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The objective of this population-based study was to analyze short- and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after endovascular repair of ruptured or nonruptured thoracic (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).Nationwide retrospective registry study including all patients who underwent endovascular repair (thoracic endovascular aortic repair, TEVAR; abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR) for nonruptured/intact (iAAA/iTAA) or ruptured (rAAA/rTAA) abdominal or thoracic aneurysms between 2000 and 2018. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, or myocardial infarction (MACE).There were 8,641 patients with TAA and AAA; 634 TEVAR procedures [iTAA 488; rTAA 146], and 8007 EVAR procedures [iAAA 7071; rAAA 936] were performed. MACE incidence at 90-day after TEVAR for iTAA was 10.2% and for rTAA 26.7% [HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.99-4.6]; MACE at 90-day after EVAR for iAAA was 3.7% and for rAAA 26.9% [HR 8.5, 95% CI: 7.16-10.11]. There was a higher cumulative incidence of MACE at 90-day after TEVAR for iTAA compared to EVAR for iAAA [HR 2.82, 95% CI 2.09-3.82] but no difference between the procedures after ruptured aneurysm repair. The median follow-up time was 3.28 years [IQR 1.31-5.94]. There was no long-term difference in MACE between EVAR and TEVAR after ruptured [90 days-5 years: HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.76-1.71; 5-10 years: HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.31-1.96] or intact [90 days-5 years: HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.46; 5-10 years: HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.56-1.21] aneurysm repair. Female gender had higher long-term incidence of MACE after intact [HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27] and ruptured [HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.65] endovascular aortic aneurysm treatment. After intact aneurysms repair; age [HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.05], history of angina pectoris [HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.32], heart failure [HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.69-2.13], and stroke [HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53] were associated with MACE.This nationwide cohort study still demonstrated a high risk of early and late cardiovascular events after endovascular aortic repair. Comprehensive strategies for postoperative cardiovascular disease prevention may be needed here.

Open surgical repair (OSR) of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms carries risks of mortality and major complications. Patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD) are younger and require safe, efficient treatment with long-term durability. This study provides current outcome data to help inform treatment decisions.All OSRs of descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) from January 2011 to July 2021 were included in a retrospective cohort study. Primary outcome measures were early and follow-up mortality and reintervention. Secondary outcome measures were major complications. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate reintervention-free survival.A total of 26 OSRs (7 DTAA, 19 TAAA) were performed in 23 patients: 20 (77%) Marfan and 6 (23%) Loeys-Dietz syndrome; median age 43 years. Aortic dissection was present in 100% and 3/26 (12%) were urgent. Early mortality was 1/26 (3.8%). No patient suffered spinal cord ischemia, stroke, vocal cord paralysis, or re-exploration for bleeding. The transient respiratory failure occurred in 19% (5/26) and transient renal replacement therapy in 15% (4/26). Renal function normalized in all patients within 3 months. During follow-up (median 4.6, range 0-11 years) there were no deaths and only one re-intervention on a previously operated aortic segment, resulting in 92% reintervention-free survival at 5 years.In dedicated units, open surgical DTAA and TAAA repair in patients with CTD can be performed with a very low risk of death, severe complications and, late re-intervention. For CTD patients with reasonable risk, OSR should remain the first line of treatment.

Supplementary oxygen is administered during anaesthesia to increase oxygen delivery and prevent hypoxia. Recent studies have questioned this routine. In this pilot study, our main aim was to investigate if 21% oxygen compared to ≥50% reduces the risk of postoperative complications and myocardial injury.In this pragmatic, multicentre, single-blind study, patients undergoing vascular surgery were randomised to receive a fraction of inspired oxygen (FThe 191 patients were randomised, and per-protocol principle was used for analyses. At 30-day follow-up, 43 out of 94 patients (46%) had a postoperative complication in group H and 36 out of 90 patients (40%) in group N, p = .46. New myocardial injury was seen in 27% versus 22% in Groups H and N respectively (p = .41). No differences in other outcomes were observed between the groups. Twelve patients (13%) in Group N had SpOIn this pilot study, postoperative complications were similar between the groups in patients randomised to F

Allogenic blood product usage is associated with worse outcomes in open repair of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. This pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel modification of the left heart bypass (LHB) circuit to reduce intraoperative blood transfusions.In modified LHB, pump suckers collected shed blood that was directly retransfused through a femoral vein cannula. In standard LHB, cellsavers were used to collect, wash, and retransfuse shed blood. Consecutive patients undergoing elective surgical descending or thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair using modified (N.=12) or standard (N.=21) LHB were compared. Intraoperative blood product use was the primary outcome. Hypotensive episodes, lactate levels, and adverse events (early mortality, spinal cord injury, renal and respiratory insufficiency) were secondary outcomes.Groups were comparable regarding pre- and intraoperative variables. No perfusion-related adverse events occurred. With modified LHB, intraoperative blood product use was significantly reduced: packed red blood cells by 60% from 10 to 4 units (P=0.002), fresh frozen plasma by 70% from 17 to 5 units (P0.001) as well as retransfused cellsaver volume by 75%, from 4500 mL to 1110 mL (P0.001). Hemodynamic instability occurred in 1 (8.3%) vs. 6 (29%), P=0.22 and overall lactate levels were significantly reduced (P=0.045) with modified LHB. Adverse events combined occurred in 1/12 vs. (P=0.022).The novel modified LHB with direct retransfusion was safe and associated with significantly reduced intraoperative blood product use, reduced lactate production and improved clinical outcomes as compared to standard LHB and could represent an important clinical improvement.

Background Gun violence is a global health problem. Population-based research on firearm-related injuries has been relatively limited considering the burden of disease. The aim of this study was to analyze nationwide epidemiological trends of firearm injuries. Methods This is a retrospective nationwide epidemiological study including all patients with firearm injuries from the Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau) during the period 2011 and 2019. Registry data were merged with data from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention and the Swedish Police Authority. Results There were 1010 patients admitted with firearm injuries, 96.6% men and 3.4% women, median age 26.0 years [IQR 22.0–36.3]. The overall number of firearm injuries increased on a yearly basis (P Conclusions This nationwide study shows an annual increase of firearm-related injuries and fatalities. Firearm injuries affect people of all ages but more frequently young males in major cities. One in six patients succumbed from their injuries within 30 days with most deaths occurring within 24 h of hospital admission. Given the impact of firearm-related injuries on society additional research on a national level is critical.

Background Severe disease due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to be associated with hypercoagulation. The aim of this study was to assess the Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) as a marker of coagulopathy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods This was a prospective, observational study where patients hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection were eligible for inclusion. Conventional coagulation tests and ROTEM were taken after hospital admission, and patients were followed for 30 days. A prediction model, including variables ROTEM EXTEM-MCF (Maximum Clot Firmness) which in previous data has been suggested a suitable marker of hypercoagulation, age, and respiratory frequency, was developed using logistic regression to evaluate the probability of death. Results Out of the 141 patients included, 18 (13%) died within 30 days. In the final prediction model, the risk of death within 30 days for a patient hospitalized due to COVID-19 was increased with increased EXTEM-MCF, age, and respiratory frequency. Longitudinal ROTEM data in the severely ill subpopulation showed enhanced hypercoagulation. In an in vitro analysis, no heparin effect on EXTEM–coagulation time (CT) was observed, supporting a severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) effect on prolonged initiation of coagulation. Conclusion Here, we show that hypercoagulation measured with ROTEM predicts 30-day mortality in COVID-19. Longitudinal ROTEM data strengthen the hypothesis of hypercoagulation as a driver of severe disease in COVID-19. Thus, ROTEM may be a useful tool to assess disease severity in COVID-19 and could potentially guide anticoagulation therapy.

