Investigating the impact of suboptimal prescription of preoperative antiplatelets and statins on race and ethnicity-related disparities in major limb amputation.

BACKGROUND: Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients with symptomatic PAD may receive different treatments than White patients with symptomatic PAD. The delivery of guideline-directed medical treatment may be a modifiable upstream driver of race and ethnicity-related disparities in outcomes such as limb amputation. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prescription of preoperative antiplatelets and statins in producing disparities in the risk of amputation following revascularization for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: We used data from the Vascular Quality Initiative, a vascular procedure-based registry in the United States (2011-2018). We estimated the probability of preoperative antiplatelet and statin prescriptions and 1-year incidence of amputation. We then estimated the amputation risk difference between race/ethnicity groups that could be eliminated under a hypothetical intervention. RESULTS: Across 100,579 revascularizations, the 1-year amputation risk was 2.5% (2.4%, 2.6%) in White patients, 5.3% (4.9%, 5.6%) in Black patients, and 5.3% (4.7%, 5.9%) in Hispanic patients. Black (57.5%) and Hispanic patients (58.7%) were only slightly less likely than White patients (60.9%) to receive antiplatelet and statin therapy. However, the effect of antiplatelets and statins was greater in Black and Hispanic patients such that, had all patients received these medications, the estimated risk difference comparing Black to White patients would have reduced by 8.9% (-2.9%, 21.9%) and the risk difference comparing Hispanic to White patients would have been reduced by 17.6% (-0.7%, 38.6%). CONCLUSION: Even though guideline-directed care appeared evenly distributed by race/ethnicity, increasing access to such care may decrease health care disparities in major limb amputation.

The outcomes of lower extremity revascularization: What role do race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status play?

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease and the resultant complications disproportionately affect underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as those with low socioeconomic status (SES). Revascularization, including both open surgical and endovascular techniques, is a mainstay of therapy for symptomatic peripheral artery disease; it is required to maximize limb salvage in chronic limb-threatening ischemia and used to improve function and quality of life in patients with claudication. The outcomes of lower extremity revascularization in Black and Hispanic patients, as well as patients with low SES, are not widely known and this knowledge gap formed the basis for this review. The preponderance of evidence suggests that Black, Hispanic, and low-SES patients have inferior limb-related outcomes after revascularization compared with White patients. Based solely on the limited published evidence in the revascularization literature, the specific reasons for these disparities are not clear. The high prevalence of comorbidities and risks factors, as well as the advanced presentation of peripheral artery disease in Black, Hispanic, and low-SES patients, appear to contribute to the inferior limb outcomes post revascularization seen in these groups, but do not account for all of the disparities. Undoubtedly, a complex interplay of social determinants underlies these disparities in care and outcomes at individual, community, and societal levels. Additional understanding of the underpinnings and mechanisms of inferior outcomes in these populations in the specific context of lower extremity revascularization is needed, as this would allow us to identify targets for intervention to improve post-revascularization outcomes in these at-risk populations.

The value of routine radiographic follow up in the postoperative management of canine medial patellar luxation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of radiographic examination on the recommendations made at the time of planned re-evaluation of dogs after medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multi-institutional case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (N = 825) that underwent MPL surgery. METHODS: Records of 10 referral institutions were searched for dogs that had been treated surgically for unilateral MPL and underwent a planned follow-up visit, including radiographs. The frequency of, and reasons for, changes in further recovery recommendations were investigated. RESULTS: Follow up was performed at a median of 6 (range, 4-20) weeks postoperatively. Isolated radiographic abnormalities were identified in 3.3% (27/825) of dogs following MPL surgery and led to a change in recommendations in 3% (13/432) of dogs that were presented without owner or clinician concerns. Lameness, administration of analgesia at follow up, and history of unplanned visits prior to routine re-examination were associated with a change in postoperative plan (P < .001). In the absence of owner and clinician concerns, the odds of having a change in convalescence plans were not different, whether or not isolated radiographic abnormalities were present (P = .641). CONCLUSION: Routine radiographs at follow up did not influence postoperative management of most dogs after MPL surgery in the absence of abnormalities on clinical history or orthopedic examination. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs that were presented for routine follow up after unilateral MPL surgery without owner concerns, lameness, analgesic treatment or a history of unplanned visits, and for which examination by a surgical specialist was unremarkable, were unlikely to benefit from radiographs.

