR 11.9 (95% CI 1.1, 128.2); p = 0.041). Improvements in infection control measures and hygiene practices in the community during the pandemic were likely key factors contributing to lower AR rates. Thus, strategic public health interventions, including community education on hygiene and the informed use of antibiotics, may be crucial in mitigating the challenges posed by AR in CLTI. Further, advocating for more judicious use of empirical antibiotics in clinical settings can balance effective treatment against AR development, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Severity, and Management of Acute Appendicitis: A Single Center Experience in Thailand.

Purpose: For more than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, human lives have changed, including the healthcare system. Management of acute appendicitis, the most common emergency surgical disease, has been inevitably affected. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incident rate of complicated appendicitis, management, outcome, and complication of acute appendicitis. Patients and Methods. This study was a retrospective cohort study comparing 574 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis before the COVID-19 outbreak and 434 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 outbreak. Patient demographic data, type of appendicitis, type of treatment, time to surgery, length of stay, cost, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis was reduced. CT scan usage for diagnosis was increased compared to pre-COVID-19. Most patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis received operative treatment in both groups. Median time to surgery was significantly longer during the COVID-19 pandemic, 11.93 hours compared to 9.62 hours pre-COVID-19, p-value <0.001 (relative risk 1.5, 95% CI 1.29-1.76, p value 0.041). The incidence of complicated appendicitis was not higher during COVID-19. Compared to pre-COVID-19, ICU admission rate, the use of a mechanical ventilator, length of stay, and cost increased in the univariate analysis but were not statistically significant in the multivariate analyses. Other treatment complications had no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The incidence of complicated appendicitis did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The operation waiting time significantly increased but did not increase the rate of treatment complications in a well-prepared hospital system.

Patch angioplasty versus primary closure for carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Carotid patch angioplasty may reduce the risk of acute occlusion or long-term restenosis of the carotid artery and subsequent ischaemic stroke in people undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This is an update of a Cochrane Review originally published in 1995 and updated in 2008. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of routine or selective carotid patch angioplasty with either a venous patch or a synthetic patch compared with primary closure in people undergoing CEA. We wished to test the primary hypothesis that carotid patch angioplasty results in a lower rate of severe arterial restenosis and therefore fewer recurrent strokes and stroke-related deaths, without a considerable increase in perioperative complications. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases, and two trial registries in September 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials comparing carotid patch angioplasty with primary closure in people undergoing CEA. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed eligibility and risk of bias; extracted data; and determined the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Outcomes of interest included stroke, death, significant complications related to surgery, and artery restenosis or occlusion during the perioperative period (within 30 days of the operation) or during long-term follow-up. MAIN RESULTS: We included 11 trials involving 2100 participants undergoing 2304 CEA operations. The quality of trials was generally poor. Follow-up varied from hospital discharge to five years. Compared with primary closure, carotid patch angioplasty may make little or no difference to reduction in risk of any stroke during the perioperative period (odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 1.03; P = 0.063; 8 studies, 1769 participants; very low-certainty evidence), but may lower the risk of any stroke during long-term follow-up (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.90; P = 0.022; 7 studies, 1332 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In the included studies, carotid patch angioplasty resulted in a lower risk of ipsilateral stroke during the perioperative period (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.63; P = 0.001; 7 studies, 1201 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and during long-term follow-up (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.63; P = 0.001; 6 studies, 1141 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The intervention was associated with a reduction in the risk of any stroke or death during long-term follow-up (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.84; P = 0.003; 6 studies, 1019 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In addition, the included studies suggest that carotid patch angioplasty may reduce the risk of perioperative arterial occlusion (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.41; P < 0.0001; 7 studies, 1435 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may reduce the risk of restenosis during long-term follow-up (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.34; P < 0.00001; 8 studies, 1719 participants; low-certainty evidence). The studies recorded very few arterial complications, including haemorrhage, infection, cranial nerve palsies and pseudo-aneurysm formation, with either patch or primary closure. We found no correlation between the use of patch angioplasty and the risk of either perioperative or long-term stroke-related death or all-cause death rates. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Compared with primary closure, carotid patch angioplasty may reduce the risk of perioperative arterial occlusion and long-term restenosis of the operated artery. It would appear to reduce the risk of ipsilateral stroke during the perioperative and long-term period and reduce the risk of any stroke in the long-term when compared with primary closure. However, the evidence is uncertain due to the limited quality of included trials.