INTRODUCTION Platelets are critical for hemostasis, and a low platelet count predicts mortality in trauma. The role of platelet dysfunction in severe traumatic hemorrhage and coagulopathy needs to be further defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the platelet function in a new model of experimental traumatic hemorrhage. MATERIAL AND METHODS New Zealand white rabbits (n = 10) were subjected to tracheostomy and trauma laparotomy, and then bilateral femur fractures with 40% hemorrhage of their estimated blood volume. Arterial blood gases, standard coagulation tests, mean platelet volume, platelet aggregation using impedance aggregometry with agonist collagen, arachidonic acid (ASPI), and adenosine diphosphate (ADP), rotational thromboelastometry, and fibrinogen binding of platelets were analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS After traumatic hemorrhage, there was a significant physiological response with a rise in lactate (P < .001) and a decrease in base excess (P < .001) and temperature (P < .001). Platelet count decreased from a mean of 244x109/L to 94 x109/L (P = .004) and the mean platelet volume increased from 5.1fL to 6.1fL (P = .002). Impedance aggregometry with the agonist collagen, ASPI, and ADP was all significantly decreased after hemorrhage (P = .007). However, there was an increased fibrinogen binding of ADP-activated platelets after traumatic hemorrhage analyzed by flow cytometry (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS This traumatic hemorrhage model presents two parallel pathophysiological responses of platelets; platelet consumption as evidenced by a significant decrease in platelet count and aggregation, and platelet hyperreactivity as shown by a higher mean platelet volume and enhanced platelet fibrinogen binding. Further studies are needed to characterize these different aspects of platelet function in severe traumatic hemorrhage.

Background The objective of this clinical study was to investigate the anticoagulant effect of standard fixed dose of heparin during endovascular intervention in the lower extremity arteries. Methods A prospective clinical pilot study was completed with retrospective quality review of patients between 2015 and 2017 (n = 61). Patients undergoing elective endovascular intervention for arterial insufficiency in the lower extremities were enrolled. A standard fixed intra-arterial dose of 5000 IU of unfractionated heparin (UFH) was administered during the procedure without adjustment for weight or monitoring. Activated clotting time (ACT) was measured before and ten minutes after heparin administration and at the end of the procedure. The primary study end point was the level of heparin anticoagulation after standard perioperative administration. Results Mean age was 74 ± 9 years, 48% women. Mean weight was 74 ± 15 kg, and mean BMI, 25.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2. The endovascular interventions were performed at the iliac arteries 19.7% (12/61), at the femoral popliteal segment 50.8 % (31/61), below the knee arteries 6.6% (4/61), and at multiple levels 13% (8/61). The perioperative mean ACT increased from baseline 155 ± 43 s (n = 31) to ten minutes after heparin administration 290 ± 70 s (n = 60) (P 350 (P = 0.0095). The same pattern was seen for heparin dose per BMI and DuBois. In univariate logistic regression analysis, ACT ≥350 s was associated with lower body weight (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87–0.98; P = 0.008), lower BMI (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67–0.96; P = 0.014), and lower body surface area DuBois (OR 0.53; 95% 0.32–0.85; P = 0.009). In multivariable regression, the ACT association with body weight remained (OR 0.92; 95% 0.87–0.98; P = 0.008). There were no perioperative or immediate postoperative bleeding complications requiring blood transfusion or surgical intervention in this study cohort. Conclusions The standard heparin dosing of 5000 IU during endovascular intervention for arterial insufficiency in the lower extremities helps achieve ACT >200 s in almost all patients, but most patients were outside recommended target interval. To provide a more consistent and predictable heparinization, a weight-based bolus dose of 70 IU heparin/kg is recommended.

Objective The aim was to describe the microbiology of surgically treated infective native (mycotic) aortic aneurysms (INAAs), and associated survival and development of infection-related complications (IRCs). Methods Data were pooled from 2 nationwide studies on surgically treated patients with INAAs in Sweden, between 1994 – 2016. Patients were grouped and analyzed according to culture results: 1) Staphylococcus aureus, 2) Streptococcus species (sp.), 3) Salmonella sp., 4) Enterococcus sp., 5) Gram-negative intestinal bacteria, 6) Other sp. (all other species found in culture), and 7) Negative cultures. Results A sum of 182 patients were included, mean age 71 years (standard deviation; SD: 8.9). The median follow-up was 50.3 months (range 0 – 360). 128 (70.3%) patients had positive blood and/or tissue culture; Staphylococcus aureus n = 38 (20.9%), Streptococcus sp. n = 37 (20.3%), Salmonella sp. n = 19 (10.4%), Enterococcus sp. n = 16 (8.8%), Gram-negative intestinal bacteria n = 6, (3.3%), Other sp. n = 12 (6.6%) and Negative cultures n = 54 (29.7%). The estimated survival for the largest groups at 2-years after surgery was: Staphylococcus aureus 62% (95% Confidence interval 53.9 – 70.1), Streptococcus sp. 74.7% (67.4 – 82.0), Salmonella sp. 73.7% (63.6 – 83.8), Enterococcus sp. 61.9% (49.6 – 74.2), and Negative cultures 89.8% (85.5 – 94.1), P = .051. There were 37 IRCs (20.3%), and 19 (51.4%) were fatal, the frequency was insignificant between the groups. The majority of IRCs, 30/37 (81%), developed during the first postoperative year. Conclusion In this assessment of microbiological findings of INAAs in Sweden, 50% of the pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., or Salmonella sp.. The overall 20%-frequency of IRCs, and its association with high mortality, motivates long-term antibiotic treatment regardless of microbial findings.

BackgroundSevere disease due to COVID-19 has been shown to be associated with hypercoagulation. Early identification of prothrombotic patients may help guiding anticoagulant treatment and improve survival. The aim of this study was to assess Rotational Thromboelastmetry (ROTEM®) as a marker of coagulopathy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study. Patients hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection were eligible for inclusion. Conventional coagulation tests and ROTEM were taken after hospital admission, and patients were followed for 30 days. Patient characteristics and outcome variables were collected, and a prediction model including variables age, respiratory frequency and ROTEM EXTEM-MCF, was developed using logistic regression to evaluate the probability of death.ResultsOut of the 141 patients included, 18 (13%) died within 30 days. D-dimer (p=0.01) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) (p=0.002) were increased, and ROTEM EXTEM-/INTEM-CT (pConclusionsHere we show that hypercoagulation measured with ROTEM predicts 30-day mortality in COVID-19. Longitudinal ROTEM data strengthen the hypothesis of hypercoagulation as a driver of severe disease in COVID-19. Thus, ROTEM may be a useful tool to assess disease severity in COVID-19, and could potentially guide anticoagulation therapy.

The results of a recent meta-analysis aroused concern about an increased risk of death associated with the use of paclitaxel-coated angioplasty balloons and stents in lower-limb endovascular interventions for symptomatic peripheral artery disease.We conducted an unplanned interim analysis of data from a multicenter, randomized, open-label, registry-based clinical trial. At the time of the analysis, 2289 patients had been randomly assigned to treatment with drug-coated devices (the drug-coated-device group, 1149 patients) or treatment with uncoated devices (the uncoated-device group, 1140 patients). Randomization was stratified according to disease severity on the basis of whether patients had chronic limb-threatening ischemia (1480 patients) or intermittent claudication (809 patients). The single end point for this interim analysis was all-cause mortality.No patients were lost to follow-up. Paclitaxel was used as the coating agent for all the drug-coated devices. During a mean follow-up of 2.49 years, 574 patients died, including 293 patients (25.5%) in the drug-coated-device group and 281 patients (24.6%) in the uncoated-device group (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.22). At 1 year, all-cause mortality was 10.2% (117 patients) in the drug-coated-device group and 9.9% (113 patients) in the uncoated-device group. During the entire follow-up period, there was no significant difference in the incidence of death between the treatment groups among patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (33.4% [249 patients] in the drug-coated-device group and 33.1% [243 patients] in the uncoated-device group) or among those with intermittent claudication (10.9% [44 patients] and 9.4% [38 patients], respectively).In this randomized trial in which patients with peripheral artery disease received treatment with paclitaxel-coated or uncoated endovascular devices, the results of an unplanned interim analysis of all-cause mortality did not show a difference between the groups in the incidence of death during 1 to 4 years of follow-up. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02051088.).

