Health and lifestyle parameters in peripheral artery disease at two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic: comparison between men and women

ABSTRACT Objective: This study analyzed the impact of sex on self-reported health and lifestyle parameters in peripheral artery disease patients at two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this longitudinal study, 99 patients with peripheral artery disease (53 men and 46 women) were evaluated during two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic ( i.e ., at onset: May to August 2020, and on follow-up: May to August 2021). Patients were interviewed via telephone, and information regarding lifestyle and health parameters was obtained. Results: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and habit parameters were similar between women and men, with 63.0% and 45.3% indicating frequent fatigue, 73.9% and 84.9% reporting increased sitting time, and 23.9% and 39.6% practicing physical activity, respectively. At follow-up, difficulties in physical mobility (women: from 26.1% to 73.9%, p<0.001; men: from 39.6% to 71.7%, p=0.001) and the frequency of hospitalization for reasons other than COVID-19 increased similarly in women and men (women: from 4.3% to 21.7%, p=0.013; men: from 9.4% to 24.5%, p=0.038). The other parameters were similar between the periods. Conclusion: Self-reported physical mobility difficulties and hospitalization frequency increased in women and men with peripheral artery disease.

Physiological responses during walking in men and women with intermittent claudication

ABSTRACT Objective Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold, walking economy, and cardiovascular responses during walking are used to guide and monitor walking training in patients with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication. Women with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication present greater impairments than men, and evaluating training markers according to sex for decisions regarding walking prescription in this population is important. This study aimed to compare VO2peak, walking economy, anaerobic threshold, and cardiovascular responses during walking in men and women with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication. Methods Forty patients (20 men and 20 women with similar baseline characteristics) underwent a cardiopulmonary treadmill test (3.2km/h and 2% increase in slope every 2 minutes until maximal leg pain). The VO2 and rate-pressure product were assessed. Data from men and women were compared using t-tests. Results There were no significant differences between men and women (VO2peak: 15.0±4.8 versus 13.9±2.9mL∙kg-1∙min-1, p=0.38; walking economy: 9.6±2.7 versus 8.4±1.6mL∙kg-1∙min-1, p=0.09; anaerobic threshold: 10.5±3.2 versus 10.5±2.2mL∙kg-1∙min-1, p=0.98; rate pressure product at 1st stage: 13,465± 2,910 versus 14,445±4,379bpm∙mmHg, p=0.41; and rate pressure product at anaerobic threshold:13,673±3,100 versus 16,390±5,870bpm∙mmHg, p=0.08 and rate pressure product at peak exercise: 21,253±6,141 versus 21,923±7,414bpm∙mmHg, p=0.76, respectively). Conclusion Men and women with peripheral artery disease and similar baseline characteristics presented similar responses to walking, suggesting that decisions regarding walking prescription and monitoring can be made regardless of sex in this specific population.

Analysis of 45,507 surgical treatment of distal tibia and malleolar fractures over 14 years / Análise de 45.507 tratamentos cirúrgicos das fraturas distais da tíbia e do tornozelo ao longo de 14 anos

ABSTRACT The distal leg joint fractures are among the most common fractures in humans across all age groups, and 50% of them require surgical treatment. Few studies discuss the epidemiology and costs of this fracture in the global and national literature. Objective: To evaluate the annual incidence and reimbursement value of distal leg joint fractures requiring surgical treatment from 2008 to 2021. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the complex structured data of high volume and high variability (Big Data), publicly available on the TabNet platform (DATASUS), via software with artificial intelligence. Data from 2008 to 2021 on surgical treatment for malleolar fracture, distal tibia fracture, and isolated fibula fracture were analyzed. Results: From 2008 to 2021, there was an average incidence of 28.8 fractures/105 inhabitants per year, representing 14.62% of all fractures. The total amount paid for hospitalizations due to these fractures was R$ 34,218,014.62 over these 14 years. Conclusion: The incidence of distal leg joint fractures follows the pattern of those recorded in other countries. The adjustment of reimbursement over the years was lower than the accumulated inflation. Level of Evidence II, Economic and Decision Analyses - Developing an Economic or Decision Model.