Routine or selective carotid artery shunting for carotid endarterectomy (and different methods of monitoring in selective shunting).

BACKGROUND: Temporary interruption of cerebral blood flow during carotid endarterectomy can be avoided by using a shunt across the clamped section of the carotid artery. The shunt may improve the outcome. This is an update of a Cochrane review originally published in 1996 and previously updated in 2002, 2009, and 2014. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of routine versus selective or no shunting, and to assess the best method for selective shunting on death, stroke, and other complications in people undergoing carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthesia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched April 2021), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2021, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2021), Embase (1980 to April 2021), and the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) (1980 to April 2021). We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and handsearched relevant journals, conference proceedings, and reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of routine shunting compared with no shunting or selective shunting, and trials that compared different shunting policies in people undergoing carotid endarterectomy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three independent review authors performed data extraction, selection, and analysis. A pooled Peto odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed for all outcomes of interest. Best and worse case scenarios were also calculated in case of unavailable data. Two authors independently assessed risk of bias, and quality of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: No new trials were found for this updated review. Thus, six trials involving 1270 participants are included in this latest review: three trials involving 686 participants compared routine shunting with no shunting, one trial involving 200 participants compared routine shunting with selective shunting, one trial involving 253 participants compared selective shunting with and without near-infrared refractory spectroscopy monitoring, and the other trial involving 131 participants compared shunting with a combination of electroencephalographic and carotid pressure measurement with shunting by carotid pressure measurement alone. Only three trials comparing routine shunting and no shunting were eligible for meta-analysis. Major findings of this comparison found that the routine shunting had less risk of stroke-related death within 30 days of surgery (best case) than no shunting (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.96, I2 not applicable, P = 0.05, low-quality evidence), the routine shunting group had a lower stroke rate within 24 hours of surgery (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.78, I2 = not applicable, P = 0.02, low-quality evidence), and ipsilateral stroke within 30 days of surgery (best case) (Peto OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.97, I2 = 52%, P = 0.04, low-quality evidence) than the no shunting group. No difference was found between the groups in terms of postoperative neurological deficit between selective shunting with and without near-infrared refractory spectroscopy monitoring. However, this analysis was inadequately powered to reliably detect the effect. There was no difference between the risk of ipsilateral stroke in participants selected for shunting with the combination of electroencephalographic and carotid pressure assessment compared with pressure assessment alone, although again the data were limited. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review concluded that the data available were too limited to either support or refute the use of routine or selective shunting in carotid endarterectomy when performed under general anaesthesia. Large-scale randomised trials of routine shunting versus selective shunting are required. No method of monitoring in selective shunting has been shown to produce better outcomes.

Local versus general anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy may significantly reduce the risk of stroke in people with recently symptomatic, severe carotid artery stenosis. However, there are significant perioperative risks that may be minimised by performing the operation under local rather than general anaesthetics. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 1996, and previously updated in 2004, 2008, and 2013. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthetic: 1) reduces the risk of perioperative stroke and death compared with general anaesthetic; 2) reduces the complication rate (other than stroke) following carotid endarterectomy; and 3) is acceptable to individuals and surgeons. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers (to February 2021). We also reviewed reference lists of articles identified. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of local anaesthetics to general anaesthetics for people having carotid endarterectomy were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. We calculated a pooled Peto odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the following outcomes that occurred within 30 days of surgery: stroke, death, ipsilateral stroke, stroke or death, myocardial infarction, local haemorrhage, and arteries shunted. MAIN RESULTS: We included 16 RCTs involving 4839 participants, of which 3526 were obtained from the single largest trial (GALA). The main findings from our meta-analysis showed that, within 30 days of operation, neither incidence of stroke nor death were significantly different between local and general anaesthesia. Of these, the incidence of stroke in the local and general anaesthesia groups was 3.2% and 3.5%, respectively (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 1.26; P = 0.58; 13 studies, 4663 participants; low-quality evidence). The rate of ipsilateral stroke under both types of anaesthesia was 3.1% (Peto OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.48; P = 0.89; 2 studies, 3733 participants; low-quality evidence). The incidence of stroke or death in the local anaesthesia group was 3.5%, while stroke or death incidence was 4.1% in the general anaesthesia group (Peto OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.16; P = 0.31; 11 studies, 4391 participants; low-quality evidence). A lower rate of death was observed in the local anaesthetic group but evidence was of low quality (Peto OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.06; P = 0.08; 12 studies, 4421 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of stroke and death were not convincingly different between local and general anaesthesia for people undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The current evidence supports the choice of either approach. Further high-quality studies are still needed as the evidence is of limited reliability.