Objective: Recent randomised controlled trials demonstrated the benefit of intracranial endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischaemic stroke. There is no consensus, however, on how to treat concomitant extracranial carotid artery stenosis after EVT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after EVT, comparing complication rates among patients undergoing CEA for stroke without previous EVT. Methods: This was a registry study of all patients (n = 3 780) treated with CEA after stroke in Sweden and the capital Helsinki region, Finland, from January 2011 to September 2020. Sixty three patients (1.7%; 0.5% 2011, 4.3% 2019) underwent EVT prior to CEA. The primary outcome was 30 day stroke and death rate. Results: The EVT+CEA group had major stroke as the qualifying neurological event (QNE) in 79%, but just 5.9% had this in the CEA only group (p < .001). Intravenous thrombolysis was administered before EVT in 54% of patients in the EVT+CEA group, but in just 12% in those receiving CEA only (p < .001). The combined stroke and death rate at 30 days for EVT+CEA was 0.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0 - 5.7). One patient had a post-operative TIA, none had post-operative intracerebral or surgical site haemorrhage. CEA was performed within a median of seven days (interquartile range 4, 15) after QNE, and 75% had CEA

The pathophysiology of acute extremity compartment syndrome involves external compression or internal expansion within the compartment leading to increased tissue pressure, reduced capillary blood flow, tissue hypoxia and necrosis. Acute limb compartment syndrome in vascular surgery is mostly related to ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with acute ischemia or vascular trauma. The upper arm contains two compartments (anterior/posterior), forearm three (volar/lateral/dorsal), thigh three (anterior/medial/posterior), and lower leg four compartments (anterior/lateral/deep posterior/superficial posterior). The time from insult to the development of compartment syndrome may vary from minutes to hours. Any suspicion of acute limb compartment syndrome must lead to either prompt treatment or immediate further diagnostics which may include pressure measurement. Acute limb compartment syndrome should be treated with fasciotomy of all affected compartments. The lower limb is decompressed with anterolateral and posteromedial incisions. Incisions in skin and fascia need to be long enough to make tissues loose and allow for postoperative swelling. When fasciotomy is performed within 6 h of onset, the majority of extremities return to normal function but later fasciotomy is associated with significant complications including neuromuscular dysfunction and amputation.

Background There is a concern that civilian gunshot injuries in Europe are increasing but there is a lack of contemporary studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current epidemiology and outcome of firearm injuries. Methods Retrospective cohort study of all patients (n = 235) treated for firearm injuries admitted to a Scandinavian trauma center between 2005 and 2016. Local and national trauma registries were used for data collection. Results Mean age was 31.3 years (SD ± 12.9; range 16–88 years); 93.6% males; mean ISS was 14.3 (SD ± 15.9); 31.9% (75/235) had ISS > 15. There was a significant increase in penetrating trauma (P

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral artery disease have an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Antiplatelet agents are widely used to reduce these complications.METHODS: This was a multicentre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial for which patients were recruited at 602 hospitals, clinics, or community practices from 33 countries across six continents. Eligible patients had a history of peripheral artery disease of the lower extremities (previous peripheral bypass surgery or angioplasty, limb or foot amputation, intermittent claudication with objective evidence of peripheral artery disease), of the carotid arteries (previous carotid artery revascularisation or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis of at least 50%), or coronary artery disease with an ankle-brachial index of less than 0·90. After a 30-day run-in period, patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive oral rivaroxaban (2·5 mg twice a day) plus aspirin (100 mg once a day), rivaroxaban twice a day (5 mg with aspirin placebo once a day), or to aspirin once a day (100 mg and rivaroxaban placebo twice a day). Randomisation was computer generated. Each treatment group was double dummy, and the patient, investigators, and central study staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke; the primary peripheral artery disease outcome was major adverse limb events including major amputation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01776424, and is closed to new participants.FINDINGS: Between March 12, 2013, and May 10, 2016, we enrolled 7470 patients with peripheral artery disease from 558 centres. The combination of rivaroxaban plus aspirin compared with aspirin alone reduced the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (126 [5%] of 2492 vs 174 [7%] of 2504; hazard ratio [HR] 0·72, 95% CI 0·57-0·90, p=0·0047), and major adverse limb events including major amputation (32 [1%] vs 60 [2%]; HR 0·54 95% CI 0·35-0·82, p=0·0037). Rivaroxaban 5 mg twice a day compared with aspirin alone did not significantly reduce the composite endpoint (149 [6%] of 2474 vs 174 [7%] of 2504; HR 0·86, 95% CI 0·69-1·08, p=0·19), but reduced major adverse limb events including major amputation (40 [2%] vs 60 [2%]; HR 0·67, 95% CI 0·45-1·00, p=0·05). The median duration of treatment was 21 months. The use of the rivaroxaban plus aspirin combination increased major bleeding compared with the aspirin alone group (77 [3%] of 2492 vs 48 [2%] of 2504; HR 1·61, 95% CI 1·12-2·31, p=0·0089), which was mainly gastrointestinal. Similarly, major bleeding occurred in 79 (3%) of 2474 patients with rivaroxaban 5 mg, and in 48 (2%) of 2504 in the aspirin alone group (HR 1·68, 95% CI 1·17-2·40; p=0·0043).INTERPRETATION: Low-dose rivaroxaban taken twice a day plus aspirin once a day reduced major adverse cardiovascular and limb events when compared with aspirin alone. Although major bleeding was increased, fatal or critical organ bleeding was not. This combination therapy represents an important advance in the management of patients with peripheral artery disease. Rivaroxaban alone did not significantly reduce major adverse cardiovascular events compared with asprin alone, but reduced major adverse limb events and increased major bleeding.FUNDING: Bayer AG.

Objectives The aim was to study blood transfusions and blood product ratios in massively transfused patients treated for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). Methods This was a registry based cohort study of rAAA patients repaired at three major vascular centres between 2008 and 2013. Data were collected from the Swedish Vascular Registry, hospitals medical records, and local transfusion registries. The transfusion data were analysed for the first 24 h of treatment. Massive transfusion (MT) was defined as 4 or more units of red blood cell (RBC) transfused within 1 h, or 10 or more RBC units within 24 h. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of 30 day mortality associated with the ratios of blood products and timing of first units of platelets (PLTs) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfused. Results Three hundred sixty nine rAAA patients were included: 80% men; 173 endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs) and 196 open repairs (ORs) with median RBC transfusion 8 units (Q1–Q3, 4–14) and 14 units (Q1–Q3, 8–28), respectively. A total of 261 (71%) patients required MT. EVAR patients with MT (n = 96) required less transfusion than OR patients (n = 165): median RBC 10 units (Q1–Q3, 6–16.5) vs. 15 units (Q1–Q3, 9–26) (p = .002), FFP 6 units (Q1–Q3, 2–14.5) vs. 13 units (Q1–Q3, 7–24) (p < .001), and PLT 0 units (Q1–Q3, 0–2) vs. 2 units (Q1–Q3, 0–4) (p = .01). Median blood product ratios in MT patients were FFP/RBC (EVAR group 0.59 [0.33–0.86], OR group 0.84 [0.67–1.2]; p < .001], and PLT/RBC (EVAR 0 [0–0.17], OR 0.12 (0–0.18); p < .001]. In patients repaired by OR a FFP/RBC ratio close to 1 was associated with reduced 30 day mortality (p = .003). The median PLT/RBC ratio was higher during the later part of the study period (p < .001, median test), whereas there was no significant difference in median FFP/RBC ratio (p = .101, median test). Conclusion The majority of rAAA patients undergoing EVAR required MT. EVAR patients treated with MT had lower FFP/RBC and PLT/RBC ratios than OR patients with MT. The mortality risk was lower with FFP/RBC ratio close to 1:1 in open repaired patients requiring MT. The 24 h PLT/RBC ratio increased over the study period. (Less)

