Toe Pressures are Superior to Duplex Parameters in Predicting Wound Healing following Toe and Foot Amputations.

BACKGROUND: No criteria, including preamputation vascular diagnostic thresholds, have been established to reliably predict healing versus nonhealing following minor lower extremity amputations. Thus, the goal of our study was to identify clinical factors, including noninvasive vascular laboratory measures, associated with wound healing following toe, forefoot, and midfoot amputations. METHODS: We retrospectively examined records of patients receiving elective toe, forefoot, or midfoot amputation at our institution over a 5-year span (2010-2015). A total of 333 amputations received noninvasive vascular assessment of the lower extremity preamputation and follow-up at 90 days postamputation. Multivariate binomial logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting wound healing as defined as the absence of reamputation due to wound breakdown. RESULTS: Wound healing occurred in 81% of amputations. A total of 23 (7%) patients required revisions of the foot while 39 (12%) patients required major amputations by 90 days. Chi-squared analysis found that toe pressure at or above the value of 47 mm Hg (P = 0.04), bi/triphasic anterior tibial (P = 0.01), and posterior tibial artery (P = 0.01) waveforms were associated with wound healing. When these diagnostic parameters were examined in the presence of confounders (increasing age, chronic kidney disease, and concomitant revascularization), only toe pressure ≥ 47 mm Hg predicted amputation site healing (odds ratio: 3.1 [95% CI: 1.0-9.4], P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Preamputation toe pressures of 47 mm Hg and above are associated with wound healing. No other noninvasive vascular studies predicted wound healing in the presence of confounders. Thus, toe pressures may assist in clinical decision-making and should be routinely obtained preamputation.

Anatomical and technical predictors of perioperative clinical outcomes after carotid artery stenting.

BACKGROUND: A few other studies have reported the effects of anatomical and technical factors on clinical outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study analyzed the effect of these factors on perioperative stroke/myocardial infarction/death after CAS. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 409 of 456 patients who underwent CAS during the study period. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effects of anatomical and technical factors on perioperative stroke, death, and myocardial infarction (major adverse events [MAEs]). RESULTS: The MAE rate for the entire series was 4.7% (19 of 409), and the stroke rate was 2.2% (9 of 409). The stroke rate for asymptomatic patients was 0.46% (1 of 218; P = .01). The MAE rates for patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) were 7% (11 of 158) vs 3.2% (8 of 251) for other indications (P = .077). The stroke rates for heavily calcified lesions were 6.3% (3 of 48) vs 1.2% (4 of 332) for mildly calcified/noncalcified lesions (P = .046). Differences in stroke and MAE rates regarding other anatomical features were not significant. The stroke rate for patients with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) before embolic protection device (EPD) insertion was 9.1% (2 of 22) vs 1.8% (7 of 387) for patients without (P = .07) and 2.6% (9 of 341) for patients with poststenting PTA vs 0% (0 of 68) for patients without. The MAE rate for patients with poststenting PTA was 5.6% (19 of 341) vs 0% (0 of 68) for patients without (P = .0536). The MAE rate for patients with the ACCUNET (Abbott, Abbott Park, Ill) EPD was 1.9% (3 of 158) vs 6.7% (16 of 240) for others (P = .029). The differences between stroke and MAE rates for other technical features were not significant. A regression analysis showed that the odds ratio for stroke was 0.1 (P = .031) for asymptomatic indications, 13.7 (P = .014) for TIA indications, 6.1 (P = .0303) for PTA performed before EPD insertion, 1.7 for PTA performed before stenting, and 5.4 (P = .0315) for heavily calcified lesions. The MAE odds ratio was 0.46 (P = .0858) for asymptomatic indications, 2.1 for PTAs performed before EPD insertion, 2.2 for poststent PTAs, and 2.2 (P = .1888) for heavily calcified lesions. A multivariate analysis showed that patients with TIA had an odds ratio of stroke of 11.05 (P = .029). Patients with PTAs performed before EPD insertion had an OR of 6.15 (P = .062). Patients with heavily calcified lesions had an odds ratio of stroke of 4.25 (P = .0871). The MAE odds ratio for ACCUNET vs others was 0.27 (P = .0389). CONCLUSIONS: Calcific lesions and PTA before EPD insertion or after stenting were associated with higher stroke or MAE rates, or both. The ACCUNET EPD was associated with lower MAE rates. There was no correlation between other anatomical/technical variables and CAS outcome.

