Immediate and delayed complications of inferior vena cava filters.

OBJECTIVE: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement has increased dramatically in the past two decades. However, literature supporting the efficacy of these devices has been limited and controversial. In the present study, we have evaluated the predictors and rates of technical complications after IVC filter insertion in a large national database. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative registry was explored (January 2013 to December 2020). Immediate complications were defined as venous injury requiring treatment, filter misplacement (failure to open, deployed >20 mm from intended site or in wrong vein, embolized to the heart), angulation >20°, and insertion site complications. Delayed complications were defined as migration, angulation >15°, fracture, caval and/or iliac thrombosis, filter thrombus, fragment embolization, and perforation. The Pearson χ2 test was used to compare the baseline characteristics between the patients who had developed immediate and/or delayed complications and those who had not. The predictors of these complications were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, Cox proportional hazard regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 14,784 patients were included in the present analysis, with a median follow-up of 11 months (interquartile range, 4-16 months). The rate of immediate and delayed complications was 1.8% and 3.1%, respectively. Angulation (1.2%) was the most common immediate complication, and filter thrombosis (1.6%) was the most common delayed complication. Compared with the patients with no immediate complications, those with immediate complications were more likely to have had abnormal anatomy (6.0% vs 1.7%; P < .001) and a landing zone other than infrarenal (7.0% vs 4.2%; P = .02). Compared with their counterparts, those with delayed complications were less likely to have received statins (21.0% vs 29.5%; P = .006) and were more likely to have a family history of venous thromboembolism (8.0% vs 5.1%; P = .047). Logistic regression analysis revealed that renal vein visualization was associated a 50% reduction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.92; P = .027) in the odds of immediate complications and female sex and abnormal anatomy were associated with a 41% (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.08-1.85; P = .013) and 244% (aOR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.66-7.16; P < .001) increase in the odds of immediate complications, respectively. Immediate (P = .21) and delayed (P = .51) complications did not result in increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The immediate and delayed IVC filter complication rates were 1.8% and 3.1%, respectively, but the occurrence of complications was not associated with increased mortality. Female sex was associated with an increase in the development of immediate complications. The incidence of immediate complications might be mitigated if advanced imaging were used for renal vein visualization before IVC filter deployment. Delayed complications might be avoided if IVC filter retrieval were performed in a timely fashion and institutional retrieval protocols were optimized.

Fenestrated endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians is associated with higher mortality and an increased incidence of nonhome discharge.

OBJECTIVE: Fenestrated endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has been increasingly becoming the endovascular treatment of choice for patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with an infrarenal neck, not suitable for traditional endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Older patients are at a high risk of developing complications after elective procedures. A review of the literature showed mixed results for FEVAR in the elderly patient population. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of mortality (both short and long term), discharge destination, and other postoperative outcomes in the octogenarian population who had undergone FEVAR for the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms in a large, national surgical database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone FEVAR in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database was performed from July 2010 to June 2019. The study cohort excluded patients aged <18 years and concomitant procedures for snorkeling of visceral branches of the aorta. The final selected cohort was divided into two patient groups: group I, patients aged <80 years (nonoctogenarians); and group II, patients aged ≥80 years (octogenarians). The primary outcomes were mortality at 30 days (short term), 6 months, and 1 year (long term) and the discharge destination. The secondary outcomes included postoperative length of stay, intensive care unit stay, postoperative major cardiac events, and the need for intervention. Computation of models to measure the outcomes and identify the risk factors contributing to mortality at 30 days and discharge to a nonhome destination was performed using multiple logistic regression analyses. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to study the long-term mortality in the patient groups. RESULTS: A total of 5507 patients had undergone FEVAR in the 9-year period in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database (group I, nonoctogenarians, n = 4424 [80.3%]; group II, octogenarians, n = 1156 [19.7%]). Octogenarians were more likely to be women, white, Medicare insured, and hypertensive. This group also had lower rates of former or current smokers, a lower glomerular filtration rate, a lower incidence of late-stage chronic kidney disease, and an aneurysm diameter >5.5 cm. Greater estimated blood loss and longer procedures were also noted in the octogenarian group compared with the nonoctogenarian group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that octogenarians had had greater mortality at 30 days (7.3%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.45; P = .044), 6 months (13.7%; aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.24-1.81; P < .001), and 1 year (17.5%; aOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.34-2.07; P < .001). The present analysis to measure the discharge destination showed that octogenarians had a greater risk of discharge to nonhome destinations (26.7%; aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.24-1.81; P < .001). Octogenarians had a lower risk of ≥2 days of an intensive care unit stay (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91; P < .001) but a greater risk of experiencing dysrhythmia (10.1%; aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-7.1; P = .036) following the procedure compared with the nonoctogenarians. CONCLUSIONS: In our retrospective analysis of a large, national surgical database, we found that of the patients undergoing FEVAR to manage juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, octogenarians had greater mortality and a greater risk of being discharged to nonhome locations compared with nonoctogenarians.