Objectives The aim was to assess whether the level of care influenced the safety related outcomes of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for patients presenting with limb ischaemia and dialysis access thrombosis. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients at two tertiary referral centres for vascular surgery undergoing CDT for limb ischaemia and dialysis access thrombosis ( N = 252) between 2012 and 2014 were included. Patients at Centre 1 were cared for on a general vascular ward and patients at Centre 2 were kept on a post-operative recovery unit with an increased level of care including invasive haemodynamic monitoring. Patient medical records were retrospectively scrutinised and data collected on comorbidities, anti-thrombotic medication, indications for CDT, technical success of CDT, bleeding and non-bleeding related complications, and transfer to a higher level of care. Results There were no differences in the frequency of non-bleeding related complications between Centre 1 and Centre 2. Patients on the vascular ward had a higher frequency of minor bleeding ( p = .002) but there was no difference in major bleeding ( p = .12). Eleven patients on the ward required an increased level of care for medical reasons and six were moved for a lack of resources. The presence of cardiac disease was an independent risk factor for patient transfer (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.04–9.8, p = .04). Conclusions CDT may be undertaken outside of a high dependency setting without a significantly increased risk of complications. Pre-existing cardiac disease was an independent risk factor for transfer to a higher level of care. These findings could have an implication for the clinical cost-effectiveness of CDT.

In a recent publication in The Lancet Johansson and colleagues claim no effect on aneurysm mortality among men participating in the Swedish AAA screening program, and question its justification. The study is, however, limited by a corrupt study design and incorrect data, making the publication misleading. On the contrary, several RCTs and contemporary nationwide data with sufficient follow-up clearly show that AAA screening saves lives and is highly cost-effective. The program has so far identified about 6000 men with an AAA, of whom 1500 have been operated on to prevent rupture. Thus, more than 750 men have experienced a longer life (by a mean of 8 years) as a result of the program. Continuous evaluation of the program is important but requires a scientifically sound methodology.

Mycotic aortic aneurysms are rare, life threatening, and complex. This nationwide study aimed to assess outcome after repair of mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysms (MTAAs).Patients treated in Sweden for MTAAs between 2000 and 2016 were identified in the Swedish vascular registry (2010-16) and local patient registries (2000-09). Primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcomes included surgical strategy, rate of infection related complications (IRC), and re-operations.Fifty-two patients (median age 71 ± 8.1 years; 28 [54%] men, 13 [25%] ruptured) were identified (3.6% of all thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs in Sweden). Aneurysm location was aortic arch (n = 6; 11%), descending aorta (n = 42; 81%), and multiple locations (n = 4; 8%). Twenty-nine (56%) patients had positive cultures; the most prevalent agent was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 16; 31%). Operative techniques included thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR; n = 35 [67%]), fenestrated/branched TEVAR (n = 8; 15%), hybrid repair (n = 7; 14%), and open patch repair (n = 2; 4%). Survival was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 88-96) at 30 days, 88% (95% CI 84-93) at three months, 78% (73-84) at one year, and 71% (64-77) at five years. The mean follow up among survivors (90 days) was 45 months (range 4-216 months). Antibiotics were administered for a median of 15 weeks (range 0-220 weeks). IRCs occurred in nine patients (17%): sepsis (n = 3), graft infection (n = 3), recurrent mycotic aneurysm (n = 1), aorto-oesophageal/bronchial fistula (n = 2). Six (67%) IRCs were fatal; 80% occurred within the first year. Re-operations were performed in nine patients (17%).TEVAR was often used as treatment for MTAAs, with acceptable short- and long-term survival when compared with open cohorts in the literature. IRCs are of concern and warrant follow up and long-term antibiotic treatment.

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a challenging and recognized complication to vascular surgery revascularization. The aim of this study was to investigate the current epidemiology, management, and early outcomes of fasciotomy in vascular surgery. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing lower extremity fasciotomy at a single university center between January 2008 and December 2014. Patient demographics, operative techniques, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: The cohort (n = 113 limbs; 107 patients; 48% women; mean age was 74 (12) years [range, 50-97 years]) included 81 (72%) limbs undergoing revascularization for acute limb ischemia, 7 (6.2%) limbs related to acute aortic disease, and 23 (20%) limbs undergoing elective vascular surgery. Five patients underwent bilateral lower extremity fasciotomy. In all, 64 (57%) limbs had signs of ACS and underwent a therapeutic fasciotomy, while 49 (43%) fasciotomies were prophylactic. There were 20 (18%) fasciotomies performed after endovascular interventions. A 4-compartment fasciotomy was performed in 82% (n = 93) of limbs with a double incision technique. Split thickness skin graft was required in 11% (12/112) and vacuum-assisted closure treatment in 11% (12/111). The mean length of stay in hospital was 11 (9) days. Most common complication was lower extremity nerve deficit 32% (33/104) followed by wound infection 30% (32/108). At 30-day follow-up, amputation rate was 13% (14/107 limbs) and mortality 23% (25/107 patients). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, prophylactic fasciotomy was associated with amputation (odds ratio: 28.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.96-425; P = .014). Conclusion: Acute compartment syndrome is primarily related to acute ischemic conditions but occurs after both aortic or elective vascular procedures and endovascular treatments. There are significant complications related to lower extremity fasciotomy in vascular surgery.

Objective The purpose of this multicentre study was to analyse the outcome of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (rDTAA). Methods This is a nationwide retrospective study including all patients who underwent TEVAR for rDTAA at six major vascular university centres in Sweden between January 2000 and December 2015. Outcome measures were analysed using Kaplan–Meier estimator and multivariable Cox regression. Results There were 140 patients (age [mean ± SD] 74.1 ± 8.8 years; 56% men; aneurysm size 64.8 ± 19 mm), with rDTAA. In 53 patients (37.9%), the left subclavian artery was covered, and in 25 patients (17.9%) arch vessel revascularisation was performed. In total, 61/136 patients (45%) had a major complication within 30 days post TEVAR. Stroke (n = 20; 14.7%) was the most common complication, followed by paraplegia (n = 13; 9.6%) and major bleeding (n = 13; 9.6%). TEVAR related complications during follow up included endoleaks 22.1% (30/136; 14 type 1a, six type 1b, 10 not defined). In total, re-interventions (n = 31) were required in 27/137 (19.7%) patients. The median follow up time was 17.0 months (range 0–132 months). The Kaplan–Meier estimated survival was 80.0% at one month, 71.7% at three months, 65.3% at one year, 45.9% at three years, and 31.9% at five years. Age (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.07; p = .046), history of stroke (HR 2.35; 95% CI 1.19–4.63; p = .014), previous aortic surgery (HR 2.11; 95% CI 1.15–3.87; p = .016) as well as post-operative major bleeding (HR 4.40; 95% CI 2.20–8.81; p = .001), stroke (HR 2.63; 95% CI 1.37–5.03; p = .004), and renal failure (HR 8.25; 95% CI 2.69–25.35; p = .001) were all associated with mortality. Conclusions This nationwide multicentre study of patients with rDTAA undergoing TEVAR showed acceptable short- but poor long-term survival. Adequate proximal and distal aortic sealing zones are important for technical success. High risk patients and post-operative complications need to be further addressed in an effort to improve outcome.