Clinical Outcome of Carotid Artery Stenting According to Provider Specialty and Volume.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated better outcomes for carotid endarterectomy with high-volume hospitals and providers. However, only a few studies have reported on the impact of operator specialty/volume on the perioperative outcome of carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study will analyze the correlation of CAS outcomes and provider specialty and volume. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of CAS procedures done at our institution during a 10-year period were analyzed. Major adverse events (MAEs; 30-day stroke, myocardial infarction, and death) were compared according to provider specialty (vascular surgeons [VSs], interventional cardiologists [ICs], interventional radiologists [IRs], interventional vascular medicine [IVM]), and volume (≥5 CAS/year vs. <5 CAS/year). RESULTS: Four hundred fourteen CAS procedures (44% for symptomatic indications) were analyzed. Demographics/clinical characteristics were somewhat similar between specialties. MAE rates were not significantly different between various specialties: 3.1% for IC, 6.3% for VS, 7.1% for IR, 6.7% for IVM (P = 0.3121; 6.3% for VS and 3.8% for others combined, P = 0.2469). When physicians with <5 CAS/year were excluded: the MAE rates were 3.1% for IC, 4.7% for VS, and 6.7% for IVM (P = 0.5633). When VS alone were compared with others, and physicians with <5 CAS/year were excluded, the MAE rates were 4.7% for VS vs. 3.6% for non-VS (P = 0.5958). The MAE rates for low-volume providers, regardless of their specialty, were 9.5% vs. 4% for high-volume providers (P = 0.1002). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of MAE was 0.4 (0.15-1.1, P = 0.0674) for high-volume providers, while the odds ratio for VS was 1.3 (0.45-3.954, P = 0.5969). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative MAE rates for CAS were similar between various providers, regardless of specialties, particularly for vascular surgeons with similar volume to nonvascular surgeons. Low-volume providers had higher MAE rates.

Compliance of postendovascular aortic aneurysm repair imaging surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: Imaging surveillance after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is critical. In this study we analyzed compliance with imaging surveillance after EVAR and its effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 565 EVAR patients (August 2001-November 2013), who were followed using duplex ultrasound and/or computed tomography angiography. Patients were considered noncompliant (NC) if they did not have any follow-up imaging for 2 years and/or missed their first post-EVAR imaging over 6 months. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare compliance rates in EVAR patients with hostile neck (HN) vs favorable neck (FN) anatomy (according to instructions for use). A multivariate analysis was also done to correlate compliance and comorbidities. RESULTS: Forty-three percent were compliant (7% had no follow-up imaging) and 57% were NC. The mean follow-up for compliant patients was 25.4 months (0-119 months) vs 31.4 months for NC (0-140 months). The mean number of imaging was 3.5 for compliant vs 2.6 for NC (P < .0001). Sixty-four percent were NC for HN patients vs 50% for FN patients (P = .0007). The rates of compliance at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years for all patients were 78%, 63%, 55%, 45%, and 32%; and 84%, 68%, 61%, 54%, and 40% for FN patients; and 73%, 57%, 48%, 37%, and 25% for HN patients (P = .009). The NC rate for patients with late endoleak and/or sac expansion was 58% vs 54% for patients with no endoleak (P = .51). The NC rate for patients with late reintervention was 70% vs 53% for patients with no reintervention (P = .1254). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with peripheral arterial disease had an odds ratio of 1.9 (P = .0331), patients with carotid disease had an odds ratio of 2 (P = .0305), and HN patients had an odds ratio of 1.8 (P = .0007) for NC. Age and residential locations were not factors in compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, compliance of imaging surveillance after EVAR was low, particularly in HN EVAR patients, and additional studies are needed to determine if strict post-EVAR surveillance is necessary, and its effect on long-term clinical outcome.

Ten-Year Experience of Vascular Surgeon Management of Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysms: Do Anticoagulant and/or Antiplatelet Medications Matter?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies examining the natural history of femoral pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) were performed before the current era of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy. The purpose of our study was to elucidate in a vascular surgeon directed approach to PSAs, the association between medication use and the failure of conservative, observation-only management. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 308 femoral iatrogenic PSAs diagnosed via duplex imaging at our institution during a 10-year time period (2004-2013). Information on PSA characteristics, treatment, and antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medication usage was obtained. We identified patients who failed observation-only conservation management, with failure defined as the need for delayed treatment because of PSAs triggered by either expansion (≥ 1 cm increase or size enlarging to ≥ 3 cm) and/or persistence (≥ 15 days). RESULTS: Immediate and/or acute treatments of PSAs included 1 ultrasound-guided compression, 14 surgical repairs, and 126 thrombin injections. Of the 167 PSAs initially managed by observation only, 70 (42%) were found by ultrasound imaging to thrombosis spontaneously. An additional 70 (42%) patients had the diagnosis of PSA <3 cm and were managed conservatively with only clinical follow-up. Twenty-seven PSAs (16%) originally managed conservatively required additional treatment because of expansion and/or persistence. Patients receiving dual-antiplatelet therapy had higher rates of failed conservative management (44%) than patients not on dual therapy (9%, P < 0.01). The number of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications used during observation was larger in patients failing conservative management (2.0 ± 0.7) versus patients not requiring additional intervention (1.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the PSAs initially managed with observation-only did not require additional intervention. However, anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents use associated with PSAs required further intervention after failing observation-only management. When observation is the chosen strategy for PSA management, especially in the setting of aggressive antithrombotic and dual-antiplatelet therapy, surveillance is required to ensure proper resolution.