RESUMO As fraturas articulares distais da perna estão entre as fraturas mais comuns do ser humano ao longo de todas as faixas etárias, e 50% delas necessitam de tratamento cirúrgico. Existem poucos trabalhos discutindo a epidemiologia e os custos dessa fratura na literatura mundial e, principalmente, na nacional. Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência anual e o valor de reembolso das fraturas distais da perna com indicação para tratamento cirúrgico entre os anos de 2008 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo para analisar os dados complexos estruturados de alto volume e alta variabilidade (Big Data), disponibilizados publicamente na plataforma TabNet (Datasus), através de um software com inteligência artificial. Foram analisados os dados de 2008 a 2021 do tratamento cirúrgico de fratura maleolar, fratura distal da tíbia e fratura isolada da fíbula. Resultados: Entre 2008 e 2021, houve incidência média de 28,8 fraturas/105 habitantes-ano, representando 14,62% de todas as fraturas. O valor total pago pelas internações dessas fraturas foi de R$ 34.218.014,62 ao longo desses 14 anos. Conclusão: A incidência das fraturas articulares distais da perna acompanha o padrão daqueles registrados em outros países. O reajuste do repasse ao longo dos anos foi inferior à inflação acumulada. Nível de Evidência II, Análises Econômicas e de Decisão - Desenvolvimento de Modelo Econômico ou de Decisão.

Proposed public policies to improve outcomes in vascular surgery: an experts' forum

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate outcomes of vascular surgeries and identify strategies to improve public vascular care. Methods This was a descriptive, qualitative, and cross-sectional survey involving 30 specialists of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein via Zoom. The outcomes of vascular procedures performed in the Public Health System extracted through Big Data analysis were discussed, and 53 potential strategies to improve public vascular care to improve public vascular care. Results There was a consensus on mandatory reporting of some key complications after complex arterial surgeries, such as stroke after carotid revascularization and amputations after lower limb revascularization. Participants agreed on the recommendation of screening for diabetic feet and infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. The use of Telemedicine as a tool for patient follow-up, auditing of centers for major arterial surgeries, and the concentration of complex arterial surgeries in reference centers were also points of consensus, as well as the need to reduce the values of endovascular materials. Regarding venous surgery, it was suggested that there should be incentives for simultaneous treatment of both limbs in cases of varicose veins of the lower limbs, in addition to the promotion of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in the public system. Conclusion After discussing the data from the Brazilian Public System, proposals were defined for standardizing measures in population health care in the area of vascular surgery.

Shared decision-making and specific informed consent in patients with aortic aneurysms

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the refusal rate of elective aortic aneurysm surgery in asymptomatic patients after the presentation of a detailed informed consent form followed by a meeting where patient and their families can analyze each item. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 49 patients who had aneurysms and were offered surgical treatment between June 2017 and February 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: the Rejected Surgery Group, which was composed of patients who refused the proposed surgical treatment, and the Accepted Surgery Group, comprising patients who accepted the proposed surgeries and subsequently underwent them. Results Of the 49 patients, 13 (26.5%) refused surgery after reading the informed consent and attending the comprehensive meeting. We observed that patients who refused surgery had statistically smaller aneurysms than those who accepted surgery (9% versus 26%). These smaller aneurysms were above the indication size, according to the literature. Conclusion One-quarter of patients who were indicated for elective surgical repair of aortic aneurysms rejected surgery after shared decision-making, which involved presenting patients with an informed consent form followed by a clarification meeting for them and their families to analyze each item. The only factor that significantly influenced a rejection of the procedure was the size of the aneurysm; patients who rejected surgery had smaller aneurysms than those who accepted surgery.

Population-based analysis of the epidemiology of the surgical correction of hyperhidrosis in 1,216 patients over 11 years: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is the definitive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis and a nationwide study has suggested that cultural and socioeconomic factors play a role in the numbers of operations performed. Thus, there is a need to evaluate local data in order to understand the local epidemiology and trends in hyperhidrosis treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of sympathectomy for treating hyperhidrosis in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data on sympathectomies for treating hyperhidrosis between 2008 and 2018 were assessed from the database of the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 65.29% of the patients were female, 66.2% were aged between 20 and 39 years and 37.59% had registered with addresses outside São Paulo. 1,216 procedures were performed in the city of São Paulo from 2008 to 2018, and 78.45% of them were in only two public hospitals. The number of procedures significantly declined over the years (P = 0.001). 71.63% of the procedures were associated with 2-3 days of hospital stay, only 78 intensive care unit days were billed and we did not observe any intra-hospital death. CONCLUSION: The profile of patients operated on in São Paulo (young women) is similar to that described in other populations. Sympathectomy is a very safe procedure, with no mortality in our series. There was a decreasing trend in the number of surgeries over the years.