Background and Purpose— Early carotid surgery or stenting after thrombolytic treatment for stroke has become more common during recent years. It is unclear whether this carries an increased risk of postoperative complications and death. The aim of this nationwide population-based study was, therefore, to investigate the safety of urgently performed carotid procedures in patients treated with thrombolysis for stroke. Methods— Using the national Vascular and Stroke registries, we identified 3998 patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis between May 2008 and December 2012. Among these, 2% (79 of 3998) had undergone previous thrombolysis for stroke. We conducted a retrospective review of registry data and individual case records with regard to postoperative complications, including surgical-site bleeding, stroke, and death. The outcome was compared with the results for the remaining patient cohort (3919 of 3998) undergoing carotid surgery and stenting during the study period. Results— The median time between thrombolysis and the carotid procedure was 10 days. Seventy-one patients underwent carotid endarterectomy, and 6 patients underwent carotid artery stenting. The 30-day death and stroke rate for the thrombolysis cohort was 2.5% (2 of 79), and for the whole cohort, it was 3.8% (139 of 3626; P =0.55). The postoperative bleeding rates requiring reoperation were not significantly different between the groups (3.8% [3 of 79] in the thrombolysis group versus 3.3% [119 of 3626] in the whole cohort; P =0.79). There was no correlation between time from lysis to surgery or stenting and complications at 30 days postoperatively. Conclusions— Urgent carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting after thrombolysis for stroke may be safe without increased risk of serious complications.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the outcome and predisposing factors related to perioperative bleeding in patients treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ruptured and non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study.MethodsA total of 525 consecutive patients (73% elective) with AAA underwent EVAR at two vascular centres from 2008 to 2011. From registry data perioperative bleeding was analysed in relation to outcome and preoperative data.ResultsA total of 453 (86%) patients presented with a perioperative bleeding 5000 ml. Other than ruptured AAA (n = 90), no preoperative risk factors for increased perioperative bleeding were found. Open femoral artery access (n = 101), branched (n = 18) and uni-iliacal endografts (n = 18) and introducer size were associated with increased perioperative bleeding (P 2000 ml were significantly related to 30-day mortality (odds ratio 10.6 (range 3.8–29.6) and 13.4 (range 4.8–37.4), respectively). Postoperative renal failure, multi-organ failure, >5 days at intensive care unit, bowel ischaemia and abdominal compartments syndrome were significantly related to perioperative bleeding >2000 ml (P

The proportion of women with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treated with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is lower than for open repair (OR). Unfavorable morphologic features for EVAR in women with AAA may explain this disproportion. The objective of this study was to identify morphologic features in AAA patients undergoing elective repair with special emphasis on gender differences.Patients undergoing elective repair from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 at our university's vascular unit were included in this study. Computed tomography (CT) angiograms were analyzed. Morphologic features considered unfavorable for EVAR rather than open repair (OR) included: infrarenal aortic neck15 mm; angulation60°; circumferential neck thrombus; neck width32 mm; iliac arteries7.5 mm; or presence of bi-iliac aneurysms. Complex aortic neck was defined as a neck length of15 mm and one or more of the other aortic neck exclusion criteria.One hundred seventy-two patients, including 140 men and 32 women, were treated during the study period, which included 99 with OR (21 women, 78 men) and 73 with EVAR (11 women, 62 men). Morphologic unsuitability for EVAR was 44% (75 of 172) and was not statistically different between women and men [47% (15 of 32) vs. 43% (60 of 140), P = 0.70]. Aortic neck pathology was the dominating feature for unsuitability for EVAR (69 of 75, 92%), and 85 of 172 patients had an unsuitable aortic neck. This rate was not different between women and men [19 of 32 (59%) vs. 66 of 140 (47%), P = 0.24]. Iliac unsuitability rates were 11% (19 of 172) and were not different between women and men [4 of 32 (12%) vs. 15 of 140 (11%), P = 0.76]. In patients unsuitable for EVAR, the proximal aortic necks showed more extensive aortic neck pathology in women than in men [8 of 15 (53%) vs. 13 of 60 (22%), P = 0.02]. More men had only short neck pathology [22 of 60 (37%) vs. 1 of 15 (7%), P = 0.03].Aortic neck pathology is the dominating cause of EVAR exclusion in both genders. A higher proportion of women have more pathologic neck anatomy. Future development of EVAR devices should focus on the complexity of the aortic neck, which will benefit all AAA patients, but especially women.

Objectives To compare early (30 day mortality and major complications) and midterm (survival) outcomes in elective open surgical descending and thoraco-abdominal aortic repair using left heart bypass (LHB) versus hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) for organ protection, hypothesising non-inferiority of HCA management. Method This was a retrospective clinical cohort study with cross sectional follow-up. All elective ( n = 90) descending or thoraco-abdominal aortic repairs performed between 2004 and 2015 using either LHB ( n = 57) or HCA ( n = 33) were included. Pre- and intra-operative variables were evaluated by univariate statistical analysis. Thirty day and follow-up mortality were primary endpoints; major complications were secondary endpoints. Propensity score matching was employed to adjust for selection bias. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate midterm survival. Results Overall 30 day mortality was 8/90 (8.9%): 6/57 (10.5%) using LHB vs. 2/33 (6.1%) using HCA, p = .47. Five patients (5.6%) suffered paraplegia: 3/57 (5.3%) using LHB vs. 2/33 (6.1%) using HCA, p = .87. Stroke occurred in 6/57 (11%) vs. 2/33 (6.1%), p = .76; renal failure in 27/57 (47%) vs. 19/33 (58%), p = .90; and respiratory failure in 17/57 (30%) vs. 11/33 (33%), p = .68. In 26 propensity score matched pairs, findings remained unaltered. Total follow-up was 443 patient years (median 4.9 years). Estimated survival was 78% at 1 year and 77% at 5 years in LHB vs. 72% and 67%, respectively, with HCA; there were no significant inter-group differences, before or after propensity score matching. Conclusions In elective descending or thoraco-abdominal aortic repair, no statistically significant differences in 30 day mortality, major complications, or follow-up survival were found when LHB and HCA were compared. These findings remained after propensity score matching.