Biochemical markers in patients with open reconstructions with peripheral arterial disease.

The purpose of our study was to determine outcome differences as a function of baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients receiving lower extremity open reconstructions for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. We retrospectively examined patients who underwent surgical reconstructions performed by a single operator during a seven-year time span who received preoperative hsCRP and BNP testing and post-procedure imaging. Outcomes of interest included major adverse limb events, a composite end point of target vessel revascularization, limb amputation, and disease progression, and major adverse cardiovascular events comprised of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. A total of 89 limbs in 82 patients were included in analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher hsCRP levels (>3.0 mg/L) trended toward, but failed to significantly associate with major adverse limb events at 24 months (hazard ratio: 2.2 [1.0-5.2], p = 0.06), however the use of a vein bypass conduit (vs. prosthetic reconstruction) significantly predicted major adverse limb events (hazard ratio: 3.2 [1.5-6.9], p < 0.01). Elevated BNP levels (>100 pg/ml), but not hsCRP, associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 3.5 [1.2-10.3], p = 0.03). Preoperative biochemical markers may assist in clinical decision making and stratifying patients regarding adverse events following open reconstructions.

Prospective randomized double-blinded trial comparing 2 anti-MRSA agents with supplemental coverage of cefazolin before lower extremity revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare with antibiotics with methicillin-resistant microbial coverage in a prospective fashion. BACKGROUND: Current antibiotic prophylaxis for vascular procedures includes a first generation cephalosporin. No changes in recommendations have occurred despite changes in reports of incidence of MRSA related surgical site infections. Does supplemental anti-MRSA prophylactic coverage provide a significant reduction in Gram-positive or MRSA infections? METHODS: Single center prospective double blinded randomized study of patients undergoing lower extremity vascular procedures from 2011 to 2014. One hundred seventy-eight (178) patients were evaluated at 90 days for surgical site infection. Infections were categorized as early infections less than 30 days of the index procedure and late after 90 days. RESULTS: Early vascular surgical site infection occurred in 7(8.24%) of patients in the Vancomycin arm, and 11 (11.83%) in the Daptomycin arm (P = 0.43). Gram-positive related infections and MRSA infections occurred in 1(1.18%)/0(0%) of Vancomycin patients and 9 (9.68%)/1 (1.08%) of Daptomycin patients, respectively (P < 0.02 and P = 1.00). Readmissions related to surgical site infections occurred in 4(4.71%) in the Vancomycin group and 11 (11.8%) in the Daptomycin group (P = 0.11). Patients undergoing operative exploration occurred in 5 (5.88%) in the Vancomycin group and 10 (10.75%) of the Daptomycin group (P = 0.17). Late infections were reported in 3 patients, 2 of which were in the combined Daptomycin group. Median hospital charges related to readmissions due to a surgical site infection was $50,823 in the combination Vancomycin arm and $110,920 in the combination Daptomycin group; however, no statistical significance was appreciated (P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin supplemental prophylaxis seems to reduce the incidence of Gram-positive infection compared with adding supplemental Daptomycin prophylaxis. The Incidence of MRSA-related surgical site infections is low with the addition of either anti-MRSA agents compared with historical incidence of MRSA-related infection.