In-hospital and one-year outcomes are similar for women and men following transcarotid artery revascularization in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: In randomized controlled trials and retrospective series, women have higher rates of periprocedural stroke and death following carotid endarterectomy and transfemoral carotid artery stenting compared with men. We sought to compare outcomes by sex following transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) among patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). METHODS: We reviewed all patients in the VQI who underwent TCAR from 2017 to 2020. We stratified the analysis by symptom status. The primary outcome was in-hospital stroke/death, and secondary outcomes were in-hospital stroke and death and 1-year stroke/death, stroke, and death. We used multivariable logistic and Cox regression models to assess the association of sex with in-hospital and 1-year outcomes after adjusting for preoperative and intraoperative characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 15,851 patients who underwent TCAR, of whom 7391 (47%) were symptomatic (2708 or 37% female) and 8460 (53%) were asymptomatic (3097 or 37% female). Women were less frequently considered anatomic high risk than men in both groups (symptomatic: 43% vs 46%; P = .004; asymptomatic: 44% vs 48%; P = .004). Among symptomatic patients, women more often had severe ≥70% stenosis (89% vs 87%; P = .02). There were no differences in in-hospital death, stroke, or stroke/death for women vs men following TCAR among symptomatic or asymptomatic patients (all P > .05). After adjusting for baseline differences between groups, female sex was not associated with in-hospital stroke/death in either symptomatic (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.56) or asymptomatic (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.63) patients undergoing TCAR. There were also no differences in 1-year stroke, death, or stroke/death risk for women compared with men with and without symptoms on unadjusted or adjusted analyses (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: We found no sex differences in in-hospital or 1-year stroke/death following TCAR, regardless of symptom status. TCAR appears to be as safe of a surgical procedure for women as for men in patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery disease.

The Effect of Intravenous and Oral Beta-Blocker Use in Patients with Type B Thoracic Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers have become the cornerstone for medical management in patients with chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD). However, the effect of being on and/or receiving intravenous beta-blockers during hospitalization on outcomes of surgical repair of TBAD is not fully described. We sought to investigate this association during open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular (Endo) intervention for nontraumatic TBAD. METHODS: The Premier Healthcare Database was inquired (June/2009-March/2015). Patients with nontraumatic isolated TBAD were identified via ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedural codes. Patients with codes that indicated TAAD were excluded. In-hospital mortality, cardiac complications (CHF, MI, arrythmia) and stroke were evaluated. Log binomial regression analyses with bootstrapping were performed to assess the relative risk of adverse outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,752 were admitted for OSR (54.3%) and Endo (45.7%) TBAD repair. Use of oral beta blocker (BB) was 16.0% in OSR and 56.4% in Endo groups. In each arm, patients on BB were more likely to be diabetic, on aspirin or statin and more likely to receive additional IV BB than nonBB patients. There was no significant difference in age, sex, race, or prior history of CHF between BB and nonBB groups. Mortality was proportionally lower in patients on BB in OSR group (7.9% vs. 16.7%; P = 0.006) and Endo (3.3% vs. 9.2%; P < 0.001). The adjusted relative risk for mortality and stroke were significantly lower in oral BB recipients compared with none [aRR (95% CI): 0.53 (0.32-0.90) and 0.46 (0.25-0.87); both P ≤ 0.02]. IV metoprolol was the only IV BB that reduced mortality [aRR (95% CI): 0.62 (0.46-0.85); P = 0.003]. A dose of ≤10 mg was associated with significant mortality reduction: 6.3% (3.0-9.5%) compared with 8.1% (4.6-11.6%) in no IV BB group. Cardiac complications were not affected by BB use. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with nontraumatic TBAD, use of oral BB was associated with significant protection against in-hospital mortality and stroke following repair. Metoprolol was the only Intravenous BB type associated with improved survival. Further research is warranted to elucidate the effect of beta-blockers on the long-term surgical outcomes of TBAD.

Association of abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter indexed to patient height with symptomatic presentation and mortality.