Background: No reliable comparative data exist between open repair (OR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (MAAAs). This nationwide study assessed outcomes after OR and EVAR for MAAA in a population-based cohort. Methods: All patients treated for MAAAs in Sweden between 1994 and 2014 were identified in the Swedish vascular registry. The primary aim was to assess survival after MAAA with OR and EVAR. Secondary aims were analyses of the rate of recurrent infections and reoperations, and time trends in surgical treatment. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. A propensity score–weighted correction for risk factor differences in the 2 groups was performed, including the operation year to account for differences in treatment and outcomes over time. Results: We identified 132 patients (0.6% of all operated abdominal aortic aneurysms in Sweden). Mean age was 70 years (standard deviation, 9.2), and 50 presented with rupture. Survival at 3 months was 86% (95% confidence interval, 80%–92%), at 1 year 79% (72%–86%), and at 5 years 59% (50%–68%). The preferred operative technique shifted from OR to EVAR after 2001 (proportion EVAR 1994–2000 0%, 2001–2007 58%, 2008–2014 60%). Open repair was performed in 62 patients (47%): aortic resection and extra-anatomic bypass (n=7), in situ reconstruction (n=50), and patch plasty (n=3); 2 patients died intraoperatively. EVAR was performed in 70 patients (53%): standard EVAR (n=55), fenestrated/branched EVAR (n=8), and visceral deviation with stent grafting (n=7); no deaths occurred intraoperatively. Survival at 3 months was lower for OR than for EVAR (74% versus 96%, P P =0.054). A propensity score–weighted risk-adjusted analysis confirmed the early better survival associated with EVAR. During median follow-up of 36 and 41 months for OR and EVAR, respectively, there was no difference in long-term survival (5 years 60% versus 58%, P =0.771), infection-related complications (18% versus 24%, P =0.439), or reoperation (21% versus 24%, P =0.650). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a paradigm shift in treatment of MAAA in Sweden, with EVAR being the preferred treatment modality. EVAR was associated with improved short-term survival in comparison with OR, without higher associated incidence of serious infection-related complications or reoperations.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) compared to aspirin on outcome after endovascular interventions in patients with CLI.This was a population based retrospective nationwide cohort analysis. Several linked national databases in Sweden: Swedish National Vascular Registry, Prescribed Drug Registry and National Discharge Registry. A total of 1941 patients (median age 79; range 43-103 years; women 58%) were identified with CLI who had undergone primary femoropopliteal endovascular intervention between 2006 and 2012. Of these, 599 (31%) patients were treated after the intervention with DAPT (aspirin and clopidogrel) and 1342 (69%) patients were treated with aspirin only. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 1131 patients (58%), stenting in 633 patients (33%), and subintimal angioplasty (SAP) in 177 patients (9%).DAPT was given after PTA, stenting, and SAP to 17% (n = 188), 53% (n = 334), and 44% (n = 77) of the patients, respectively. During the study period, 77 patients (13%) with DAPT and 228 patients (17%) with aspirin underwent a major amputation. Patients receiving DAPT after stenting had a lower rate of amputation (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.36-0.86) than patients receiving aspirin alone. In the subgroup analysis, the protective effect of DAPT on amputation seemed to be confined to patients with diabetes mellitus receiving a stent (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13-0.52; p .001). DAPT after PTA or SAP did not influence limb salvage, and there was no overall difference in mortality. There was no significant difference in bleeding complications between DAPT and aspirin.DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel compared to aspirin alone was associated with a lower amputation rate but not a higher bleeding rate in patients with diabetes and CLI after endovascular femoropopliteal stenting.

Purpose: To describe a heretofore unreported complication involving the Zenith Low Profile (LP) stent-graft. Case Report: Two men, aged 75 and 67 years, respectively, underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with a Zenith LP device. At 4 and 3 years, respectively, computed tomography angiography revealed separation of the proximal fixation stent from the stent-graft. In the first patient, there was stent-graft migration but no evidence of an endoleak; however, the aneurysm had grown. A fenestrated cuff was placed, sealing distally in the previous LP graft. The second patient had a type I endoleak. Open surgery was performed, and the main body of the graft was explanted. Postoperative examination of the device revealed that the fixation sutures on the suprarenal stent were still attached to the stent and had eroded through the graft material. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the potential for top stent separation from the Zenith LP stent-graft as a cause of endoleak and migration.

Objective— To analyze the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the development of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a large population-based sample of twins. Methods and Results— The understanding of genetics in PAD is still limited. From the Swedish Twin Registry and the national patient discharge registry, 1464 twins with PAD were identified, including 33 monozygotic (MZ) and 42 dizygotic (DZ) concordant pairs and 298 MZ and 1008 DZ discordant pairs. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were significantly more prevalent in twins with PAD than in those without PAD. Concordances and correlations were higher in MZ compared with DZ twins, indicating genetic influences in PAD. The risk of PAD for persons whose twin had PAD compared with persons whose twin did not have PAD, estimated as an odds ratio, was 17.7 (95% CI, 11.7 to 26.6) for MZ twins and 5.7 (95% CI, 4.1 to 7.9) for DZ twins. In the structural equation models, Mx analyses, genetic effects accounted for 58% (95% CI, 50% to 64%) and nonshared environmental effects for 42% (95% CI, 36% to 50%) of the phenotypic variance among twins. Conclusion— Heritability is an important component, along with unique environmental factors, for the development of PAD. The proportion of the overall PAD heritability attributed to the heritability of cardiovascular risk factors needs to be resolved. Traditional risk factors could explain a major proportion of PAD heritability. A better understanding of the genetics in PAD could identify individuals at increased risk who may benefit from targeted therapies.

Background The contribution of hereditary and environmental factors to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is still partly unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of these factors in a large population-based sample of twins. Methods The Swedish Twin Registry, containing data on twins born in the country since 1886, was cross-linked with the Inpatient Registry, providing national coverage of discharge diagnoses coded according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). All twins with an infrarenal AAA were identified. Concordance rates and tetrachoric correlations were calculated for monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. Tetrachoric correlations were calculated assuming an underlying normal distribution of liability, with multiple factors contributing additively and a threshold value that discriminates between AAA and no AAA. Higher concordance rates and correlations of liability in MZ twins than in DZ twins suggest that genetic factors influence disease development. Structural equation modeling techniques, Mx-analyses, were used to estimate the contributions of genetic effects as well as shared and nonshared environmental factors for development of AAA. Results There were 172,890 twins registered at the time of the study including 265 twins (81% men; mean age 72 years; range, 48-94) with AAA. There were 7 MZ and 5 DZ concordant pairs as well as 44 MZ and 197 DZ discordant pairs with AAA. The probandwise concordance rates for MZ and DZ pairs were 24% and 4.8%, respectively. The tetrachoric correlations were 0.71 in MZ pairs and 0.31 in DZ pairs. The odds ratio (OR) was 71 (95% confidence interval [CI] 27-183) for MZ twins and 7.6 (95% CI 3.0-19) for DZ twins. In the structural equation models, genetic effects accounted for 70% (95% CI 0.33-0.83), shared environmental effects for 0% (95% CI 0-0.27), and nonshared environmental effects for 30% (95% CI 0.17-0.46) of the phenotypic variance among twins. Conclusion These data provide robust epidemiologic evidence that heritability contributes to aneurysm formation. Concordances and correlations were higher in MZ compared with DZ twins, indicating genetic effects. There was a 24% probability that an MZ twin of a person with AAA will have the disease. The twin of an MZ twin with AAA had a risk of AAA that was 71 times that of the MZ twin of a person without AAA. A heritability of 70% of the total trait variance was estimated. The remaining variance was explained by nonshared environmental factors with no support for a role of shared environmental influences.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of atherectomy for limb salvage compared with open bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia. Methods: Ninety-nine consecutive bypass and atherectomy procedures performed for critical limb ischemia between January 2003 and October 2006 were reviewed. Results: A total of 99 cases involving TASC C (n = 43, 44%) and D (n = 56, 56%) lesions were treated with surgical bypass in 59 patients and atherectomy in 33 patients. Bypass and atherectomy achieved similar 1-year primary patency (64% vs 63%; P = .2). However, the 1-year limb salvage rate was greater in the bypass group (87% vs 69%; P = .004). In the tissue loss subgroup, there was a greater limb salvage rate for bypass patients versus atherectomy (79% vs 60%; P = .04). Conclusions: Patients with critical limb ischemia may do better with open bypass compared with atherectomy as first-line therapy for limb salvage.