Technique for a lateral approach to a superficial femoral artery-femoral vein thigh loop arteriovenous graft placement in avoidance of a traditional groin incision.

INTRODUCTION: The number of patients with end stage renal disease reliant on long-term hemodialysis access continues to grow. When traditional upper extremity hemodialysis sites are exhausted, lower extremity access should be considered. Although autogenous lower extremity options are available, prosthetic lower extremity grafts are frequently used. However, infection can complicate a significant percentage of lower extremity grafts with a traditional groin incision. We present our technique and early results of a lateral approach to a superficial femoral artery-femoral vein thigh loop arteriovenous graft (lat-SFA-FV AVG) in the proximal thigh, which avoids a traditional groin incision and provides a functional access with promising patency. METHODS: Between April 2017 and August 2019, five lat-SFA-FV AVG were placed in our institution for arteriovenous access in patients who had exhausted options in upper extremities. RESULTS: Five patients were included in the study. Median SFA size was 8 mm. One patient had moderate SFA calcification, while the other four patients had either none or mild SFA calcification. All grafts were successfully placed with few postoperative complications, including no wound infections. One patient expired 3 weeks after the procedure due to unrelated cause. Three patients had functional grafts at a median follow-up of 499 days. CONCLUSION: Our early experience demonstrates that the lateral approach to the SFA-FV AVG has several advantages including avoidance of groin infection and acceptable patency. Furthermore, our early experience identifies patient factors which may be important to patient selection for this procedure.

Outcomes of open and endovascular infra-inguinal revascularization are poor in young patients with atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease but do not differ between genders.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of gender on the outcomes of revascularization procedures in young patients with premature atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is not known. The objective of this study was to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between young males and females undergoing infra-inguinal revascularization procedures. METHODS: We examined postoperative outcomes of male and female PAD patients under the age of 55 who underwent infra-inguinal revascularization procedures at a single tertiary institution from 2011 to 2019. Primary outcomes included 30-day morbidity, patency of the revascularization procedures, and major adverse limb events (MALE). Secondary outcomes included survival, amputation rate, reintervention rate, improvement of ankle-brachial index (ABI), and number of reinterventions. RESULTS: Eighty-one infra-inguinal revascularization procedures (46 endovascular and 35 open procedures) were reviewed including 45 procedures in 37 males and 36 procedures in 31 females. Fifty-three (65.4%) of the procedures were performed in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia symptoms. The rest were treated for life-disabling claudication. The female patients were younger, had higher body mass index, and were more likely to have diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in comparison to males. Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular event was 0.0% and MALE was 16.0%. Mean follow-up was 806.2 days. At 1 year, primary patency was 34.4 ± 6.2%, primary assisted patency was 52.7 ± 6.5%, secondary patency was 61.8 ± 6.3%, and MALE-free rate was 47.0 ± 6.4%. For secondary outcomes at 1 year, amputation-free rate was 92.5 ± 3.2%, reintervention-free rate was 50.2 ± 6.4%, and survival was 96.2 ± 2.6%. By the end of the study, overall mortality rate was 14.8% and major amputation rate was 13.6%. No major differences were observed between males and females among these outcomes. A smaller improvement in ABI after revascularization was noted in females compared to males (female 0.2 ± 0.2 vs male 0.4 ± 0.2, p = .04). Among patients who required reintervention, females required a higher number of reinterventions than males (female 1.7 ± 2.5 vs male 0.8 ± 1.1, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in short-term and long-term outcomes between males and females under the age of 55 after infra-inguinal revascularization. Poor patency, high MALE rate, and high mid-term mortality, and amputation rates after revascularization in young PAD patients highlight the need for improved strategies to treat premature PAD.