BACKGROUND: The current guidelines have recommended repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) according to the maximal AAA diameter and/or its growth rate. However, many studies have suggested that the AAA diameter alone is not sufficient to predict the risk of rupture or symptomatic presentation. Several investigators have attempted to relate the AAA diameter to the body surface area in predicting for rupture. However, these calculations have not resulted in conclusive evidence. We sought in the present analysis to introduce a novel diameter-to-height index (DHI) and test its utility in predicting for symptomatic presentations, including rupture and 30-day and 5-year mortality. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2020) was used to identify patients who had undergone open or endovascular AAA repair. The DHI was defined as the AAA diameter in centimeters divided by the height in centimeters, yielding a score of 1 to 10. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of symptomatic presentation, including rupture and 30-day mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, and survival analysis techniques were used to determine the hazard of 5-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 64,595 patients were identified, of whom, 16.3% had presented with symptomatic AAAs, including rupture. Endovascular AAA repair was performed for 69.8% of the symptomatic AAAs and 84.3% of asymptomatic AAAs (P < .001). The symptomatic group were more likely to be women (24.6% vs 19.8%; P < .001) and Black (7.81% vs 4.44%; P < .001). The mean DHI was higher in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (mean DHI, 3.92 ± 1.1 vs 3.24 ± 0.7; P < .001). The adjusted odds of a symptomatic presentation increased with an increasing DHI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-1.83; P < .001). Active smoking increased the risk of a symptomatic presentation (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.28-1.51; P < .001). However, the use of preoperative statins and beta-blockers significantly reduced the odds of a symptomatic presentation (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53-0.64; P < .001; and aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.84; P < .001), respectively. Compared with the AAA diameter, the receiver operating characteristic curve for the DHI to predict for symptomatic status was slightly, but significantly, higher (aOR, 0.702; 95% CI, 0.695-0.708; vs aOR, 0.695; 95% CI, 0.688-0.701; P < .001). The DHI increment was associated with a 1.08 greater odds of 30-day mortality (aOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15; P < .001) for those with symptomatic AAAs. Similarly, the hazard of 5-year mortality was increased with an increasing DHI (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13-1.29; P < .001) only for those with asymptomatic AAAs. CONCLUSIONS: The DHI is a simple tool that could be more effective than the AAA diameter in predicting for symptomatic presentations. The DHI varied by sex and race, which could collectively help to provide an individualized prognosis. The DHI can additionally predict the 5-year mortality after AAA repair for those with asymptomatic AAAs only. However, the odds of 30-day mortality remained similar in both groups.

Preoperative leukocytosis among female patients predicts poor postoperative outcomes following endovascular aneurysm repair for intact infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) can be predictive of adverse outcomes following vascular interventions, but the association has not established using multi-institutional data. We evaluated the predictive value of preoperative WBC after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in a nationally representative surgical database. METHODS: Patients with nonruptured AAA undergoing EVAR were identified in the vascular-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with WBC <10 K/µL and WBC ≥10 K/µL. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the odds of outcomes. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multiple secondary outcomes including length of stay (LOS) > 1 week, 30-day readmission, lower extremity (LE) ischemia, ischemic colitis, myocardial infarction, and others were assessed based on WBC and patient sex. RESULTS: A total of 10,955 patients were included, with a mean WBC 7.7 ± 2.7 K/µL. Patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL were younger (71.8 ± 9.5 years vs 74.1 ± 8.7 years; P < .001) and were more likely to be diabetic, on steroids, smokers, functionally dependent, and presenting emergently (all P ≤ .009). Aneurysm diameter was larger in patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL (5.9 ± 1.5 cm vs 5.7 ± 1.5 cm; P < .001). Patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL had more mortality (2.4% vs 1.3%), LOS >1 week (13.5% vs 6.7%), 30-day readmissions (9.8% vs 7.3%), LE ischemia (2.3% vs 1.4%), ischemic colitis (1.2% vs 0.5%), and myocardial infarction (2.0% vs 1.1%) (all P ≤ .008). Female patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL, compared with male patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL, had more adverse events, including mortality, LOS >1 week, 30-day readmission, and LE ischemia (all P ≤ .025). With each incremental increase in WBC by 1 K/µL, the adjusted odds ratio of adverse outcomes for all patient was higher (mortality: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.10; readmission: 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; LOS >1 week: 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.10; and ischemic colitis: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16; all P < .05). The effect was more pronounced in female patients and was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: WBC is a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing EVAR for nonruptured AAA. After adjusting for associated risk factors, the effect of increasing WBC was more prominent for female patients. Preoperative WBC should be used as a prognostic factor to predict adverse outcomes among patients undergoing EVAR.