The effect of chronic renal insufficiency by use of glomerular filtration rate versus serum creatinine level on late clinical outcome of carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported mixed results after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), and we previously reported the perioperative outcome in patients with CRI by use of serum creatinine (Cr) level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, only a few of these studies used GFR by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation in their analysis of long-term outcome. METHODS: During the study period, 1000 CEAs (926 patients) were analyzed; 940 of these CEAs had Cr levels and 925 had GFR data. Patients were classified into normal (GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or Cr <1.5 mg/dL), moderate CRI (GFR ≥30-59 or Cr ≥1.5-2.9), and severe CRI (GFR <30 or Cr ≥3). RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 34.5 months and a median of 34 months (range, 1-53 months), combined stroke and death rates for Cr levels (867 patients) were 9%, 18%, and 44% for Cr <1.5, ≥1.5 to 2.9, and ≥3 (P = .0001) in contrast to 8%, 14%, and 26% for GFR (854 patients) of >60, ≥30 to 59, and <30, respectively (P = .0003). Combined stroke and death rates for asymptomatic patients were 8%, 17%, and 44% (P = .0001) for patients with Cr levels of <1.5, ≥1.5 to 2.9, and ≥3, respectively, vs 7%, 13%, and 24% for a GFR of ≥60, ≥30 to 59, and <30 (P = .0063). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, stroke-free survival rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 97%, 94%, and 92% for Cr <1.5; 92%, 85%, and 81% for Cr ≥1.5 to 2.9; and 56%, 56%, and 56% for Cr ≥3 (P < .0001); vs 98%, 95%, and 93% for a GFR ≥60; 93%, 90%, and 86% for a GFR of ≥30 to 59; and 86%, 77%, and 73% for a GFR <30 (P < .0001). These rates for asymptomatic patients at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 97%, 95%, and 93% for Cr <1.5; 94%, 87%, and 82% for Cr ≥1.5 to 2.9; and 56%, 56%, and 56% for Cr ≥3 (P < .0001); vs 98%, 95%, and 94% for a GFR ≥60; 95%, 91%, and 86% for a GFR of ≥30 to 59; and 84%, 80%, and 75% for a GFR <30 (P = .0026). A univariate regression analysis for asymptomatic patients showed that the hazard ratio (HR) of stroke and death was 6.5 (P = .0003) for a Cr ≥3 and 3.1 for a GFR <30 (P = .0089). A multivariate analysis showed that Cr ≥3 had an HR of stroke and death of 4.7 (P = .008), and GFR <30 had an HR of 2.2 (P = .097). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe CRI had higher rates of combined stroke/death. Therefore, CEA for these patients (particularly in asymptomatic patients) must be considered with caution.

The value and economic analysis of routine postoperative carotid duplex ultrasound surveillance after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported on the role of postoperative duplex ultrasound surveillance after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with varying results. Most of these studies had a small sample size or did not analyze cost-effectiveness. METHODS: We analyzed 489 of 501 CEA patients with patch closure. All patients had immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound examination and were routinely followed up both clinically and with duplex ultrasound at regular intervals of 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and every 12 months thereafter. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the rate of ≥50% and ≥80% post-CEA restenosis over time and the time frame of progression from normal to ≥50% or ≥80% restenosis. The cost of post-CEA duplex surveillance was also estimated. RESULTS: Overall, 489 patients with a mean age of 68.5 years were analyzed. Ten of these had residual postoperative ≥50% stenosis, and 37 did not undergo a second duplex ultrasound examination and therefore were not included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up was 20.4 months (range, 1-63 months), with a mean number of duplex ultrasound examinations of 3.6 (range, 1-7). Eleven of 397 patients (2.8%) with a normal finding on immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound vs 4 of 45 (8.9%) with mild stenosis on immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound progressed to ≥50% restenosis (P = .055). Overall, 15 patients (3.1%) had ≥50% restenosis, 9 with 50% to <80% and 4 with 80% to 99% (2 of these had carotid artery stenting reintervention), and 2 had late carotid occlusion. All of these were asymptomatic, except for one who had a transient ischemic attack. The mean time to ≥50% to <80% restenosis was 14.7 months vs 19.8 months for ≥80% restenosis after the CEA. Freedom from restenosis rates were 98%, 96%, 94%, 94%, and 94% for ≥50% restenosis and 99%, 98%, 97%, 97%, and 97% for ≥80% restenosis at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years, respectively. Freedom from myocardial infarction, stroke, and deaths was not significantly different between patients with and without restenosis (100%, 93%, 83%, and 83% vs 94%, 91%, 86%, and 79% at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years, respectively; P = .951). The estimated charge of this surveillance was 3.6 × 489 (number of CEAs) × $800 (charge for carotid duplex ultrasound), which equals $1,408,320, to detect only four patients with ≥80% to 99% restenosis who may have been potential candidates for reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the value of routine postoperative duplex ultrasound surveillance after CEA with patch closure may be limited, particularly if the finding on immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound is normal or shows minimal disease.

Early results with LifeStent implantation in RESILIENT and non-RESILIENT inclusion criteria patients.