Epidemiological Analysis of 12 Years of Open Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in the Brazilian Public Health System

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although endovascular correction is a promising perspective, the gold-standard treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurisms and type-B dissections with visceral involvement remains open surgery, particularly due to its well-established long-term durability. This study aims to describe and evaluate public data from patients treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurism in the Brazilian public health system in a 12-year interval. Methods: Data from procedures performed between 2008 and 2019 were extracted from the national public database (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, or DATASUS) using web scraping techniques. Procedures were evaluated regarding the yearly frequency of elective or urgency surgeries, in-hospital mortality, and governmental costs. All tests were done with a level of significance P<0.05. Results: A total of 812 procedures were analyzed. Of all surgeries, 67.98% were elective cases. There were 328 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 40.39%). In-hospital mortality was lower in elective procedures (26.92%) than in urgency procedures (46.74%) (P=0.008). Total governmental expenditure was $3.127.051,56 — an average of $3.774,22 for elective surgery and $3.791,93 for emergency surgery (P=0.999). Conclusion: The proportion of urgency procedures is higher than that recommended by international literature. Mortality was higher for urgent admissions, although governmental costs were equal for elective and urgent procedures; specialized referral centers should be considered by health policy makers.

Impacto do câncer em pacientes com doença arterial periférica / Impact of cancer in patients with peripheral artery disease

Introdução e Objetivo: O impacto do câncer em pacientes com DAP sobre nível de atividade física diária, capacidade funcional, função cardiovascular e qualidade de vida ainda não é conhecido, sendo, portanto, o objetivo deste presente estudo. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 299 pacientes. Nível de Atividade física (acelerômetro), capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, Handgrip, Short Physical Performance Battery, Walking Impairment Questionnaire-WIQ e o Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History), função cardiovascular (pressão arterial braquial, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e rigidez arterial) e qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-bref) foram comparados entre os pacientes com DAP com e sem histórico de câncer. Resultados: Pacientes com DAP e câncer (N=27) apresentaram melhor desempenho no domínio da distância e da velocidade do WIQ (21±37 vs 14±26, p=0.036; 29±18 vs 22±15, p=0.022, respectivamente) comparado aos pacientes com DP sem câncer. Os outros parâmetros foram similares entre os grupos. Conclusão: Os pacientes com DAP e câncer apresentaram

Introduction and Objective: The impact of cancer in patients with PAD on the level of daily physical activity, functional capacity, cardiovascular function and quality of life is not yet known, thus being the objective of this present study. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 299 patients. Physical activity level (accelerometer), functional capacity (6-minute walk test, Handgrip, Short Physical Performance Battery, Walking Impairment Questionnaire-WIQ and the Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History), cardiovascular function (brachial blood pressure, variability of heart rate and arterial stiffness) and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref) were compared between patients with PAD with and without a history of cancer. Results: Patients with PAD and cancer (N=27) performed better in the distance and speed domains of the WIQ (21±37 vs 14±26, p=0.036; 29±18 vs 22±15, p=0.022, respectively) compared to PD patients without cancer. The other parameters were similar between groups. Conclusion: Patients with PAD and cancer had better results for subjectively assessed functional capacity.

Cohort study on 20 years' experience of bilateral video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy (VATS) for treatment of hyperhidrosis in 2431 patients

Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, inconsistent with the needs for thermoregulation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and the change in the quality of life of patients undergoing bilateral VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy) for treatment of hyperhidrosis, in a large case series. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in a tertiary hospital specializing in hyperhidrosis located in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 2,431 patients who underwent surgery consisting of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy between January 2000 and February 2017 were retrospectively assessed in an outpatient clinic specializing in hyperhidrosis. The patients underwent clinical and quality of life assessments on two occasions: firstly, prior to surgery, and subsequently, one month after the operation. The presence or absence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) and general satisfaction after the first postoperative month were also evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients operated had poor or very poor quality of life before surgery. In the postoperative period, an improvement in the quality of life was observed in more than 90% of the patients. Only 10.7% of the patients did not present CH, and severe CH occurred in 22.1% of the patients in this sample. CONCLUSION: Bilateral VATS is a therapeutic method that decreases the degree of sweating more than 90% of patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. It improves the quality of life for more than 90% of the patients, at the expense of development of CH in approximately 90% of the patients, but not intensely.