Hospitalization Cost and In-hospital Outcomes Following Type B Thoracic Aortic Dissection Repair.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported lower mortality and morbidity after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) when compared to open surgical repair (OSR) in the treatment of type B aortic dissection (TbAD). However, there are few studies in the literature on the cost of both treatment options. Thus, the aim of this study is to focus on in-hospital outcomes and cost associated with TbAD repair procedures in a national database in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) between June 2009 and March 2015 was performed. ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify patients who underwent OSR or TEVAR for TbAD. Endpoints included in-hospital adverse events, in-hospital mortality and hospitalization cost. Logistic regression models and generalized linear models were used to assess the impact of treatment type on the main outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 1752 patients with TbAD, 54.3% underwent OSR and 45.7% underwent TEVAR. Patients in the TEVAR group were older [median age, 64 (IQR 54-73) vs. 59 (IQR 49-70), P < 1] and more likely to have preexisting comorbidities. IAE rates were 78.6% for the OSR group compared to 43.1% for the TEVAR group, P < 0.001. Patients in the OSR group showed significantly higher in-hospital mortality (15.3% vs. 5.9%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, OSR was associated with a 5-fold increase in IAE [aOR(95%CI): 4.8 (3.8-6.1), P < 0.001] and a 3-fold increase in in-hospital mortality [aOR(95%CI): 3.3 (2.1-5.1), P < 0.001]. In regards to charges related to the hospital stay, total cost was significantly higher among patients undergoing OSR $53,371 ($39,029-$80,471) vs. TEVAR $45,311 ($31,479-$67,960), P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that TEVAR presents an advantage in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost when compared to OSR in the treatment of TbAD. However, long-term cost-effectiveness of both procedures remains unknown. Further research is warranted to see whether the superiority of TEVAR is maintained over time.

The association of estimated glomerular filtration rate with outcomes following infrainguinal bypass for peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a recognized predictor of long-term survival, frequently coexisting with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a more accurate marker of renal function than creatinine. This study sought to determine the graded impact of CKD, defined by eGFR, on infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB) outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study examined 44,332 patients from the Vascular Quality Initiative database who underwent LEB between January 2003 and November 2019. The GFR was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study perioperative mortality and Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression were used to evaluate 5-year mortality, 1-year major amputation, and major amputation/death. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality odds was increased for CKD 3 (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-1.91; P < .001) and CKD 5 (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.45-3.87; P < .001) relative to CKD 1 to 2. Comparing CKD stages 3, 4, and 5 with CKD 1 and 2, there was a stepwise increase in the adjusted hazard of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.27; P < .001), (HR, 1.73; 95% CI; 1.47-2.03; P < .001) and (HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.33-3.84; P < .001), respectively. Although the risk of 1-year death or major amputation did not differ for CKD 3 compared with CKD 1, this was 50% higher for CKD 4 (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.26-1.78; P < .001) and doubled for CKD 5 (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.87-2.29; P < .001) compared with CKD 1 and 2. The adjusted HR for major amputation in 1 year was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71-0.92; P = .002), 1.14 (95% CI, 0.84-1.54; P = .396) and 1.56 (95% CI,1.31-1.84; P < .001) for CKD 3, 4, and 5, respectively, compared with CKD 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated GFR is a useful predictor of postoperative mortality, overall survival, and/or amputation after LEB in patients with PAD. It should be considered in the preoperative risk-benefit analysis process to guide patient selection in the population with concomitant PAD and CKD being considered for LEB.

Quantifying the risk-adjusted hospital costs of postoperative complications after lower extremity bypass in patients with claudication.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing evidence has shown that the risks associated with surgical revascularization for intermittent claudication outweigh the benefits. The aim of our study was to quantify the cost of care associated with perioperative complications after elective lower extremity bypass (LEB) in patients presenting with intermittent claudication. METHODS: All patients undergoing first-time LEB for claudication in the Healthcare Database (2009-2015) were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital postoperative complications, including major adverse limb events (MALE), major adverse cardiac events (MACE), acute kidney injury, and wound complications. The overall crude hospital costs are reported, and a generalized linear model with log link and inverse Gaussian distribution was used to calculate the predicted hospital costs for specific complications. RESULTS: Overall, 7154 patients had undergone elective LEB for claudication during the study period. The median age was 66 years (interquartile range, 59-73 years), 67.5% were male, and 75.3% were white. Two thirds of patients (61.2%) had Medicare insurance, followed by private insurance (26.9%), Medicaid (7.7%), and other insurance (4.2%). In-hospital complications occurred in 8.5% of patients, including acute kidney injury in 3.0%, MALE in 2.8%, wound complications in 2.3%, and MACE in 1.0%. The overall median crude hospital cost was $11,783 (interquartile range, $8911-$15,767) per patient. The incremental increase in cost associated with a postoperative complication was significant, ranging from $6183 (95% confidence interval, $4604-$7762) for MALE to $10,485 (95% confidence interval, $6529-$14,441) for MACE after risk adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications after elective LEB for claudication are not uncommon and increase the in-hospital costs by 46% to 78% depending on the complication. Surgical revascularization for claudication should be used sparingly in carefully selected patients.