The purpose of our study was to determine outcomes of patients receiving the LifeStent (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, AZ) for femoropopliteal peripheral arterial disease in real-world academic practice outside the limitations of an industry supported trial. All patients from 2009 to 2012 at our institution who received a LifeStent during endovascular interventions and had follow-up were included. Outcomes evaluated included patency and freedom from limb loss. A total of 166 limbs in 151 patients had the LifeStent implanted in de novo vessels (54% male; 68 ± 12 years). Eighty-percent of limbs did not meet RESILIENT criteria due to Rutherford category >3 (51%), TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classifications C/ D (51%), zero runoff vessels (6%), or stent location (17%). Primary patency rates were 81% at 6 months and 58% at 12 months with predictors for primary patency loss at 1 year including Rutherford category >3 (HR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0-3.1), p = 0.04), tobacco use (HR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0-3.3), p = 0.04), and no clopidogrel at discharge (HR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.6-6.7), p < 0.01). A preintervention Rutherford category >3 predicted 24-month limb loss (HR, 16.0 (95% CI: 2.0-122.0), p < 0.01). The LifeStent is a viable option regardless of the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification; however, critical limb ischemia, current tobacco use, and absence of clopidogrel on discharge predict decreased patency on follow-up.

Femoral pseudoaneurysms after percutaneous access.

The femoral artery has been the primary percutaneous-based arterial access site for coronary artery catheterizations for more than three decades. Noncardiac percutaneous-based procedures have also been performed primarily with femoral access and have increased in number exponentially by vascular specialists in past decades. Groin complications are infrequent in incidence after femoral arterial access for cardiac and peripheral diagnostic and interventional cases, with groin hematomas and pseudoaneurysms being the most common. Until ultrasound-based treatment modalities became the mainstay of treatment, vascular surgeons were the primary specialty managing pseudoaneurysms, but now other specialties also manage these cases. This review outlines the clinical implications and current issues relevant to understanding the ideal treatment strategy for this common complication.

Practice patterns of carotid endarterectomy as performed by different surgical specialties at a single institution and the effect on perioperative stroke and cost of preoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is currently performed by various surgical specialties with varying outcomes. This study analyzes different surgical practice patterns and their effect on perioperative stroke and cost. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 1000 consecutive CEAs performed at our institution by three different specialties: general surgeons (GS), cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS), and vascular surgeons (VS). RESULTS: VS did 474 CEAs, CTS did 404, and GS did 122. VS tended to operate more often on symptomatic patients than CTS and GS: 40% vs 23% and 31%, respectively (P < .0001). Preoperative workups were significantly different between specialties: duplex ultrasound (DUS) only in 66%, 30%, and 18%; DUS and computed tomography angiography in 27%, 35%, and 29%; and DUS and magnetic resonance angiography in 6%, 35%, and 52% for VS, CTS, and GS, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative carotid stenosis was not significantly different between the specialties. The mean heparin dosage was 5168, 7522, and 5331 units (P = .0001) and protamine was used in 0.2%, 19%, and 8% (P < .0001) for VS, CTS, and GS, respectively. VS more often used postoperative drains; however, no association was found between heparin dosage, protamine, and drain use and postoperative bleeding. Patching was used in 99%, 93%, and 76% (P < .0001) for VS, CTS, and GS, respectively. Bovine pericardial patches were used more often by CTS and ACUSEAL (Gore-Tex; W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) patches were used more often by GS (P < .0001). The perioperative stroke/death rates were 1.3% for VS and 3.1% for CTS and GS combined (P = .055); and were 0.7% for VS and 3% for CTS and GS combined for asymptomatic patients (P < .034). Perioperative stroke rates for patients who had preoperative DUS only were 0.9% vs 3.3% for patients who had extra imaging (computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography; P = .009); and were 0.9% vs 3% for asymptomatic patients (P = .05). When applying hospital billing charges for preoperative imaging workups (cost of DUS only vs DUS and other imaging), the VS practice pattern would have saved $1180 per CEA over CTS and GS practice patterns; a total savings of $1,180,000 in this series. CONCLUSIONS: CEA practice patterns differ between specialties. Although the cost was higher for non-VS practices, the perioperative stroke/death rate was somewhat higher. Therefore, educating physicians who perform CEAs on cost-saving measures may be appropriate.

C-reactive protein and brain natriuretic peptide as predictors of adverse events after lower extremity endovascular revascularization.