Hemodynamic depression after carotid surgery: Incidence, risk factors and outcomes

Abstract Introduction: Hemodynamic Depression (HD) characterized by hypotension and bradycardia is a complication of carotid surgery due to direct autonomic stimulation in the carotid sinus. The authors believe the incidence of HD is high and possibly related to major cardiac complications. Methods: Analysis of patient records during admissions for carotid surgery between January 2014 and December 2018 in two hospitals. HD was defined as bradycardia or hypotension in the first 24 postoperative hours. Bradycardia was defined as heart rate < 50bpm; hypotension as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, continuous use of vasopressors, or a drop in SBP > 20% compared to preoperative values. Myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death were defined as adverse events. Results: Overall, 237 carotid surgeries (178 endarterectomies, 59 angioplasties) were studied, and the global incidence of HD was 54.4% (hypotension in 50.2%, bradycardia in 11.0%, and hypotension and bradycardia in 6.8%). The independent predictors of HD were asymptomatic carotid stenosis (OR = 1.824; 95% CI 1.014 −3.280; p = 0.045), endovascular surgery (OR = 3.319; 95% CI 1.675−6.576; p = 0.001) and intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia (OR = 2.144; 95% CI 1.222−3.762; p = 0.008). Hypotension requiring continuous vasopressor infusion was the only factor independently associated with adverse cardiovascular events (OR = 5.504; 95% CI 1.729-17.529; p = 0.004). Discussion/conclusion: Incidence of Hemodynamic Depression after carotid surgery is high and independently associated with surgical technique, symptomatic repercussion of the carotid stenosis, and intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia. Hypotension requiring the continuous infusion of vasopressors was independently associated with the occurrence of MACE.

Evaluation of laparoscopic skills in medical students

Abstract Objective To evaluate the laparoscopic skills of medical students and identify personal characteristics in terms of greater easiness in performing laparoscopic surgical procedures. Methods This study included medical students in the 6th semester of a Medical School in Brazil who answered 10 questions concerning their habits and characteristics. A laparoscopic platform and an abdominal synthetic model were used to assess surgical skills comprising the three following surgical steps: to pass the needle through the trocar and to place it in the laparoscopic needle holder, to perform a laparoscopic simple stitch in synthetic liver parenchyma and, to perform a laparoscopic surgical knot. The duration of the activity was limited to four minutes and the procedure was monitored by a laparoscopic surgeon. Results The study included 50 students. Of these, 18% completed the three surgical stages. Steps 1 and 2 were completed by 94% and 88% of students, respectively. No statistically significant variables were found when characteristics of the groups with and without success in the three stages were compared. The group that finished the activity had a faster time completing step 2 than the group that failed (mean time of 115.3 seconds against 157.8 seconds, p=0.03). Conclusion The minority of students could complete effectively all three surgical steps. No personal traits related to greater surgical skill were identified.

Varicose Vein Stripping in 66,577 patients in 11 years in public hospitals in São Paulo

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of varicose vein stripping in Brazil's largest city, São Paulo. METHODS: Open and anonymous data regarding varicose vein surgeries between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated from the TabNet platform of the Municipal Health Secretary of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Most patients were female and adults. A total of 66,577 varicose vein surgeries were performed in public hospitals and outpatient clinics in São Paulo, with a statistically significant increase for both unilateral (p=0.003) and bilateral (p<0.001) procedures. Since 2016, unilateral procedures have been performed more frequently than bilateral procedures. Most procedures were associated with same-day (54.8%) or next-day (32%) discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0.0045%. The total amount reimbursed was $20,693,437.94, corresponding to a mean value of $310.82 per procedure. CONCLUSION: Surgeries to treat chronic vein disease totaled 66,577 in 11 years, demanding $20,693,437.94 from the public health system. The majority of treated patients were female, over 40 years of age, and local residents. Procedure rates have increased over the years. The in-hospital mortality rate was very low (0.0045%).