Deep Learning and Multivariable Models Select EVAR Patients for Short-Stay Discharge.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a prediction score with data from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) EVAR in efforts to assist endovascular specialists in deciding whether or not a patient is appropriate for short-stay discharge. BACKGROUND: Small series describe short-stay discharge following elective EVAR. Our study aims to quantify characteristics associated with this decision. METHODS: The VQI EVAR and NSQIP datasets were queried. Patients who underwent elective EVAR recorded in VQI, between 1/2010-5/2017 were split 2:1 into test and analytic cohorts via random number assignment. Cross-reference with the Medicare claims database confirmed all-cause mortality data. Bootstrap sampling was employed in model. Deep learning algorithms independently evaluated each dataset as a sensitivity test. RESULTS: Univariate outcomes, including 30-day survival, were statistically worse in the DD group when compared to the SD group (all P < 0.05). A prediction score, SD-EVAR, derived from the VQI EVAR dataset including pre- and intra-op variables that discriminate between SD and DD was externally validated in NSQIP (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.79, P < 0.001); deep learning analysis concurred. This score suggests 66% of EVAR patients may be appropriate for short-stay discharge. A free smart phone app calculating short-stay discharge potential is available through QxMD Calculate https://qxcalc.app.link/vqidis. CONCLUSIONS: Selecting patients for short-stay discharge after EVAR is possible without increasing harm. The majority of infrarenal AAA patients treated with EVAR in the United States fit a risk profile consistent with short-stay discharge, representing a significant cost-savings potential to the healthcare system.

Intravenous ketorolac is associated with reduced mortality and morbidity after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aortic aneurysm disease has been debated. Animal studies demonstrated that intrathecal ketorolac reduces the inflammatory response associated with aortic clamping. However, no human-subject study evaluated this association. Therefore, we sought to explore the effects of ketorolac use in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. METHODS: The Premier Healthcare Database (June 2009-March 2015) was inquired to capture patients who underwent open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair for non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, identified via International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Intravenous ketorolac was coded as any or none. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality, cardiac, respiratory, renal, neurological, and hemorrhagic complications. Multivariable logistic regression coarsened exact matching followed by conditional fixed-effect regression modeling were performed. RESULTS: A total of 6394 patients were identified (ketorolac: 806; 12.6%). Patients who received ketorolac were younger and less likely to have hypertension (76.1% vs. 79.3%), diabetes mellitus (12.5% vs. 17.4%), or chronic kidney disease (8.3% vs. 21.4%; all p values ≤ .033). There was no significant difference in medication use including oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and malignant or musculoskeletal diseases. Mortality, respiratory, and renal complications were less prevalent with ketorolac (2.5% vs. 4.9%, 25.2% vs. 34.6%, 10.0% vs. 21.1%; p ≤ .002). Ketorolac was associated with lower adjusted odds for those events: 0.58 (0.36-0.93), 0.53 (0.42-0.68), and 0.72 (0.60-0.86), respectively (all p values ≤ .025). There was no association with neurological, cardiac, or hemorrhagic complications. The findings were replicated by coarsened exact matching analysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated 40% mortality reduction with intravenous ketorolac following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The survival benefit could be due to its anti-inflammatory and opioid-sparing properties. This is evident by its protective effect against respiratory outcomes. The lack of association with the classical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-related cardiac and hemorrhagic complication could be attributable to the short-term use of ketorolac compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs chronic use.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the management of visceral artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The evidence supporting management decisions of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) is sparse. Practice guidelines are needed to help patients and surgeons choose between endovascular and open surgery approaches. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and Scopus for studies of patients with VAAs. Studies were selected and appraised by pairs of independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed when appropriate. RESULTS: We included 80 observational studies that were mostly noncomparative. Data were available for 2845 aneurysms, comprising 1279 renal artery, 775 splenic artery, 359 hepatic artery, 226 pancreaticoduodenal and gastroduodenal arteries, 95 superior mesenteric artery, 87 celiac artery, 15 jejunal, ileal and colic arteries, and 9 gastric and gastroepiploic arteries. Differences in mortality between open and endovascular approaches were not statistically significant. The endovascular approach was used more often by surgeons. The endovascular approach was associated with shorter hospital stay and lower rates of cardiovascular complications but higher rates of reintervention. Postembolization syndrome rates ranged from 9% (renal) to 38% (splenic). Coil migration ranged from 8% (splenic) to 29% (renal). Otherwise, access site complication were low (<5%). Pseudoaneurysms tended to have higher mortality and reintervention rates. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides event rates for outcomes important to patients with VAAs. Despite the low certainty warranted by the evidence, these rates along, with surgical expertise and anatomic feasibility, can help patients and surgeons in shared-decision making.