Patches of different types for carotid patch angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Extracranial carotid artery stenosis is the major cause of stroke, which can lead to disability and mortality. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with carotid patch angioplasty is the most popular technique for reducing the risk of stroke. Patch material may be made from an autologous vein, bovine pericardium, or synthetic material including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Dacron, polyurethane, and polyester. This is an update of a review that was first published in 1996 and was last updated in 2010. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of different types of patch materials used in carotid patch angioplasty. The primary hypothesis was that a synthetic material was associated with lower risk of patch rupture versus venous patches, but that venous patches were associated with lower risk of perioperative stroke and early or late infection, or both. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register (last searched 25 May 2020); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020, Issue 4), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (1966 to 25 May 2020); Embase (1980 to 25 May 2020); the Index to Scientific and Technical Proceedings (1980 to 2019); the Web of Science Core Collection; ClinicalTrials.gov; and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) portal. We handsearched relevant journals and conference proceedings, checked reference lists, and contacted experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials (RCTs) comparing one type of carotid patch with another for CEA. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, risk of bias, and trial quality; extracted data; and determined the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. Outcomes, for example, perioperative ipsilateral stroke and long-term ipsilateral stroke (at least one year), were collected and analysed. MAIN RESULTS: We included 14 trials involving a total of 2278 CEAs with patch closure operations: seven trials compared vein closure with PTFE closure, five compared Dacron grafts with other synthetic materials, and two compared bovine pericardium with other synthetic materials. In most trials, a patient could be randomised twice and could have each carotid artery randomised to different treatment groups. Synthetic patch compared with vein patch angioplasty Vein patch may have little to no difference in effect on perioperative ipsilateral stroke between synthetic versus vein materials, but the evidence is very uncertain (odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 6.38; 5 studies, 797 participants; very low-quality evidence). Vein patch may have little to no difference in effect on long-term ipsilateral stroke between synthetic versus vein materials, but the evidence is very uncertain (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.69 to 3.07; P = 0.33; 4 studies, 776 participants; very low-quality evidence). Vein patch may increase pseudoaneurysm formation when compared with synthetic patch, but the evidence is very uncertain (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.49; 4 studies, 776 participants; very low-quality evidence). However, the numbers involved were small. Dacron patch compared with other synthetic patch angioplasty Dacron versus PTFE patch materials  PTFE patch may reduce the risk of perioperative ipsilateral stroke (OR 3.35, 95% CI 0.19 to 59.06; 2 studies, 400 participants; very low-quality evidence). PTFE patch may reduce the risk of long-term ipsilateral stroke (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.25 to 9.27; 1 study, 200 participants; very low-quality evidence). Dacron may result in an increase in perioperative combined stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (OR 4.41 95% CI 1.20 to 16.14; 1 study, 200 participants; low-quality evidence) when compared with PTFE. Early arterial re-stenosis or occlusion (within 30 days) was also higher for Dacron patches. During follow-up for longer than one year, more 'any strokes' (OR 10.58, 95% CI 1.34 to 83.43; 2 studies, 304 participants; low-quality evidence) and stroke/death (OR 6.06, 95% CI 1.31 to 28.07; 1 study, 200 participants; low-quality evidence) were reported with Dacron patch closure, although numbers of outcome events were small. Dacron patch may increase the risk of re-stenosis when compared with other synthetic materials (especially with PTFE), but the evidence is very uncertain (OR 3.73, 95% CI 0.71 to 19.65; 3 studies, 490 participants; low-quality evidence). Bovine pericardium patch compared with other synthetic patch angioplasty Bovine pericardium versus PTFE patch materials  Evidence suggests that bovine pericardium patch results in a reduction in long-term ipsilateral stroke (OR 4.17, 95% CI 0.46 to 38.02; 1 study, 195 participants; low-quality evidence). Bovine pericardial patch may reduce the risk of perioperative fatal stroke, death, and infection compared to synthetic material (OR 5.16, 95% CI 0.24 to 108.83; 2 studies, 290 participants; low-quality evidence for PTFE, and low-quality evidence for Dacron; OR 4.39, 95% CI 0.48 to 39.95; 2 studies, 290 participants; low-quality evidence for PTFE, and low-quality evidence for Dacron; OR 7.30, 95% CI 0.37 to 143.16; 1 study, 195 participants; low-quality evidence, respectively), but the numbers of outcomes were small. The evidence is very uncertain about effects of the patch on infection outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The number of outcome events is too small to allow conclusions, and more trial data are required to establish whether any differences do exist. Nevertheless, there is little to no difference in effect on perioperative and long-term ipsilateral stroke between vein and any synthetic patch material. Some evidence indicates that other synthetic patches (e.g. PTFE) may be superior to Dacron grafts in terms of perioperative stroke and TIA rates, and both early and late arterial re-stenosis and occlusion. Pseudoaneurysm formation may be more common after use of a vein patch than after use of a synthetic patch. Bovine pericardial patch, which is an acellular xenograft material, may reduce the risk of perioperative fatal stroke, death, and infection compared to other synthetic patches. Further large RCTs are required before definitive conclusions can be reached.

Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of long-term disability. Severe narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid artery is an important cause of stroke. Surgical treatment (carotid endarterectomy) may reduce the risk of stroke, but carries a risk of operative complications. This is an update of a Cochrane Review, originally published in 1999, and most recently updated in 2017. OBJECTIVES: To determine the balance of benefit versus risk of endarterectomy plus best medical management compared with best medical management alone, in people with a recent symptomatic carotid stenosis (i.e. transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or non-disabling stroke). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) portal to October 2019. We also reviewed the reference lists of all relevant studies and abstract books from research proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing carotid artery surgery plus best medical treatment with best medical treatment alone.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted the data. We assessed the results and the quality of the evidence of the primary and secondary outcomes by the GRADE method, which classifies the quality of evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low. MAIN RESULTS: We included three trials involving 6343 participants. The trials differed in the methods of measuring carotid stenosis and in the definition of stroke. Using the primary electronic data files, we pooled and analysed individual patient data on 6092 participants (35,000 patient-years of follow-up), after reassessing the carotid angiograms and outcomes from all three trials, and redefining outcome events where necessary, to achieve comparability. Surgery increased the five-year risk of any stroke or operative death in participants with less than 30% stenosis (risk ratio (RR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99 to 1.56; 2 studies, 1746 participants; high-quality evidence). Surgery decreased the five-year risk of any stroke or operative death in participants with 30% to 49% stenosis (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.19; 2 studies, 1429 participants; high-quality evidence), was of benefit in participants with 50% to 69% stenosis (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.94; 3 studies, 1549 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and was highly beneficial in participants with 70% to 99% stenosis without near-occlusion (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.67; 3 studies, 1095 participants; moderate-quality evidence). However, surgery decreased the five-year risk of any stroke or operative death in participants with near-occlusions (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.53; 2 studies, 271 participants; moderate-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Carotid endarterectomy reduced the risk of recurrent stroke for people with significant stenosis. Endarterectomy might be of some benefit for participants with 50% to 69% symptomatic stenosis (moderate-quality evidence) and highly beneficial for those with 70% to 99% stenosis (moderate-quality evidence).