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been shown to be independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and increased risk of secondary interventions or limb loss in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). To assist clinicians in decision-making about treatment approaches and predicting postprocedure mortality and morbidity, we retrospectively examined patients with preprocedure hsCRP and BNP levels who underwent elective angioplasty or stent placement for lower extremity PAD. METHODS: The study period was from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, and patients were included who had angioplasty or stenting for PAD. Minimal required follow-up for study inclusion was at least one postoperative ankle-brachial index, contrast angiography, or duplex imaging of the treated limb. Events of interest included major adverse limb events (MALE), defined as target vessel revascularization, amputation, or disease progression by 1 year, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; stroke, myocardial infarction, or death) by 2 years. Elevated/abnormal values for our biomarkers of interest were established by the upper limits of our institution's clinical laboratory reference range (hsCRP, >0.80 mg/dL; BNP, >100 pg/mL). RESULTS: A total of 159 limbs in 118 patients were included in analysis (42% men; median age [range], 64 [42-87] years). All limbs were symptomatic (Rutherford classification: 1-6). Iliac artery revascularization without other adjunct lower extremity intervention was performed in 60% of the limbs. High hsCRP levels (>0.80 mg/dL) were present in 32 patients (27%) and high BNP values (>100 pg/mL) in 24 patients (20%). Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank comparison demonstrated that elevated hsCRP levels were associated with MALE but only in limbs receiving interventions distal to the iliac arteries (P = .005). High BNP levels did not affect MALE rates (P = .821). Conversely, both elevated BNP levels (hazard ratio, 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-5.8; P = .001) and hsCRP levels (hazard ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-7.6; P = .034) predicted MACE at 2 years in the presence of confounders in Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis. Patients with high preintervention values of hsCRP and BNP were 10.6 times (95% CI, 2.6-42.9; P = .001) more likely to experience MACE than were patients with normal hsCRP and BNP values. CONCLUSIONS: After lower extremity endovascular interventions, elevated preprocedural hsCRP levels are associated with MALE (femoral-popliteal interventions), and elevated levels of hsCRP and BNP are associated with late cardiovascular events.

Splenic artery embolization for the treatment of bleeding gastric varices secondary to splenic vein thrombosis.

Splenic vein thrombosis can lead to gastric varices. Subsequent upper gastrointestinal bleeding may ensue related to the change in venous outflow to the portal system. Vascular surgeons are infrequently asked to assist in the management of this entity. However, with many vascular surgeons providing diverse endovascular-based interventions, understanding catheter-based solutions is imperative. This report presents a case in which arterial embolization was used to treat gastric variceal bleeding.

Prospective randomized trial of ACUSEAL versus Vascu-Guard patching in carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have been conducted that demonstrate the superiority of patch angioplasty over primary closure for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Patch angioplasty with polytetrafluorethylene patches (ACUSEAL) have shown results comparable to patch angioplasty with saphenous vein and polyester patches. This is a prospective randomized study to compare the clinical outcomes of CEA using ACUSEAL versus bovine pericardium patching (Vascu-Guard). METHODS: Two hundred patients were randomized (1:1) to either ACUSEAL or Vascu-Guard patching. Demographic data/clinical characteristics were collected. Intraoperative hemostasis times and the frequency of reexploration for neck hematoma were recorded. All patients received immediate and 1-month postoperative duplex ultrasound studies, which were repeated at 6-month intervals. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the risk of restenosis and the stroke-free survival rates. RESULTS: The demographics were similar in both groups, except for a higher incidence of current smokers in the ACUSEAL group and more patients with congestive heart failure in the Vascu-Guard group (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). The mean operative internal carotid artery diameter and the mean arteriotomy length were similar in both groups. The mean hemostasis time was 4.90 min for ACUSEAL patching vs. 3.09 min for Vascu-Guard (P = 0.027); however, the mean operative times were similar for both groups (ACUSEAL 2.09 hr vs. Vascu-Guard 2.16 hr, P = 0.669). The incidence of reexploration for neck hematoma was higher in the Vascu-Guard group; 6.12% vs. 1.03% (P = 0.1183). The incidence of perioperative ipsilateral neurologic events was 3.09% for ACUSEAL patching vs. 1.02% for Vascu-Guard patching (P = 0.368). The mean follow-up period was 15 months. The respective freedom from ≥70% carotid restenosis at 1, 2, and 3 years were 100%, 100%, and 100% for ACUSEAL patching vs. 100%, 98%, and 98% for Vascu-Guard patching (P = 0.2478). The ipsilateral stroke-free rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 96% for ACUSEAL and 99% for Vascu-Guard patching. CONCLUSIONS: Although CEA patching with ACUSEAL versus Vascu-Guard differed in hemostasis time, the frequency of reexploration for neck hematomas was more frequent in the pericardial patch group; however, only 1 patient had documented suture line bleeding and the surgical reexploration rate is not likely to be patch related. There were not any significant differences in perioperative/late neurologic events and late restenosis in the 2 groups.