Temporal trends in vena cava filter implantation in public health system inpatients: an 11-year analysis of the largest city in Brazil / Tendência temporal do implante de filtro de veia cava em pacientes internados no SUS em São Paulo: análise de 11 anos da maior cidade do Brasil

Abstract Background Vena cava filter implantation is considered a simple procedure, which can lead to overuse and over-indication. It is nevertheless associated with short and long-term complications. Objectives The goals of this study were to evaluate rates of vena cava filter implantation conducted by Brazil's Unified Public Health System, analyzing in-hospital mortality and migration of patients from other cities seeking medical attention in São Paulo. Methods This study analyzed all vena cava filter procedures conducted from 2008 to 2018 in the city of São Paulo and registered on the public database using a big data system to conduct web scraping of publicly available databases. Results A total of 1324 vena cava filter implantations were analyzed. 60.5% of the patients were female; 61.7% were under 65 years old; 34.07% had registered addresses in other cities or states; and there was a 7.4% in-hospital mortality rate. Conclusions We observed an increase in the rates of use of vena cava filters up to 2010 and a decrease in rates from that year onwards, which coincides with the year that the Food and Drug Administration published a recommendation to better evaluate vena cava filter indications.

Resumo Contexto O implante de filtro de veia cava é considerado um procedimento de baixa complexidade, o que pode resultar em indicação excessiva. No entanto, não é isento de complicações a curto e longo prazo. Objetivos Avaliar as taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e a origem geográfica e mortalidade intra-hospitalar dos pacientes. Métodos Foi conduzida uma análise em um banco de dados públicos referente às taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados de 2008 a 2018 na cidade de São Paulo, utilizando o sistema de big data. Resultados Foram analisados 1.324 implantes de filtro de veia cava financiados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Identificou-se tendência de aumento da taxa de implantação até 2010 e de redução dos números após esse período. Do total de pacientes, 60,5% eram do sexo feminino; 61,75% tinham menos de 65 anos; e 34,07% possuíam endereço oficial em outra cidade ou estado. A taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 7,4%. Conclusões Observamos aumento das taxas de implante de filtro de veia cava até 2010 e redução das taxas após esse período, o que coincide com o ano em que a organização norte-americana Food and Drug Administration publicou uma recomendação para melhor avaliar as indicações de filtros.

Epidemiological analysis of 556 procedures of open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the Public Health System in the largest Brazilian city

ABSTRACT Objective Despite the development of endovascular procedures, open repair remains the gold standard for the treatment of aortic thoracoabdominal aneurysms and some type B dissections, with well-established good outcomes and long-term durability at high-volume centers. The present study described and analyzed public data from patients treated in the public system in a 12-year interval, in a city where more than 5 million inhabitants depend on the Public Health System. Methods Public data from procedures performed between 2008 and 2019 were extracted using web scraping techniques. The variables available in the database include sex, age, elective or emergency hospital admission, number of surgeries, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and information on reimbursement values. Results A total of 556 procedures were analyzed. Of these, 60.79% patients were men, and 41.18% were 65 years of age or older. Approximately 60% had a residential address registered in the municipality. Of all surgeries, 65.83% were elective cases. There were 178 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 32%). In the elective context, there were 98 deaths 26.78% versus 80 deaths (42.10%) in the emergency context (p=0.174). Mortality was lower in the hospitals that performed more surgeries. A total of USD 3,038,753.92 was paid, an average of USD 5,406.95 for elective surgery and USD 5,074.76 for emergency surgery (p=0.536). Conclusion Mortality was no different between groups, and hospitals with higher volume presented more favorable outcomes. Specialized referral centers should be considered by health policy makers.

Pseudoaneurisma e fístula arteriovenosa da artéria femoral profunda após rotura completa do músculo vasto medial: tratamento endovascular / Pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula of the deep femoral artery after complete rupture of the vastus medialis muscle: endovascular treatment

Resumo A artéria femoral profunda, devido às suas características anatômicas, se encontra protegida da maioria dos traumatismos vasculares. Relatamos um caso de pseudoaneurisma de ramo perfurante da artéria femoral profunda, associado à fístula arteriovenosa, secundário a rotura completa do músculo vasto medial em paciente jogador de futebol. A ressonância magnética demonstrou lesão muscular associada a pseudoaneurisma, e a angiotomografia confirmou a presença de pseudoaneurisma associado a fístula arteriovenosa de ramo da artéria femoral profunda. Foi realizado tratamento endovascular da fístula através da embolização com micromolas fibradas e drenagem cirúrgica do hematoma muscular. O paciente evoluiu bem, sem queixas clínicas no 30º dia de pós-operatório e também após 1 ano.