Endovenous ablation and surgery in great saphenous vein reflux: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Endovenous ablations are the new standard procedures for treatment of great saphenous vein reflux including endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radio frequency ablation (RFA), endovenous steam ablation (EVSA), mechanochemical ablation (MOCA), cyanoacrylate injection and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). EVLA and RFA have demonstrated similar anatomical success for short-term outcome, but results are controversial for longer term (≥5 years). Additional evidences from randomised controlled trials have been published. This study is, therefore, conducted to, directly and indirectly, compare outcomes among all procedures stratifying by short-term and long-term follow-up. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Medline and Scopus will be searched from 2000 to September 2018 with predefined search strategy. Interventions of interest are open surgery (ie, saphenofemoral or high ligation (HL) with stripping) and endovenous ablations (ie, EVLA, RFA, EVSA, MOCA, cyanoacrylate injection and UGFS). The primary outcome is anatomical success. Two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data and assess risk of bias. Disagreement will be adjudicated by the third party. Outcomes will be directly pooled if there are at least three studies in that comparison. A fixed-effect model will be used unless heterogeneity is present, in which case a random-effect model will be applied. Sources of heterogeneity will be explored using meta-regression analysis, and sub-group analysis will be done accordingly. Publication bias will be assessed using Egger's test and funnel plot. A network meta-analysis will be applied to indirect compare all interventions including RFA, EVLA, EVLA with HL, UGFS, UGFS with HL and HL with stripping. Probability of being best intervention will be estimated and ranked. Inconsistency assumption will be checked using a design-by-treatment interaction model. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for systematic review and network meta-analysis. The study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018096794.

Management of the infected aortic endograft.

Although the incidence of abdominal and thoracic aortic endograft infection is infrequent, ranging between 0.2% and 5%, stent-graft infection carries significant morbidity and mortality and exemplifies a formidable therapeutic challenge. The treatment goal is to eradicate the infectious process by endograft explantation, regional tissue debridement, and arterial reconstruction by either an extra-anatomic or in situ grafting procedure using autologous vein, cryopreserved allograft, or antibiotic-soaked prosthetic grafts. Successful treatment should maintain normal arterial perfusion to the visceral arteries and lower extremities. Important treatment adjuncts included antibiotic therapy based on cultures, specific bacterial isolates, and coverage of the repair or aortic stump using an omental wrap. Nonoperative treatment in patients with severe comorbidities that preclude endograft explantation may be appropriate in the setting of low-grade biofilm infection. Percutaneous drainage of the perigraft abscess followed by continuous antibacterial irrigation of the cavity can be utilized, but is associated with a high clinical failure rate.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Outcome in Comparing an Alginate Silver Dressing With a Conventional Treatment of a Necrotizing Fasciitis Wound.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a high morbidity and mortality disease and also demands high economic resources. The standard treatment of NF is surgical debridement and proper dressing for wound bed preparation. The efficacy of silver alginate dressing can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and keep the environment clean for wound bed preparation. However an optimal dressing to manage such wounds has yet to emerge. NF patients who were admitted between April 2013 and May 2016 were randomized to have wound dressing using either silver dressing (Ag group) or normal saline solution gauze (NSS group). The 4 main outcomes for comparison between the 2 groups were the duration of wound bed preparation, total cost during hospital stay, the duration of hospital stay, and the pain score. Thirty-nine patients were included in the study: 19 patients in the NSS group and 20 patients in the Ag group. The mean duration of wound bed preparation in the NSS group was 31.87 days, and in Ag group it was 21.39 days, but this trend was not statistically significant ( P = .057). The mean cost of treatment in the NSS and Ag groups was not significantly different ( P = .434; US$3308.83 and US$2647.82, respectively). The duration of hospital days in the 2 groups was not significantly different either (29.19 days [NSS group] and 20.99 days [Ag group]; P = .222). The pain score was significantly lower in the Ag group than those in the NSS group. Although silver dressing seems to be expensive, the cost of total treatment during hospital stay and the duration of hospital stay were not significantly different between groups. However, the mean duration of wound bed preparation seems to trend favoring toward the silver dressing group.

Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of long-term disability. Severe narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid artery is an important cause of stroke. Surgical treatment (carotid endarterectomy) may reduce the risk of stroke, but carries a risk of operative complications. This is an update of the Cochrane Review, originally published in 1999, and most recently updated in 2011. OBJECTIVES: To determine the balance of benefit versus risk of endarterectomy plus best medical management compared with best medical management alone, in people with a recent symptomatic carotid stenosis (i.e. transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or non-disabling stroke). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched in July 2016), CENTRAL (2016, Issue 7), MEDLINE (1966 to July 2016), Embase (1990 to July 2016), Web of Science Core Collection, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) portal, and handsearched relevant journals and reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials.   DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: We included three trials involving 6343 participants. As the trials differed in the methods of measurement of carotid stenosis and in the definition of stroke, we did a pooled analysis of individual patient data on 6092 participants (35,000 patient years of follow-up), after reassessing the carotid angiograms and outcomes from all three trials using the primary electronic data files, and redefined outcome events where necessary, to achieve comparability.On re-analysis, there were no significant differences between the trials in the risks of any of the main outcomes in either of the treatment groups, or in the effects of surgery. Surgery increased the five-year risk of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in participants with less than 30% stenosis (N = 1746, risk ratio (RR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 2.01), had no significant effect in participants with 30% to 49% stenosis (N = 1429, RR 0.93, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.38), was of benefit in participants with 50% to 69% stenosis (N = 1549, RR 0.84, 95%CI 0.60 to 1.18), and was highly beneficial in participants with 70% to 99% stenosis without near-occlusion (N = 1095, RR 0.47, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.88). However, there was no evidence of benefit (N = 271, RR 1.03, 95%CI 0.57 to 1.84) in participants with near-occlusions. Ipsilateral ischaemic stroke describes insufficient blood flow to the cerebral hemisphere, secondary to same side severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Endarterectomy was of some benefit for participants with 50% to 69% symptomatic stenosis (moderate-quality evidence), and highly beneficial for those with 70% to 99% stenosis without near-occlusion (moderate-quality evidence). We found no benefit in people with carotid near-occlusion (high-quality evidence).

Predictive Factors for Post-Ischemic Compartment Syndrome in Non-Traumatic Acute Limb Ischemia in a Lower Extremity.

Objective: Compartment syndrome (CS) is serious complication following revascularization of acute limb ischemia (ALI). However, predictive factors associated with CS remain unclear. This study aimed to identify these predictive factors. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients who presented with non-traumatic ALI between November 2013 and October 2015 were enrolled and monitored for CS in this prospective cohort study. Predictive factors were compared between the CS and non-CS groups. Results: There were 5 patients in the CS group and 17 patients in the non-CS group. Four predictive factors were associated with CS: (1) inadequate backflow (80% and 12% in the CS and non-CS groups, respectively; P=.001); (2) serum creatine kinase (CK) level (20,683 U/L and 911 U/L in the CS and non-CS groups, respectively; P<.001); (3) positive fluid balance after admission (4,324 mL and 1,223 mL in the CS and non-CS groups, respectively; P<.001); and (4) Rutherford category IIB (100% and 18% in the CS and non-CS groups, respectively; P=.0002). Conclusion: Inadequate backflow, high serum CK level, positive fluid balance, and advanced-stage ALI were associated with CS. This information may be useful in identification of high-risk patients for CS prevention and in early detection of CS following the revascularization procedure.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in HIV Patients with Ruptured Abdominal Aneurysm and Low CD4.

We report two HIV infected patients with ruptured abdominal aneurysm by using endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) technique. A 59-year-old Thai man had a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and a 57-year-old man had a ruptured iliac artery aneurysm. Both patients had a CD4 level below 200 µ/L indicating a low immune status at admission. They were treated by EVAR. Neither patient had any complications in 3 months postoperatively. EVAR may have a role in HIV patients with ruptured abdominal aneurysm together with very low immunity.