Vascular trainee perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within United States vascular surgery training programs.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular surgery training programs face multiple pressures, including attracting and retaining trainees. Current knowledge of trainees' views with respect to diversity and equity in vascular training programs is limited. We sought to understand United States vascular surgery trainees' perceptions and expectations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). METHODS: The Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery designed and administered the Annual Training Survey to specifically address DEI and administered it to all trainees (Integrated Residents/Fellows; n = 637) at 122 institutions in August 2020. RESULTS: Of the 637 vascular trainees, 227 (35%) responded. The respondents included 115 male and 62 female trainees, with 50 not disclosing or not answering the question. The majority of respondents (96.9%) believed their programs incorporated a diverse background of trainees. Of the trainees, 89.8% felt that the faculty were similarly comprised of a diverse background. The majority of respondents (63.6%) felt that their training program was both more diverse and focused on inclusion compared with other training programs at their institution. However, 20% of respondents had experienced discrimination. Seventy-three percent (n = 143) of trainees felt empowered to disagree or engage in a discussion should they observe a faculty member make a disparaging remark about a patient's background/race/gender, although 27% (n = 35) trainees expressed fear of retaliation as a reason to not engage. Trainees view their program director (82.6%), faculty mentor (60.9%), and Graduate Medical Education office (52.7%) as potential resources for support. Overall, 83.7% (n = 160) of trainees believe that their program has been open to discussion of race relations within the medical community. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees are committed to multifaceted diversity and inclusion. The perception of trainees regarding DEI issues within vascular surgery training programs appears to be positive; however, trainees did describe discrimination and gender biases in their institutions. This data has the potential to improve institutional education of faculty and trainees about the multidimensional levels of diversity and increased awareness and incorporation of this philosophy can assist in the recruitment of diverse vascular surgeons.

Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Patients Have Worse Outcomes Than White Patients Within Similar Stages of Peripheral Artery Disease.

Background Racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes following lower limb revascularization for peripheral artery disease have been ascribed to disease severity at presentation for surgery. Methods and Results We calculated 1-year risk of major adverse limb events (MALEs), major amputation, and death for patients undergoing elective revascularization for claudication or chronic limb-threatening ischemia in the Vascular Quality Initiative data (2011-2018). We report hazard ratios according to race and ethnicity using Cox (death) or Fine and Gray subdistribution hazards models (MALE and major amputation, treating death as a competing event), adjusted for patient, treatment, and anatomic factors associated with disease severity. Among 88 599 patients (age, 69 years; 37% women), 1-year risk of MALE (major amputation and death) was 12.8% (95% CI, 12.5-13.0) in 67 651 White patients, 16.5% (95% CI, 5.8-7.8) in 15 442 Black patients, and 17.2% (95% CI, 5.6-6.9) in 5506 Hispanic patients. Compared with White patients, we observed an increased hazard of poor limb outcomes among Black (MALE: 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12-1.22; amputation: 1.52; 95% CI, 1.39-1.65) and Hispanic (MALE: 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31; amputation: 1.45; 95% CI, 1.28-1.64) patients. However, Black and Hispanic patients had a hazard of death of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.91) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.63-0.79) times the hazard among White patients, respectively. Worse limb outcomes were observed among Black and Hispanic patients across subcohorts of claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Conclusions Black and Hispanic patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia and claudication had worse limb outcomes compared with White patients, even with similar disease severity at presentation. Additional investigation aimed at eliminating disparate limb outcomes is needed.