Safety of carotid artery revascularization procedures in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a major contributor to cerebrovascular events. Coexisting carotid artery disease is not uncommon in Afib patients, yet they have been excluded from major randomized clinical trials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) in Afib patients. METHODS: The Premier Healthcare Database was queried (2009-2015). Patients who underwent CEA or CAS were captured by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Multivariable logistic modeling was implemented to examine the outcomes: in-hospital stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mortality, and stroke/death. RESULTS: There were 86,778 patients included. The majority were asymptomatic (n = 82,128 [94.6%]). Afib was reported in 6743 patients (7.8%). In terms of absolute outcomes in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, Afib patients (vs non-Afib patients) had higher mortality and stroke/death (asymptomatic: mortality, 0.4% vs 0.2%; stroke/death, 1.7% vs 1.2%; symptomatic: mortality, 6.9% vs 2.1%; stroke/death, 10.6% vs 4.5%; all P < .05). Adjusted analysis yielded higher odds of ICH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.67), mortality (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.11-2.26), and stroke/death (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08-1.58) in Afib patients. Although univariable analysis found Afib to be a statistically significant predictor of ischemic stroke, similar results could not be elucidated in the multivariable analysis (aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.93-1.47). In Afib patients, important predictors of stroke/death included CAS (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.21-2.68) and symptomatic presentation (aOR, 5.00; 95% CI, 3.20-7.83). Other important predictors were type of preoperative medication use, age, and hospital size. CONCLUSIONS: Afib was associated with worse postoperative outcomes in patients with carotid artery disease. Symptomatic status in Afib patients is associated with a stroke/death risk that is higher than in recommended guidelines for CEA and particularly for CAS. Overall, CEA was associated with lower periprocedural ICH, mortality, and stroke/death in Afib patients compared with CAS.

Racial and Gender Disparity in Aortoiliac Disease Open Revascularization Procedures.

BACKGROUND: The impact of race and gender on surgical outcomes has been studied in infrainguinal revascularization for peripheral arterial disease. The aim of this study is to explore how race and gender affect the outcomes of suprainguinal bypass (SIB) for aortoiliac occlusive disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent SIB were identified from the procedure-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set (2011-2016). Patients were stratified into four groups: nonblack males, black males (BM), nonblack females, and black females (BF). Primary outcomes were 30-d major adverse cardiac events, a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death; postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion or intervention; major amputation and prolonged length of stay (>10 d). Predictors of outcomes were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: About 5044 patients were identified. BM were younger, more likely to be smokers, less likely to be on antiplatelet drug or statin, and to receive elective SIB (all P ≤ 0.01). BFs were more likely to be diabetic and functionally dependent (all P ≤ 0.02). Major adverse cardiac events were not significantly different among all groups. BM had a threefold higher risk of amputation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (95% CI)], 3.10 [1.50-6.43]; P < 0.002). Female gender was associated with bleeding in both races, that association was more drastic in BF (OR [95% CI], 2.43 [1.63-3.60]; P < 0.0001), whereas nonblack females (OR [95% CI], 1.46 [1.19-1.80]; P < 0.0001). BF had higher odds of prolonged length of stay (OR [95% CI]: 1.62 [1.08-2.42]; P < 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: In this large retrospective study, we demonstrated the racial and gender disparity in SIB outcomes. BM had more than threefold increase in amputation risk as compared with nonblack males. Severe bleeding risk was more than doubled in BF. Race and gender consideration is warranted in risk assessment when patients are selected for aortoiliac disease revascularization, which in turn necessitate preoperative risk modification and optimization in addition to enhancing their access to primary preventive care measures.

Outcomes of Infrainguinal Lower Extremity Bypass Are Superior in Kidney Transplant Recipients Than Patients with Dialysis.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) whether on dialysis therapy (DT) or who received a kidney transplant (KT) have previously shown unfavorable surgical outcomes. Little is known about the comparative efficacy and durability of lower extremity bypass (LEB) in those patients. The Vascular Quality Initiative database was explored to identify DT or KT recipients (2003-2016) who had LEB. We included 1,714 bypass procedures; DT: 1,512 (88.2%). Primary patency (PP) at 2 year was comparable between KT and DT groups (PP [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 77.0% [69.7%-82.8%] vs. 80.5% [77.8%-82.9%]; P = 0.212), and the risk-adjusted hazard was similar (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] [95% CI]: 0.89 [0.61-1.30]; P = 0.540). Amputation-free survival (AFS) at 2 year was more favorable in KT group (AFS [95% CI]: 73.1% [66.3%-78.8%] vs. 48.0% [45.4%-50.6%]; P < 0.001), (aHR [95% CI]: 2.29 [1.62-3.23]; P < 0.001). Patients on DT exhibited a higher risk of mortality than KT recipients (aHR [95% CI]: 2.94 [2.07-4.17]; P < 0.001). This study demonstrated superior limb outcomes in KT recipients than patients on DT after LEB. Despite the comparable PP, the risk of amputation or death was doubled in patients on DT compared with KT recipients. Because both groups were similar in several baseline characteristics, the difference in outcome is likely driven by the positive effect of KT on the physiological milieu of these patients.

Association between Severe Anemia and Outcomes of Hemodialysis Vascular Access.