Abstract Due to its anatomical characteristics, the deep femoral artery is protected from most vascular injuries. We report a case of a soccer player with pseudoaneurysm of a perforating branch of the deep femoral artery, associated with an arteriovenous fistula and secondary to complete rupture of the vastus medialis muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging showed muscle damage associated with a pseudoaneurysm and angiotomography confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm associated with a deep arteriovenous fistula of a branch of the deep femoral artery. Endovascular treatment of the fistula was performed by embolization with fibrous microcoils and surgical drainage of the muscle hematoma. The patient recovered well, was free from clinical complaints on the 30th postoperative day and also after 1 year.

Epidemiological analysis of lower limb revascularization for peripheral arterial disease over 12 years on the public healthcare system in Brazil / Análise epidemiológica da revascularização de membros inferiores para doença arterial periférica em 12 anos no sistema público de saúde do Brasil

Abstract Background Worldwide, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disorder with high morbidity, affecting more than 200 million people. Objectives Our objective was to analyze surgical treatment for PAD provided on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System over 12 years using publicly available data. Methods The study was conducted with analysis of data available on the Brazilian Health Ministry's database platform, assessing distributions of procedures and techniques over the years and their associated mortality and costs. Results A total of 129,424 procedures were analyzed (performed either for claudication or critical ischemia, proportion unknown). The vast majority of procedures were endovascular (65.49%) and this disproportion exhibited a rising trend (p<0.001). There were 3,306 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 2.55%), with lower mortality in the endovascular group (1.2% vs. 5.0%, p=0.008). The overall governmental expenditure on these procedures was U$ 238,010,096.51, and endovascular procedures were on average significantly more expensive than open surgery (U$ 1,932.27 vs. U$ 1,517.32; p=0.016). Conclusions Lower limb revascularizations were performed on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System with gradually increasing frequency from 2008 to 2019. Endovascular procedures were vastly more common and were associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates, but higher procedure costs.

Resumo Contexto A doença arterial periférica (DAP) é uma doença com alta morbidade global, afetando mais de 200 milhões de pessoas. Objetivos Neste estudo, analisamos o tratamento cirúrgico para DAP no sistema público de saúde do Brasil no período de 12 anos, com base em dados publicamente disponíveis. Métodos O estudo foi conduzido a partir da análise de dados disponíveis na plataforma do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), do Ministério da Saúde, avaliando a distribuição da técnica cirúrgica utilizada, a mortalidade e o custo ao longo dos anos. Resultados Um total de 129.424 procedimentos foram analisados (para claudicantes e isquemia crítica, em proporção desconhecida). A maiora dos procedimentos foi via endovascular (65,49%), com tendência de aumento nessa desproporção (p < 0,001). Houve 3.306 mortes intra-hospitalares (mortalidade de 2,55%) com menor mortalidade no grupo endovascular (1,2% vs. 5,0%; p = 0,008). O investimento governamental total para esses procedimentos foi de US$ 238.010.096,51, e os procedimentos endovasculares foram significativamente mais caros que a cirurgia aberta convencional (US$ 1.932,27 vs. US$ 1.517,32; p = 0,016). Conclusões No sistema público de saúde brasileiro, as revascularizações de membros inferiores ocorreram com frequência crescente entre 2008 e 2019. Os procedimentos endovasculares foram mais comuns e relacionados a menor mortalidade intra-hospitalar, mas a maiores custos.

Surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms on the public health system in the largest city in Brazil: a descriptive analysis of in-hospital data on 2693 procedures over 10 years / Correção cirúrgica do aneurisma de aorta abdominal em 2. 693 procedimentos ao longo de 10 anos no sistema público de saúde: uma análise descritiva na maior cidade brasileira

Abstract Background From 1990 to 2015, mortality from aortic aneurysms increased 16.8% in Brazil. São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and about 5 million people depend on the public health system there. Objectives To conduct an epidemiological analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries in the city of São Paulo. Methods Infra-renal aortic aneurysm procedures performed over a decade (from 2008 to 2017) were studied using publicly-available platforms from the Unified Health System and DATASUS. Results 2693 procedures were analyzed; 66.73% were endovascular; 78.7% of patients were male; 70.7% were aged 65 years or more; 64.02% were elective hospital admissions. There were 288 in-hospital deaths (mortality: 10.69%). In-hospital mortality was lower for endovascular surgery than for open surgery; both for elective (4.13% versus 14.42%) and urgent (9.73% versus 27.94%) (p = 0.019) admissions. The highest volume hospital (n = 635) had the lowest in-hospital mortality (3.31%). USD 24,835,604.84 was paid; an average of $ 2,318.63 for elective open, $ 3,420.10 for emergency open, $ 12,157.35 for elective endovascular and $ 12,969.12 for urgent endovascular procedures. Endovascular procedure costs were statistically higher than the values paid for open surgeries (p <0.001). Conclusions Endovascular surgeries were performed twice as often as open surgeries; they had shorter hospital stays and lower mortality.