Impact of the Timing of Foot Tissue Resection on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Revascularization for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

The objective of this study is to describe utilization of revascularization and tissue resection in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and determine whether the timing of resection impacts outcomes. Revascularizations for CLTI were queried (ACS-NSQIP 2011-2015). Outcomes included 30-day major adverse limb events (MALE), major adverse cardiac events (MACE), length of stay (LOS), operative time, 30-day readmissions, and wound infections. Groups included revascularization alone, revascularization/tissue resection during the same procedure (concurrent), or revascularization/delayed tissue resection (delayed). Resections were debridement or transmetatarsal amputations. Multivariate logistic regression determined risk-adjusted effects of tissue resection on outcomes. There was no difference in overall 30-day MACE or MALE between groups (P = .70 and P = .35, respectively). Length of stay (6.1 days revascularization alone vs 7.8 days concurrent vs 8.7 days delayed, P < .0001) was longer in patients who underwent any tissue resection. Highest 30-day readmission and operative time was the concurrent group (P = .02 and P < .0001, respectively). Wound infection was highest in the delayed group (1.4% revascularization alone vs 1.3% concurrent vs 6.2% delayed, P < .0001). After risk adjustment, timing of resection did not impact LOS for concurrent and delayed groups compared to revascularization alone (both P < .0001). Debridement and minor amputations can be done concurrently in patients undergoing revascularization for CLTI.

Younger patients have worse outcomes after peripheral endovascular interventions for suprainguinal arterial occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: The choice of intervention for treating suprainguinal arterial disease, open bypass vs endovascular intervention, is often tempered by patient age and comorbidities. In the present study, we compared the association of patient age with 1-year major adverse limb events (MALE)-free survival and reintervention-free survival (RFS) rates among patients undergoing intervention for suprainguinal arterial disease. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative datasets for bypass and peripheral endovascular intervention (PVI; aorta and iliac only) were queried from 2010 to 2017. The patients were divided into two age groups: <60 and ≥60 years at the procedure. Age-stratified propensity matching of patients in bypass and endovascular procedure groups by demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and disease severity was used to identify the analysis samples. The 1-year MALE-free survival and RFS rates were compared using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier plots. Proportional hazard Cox regression was used to perform propensity score-adjusted comparisons of MALE-free survival and RFS. RESULTS: A total of 14,301 cases from the Vascular Quality Initiative datasets were included in the present study. Propensity matching led to 3062 cases in the ≥60-year group (1021 bypass; 2041 PVI) and 2548 cases in the <60-year group (1697 bypass; 851 PVI). In the crude comparison of the matched samples, the older patients undergoing bypass had had significantly greater in-hospital (4.6% vs 0.9%; P < .001) and 1-year (10.5% vs 7.5%; P = .005) mortality compared with those who had undergone endovascular intervention. The rates of MALE (7.5% vs 14.3%; P < .001) and reintervention (6.7% vs 12.7%; P < .001) or death were significantly higher for the younger group undergoing PVI than bypass at 1 year. However, the rates of MALE (12.9% vs 14.3%; P = .298) and reintervention (12.7% vs 12.9%; P = .881) or death for were similar both procedures for the older group. Both log-rank analyses and the adjusted propensity score analyses of MALE-free survival and RFS in the two age groups confirmed these findings. The adjusted comparison of outcomes using propensity score matching favored PVI at 1-year survival (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9; P = .003) for the older group but was not different for the younger group (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-1.0; P = .054). CONCLUSIONS: Among the patients aged <60 years undergoing intervention for suprainguinal arterial disease, the choice of therapy should be open surgical intervention given the higher risk of reintervention and MALE with endovascular intervention. Endovascular intervention should be favored for patients aged ≥60 years because of reduced perioperative mortality.