BACKGROUND: The vast majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are anemic. The severity of anemia in these patients may influence the postoperative outcomes and the durability of vascular access. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the association between anemia and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing HD access placement (arteriovenous grafts and fistula). METHODS: Patients with chronic kidney disease stages IV and V recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative Hemodialysis database between 2011 and 2017 were included. Patients were divided into 3 study groups based on preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) levels: normal/mild anemia (Hgb: females ≥10 g/dL, males ≥12 g/dL), moderate anemia (Hgb: females: 7-9.9 g/dL, males: 9-11.9 g/dL), and severe anemia (Hgb: females<7 g/dL, males<9 g/dL). Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were implemented to evaluate the association between anemia and 30-day mortality and primary patency (PP) at 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 28,000 patients undergoing HD access surgery were identified (normal/mild [42%], moderate [49%], and severe [9%] anemia). Postoperative bleeding (2.1% vs. 2.2% vs. 2.2%) and 30-day outcomes including swelling (0.4% vs. 0.5% vs. 0.7%) and wound infection (0.4% vs. 0.3% vs. 0.1%) were similar in mild/normal, moderate, and severe anemia groups, respectively (All P > 0.05). However, 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with severe anemia compared with normal/mild and moderate anemia (2.1% vs. 1.1% and 1.1%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, severe anemia was associated with 90% higher risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.90 [1.20-3.00], P = 0.006) and 17% increase in PP loss at 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.17 [1.02-1.35], P = 0.01) compared with the normal/mild anemia group. However, no significant difference was seen between normal/mild and moderate anemia. CONCLUSIONS: In this large study of patients undergoing HD access placement, severe anemia was associated with 90% increased risk of 30-day mortality and 17% increased risk of loss of PP compared with those with normal/mild anemia. Management of severe anemia before surgery might be indicated to reduce operative mortality and improve the durability of HD access.

Trend and Economic Burden of Intravenous Narcotic Analgesic Utilization in Major Vascular Interventions in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The use of IV narcotic analgesics (IVNA) within the context of vascular procedures is not fully described. We sought to evaluate the burden of IVNA including narcotic analgesia-related adverse drug events (NARADE), associated mortality and hospitalization cost in open and endovascular vascular procedures, and to compare it with nonnarcotic analgesia (IVNNA). METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study in hospitals participating in Premier database (2009-2015). Logistic regression analysis was implemented to report the risks of NARADE and in-hospital mortality. Negative binomial regression was used to assess length of stay and generalized linear modeling was used to estimate the hospitalization cost. RESULTS: A total of 171,473 patients were identified. NARADE occurred in 6.2% of the cohort. NARADE group was similar in gender and race but was slightly older (median age 71 vs. 70; P < 0.001). After risk-adjustment, NARADE risk was higher in patients who received IVNA-alone in carotid and lower extremity revascularization (LER) [OR (odds ratio) (95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.17 (1.02-1.34) and 1.31 (1.14-1.50)] or combined with IVNNA [OR (95% CI): 1.34 (1.13-1.59) and 1.81 (1.54-2.13)], respectively. Patients receiving aortic repair benefited from the use of IVNA + IVNNA [OR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.69-0.98)]. Occurrence of NARADE doubled the LOS, amplified mortality risk and increased cost in all domains. NARADE increased the odds of mortality by 24.3, 6.5 (4.9-8.68) and 16.6 times and added $5,368, $12,737 and $11,349 to the cost of carotid, aortic and LER interventions, respectively. In contrast, IVNNA was not associated with NARADE risk, increased LOS or cost and showed a survival benefit in patients undergoing open aortic repair [aOR (95% CI): 0.52 (0.36-0.75)]. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The use of opioid-based narcotics had increased the risk of NARADE, resources utilization and NARADE-related mortality. Yet the use of nonopioid-based analgesic was safe, did not increase the cost and reduced mortality in open AA repair. This entices shifting the paradigm toward exploring nonopioid-based analgesia options in order to replace or minimize opioid requirements.