Evolving treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, the treatment of popliteal aneurysms has evolved at our institution from sole operative intervention during the initial part of the study period, to combined surgical and endovascular treatment, and finally to endovascular-centered management in more recent years. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients with popliteal aneurysms treated at our institution from 2001 to 2011. Data collection included the indication for intervention, treatment details, interventional patency, limb salvage, perioperative outcome, and midterm survival. RESULTS: Eighty-eight aneurysms (72 patients) were treated during this period. Indications for intervention included symptomatic presentations in 53% (n = 47) and asymptomatic in 47% (n = 41). Treatment included endovascular exclusion in 24, surgical repair in 63 (14 posterior approach and 49 medial approach with bypass and exclusion), and primary amputation in one patient. Nine aneurysms (10.2%) received catheter-directed thrombolysis. Demographics were similar between the two treatment cohorts, except for age with endovascular stenting patients being significantly older (76.0 vs 66.0 years; P = .002). The mean length of stay was 3.9 days vs 9.5 days (P < .001), favoring endovascular treatment. There were no perioperative (30-day) deaths in the endovascular group and one in the surgical cohort. The mean patency follow-up was 21.2 vs 28.3 months. Primary patency did not differ between endovascular and surgically treated patients at 1 year (92.9% vs 83.3%; P = .26) and 3 years (63.7% vs 77.8%; P = .93). No limbs were lost in the endovascular group during the follow-up period of 22.4 months, and one late limb loss occurred in the surgical cohort (mean follow-up, 29.2 months). Endovascular patients had a midterm survival rate of 65% (mean follow-up, 33.9 months), whereas surgical patients experienced a survival rate of 80.8% (mean follow-up, 42.9 months; P = .22). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms provides similar short-term patency to that of the traditional gold standard approach with surgical bypass, with shorter hospitalizations in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Further long-term follow-up is required to compare these two treatment modalities for durability to determine the optimal popliteal aneurysm management.

Predictors of percutaneous access failure requiring open femoral surgical conversion during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of percutaneous (PEVAR) access failure requiring conversion to an open approach (OEVAR) during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of all EVAR patients from January 2009 through June 2011 with multivariate analysis of clinical and anatomic variables that could impact access outcome was conducted. Target vessel calcification was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on circumferential calcium arc (<⅓, ⅓ to ½, and >½ respectively), dyslipidemia (defined as low-density lipoprotein >130 mg/dL or receiving lipid lowering medication), and obesity (defined as body mass index [BMI] >30). RESULTS: We investigated 400 access sites for 200 patients who underwent EVAR. The study cohort's characteristics included an average age of 72.8 ± 9.0 years, vessel size of 9.6 ± 1.8 mm, sheath size of 17.1 ± 3.0 Fr, BMI of 27.6 ± 5.3, and estimated glomular filtration rate of 68.5 ± 24.2 mL/min. Comorbidities included dyslipidemia in 129 patients (64.5%) and diabetes in 54 patients (27%). There were 132 OEVAR (66 patients), two mixed OEVAR with contralateral PEVAR (one patient), and 266 (133 patients) PEVAR approaches. Use of PEVAR increased over time (45.5% [2009], 77.8% [2010], and up to 88.5% [2011]; P = .001) while conversions decreased (24.3% [2009], 8.7% [2010], and 4.3% [2011]; P = .001]. More OEVAR patients (35.8%) stayed longer than 3 days compared with 21.1% for PEVAR (P = .028). For the 266 PEVAR approaches, 32 access sites (12.0%) had to be converted. Severely calcified arteries were most predictive of conversion (odds ratio [OR], 36.4; P < .001). Year of procedure (2010; OR, 0.17; P = .001; 2011, OR, 0.20; P = .049), female gender (OR, 3.1; P = .017), moderately calcified arteries (OR, 2.5; P = .085), and age (OR, 2.3 [per decade]; P = .002) were all also significant. Vessel size, sheath size, and BMI were found to be nonsignificant predictors of conversion. CONCLUSIONS: PEVAR was found to be safe, reliable, and feasible. Several factors, including learning curve, vessel calcification, age, and female gender predicted conversion of PEVAR to OEVAR.