Simulation Training Incorporating a Pulsatile Carotid Endarterectomy Model Results in Increased Procedure-Specific Knowledge, Confidence, and Comfort in Post-graduate Trainees.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical simulation has been used to facilitate the acquisition of vascular surgery skills. However, high cost and limited availability may restrict the use of this educational resource. We report how instruction using a low-cost, pulsatile, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) benchtop surgical simulation model can be used to enhance learners' procedure-specific knowledge, comfort, and confidence in performing the steps of a CEA procedure DESIGN: A single instructor engaged each participant in a one-on-one instructional session during which the instructor demonstrated, and then the participants performed, the steps of a CEA. Participants completed a pre- and postintervention assessment of knowledge and attitudes about preforming a CEA and use of simulation as a learning tool. Postintervention, participants rated the impact of the simulation model on their learning. A Related T-test and Wilcoxin signed Rank Test were used to compare pre- and postintervention results. SETTINGS: University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen postgraduate trainees. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in pre- and postknowledge scores (48% vs 91% correct, p < 0.01). Trainee confidence (1.65 vs 2.88, p < 0.01) and comfort (1.59 vs 2.82, p < 0.01) with doing the procedure also increased significantly. Sixteen (94%) responded that use of the simulator was extremely or very important as a tool for learning. All 17 trainees (100%) reported that the simulation experience was either essential or very useful in helping them learn how to perform a CEA. Sixty-five percent responded that they were extremely likely to apply the skills learned during the intervention the next time they performed a CEA. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost, pulsatile CEA simulation model used as an educational tool increased procedure-specific knowledge, comfort, and confidence among trainees. Learner's increased confidence and affirmation that they are likely to apply the learned skills in a clinical setting support the use of this educational approach to impact trainee behaviors.

Perceptions of minimally invasive osteosynthesis: A 2018 survey of orthopedic surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To report perspectives of minimally invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) techniques in veterinary surgical practice in 2018. STUDY DESIGN: Electronic questionnaires. SAMPLE POPULATION: Diplomates and residents of the American College of Veterinary Surgery and European College of Veterinary Surgery and members of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. METHODS: Survey questions pertaining to MIO and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) were sent electronically to the sample population. Questions assessed training, current caseload, benefits, and limitations of MIO and MIPO. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six veterinary surgeons completed questions pertaining to MIO, and 238 veterinary surgeons completed questions pertaining to MIPO. With regard to MIO, only 16% of respondents reported that they performed MIO regularly or exclusively, and 62% wanted to perform more MIO than they were currently undertaking. Tibial fractures were most commonly selected for MIO/MIPO stabilization techniques in both cats and dogs. Challenges in achieving adequate fracture reduction were identified as the greatest limitations of MIO/MIPO techniques. Forty-three percent of respondents felt there were not enough MIPO training opportunities. CONCLUSION: Currently, MIO/MIPO techniques are performed infrequently, with a large proportion of respondents revealing that they would like to perform more in the future. There is also evidence that additional training opportunities would be welcomed for MIPO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of our survey provide evidence that, despite the benefits of MIO and MIPO compared with more traditional fracture stabilization approaches, significant barriers must be overcome before the techniques are likely to be more widely adopted.

Socioeconomic Distressed Communities Index associated with worse limb-related outcomes after infrainguinal bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic factors may affect surgical outcomes. Analyses in vascular surgery have been limited by the availability of individual or community-level socioeconomic data. We sought to determine whether the Distressed Communities Index (DCI), a composite socioeconomic ranking by ZIP code, could predict short- and long-term outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease. METHODS: All Virginia Quality Initiative patients (n = 2578) undergoing infrainguinal bypass (2011-2017) within a region of 17 centers were assigned a composite DCI score. The score was developed by the Economic Innovation Group and is normally distributed from 0 (no distress) to 100 (severe distress) based on measures of community unemployment, education level, poverty rate, median income, business growth, and housing vacancies. Severely distressed communities were defined as the top quartile DCI (>75). Hierarchical regression assessed short-term outcomes, and time-to-event analyses assessed long-term results. RESULTS: Infrainguinal bypass patients in this study came from disproportionately distressed communities, with 29% of patients living within the highest distress DCI quartile (P < .0001), with high variability by hospital (DCI range, 12-67). These patients from severely distressed areas were younger, more likely to smoke, and disproportionately African American and had higher rates of medical comorbidities (all P < .05). Whereas patients from severely distressed communities had an equivalent rate of 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (5% vs 4%; P = .86), they had increased rates of major adverse limb events (MALEs) at 13% vs 10% (P = .03). This trend persisted in the long term, with higher 1-year estimates of MALEs (21% vs 17%; P = .01) as well as the components of amputation (17% vs 12%; P = .006) and thrombectomy (11% vs 6%; P = .002). Patients with high socioeconomic distress also had higher rates of occlusion (17% vs 11%; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, patients from severely distressed communities were found to have increased rates of MALEs, an association that persisted long term. Mitigating risk associated with socioeconomic determinants of health has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease.