Survival after major lower extremity amputation in patients with end-stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates survival of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after major lower extremity amputation (MLEA), given the burden of peripheral arterial disease in patients with ESRD, the hindrance posed by cardiovascular disease on their survival, and the national investment in ESRD-related care. METHODS: A retrospective review of all hemodialysis patients (HD) and renal transplant (RT) recipients who underwent MLEA between January 2007 and December 2011 in the United States Renal Data System was performed. Univariable, Kaplan-Meier, multivariable logistic, and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate patient survival among HD patients and RT recipients overall; and within strata of amputation level, gender, and race. RESULTS: There were 32,540 MLEAs (HD, 92%; RT, 8%). Among HD patients, the median survival was 6 months for above knee amputation (AKA) and 16 months for below knee amputation (BKA). The risk-adjusted mortality was higher for AKA compared with BKA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-1.52; P < .001), females compared with males (aHR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P = .004), but lower for blacks (aHR, 0.78 95% CI, 0.76-0.81; P < .001) and Hispanics (aHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.70-0.79; P < .001) compared with white HD patients. Among RT recipients, the median survival was 16 months for AKA and 47 months for BKA. Mortality was significantly higher for above knee amputees compared with below knee amputees (aHR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.60-2.10; P < .001). However, there was no difference in mortality between the gender and racial categories of RT recipients. There was a twofold increase in the 30-day mortality (adjusted odd ratio, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.66-2.25; P < .001) and long-term mortality (aHR, 2.18; 95% CI, 2.05-2.32; P < .001) for HD patients relative to RT recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Survival after MLEA is limited in patients with ESRD. It is relatively better for RT recipients compared with HD patients. Mortality was higher for females compared with males, but lower for blacks and Hispanics compared with white HD patients. There were no gender- or race-specific difference in mortality among RT recipients. These estimates of life expectancy should guide the informed decision- making process for patients and their healthcare providers when the need for intervention arises after MLEA in these unique categories of patients.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the management of visceral artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The evidence supporting management decisions of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) is sparse. Practice guidelines are needed to help patients and surgeons choose between endovascular and open surgery approaches. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and Scopus for studies of patients with VAAs. Studies were selected and appraised by pairs of independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed when appropriate. RESULTS: We included 80 observational studies that were mostly noncomparative. Data were available for 2845 aneurysms, comprising 1279 renal artery, 775 splenic artery, 359 hepatic artery, 226 pancreaticoduodenal and gastroduodenal arteries, 95 superior mesenteric artery, 87 celiac artery, 15 jejunal, ileal and colic arteries, and 9 gastric and gastroepiploic arteries. Differences in mortality between open and endovascular approaches were not statistically significant. The endovascular approach was used more often by surgeons. The endovascular approach was associated with shorter hospital stay and lower rates of cardiovascular complications but higher rates of reintervention. Postembolization syndrome rates ranged from 9% (renal) to 38% (splenic). Coil migration ranged from 8% (splenic) to 29% (renal). Otherwise, access site complication were low (<5%). Pseudoaneurysms tended to have higher mortality and reintervention rates. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides event rates for outcomes important to patients with VAAs. Despite the low certainty warranted by the evidence, these rates along, with surgical expertise and anatomic feasibility, can help patients and surgeons in shared-decision making.

Association between the choice of anesthesia and in-hospital outcomes after carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVE: Several prior studies have shown lower risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy. This is likely because the majority of endarterectomies are performed under general anesthesia (GA), whereas CAS is mainly performed under local anesthesia (LA). Performing CAS under GA may reverse its minimally invasive benefits. The aim of this study was to compare the safety profile of CAS-GA with that of CAS-LA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Vascular Quality Initiative database from 2005 to 2017 was performed. Primary outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of in-hospital death and MI, and postoperative neurologic events. Multivariable logistic models, and coarsened exact matching were used to evaluate the association between the primary outcomes and anesthesia technique. RESULTS: Of 12,919 CAS cases performed, 2024 (15.7%) were under GA. Comparing CAS-GA with CAS-LA in the overall cohort, CAS-GA had significantly higher crude rates of in-hospital mortality (2.1% vs 0.5%), MI (1.3% vs 0.7%), composite MACE (3.1% vs 1.2%), and ipsilateral stroke (2.3% vs 1.6%). Patients undergoing CAS-GA also had higher rates of dysrhythmia (3.0% vs 2.2%), acute congestive heart failure (1.6% vs 0.7%) and perioperative hypertension (13.2% vs 9.4%), and were more likely to have a length of hospital stay of more than 4 days (prolonged length of stay) (17.6% vs 8.5%) compared with those undergoing CAS-LA. On multivariable analysis, CAS-GA had a 2.3 times higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared with CAS-LA (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.26-5.03), a 1.9 times the odds of MACE (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.15-3.03), and a 2.3 times the odds of acute congestive heart failure (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.26-4.15; all P < .05). In addition, these patients had a 43% higher odds of developing perioperative hypertension (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09-1.87; P = .01) and almost 2 times the odds of a prolonged length of stay (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.41-2.35; P < .001). The adjusted odds of stroke, dysrhythmia and reperfusion syndrome were not significantly different between the two groups. Additional analysis using coarsened exact matching showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the established increase risk of perioperative stroke/death with CAS compared with carotid endarterectomy, performing it under GA seems to be associated with increased cardiac complications, length of stay, and consequently hospitalization costs. Pending future data from prospective, randomized, controlled trials to validate our findings, there is evidence to suggest that it may be better to perform CAS under LA, especially in medically high-risk patients.