The effect of surgeon's specialty and volume on the perioperative outcome of carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated better outcomes for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) at high-volume hospitals and providers. However, only a few studies have reported on the impact of surgeons' specialty and volume on the perioperative outcome of CEA. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of CEA during a recent 2-year period. Surgeons' specialties were classified according to their Board specialties into general surgeons (GS), cardiothoracic surgeons (CT), and vascular surgeons (VS). Surgeons' annual volume was categorized into low volume (<10 CEAs), medium volume (10 to <30 CEAs), and high volume (≥30 CEAs). The primary outcome was 30-day perioperative stroke and/or death; however, other perioperative complications were analyzed. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were done to predict the effect of specialty/volume and any other patient risk factors on stroke outcome. RESULTS: Nine hundred and fifty-three CEAs were performed by 24 surgeons: 122 by seven GS, 383 by 13 CT, and 448 by 4 VS. Patients' demographics/clinical characteristics were similar between specialties, except the incidence of coronary artery disease, which was higher for CT (P < .0001). The indications for CEA were symptomatic disease in 38% for VS, 31% for GS, and 23% for CT (P < .0001). The perioperative stroke and death rates were 4.1%, 2.9%, and 1.3% for GS, CT, and VS, respectively (P = .126). A subgroup analysis showed that the perioperative stroke rates for symptomatic patients were 5.3%, 2.3%, and 2.3% (P = .511) and for asymptomatic patients were 3.6%, 3%, and 0.72% (P = .099) for GS, CT, and VS, respectively. Perioperative stroke rates were significantly higher for nonvascular surgeons (GS and CT combined) vs VS in asymptomatic patients (3.2% vs 0.72%; P = .033). Perioperative stroke/death was also significantly lower for high-volume surgeons: 1.3% vs 4.1% and 4.3% for medium- and low-volume surgeons (P = .019) (1.3% vs 4.15% for high vs low/medium combined; P = .005). More CEAs were done for asymptomatic patients in the low/medium-volume surgeons (78%) vs high-volume surgeons (64%; P < .0001) with a stroke rate of 4.6% for low/medium-volume surgeons vs 0.51% for high-volume surgeons (P = .0005). A univariate logistic analysis showed that the odds ratio of having a perioperative stroke was 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.73; P =.008) for high-volume surgeons vs low/medium-volume surgeons, 0.4 (95% CI, 0.16-1.07; P = .069) for VS vs CT/GS and 0.2 (95% CI, 0.06-0.45; P = .0004) when patching was used. A multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratio of having a perioperative stroke for CT VS was 2.1 (95% CI, 0.71-5.92; P = .183); for GS vs VS, 1.8 (95% CI, 0.49-6.90; P = .3709); for low-volume surgeons (vs high-volume) 3.4 (95% CI, 0.96-11.77; P = .0581); medium- vs high-volume surgeons 2.2 (95% CI, 0.75-6.42; P = .1509). CONCLUSIONS: High-volume surgeons had significantly better perioperative stroke/death rates for CEA than low/medium-volume surgeons. Perioperative stroke/death rates were also higher for nonvascular surgeons in asymptomatic patients.

Perioperative and late clinical outcomes of percutaneous transluminal stentings of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries over the past decade.

BACKGROUND: Several authorities have proposed stenting of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)/celiac artery (CA) as the primary treatment for patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia. However, most of these reports had small samples and short follow-up periods. METHODS: Eighty-three patients were treated over a 10-year period. Clinical follow-up and duplex ultrasound exams were done to evaluate long-term patency. We used our newly validated duplex criteria to detect ≥70% in-stent stenosis of the SMA and CA. A Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis was used to estimate freedom from in-stent stenosis and late symptom and survival rates. RESULTS: Fifty-four SMA and 51 CA stents were analyzed. The initial technical and clinical success rates were 97% and 96%, respectively, with 2% procedure morbidity and 2% mortality. The primary late clinical success rate was 59%, and the late ≥70% in-stent stenosis rate was 51% at a mean follow-up of 31 months (range, 1-124). Freedom from late recurrent symptoms at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 83, 77, 70, 70, and 65%, respectively. Survival rates at the same intervals were 88%, 82%, 70%, 64%, and 51%. Primary patency rates for the whole series were 69%, 48%, 39%, 28%, and 19% at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. Assisted primary patency rates for the whole series were 80%, 61%, 54%, 43%, and 34% at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. Primary patency rates for the SMA at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 71%, 47%, 37%, 28%, and 18%, respectively; and assisted primary rates were 82%, 64%, 57%, 45%, and 32%, respectively. Primary patency rates for the CA were 68%, 50%, 40%, 29%, and 21%; and assisted primary rates were 79%, 58%, 52%, 42%, and 36% for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in either primary or assisted primary patency between the SMA and CA (P = .7729 and .8169). A secondary intervention was carried out in 30% of the series. Freedom from ≥70% in-stent stenosis for the SMA was 82%, 65%, 56%, 42%, and 34%, and that for the CA was 73%, 59%, 48%, 34%, and 25%, at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting of SMA/CA stenosis has high technical/early clinical success rates with a satisfactory late clinical outcome; however, it is associated with high rates of late in-stent stenosis and intervention.

Basic data underlying clinical decision making in vascular surgery: arterial access for percutaneous procedures.

Percutaneous arterial access has become a mainstay in the armamentarium of vascular specialists. Vascular surgeons for decades have managed iatrogenic complications sustained by other specialists and now are more frequently performing catheter-based procedures themselves. A thorough understanding of the basic data underlying complications related to these procedures is imperative and is thoroughly reviewed.