Clinical Characteristics and Longitudinal Outcomes of Primary Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms.

Medical therapy for mycotic aortic aneurysms (MAA) is almost universally fatal, while surgical and endovascular repair carry high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between patients receiving treatment for MAA. Records were obtained and patients with MAA were stratified by intervention: endovascular repair, open surgery, and medical therapy. Primary outcomes were aneurysm-related mortality and survival. Risk-adjusted associations with mortality were assessed using time-to-event analysis. Thirty-eight patients were identified (median age, 67). Twenty-one underwent endovascular repair,10 had open surgery and 7 received medical therapy alone. Overall mortality was 47% (n = 18), with 94% aneurysm related. Median survival was significantly longer in the endovascular group (747.0 [161-1249]) vs open surgery and medical therapy (507.5 [34-806] and 66 [13-146] days, respectively; P = .02). The endovascular group had significantly fewer perioperative complications (43% vs 80%, P < .01). However, 4 endovascular patients experienced reinfection versus no open surgery patients. Mortality risk factors included medical therapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.3, P < .01) and aneurysm size (HR: 1.4 per 1-cm increase in diameter, P = .03). Endovascular repair of MAA was associated with the best long-term survival and lowest perioperative complication rate, although it is associated with greater reinfection. These tradeoffs should be considered when selecting which procedure is best for a patient.

Impact of New Vascular Fellowship Programs on Vascular Surgery Operative Volume of Residents in Associated General Surgery Programs.

BACKGROUND: General surgery (GS) resident vascular surgery (VS) operations have declined significantly in the last 15 years. We hypothesized that initiation of VS fellowship programs (VSFPs) contributes to that decline. This study examined the effect of establishing new VSFPs on VS case volumes of residents in associated GS programs. STUDY DESIGN: General surgery programs were reviewed if associated with VSFPs accredited since July 1, 2002 that had 1 or more matriculants (GS case logs only available since 2002 to 2003). Total VS cases by residents in those programs was analyzed before and after matriculation of first fellow into the associated VSFP. RESULTS: Twenty-two programs were available for analysis. General surgery case-log data were available variably from 0 to 14 years before and 0 to 14 years after first fellows in the associated VSFPs. In 12 programs with 4 years of data before and after matriculation of associated VSFPs' first fellows, VS cases increased from 109.6 ± 32.4 cases to 143.65 ± 78.15 cases in 4 years before matriculation (p = 0.008) of VS fellows and then declined from 143.65 to 114.04 ± 46.97 in 4 years after (p = 0.0134). In all 16 programs with 4 years of data after matriculation of the associated VSFP's first fellow, VS cases declined from 123.37 ± 71.42 to 103.23 ± 44.35 (p = 0.0232). CONCLUSIONS: New VSFPs diminished peak VS operative volume of residents in associated GS programs, thereby contributing to declining national average number of VS cases done by GS residents. Nevertheless, resident VS case volumes remained robust in most GS programs associated with new VSFPs. Additional study is required to determine both resident perception and overall impact of VSFPs on associated GS training.