Resumo Contexto No Brasil, a mortalidade por aneurisma de aorta aumentou 16,8% de 1990 a 2015. São Paulo é a maior cidade do Brasil, e cerca de 5 milhões de pessoas dependem do sistema público de saúde. Objetivos Análise epidemiológica das cirurgias do aneurisma de aorta abdominal na cidade de São Paulo. Métodos As cirurgias para correção do aneurisma de aorta infrarrenal realizadas no período de uma década (de 2008 a 2017) foram estudadas utilizando-se plataformas publicamente disponíveis do Sistema Único de Saúde e do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Resultados Foram analisados ​​2.693 procedimentos, entre os quais 66,73% eram endovasculares. Entre os pacientes, houve predominância do sexo masculino (78,7%) e daqueles com 65 anos ou mais (70,7%). Um total de 64,02% eram admissões hospitalares eletivas. Ocorreram 288 óbitos hospitalares (mortalidade: 10,69%). A mortalidade durante a internação foi menor para cirurgia endovascular do que para cirurgia aberta tanto no contexto eletivo (4,13% versus 14,42%) quanto urgente (9,73% versus 27,94%) (p = 0,019). O maior volume (n = 635) apresentou menor mortalidade intra-hospitalar (3,31%). Foi pago um total de $24.835.604,84, sendo uma média de $2.318,63 para cirurgia abertura eletiva, $3.420,10 para cirurgia abertura de emergência, $12.157,35 para cirurgia endovascular eletiva e $12.969,12 para cirurgia endovascular na urgência. Os custos dos procedimentos endovasculares foram estatisticamente superiores aos valores pagos para as cirurgias abertas (p < 0,001). Conclusões Foram realizadas duas vezes mais cirurgias endovasculares do que abertas, as quais apresentaram menor tempo de internação e menor mortalidade.

Respostas fisiológicas à caminhada máxima e submáxima em pacientes com doença arterial periférica sintomática / Physiological responses to maximal and submaximal walking in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease

Resumo Fundamento: Embora a caminhada máxima e submáxima sejam recomendadas para pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP), a realização desses exercícios pode induzir diferentes respostas fisiológicas. Objetivos: Comparar os efeitos agudos de caminhada máxima e submáxima na função cardiovascular, a regulação e os processos fisiopatológicos associados pós-exercício em pacientes com DAP sintomática. Métodos: Trinta pacientes do sexo masculino foram submetidos a 2 sessões: caminhada máxima (protocolo de Gardner) e caminhada submáxima (15 períodos de 2 minutos de caminhada separados por 2 minutos de repouso ereto). Em cada sessão, foram medidos a pressão arterial (PA), a frequência cardíaca (FC), a modulação autonômica cardíaca (variabilidade da FC), os fluxos sanguíneos (FS) do antebraço e da panturrilha, a capacidade vasodilatadora (hiperemia reativa), o óxido nítrico (ON), o estresse oxidativo (a peroxidação lipídica) e a inflamação (quatro marcadores), pré e pós-caminhada. ANOVAs foram empregadas e p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: A PA sistólica e a PA média diminuíram após a sessão submáxima, mas aumentaram após a sessão máxima (interações, p < 0,001 para ambas). A PA diastólica não foi alterada após a sessão submáxima (p > 0,05), mas aumentou após a caminhada máxima (interação, p < 0,001). A FC, o equilíbrio simpatovagal e os FS aumentaram de forma semelhante após as duas sessões (momento, p < 0,001, p = 0,04 e p < 0,001, respectivamente), enquanto a capacidade vasodilatadora, o ON e o estresse oxidativo permaneceram inalterados (p > 0,05). As moléculas de adesão vascular e intercelular aumentaram de forma semelhante após as sessões de caminhada máxima e submáxima (momento, p = 0,001). Conclusões: Nos pacientes com a DAP sintomática, a caminhada submáxima, mas não a máxima, reduziu a PA pós-exercício, enquanto a caminhada máxima manteve a sobrecarga cardíaca elevada durante o período de recuperação. Por outro lado, as sessões de caminhada máxima e submáxima aumentaram a FC, o equilíbrio simpatovagal cardíaco e a inflamação pós-exercício de forma semelhante, enquanto não alteraram a biodisponibilidade de ON e o estresse oxidativo pós-exercício.