Background: Inflammation is a key mechanism in human atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and disruption. The objective was to determine the differential gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the fibrous cap and shoulder region of noncalcified and calcified carotid endarterectomy plaques. Methods: Thirty carotid endarterectomy plaques were classified as type Va (noncalcified, n = 15) and type Vb (calcified, n = 15) in accordance with the American Heart Association consensus. Using laser capture microdissection, fibrous cap and shoulder regions were excisedfrom frozen sections. Gene expression of pro- [interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)] and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) factors, and bone formation (bone morphogenetic protein 6 and osteocalcin) mediators were quantitated by real-time PCR. Protein levels were determined using Western blotting. Results: Mean percent carotid stenosis and calcification area were 79 and 5% in Va-plaques (40% symptomatic) and 77 and 42% in Vb-plaques (20% symptomatic). Macrophages infiltrating the region of the fibrous cap and the shoulder were more numerous in non-calcified plaques compared with calcified plaques (p < 0.01]. mRNA expression of MCP-1 and IL-8, and protein levels of IL-8 were also greater in Va plaques compared to Vb plaques (p < 0.05). Protein levels and mRNA expression of osteocalcin were greater in Vb compared to Va plaques (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fibrous cap inflammation is more likely to occur in noncalcified than in calcified plaques. These findings suggest that carotid atherosclerotic plaque calcification is a structural marker of plaque stability.

Surgical debranching and endovascular repair is an attractive hybrid approach in high-risk patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms unsuitable for conventional open repair. Vascular laparorobotic technology is an evolving field in the treatment of aortoiliac and aneurysmal disease. Herein we present a case in which hybrid laparorobotic debranching and endovascular repair was performed in a patient with a symptomatic 7 cm thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm extent III. The laparorobotic approach was utilized for iliac artery exposure and suturing of the proximal anastomosis of the debranching graft. The technique was also useful in limiting the extent of the abdominal incision in a patient with severe comorbidities. Advantages of computer-assisted robotic vascular reconstruction include a high-resolution three-dimensional field of view and technical precision for vascular dissection and anastomosis.

Les anevrismes aortiques abdominaux sous-renaux (AAA) avec un collet aortique sous-renal hostile non accessible a au traitement endovasculaire (EVAR) relevent d'une chirurgie directe avec clampage aortique sus-renal. Nous avons compare les resultats de la voie trans-peritoneale et de la voie retroperitoneale pour la cure des AAA sous-renaux necessitant un clampage sus-renal, et la frequence relative de ces techniques apres l'introduction d'EVAR dans notre pratique clinique. De janvier 1998 a septembre 2005, 478 anevrismes aortiques sous-renaux ont ete repares de maniere elective. Il y avait 160 (33%) chirurgies directes (71% trans-peritoneales et 29% retroperitoneales) et 318 (67%) reparations endovasculaires. Dans 38 cas (24%) un clampage sus-renal a ete utilise (47% des voies trans-peritoneales et 53% des voies retroperitoneales) en raison d'un collet sous-renal hostile. Un collet aortique hostile etait defini comme un collet dont l'angulation etait importante (>60°), un collet court ( p = 0,04) tandis que la chirurgie directe diminuait de 40% a 29% ( p = 0,01). La voie retroperitoneale a double de 19% a 39%, alors que l'approche transperitoneale diminuait de 81% a 61% ( p = 0,02). Le clampage sus-renal a augmente de 11% apres 2002. Il n'y avait aucune difference significative d'âge, de sexe, de taille des anevrismes, ou de comorbidites entre les groupes trans-peritoneal et retroperitoneal avec clampage sus-renal. La mortalite a 30 jours etait de 2/38 (5%) et observee seulement dans le groupe trans-peritoneal. L'abord trans-peritoneal etait associee a des pertes sanguines sensiblement plus importantes et a une plus grande duree de clampage sus-renal (2.400 contre 1.800 mL et 38 contre 29,5 min ; p = 0,03), mais sans difference significative des complications postoperatoires a 30 jours. Dans notre experience de 7 ans, il y a eu une augmentation progressive de l'utilisation d'EVAR pour les AAA sous-renaux. Parallelement, plus d'AAA sous-renaux avec un collet aortique hostile necessitant un clampage aortique sus-renal ont ete traites. Dans de tels cas, l'abord retroperitoneal est plus sur, avec moins de pertes sanguines perioperatoires et une duree de clampage sus-renal plus courte. Ceci est probablement attribuable a une meilleure exposition de l'aorte abdominale sus-renale, permettant une anastomose proximale plus sure.

This register based study aimed to investigate the rate and pattern of healthcare associated infections (HCAI) in patients treated for lower extremity arterial disease, using antibiotic prescription as a surrogate for post-operative HCAI.A retrospective analysis of prospectively registered data on all patients treated with primary elective, open or endovascular, surgery for lower extremity arterial disease in Sweden between 2005 and 2010, was carried out. Antibiotic prescriptions were determined for three time periods (6 months pre-operative; 30 day post-operative, and 5 months extended post-operative).The cohort (n = 9894) included patients with claudication (27%, n = 2659), critical limb ischemia (rest pain without ulceration; 17%, n = 1681), and ulceration/gangrene (56%, n = 5552). Fifty-nine percent (n = 5865) of the procedures were endovascular interventions. The incidence of 30 day post-operative antibiotic prescriptions was 33% (n = 3294). These were comprised of antibiotics for skin and soft tissue infections (67%, n = 2199); urinary tract infections (UTIs; 21%, n = 703); and respiratory tract infections (12%, n = 383). There was a 92% increase in the antibiotic prescription incidence rate for the 1 month post-operative period compared with the pre-operative period (p .001). In the endovascular group, UTI antibiotics dominated the 30 day post-operative period for patients with claudication (p .001).Antibiotic treatment can be a useful marker for post-discharge surveillance of HCAI in patients with lower extremity arterial disease. The incidence of post-operative HCAI after lower extremity revascularization may have previously been underestimated.

Safety of carotid endarterectomy after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke : a case-controlled multicentre registry study

Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcome of infrainguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Methods Between 1991 and 1994, 77 patients (45 men; mean age 70 years, range 41-85) underwent infrainguinal PTA for occlusive disease. Patient records and angiographic examinations were reviewed to extract data to a patient register. A long-term (mean 9.3 years) follow-up examination of survivors was performed, including physical evaluation, walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ), and duplex ultrasound. Results Cumulative primary and secondary patency rates, respectively, were 81% and 86% at 1 year, 65% and 73% at 5 years, and 12% and 17% at 10 years. Patency rates were better for patients with claudication than critical ischemia (p=0.02). Stenoses had better primary patency than occlusions (p=0.001), but there was no difference between stenoses /=2 cm. At long-term follow-up, patients with patent vessels (50%) had better ankle-brachial indices (p=0.01) and less pain in their calves (p=0.04) compared to patients with non-patent vessels, but there was no difference in walking capacity or quality of life. Generalized femoral artery disease (p=0.03) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.03) predicted poor survival. Conclusions Although the overall long-term patency of infrainguinal PTA is poor, the technique has a low morbidity and can be performed in selected patients with a reasonable long-term result.