Preoperative beta blockade is associated with increased rates of 30-day major adverse cardiac events in critical limb ischemia patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: The association between beta blockers and cardiovascular or limb-related outcomes after revascularization for critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of preoperative beta blockade on 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and major adverse limb events (MALEs) in patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization for CLI. We hypothesized that rates of MALEs and MACEs will be higher in patients not receiving preoperative beta blockade. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program vascular targeted file for 2011 to 2014 identified patients receiving beta blockade and undergoing infrainguinal endovascular intervention and open bypass for CLI. Primary outcomes including 30-day MACE (stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], or death) and MALE (untreated loss of patency, reintervention, or amputation) were compared between patients taking and not taking preoperative beta blockers. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of MACEs and MALEs. RESULTS: A total of 11,785 revascularizations were performed for CLI during the study period (7408 bypasses vs 4377 endovascular interventions). Preoperative beta blockers were used by 7365 patients, including 4541 (61.7%) in the open bypass cohort and 2824 (64.5%) in the endovascular group (P < .01). MACEs and MI were significantly higher in patients with preoperative beta blockers (MACEs, 5.8% vs 3.4% [P < .0001]; MI, 3.1% vs 1.8% [P < .0001]). After controlling for cardiac risk factors, beta blockers independently predicted MACEs (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; P = .03) and MI (OR, 1.36; P = .03) but not stroke (OR, 1.17; P = .58) or 30-day mortality (OR, 1.22; P = .19). Beta-blocker use did not have an effect on MALEs (OR, 0.99; P = .88). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CLI, preoperative beta blockade was an independent predictor of 30-day MI and MACEs after controlling for other cardiovascular risk factors. Beta blockers did not have an impact on short-term limb-related outcomes. The association between beta blockade and revascularization for CLI deserves further investigation.

Increased warm ischemia time during vessel harvest decreases the primary patency of cryopreserved conduits in patients undergoing lower extremity bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Autologous vein is the preferred conduit for lower extremity bypass. However, it is often unavailable because of prior harvest or inadequate for bypass owing to insufficient caliber. Cryopreserved cadaveric vessels can be used as conduits for lower extremity revascularization when autogenous vein is not available and the use of prosthetic grafts is not appropriate. Many studies have shown that donor characteristics influence clinical outcomes in solid organ transplantation, but little is known regarding their impact in vascular surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects donor variables have on patients undergoing lower extremity bypass with cryopreserved vessels. METHODS: The tissue processing organization was queried for donor blood type, warm ischemia times (WITs), and serial numbers of cryopreserved vessels implanted at a single center from 2010 to 2016. The serial numbers were then matched with their respective patients using the institutional Clinical Data Repository and patient data were obtained from the Clinical Data Repository and chart review. Primary outcomes were primary patency of the bypass conduits and limb salvage. Time to loss of patency was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier methods and a Cox proportional hazards model determined risk-adjusted predictors of patency and limb salvage. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent lower extremity bypass with 65 cryopreserved vessels (23 superficial femoral arteries, 41 saphenous veins, 1 femoral vein). Thirty-eight procedures were reoperations. There were 21 inflow, 44 outflow, and 44 infrainguinal procedures. Preexisting comorbidities did not differ significantly between those who lost patency and those who did not. The mean WIT among the entire cohort was 892.3 ± 389.1 minutes (range, 158.0-1434.0 minutes). The median follow-up was 394 days. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an overall 1-year primary patency rate of 51%. Primary patency at 1 year was 67% and 41% for inflow and outflow procedures, respectively, and did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = .15). Donor-to-recipient ABO incompatibility was not associated with loss of primary patency. The 1-year amputation-free survival was 74%. Primary patency significantly decreased with each hourly increase in WIT on risk-adjusted analysis (hazard ratio, 1.1; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Higher cryopreserved vessel WIT was associated with increased risk-adjusted loss of primary patency in this cohort. At 1 year, the overall primary patency was 51% and amputation-free survival was 74%. Vascular surgeons should be aware that WIT may affect outcomes for lower extremity bypass.