Abstract Background: Although maximal and submaximal walking are recommended for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), performing these exercises may induce different physiological responses. Objectives: To compare the acute effects of maximal and submaximal walking on post-exercise cardiovascular function, regulation, and associated pathophysiological processes in patients with symptomatic PAD. Methods: Thirty male patients underwent 2 sessions: maximal walking (Gardner's protocol) and submaximal walking (15 bouts of 2 minutes of walking separated by 2 minutes of upright rest). In each session, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac autonomic modulation (HR variability), forearm and calf blood flows (BF), vasodilatory capacity (reactive hyperemia), nitric oxide (NO), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), and inflammation (four markers) were measured pre- and post-walking. ANOVAs were employed, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Systolic and mean BP decreased after the submaximal session, but they increased after the maximal session (interactions, p < 0.001 for both). Diastolic BP did not change after the submaximal session (p > 0.05), and it increased after maximal walking (interaction, p < 0.001). HR, sympathovagal balance, and BF increased similarly after both sessions (moment, p < 0.001, p = 0.04, and p < 0.001, respectively), while vasodilatory capacity, NO, and oxidative stress remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Vascular and intercellular adhesion molecules increased similarly after both maximal and submaximal walking sessions (moment, p = 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with symptomatic PAD, submaximal, but not maximal walking reduced post-exercise BP, while maximal walking maintained elevated cardiac overload during the recovery period. On the other hand, maximal and submaximal walking sessions similarly increased post-exercise HR, cardiac sympathovagal balance, and inflammation, while they did not change post-exercise NO bioavailability and oxidative stress.

Physical activity practice during COVID-19 pandemic in patients with intermittent claudication

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To describe physical activity habits and barriers for physical activity practice in patients with peripheral artery disease and claudication symptoms during Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey study, 127 patients with peripheral artery disease (59.8% men; 68±9 years old; and 81.9% had the peripheral artery disease diagnosis ≥5 years old) were included. The physical activity habits and barriers for physical activity practice were assessed through telephone interview using a questionnaire with questions related to: (a) COVID-19 personal care; (b) overall health; (c) physical activity habits; (d) for those who were inactive, the barriers for physical activity practice. RESULTS: Only 26.8% of patients reported practicing physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exercise characteristics more common among these patients include walking, performed at least 5 days a week, during 31-60 min at light intensity. In contrast, among physically inactive patients, pain, injury or disability (55%), the COVID-19 pandemic (50%), the need to rest due to leg pain (29%), and lack of energy (27%) were the most frequent barriers to physical activity practice. CONCLUSION: The physical activity level of patients with peripheral artery disease is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Multilayer stents affect the final diameter of aortic aneurysms and maintain renal artery patency for a short time in a swine experimental model

OBJECTIVES: We sought to analyze the hemodynamic effects of the multilayer flow-modulated stent (MFMS) in Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). METHODS: The hemodynamic effects of MFMS were analyzed in aortic thoracoabdominal aneurysms in experimental swine models. We randomly assigned 18 pigs to the stent or control groups and underwent the creation of an artificial bovine pericardium transrenal aneurysm. In the stent group, an MFMS (Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) was immediately implanted. After 4 weeks, we evaluated aneurysm sac thrombosis and renal branch patency by angiography, duplex scan, and morphological analysis. RESULTS: All the renal arteries remained patent after re-evaluation in both groups. Aneurysmal sac thrombosis was absent in the control group, whereas in the stent group it was present in 66.7% of aneurysmal sacs (p=0.061). The mean final aneurysm sac diameter was significantly lower in the stent group (mean estimated reduction, 6.90 mm; p=0.021). The proximal neck diameter decreased significantly in the stent group (mean difference, 2.51 mm; p=0.022) and grew significantly in the control group (mean difference, 3.02 mm; p=0.007). The distal neck diameter increased significantly in the control group (mean difference, 3.24 mm; p=0.017). There were no significant findings regarding distal neck measurements in the stent group. CONCLUSION: The MFMSs remained patent and did not obstruct the renal arteries within 4 weeks. In the stent group, the device was also associated with a significant decrease in aneurysmal sac diameter and a large proportion (albeit non-significant) of aneurysmal sac thrombosis.