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is associated with coagulopathy and intraabdominal hemorrhage. Fibrinogen acts as a key coagulation factor and has previously been suggested as a biomarker for increased perioperative bleeding in other surgical areas. The aim of the present study was to investigate fibrinogen and standard laboratory parameters and their association to preoperative hemodynamic status, intraoperative bleeding (IOB), and outcome in treatment of rAAA.This is a single university center retrospective cohort study of 91 consecutive patients with rAAA undergoing open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) between 2008 and 2013. Patients were analyzed using the Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc), and local hospital medical and laboratory records. Laboratory data analyzed included fibrinogen, hemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time ratio, activated partial thrombin time, and creatinine. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in a logistical regression model.In the study cohort (n = 91), median age was 74 (57-91) years; 80 % men; open surgical repair (n = 72; 77%); EVAR (n = 19; 23%). Median preoperative fibrinogen concentration was 1.8 g/L (IQR = 1.4) and varied significantly across bleeding groups: ≤1999 ml 2.3g/L, IQR = 1.4 (n = 35); 2000-4999 ml 1.6 g/L, IQR = 1.5 (n = 33); ≥5000 ml 1.4 g/L, IQR = 1.0 (n = 23) (P0.001). Preoperative fibrinogen concentration showed a linear relationship with preoperative blood pressure (r = .447, P = 0.01). When analyzing other preoperative laboratory values, only platelets showed a similar linear relationship with preoperative blood pressure (r = .247, P = 0.05). Patients with blood pressure70 mmHg had an associated median fibrinogen concentration of less than 1.5 g/L (P = 0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, preoperative fibrinogen1.5 g/L [OR 10.0, CI (1.8-57.1), P = 0.009] was associated with IOB2000 ml and preoperative blood pressure70 mmHg was associated with IOB2 000 ml [OR 3.7, CI (1.1-12.6), P = 0.03] and5000 ml [OR 5.2, CI (1.3-21.1), P = 0.02]. Low fibrinogen concentration (1.5 g/L) was associated with 30-day mortality in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.Low preoperative fibrinogen concentration was significantly associated with preoperative hypotension and increased intraoperative bleeding in patients with rAAA. Patients in hemodynamic shock with blood pressure70 mmHg had an associated fibrinogen concentration of less than 1.5 g/L. A fibrinogen concentration less than 1.5 g/L was associated with a ten-fold increased risk of intraoperative hemorrhage of more than 2000 ml.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS The literature on the safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) consists of relatively small series. This study presents the first very large registry based case controlled study on a consecutive series of patients having CEA with or without previous IVT for acute stroke. Equally low procedure related stroke and death rates were found in the two groups. Despite weaknesses in this study, including lack of data on the interval from symptoms to CEA in the control group, the results support the indication that CEA can also be performed within the recommended 2 weeks in patients having had IVT. Objective: Few studies have been published on the safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Registry reports have been recommended in order to gather large study groups. Design: A retrospective, registry based, case controlled study on prospectively gathered data from Sweden, the capital region of Finland, and from Denmark, including 30 days of follow up. Methods: The study group was a consecutive series of 5526 patients who had CEA for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis during a 4.5 year period. Among these, 202 (4%) had IVT prior to surgery, including 117 having CEA within 14 days, and 59 within 7 days of thrombolysis. IVT as well as CEA were performed following established guidelines. The median time from index symptom to CEA was 12 days (range 0e130, IQR 7e21). Results: The 30 day combined stroke and death rate was 3.5% (95% CI 1.69e6.99) for those having IVT þ CEA, 4.1% (95% CI 3.46e4.39) for those having CEA without previous IVT (odds ratio 0.84 [95% CI 0.39e1.81]), 3.4% (95% CI 1.33e8.39) for those having IVT þ CEA within 14 days, and 5.1% (95% CI 1.74e13.91) for those having IVT þ CEA within 7 days. Conclusion: Data on the time from symptoms to CEA in patients not having IVT, Rankin score, degree of stenosis, and cerebral imaging were not available. Despite its weaknesses, this study reasserts that CEA can be performed within the recommended 2 weeks of the onset of symptoms and IVT without increasing the risk of peri-operative stroke or death. Centres and vascular registries are recommended to continue monitoring changes in patient characteristics, lead times, and major complications after CEA in general, with a special focus on those who have undergone a prior thrombolysis.

Objectives: Composite sequential arterial bypass is a useful option for treatment of peripheral vascular disease when autologous vein is limited. We have described a modified technique for composite sequential bypass using an extended polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) synthetic graft and the long saphenous vein. These are linked via a common intermediate section anastomosed to the native vessel arteriotomy in a diamond configuration (diamond anastomosis). Methods: The diamond composite sequential bypass procedure was performed on six patients to treat critical limb ischemia (gangrene, ischemic ulceration, severe rest pain). The proximal bypass grafts consist of ePTFE, to

BackgroundThrombolysis is a common method in the treatment of lower extremity bypass graft occlusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of thrombolytic therapy in the management of acute bypass graft occlusion and to identify risk factors for technical failure and amputation.MethodsAll patients at two tertiary referral centers undergoing thrombolysis for acute graft occlusion in the lower limb between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with technical failure of thrombolytic therapy, major amputation, and mortality were determined with multivariate analysis, and long-term outcomes were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.ResultsDuring the study period, 123 patients underwent thrombolysis for acute bypass graft occlusion. Mean age was 69 years (range, 27-91 years); 38% were women. Sixty-seven percent had synthetic grafts. Acute critical leg ischemia (74%) was the dominating symptom preceding thrombolytic treatment. In 29% of cases, no adjunctive interventions were required, whereas 21% underwent open surgery, 39% endovascular intervention, and 11% underwent a hybrid procedure. Technical failure of thrombolysis occurred in 18 patients. Presence of ischemic heart disease (P = .013), older grafts (P = .014), and synthetic grafts (trend; P = .092) were associated with success of thrombolysis, and ischemic heart disease remained as an independent factor in the multivariate analysis for technical success of thrombolysis (P = .04; odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.1-15.1]), whereas there was a trend for older grafts (P = .089). Mean follow-up was 38 months (range, 0-119 months). The major amputation rate was 11% (14/123) at 1 month and 25% (31/122) at 1 year. In a Cox regression model, technical failure (P = .031; hazard ratio [HR] 2.58, 95% CI [1.0-6.08]), higher age (P = .004; HR 1.06, 95% CI [1.02-1.10]), and synthetic graft as opposed to vein graft (P = .050; HR 2.63, 95% CI [1.0-6.9]) remained as independent factors associated with major amputation. The amputation-free survival rate was 89% and 75% at 1 and 12 months, respectively. Higher age (P < .001; HR 1.06, 95% CI [1.03-1.09]) and acute limb ischemia (P = .007; HR 2.40, 95% CI [1.26-4.56]) remained as independent adverse factors associated with amputation-free survival.ConclusionsOur findings support the use of thrombolysis in the treatment of acute bypass graft occlusion in the lower limb given its acceptable short- and long-term amputation-free survival rates. Technical failure and higher age were factors associated with major amputation. Synthetic grafts appeared to have a somewhat increased likelihood of technically successful thrombolysis compared with vein grafts, but on the other hand, they exhibited an increased risk of amputation during follow-up.

Background: The postthrombotic syndrome is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis that leads to considerable pain and suffering to patients. We evaluated our experience of endovascular treatment for patients with chronic postthrombotic femoroiliocaval venous disease. Materials and Methods: From January 2003 through December 2007, 50 patients (51 limbs; 60% women; mean age 45 years; range: 24-74 years) with chronic postthrombotic venous disease were referred to our institution for interventional assessment. All patients underwent duplex ultrasonography as well as ascending and descending venography. The CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic classification) clinical scores were class 0 (no signs) in 2% of limbs, class 3 (edema) in 63%, class 4a (pigmentation or eczema) in 18%, class 5 (healed venous ulcer) in 14%, and class 6 (active venous ulcer) in 4%. The etiology was secondary (postthrombotic) in all patients. The anatomical distribution of reflux and obstruction were deep veins in 63% and a combination of deep and superficial veins in 37%. The underlying pathophysiology due to obstruction of the deep venous outflow with no reflux was found in 25% of limbs, only reflux was found in 14%, and a combination of obstruction and reflux was found in 61%. Results: There were 21 limbs in 20 (38%) patients that underwent endovascular and/or surgical treatment. One limb underwent femoral endovenectomy and 1 limb superficial femoral vein to deep femoral vein transposition. In all, 19 limbs were scheduled for endovascular treatment. The technical success rate was 84%, 3 limbs with iliac vein occlusions could not be recanalized. A total of 11 patients (11 limbs) underwent solely endovascular intervention and 4 patients (5 limbs) underwent endovascular intervention combined with femoral endovenectomy. The endovascular and surgical procedures were performed with no perioperative or postoperative mortality as well as no major bleeding or cardiac, pulmonary, or renal 30-day complications. Early thrombosis (