A Comparison of Outcomes After Lower Extremity Bypass and Repeat Endovascular Intervention Following Failed Previous Endovascular Intervention for Critical Limb Ischemia.

The optimal approach for repeat revascularization after failed endovascular intervention for critical limb ischemia (CLI) is unclear. This study compared major adverse limb events (MALEs) and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) between lower extremity bypass (LEB) and repeat endovascular intervention (REI) in patients with prior failed ipsilateral endovascular intervention. American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database identified patients undergoing LEB and endovascular intervention for CLI from 2011 to 2014. We compared REI to LEB with single-segment saphenous vein (LEB-SV) and LEB alternative conduit (LEB-alt). Primary outcomes were 30-day MALE and MACE. Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of MALE and MACE. A total of 1567 revascularizations were performed after failed ipsilateral endovascular intervention (REI: 683 [43.5%], LEB-SV: 570 [36.4%], LEB-alt: 314 [20.0%]). There were 994 and 573 suprageniculate and infrageniculate revascularizations, respectively. Major adverse cardiac events were significantly lower after REI compared to LEB (REI: 15 [2.2%], LEB-SV: 33 [5.8%], LEB-alt: 21 [6.7%], P < .001). Major adverse limb event were not different between groups ( P = .99). In patients with CLI presenting after failed endovascular intervention, REI is associated with lower MACE without an increased risk of MALE compared to LEB. When the anatomy is amenable, REI should be considered a less morbid first option.

Major adverse limb events and major adverse cardiac events after contemporary lower extremity bypass and infrainguinal endovascular intervention in patients with claudication.

OBJECTIVE: Major adverse limb events (MALEs) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 30 days provide standardized metrics for comparison and have been adopted by the Society for Vascular Surgery's objective performance goals for critical limb ischemia. However, MALEs and MACEs have not been widely adopted within the claudication population, and the comparative outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) and infrainguinal endovascular intervention (IEI) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare MALEs and MACEs after LEB and IEI in a contemporary national cohort and to determine predictors of MALEs and MACEs after revascularization for claudication. METHODS: A national data set of LEB and IEI performed for claudication was obtained using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program vascular targeted Participant Use Data Files from 2011 to 2014. Patients were stratified by LEB vs IEI and compared by appropriate univariate analysis. The primary outcomes were MALE (defined as untreated loss of patency, reintervention on the index arterial segment, or amputation of the index limb) and MACE (defined as stroke, myocardial infarction, or death). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of MALEs and MACEs. RESULTS: A total of 3925 infrainguinal revascularization procedures (2155 LEB and 1770 IEI) were performed for claudication. There was no difference in 30-day MALEs between LEB and IEI (4.0% vs 3.2%; P = .17). On multivariable logistic regression, predictors of 30-day MALEs included tibial revascularization (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; P < .0001) and prior LEB on the same arterial segment (OR, 1.8; P = .004). LEB had significantly higher 30-day MACEs (2.0% vs 1.0%; P = .01) but similar mortality (0.5% vs 0.4%; P = .6). Predictors of MACEs included LEB vs IEI (OR, 2.1; P = .01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.2; P = .01), dialysis dependence (OR, 4.4; P = .003), and diabetes (OR, 1.9; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In this large national cohort, LEB and IEI for claudication are associated with similar 30-day MALEs. Tibial revascularization and revascularization after prior failed bypass predict MALEs in claudicants and should therefore be undertaken with caution. LEB was associated with more 30-day MACEs but comparable 30-day mortality compared with IEI. Patients with end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes are at high risk for MACEs. The risk of 30-day MACEs after LEB should be weighed against the longer term outcomes of LEB vs IEI and conservative management, particularly in these higher risk patients. This analysis helps define contemporary 30-day outcomes after infrainguinal revascularization performed for claudication and serves as a baseline with which the short-term outcomes of future treatments can be compared.