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Objective: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergo lower extremity revascularization (LER) for symptomatic relief or limb salvage. Despite LER, patients remain at increased risk of platelet-mediated complications, such as major adverse cardiac and limb events (MACLE). Platelet activity is associated with cardiovascular events; yet little is known about the dynamic nature of platelet activity over time. We therefore investigated the change in platelet activity over time and its association with long-term cardiovascular risk., Methods: Patients with PAD undergoing LER were enrolled into the multicenter, prospective Platelet Activity and Cardiovascular Events (PACE) study. Platelet aggregation was assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) to submaximal epinephrine (0.4μ M) immediately prior to LER, and on post-operative day 1 or 2 (POD1) and 30 (POD30). A hyperreactive platelet phenotype was defined as >60% aggregation. Patients were followed longitudinally for MACLE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, major lower extremity amputation, or acute limb ischemia leading to reintervention., Results: Among 287 patients undergoing LER, mean age was 70 ± 11 years, 33% were female, 61% were white, and 89% were on baseline antiplatelet therapy. Platelet aggregation to submaximal epinephrine induced a bimodal response; 15.5%, 16.8%, and 16.4% of patients demonstrated a hyperreactive platelet phenotype at baseline, POD1, and POD30, respectively. Platelet aggregation increased by 18.5% (P=0.001) from baseline to POD1, which subsequently returned to baseline at POD30. After a median follow-up of 19 months, MACLE occurred in 165 (57%) patients. After adjustment for demographics, clinical risk factors, procedure type, and antiplatelet therapy, platelet hyperreactivity at POD1 was associated with a significant hazard of long-term MACLE (aHR 4.61, 95% CI 2.08-10.20, P<0.001)., Conclusion: Among patients with severe PAD, platelet activity increases following LER. Platelet hyperreactivity to submaximal epinephrine on POD1 is associated with long-term MACLE. Platelet activity following LER may represent a modifiable biomarker associated with excess cardiovascular risk., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Competing Interests: Disclosures None.

Objective: Vascular surgeons are often called upon to provide emergent surgical assistance to other specialties for iatrogenic complications, both intraoperatively and in the inpatient setting. The management of iatrogenic vascular injury remains a critical role of the vascular surgeon, especially in the context of the increasing adoption of percutaneous procedures by other specialties. This study aims to characterize consultation timing, management, and outcomes for iatrogenic vascular injuries., Methods: This study identified patients for whom vascular surgery was consulted for iatrogenic vascular complications from February 1, 2022, to May 12, 2023. Patient information, including demographic information, injury details, and details of any operative intervention, was retrospectively collected from February 1, 2022, to October 13, 2022, and prospectively collected for the remainder of the study period. Analyses were performed with R (version 2022.02.03)., Results: There were 87 patients with consultations related to iatrogenic vascular injury. Of these, 42 (46%) were female and the mean age was 59 years (±18 years). The most common consulting services were cardiology (32%), cardiothoracic surgery (26%), general surgery (8%), and neurointerventional radiology (10%). Reasons for consultation included hemorrhage (36%), limb ischemia (36%), and treatment of pseudoaneurysm (23%). A total of 24% of consults were intraoperative, 20% of consults related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation, and 16% of consults related to ventricular assist devices including left ventricular assist device and intra-aortic balloon pump. The majority of these consult requests (60%) occurred during evening and night hours (5 PM to 7 AM). Emergent intervention was required in 62% of cases and consisted of primary open surgical repair of arterial injury (54%), endovascular intervention (21%), and open thromboembolectomy (15%). Overall, in-hospital mortality for the patient cohort was 20% and the reintervention rate was 23%, reflecting the underlying complexity of the illness and nature of the vascular injury in this patient group., Conclusions: Vascular surgeons play an essential role in managing emergent life-threatening hemorrhagic and ischemic iatrogenic vascular complications in the hospitalized setting. The complications require immediate bedside or intraoperative consult and often emergent open surgical or endovascular intervention. Furthermore, many of these require urgent management in the evening or overnight hours, and therefore the high frequency of these events represents a potential significant resource utilization and workforce issue to the vascular surgery workforce., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: There is a paucity of data evaluating outcomes of lower extremity bypass (LEB) using supra-inguinal inflow for revascularization of infra-inguinal vessels. The purpose of this study is to report outcomes after LEB originating from aortoiliac arteries to infra-femoral targets., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2020) was queried for patients undergoing LEB from the aortoiliac arteries to the popliteal and tibial arteries. Patients were stratified into 3 cohorts based on outflow targets (above-knee [AK] popliteal, below-knee [BK] popliteal, and tibial arteries). Perioperative and 1-year outcomes including primary patency, amputation-free survival (AFS), and major adverse limb events (MALEs) were compared. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the independent prognostic factors of outcomes., Results: Of 403 LEBs, 389 (96.5%) originated from the external iliac artery, while the remaining used the aorta or common iliac artery as inflow. In terms of the distal target, the AK popliteal was used in 116 (28.8%), the BK popliteal in 151 (27.5%), and tibial vessels in 136 (43.7%) cases. BK popliteal and tibial bypasses, compared to AK popliteal bypasses, were more commonly performed in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (69.5% and 69.9% vs. 48.3%; P < 0.001). Vein conduit was more often used for tibial bypass than for AK and BK popliteal bypasses (46.3% vs. 21.9% and 16.3%; P < 0.001). In the perioperative period, BK popliteal and tibial bypass patients had higher reoperation rates (16.9% and 13.2% vs. 5.2%; P = 0.02) and lower primary patency (89.4% and 89% vs. 95.7%; P = 0.04) than AK bypass patients. At 1 year, compared with AK popliteal bypasses, BK and tibial bypasses demonstrated lower primary patency (81.9% vs. 56.7% vs. 52.4%, P < 0.001) and freedom from MALE (77.6% vs. 70.2% vs. 63.1%, P = 0.04), although AFS was not significantly different (89.7% vs. 90.6% vs. 83.8%, P = 0.19).On multivariable analysis, compared with AK popliteal bypasses, tibial bypasses were independently associated with increased loss of primary patency (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.51, P = 0.04). Subanalysis of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia demonstrated significantly higher primary patency in the AK popliteal cohort at discharge and 1 year, but no difference in AFS or freedom from MALE between the cohorts at follow-up., Conclusions: LEB with supra-inguinal inflow appear to have acceptable rates of 1-year patency and limb salvage in patients at high risk of bypass failure. Tibial outflow target was independently associated with worse primary patency but not with MALE or AFS., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The infrageniculate popliteal artery is a potential source for inflow in lower extremity bypass surgery in patients with isolated tibial artery disease. The objective of our study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of popliteal-distal bypasses using data from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI)., Methods: The VQI registry was queried between 2003 and 2021 for patients undergoing surgical revascularizations with the below-knee popliteal artery serving as inflow. Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier models were used to estimate amputation-free survival, survival, and freedom from amputation. Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with major amputation or death., Results: A total of 1884 procedures were analyzed. The mean age of the included patients was 67.7 years. The most frequently observed preoperative comorbidities included insulin-dependent diabetes (52.3%), coronary disease (32.4%), and end-stage renal disease (14.4%). Of all the patients, 670 (35.6%) had a history of ipsilateral endovascular intervention. The procedures were performed for a variety of indications, including tissue loss (84.3%), rest pain (10.9%), and claudication (4.8%). Intraoperatively, the outflow targets were the dorsalis pedis (31.4%), the posterior tibial (24.4%), and the anterior tibial arteries (15.6%). Vein conduit was used in 92.1% of cases. The rate of perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) was 2.4%, and the 30-day mortality was 1.9%. The median length of follow up was 371 days. Amputation-free survival was found to be 85.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.0%-87.2%) at 6 months and 78.6% (95% CI, 76.6%-80.4%) at 12 months. Survival was found to be 93.4% (95% CI, 92.2%-94.5%) at 6 months and 88.6% (95% CI, 87.1%-90.0%) at 12 months. Freedom from amputation was found to be 92.0% (95% CI, 90.7%-93.3%) at 6 months and 89.0% (95% CI, 87.3%-90.4%) at 12 months. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that age greater than 65 years, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and end-stage renal disease were associated with a higher risk of major amputation or death (P < .05)., Conclusions: Below-knee popliteal-distal bypass is a safe and effective approach to treat severe tibial vessel occlusive disease in this challenging patient cohort. Patients exhibited low perioperative complication rates and good amputation-free survival at 1 year., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are the most common visceral aneurysm, there is a paucity of literature on the behavior of these entities. The objective of this study was to review the natural history of patients with SAA., Methods: This single-institution, retrospective analysis studied patients with SAA diagnosed by computed tomography imaging between 2015 and 2019, identified by our institutional radiology database. Imaging, demographic, and clinical data were obtained via the electronic medical record. The growth rate was calculated for patients with radiologic follow-up., Results: The cohort consisted of 853 patients with 890 SAAs, of whom 692 were female (81.2%). There were 37 women (5.3%) of childbearing age (15-50 years). The mean age at diagnosis was 70.9 years (range: 28-100 years). Frequently observed medical comorbidities included hypertension (70.2%), hypercholesterolemia (54.7%), and prior smoking (32.2%). Imaging indications included abdominal pain (37.3%), unrelated follow-up (28.0%), and follow-up of a previously noted visceral artery aneurysm (8.6%). The mean diameter at diagnosis was 13.3 ± 6.3 mm. Anatomic locations included the splenic hilum (36.0%), distal splenic artery (30.3%), midsplenic artery (23.9%), and proximal splenic artery (9.7%). Radiographically, the majority were saccular aneurysms (72.4%) with calcifications (88.5%). One patient (38-year-old woman) was initially diagnosed at the time of rupture of a 25 mm aneurysm; this patient underwent immediate endovascular intervention with no complications. The mean clinical follow-up among 812 patients was 4.1 ± 4.0 years, and the mean radiological follow-up among 514 patients was 3.8 ± 6.8 years. Of the latter, 122 patients (23.7%) experienced growth. Aneurysm growth rates for initial sizes <10 mm (n = 123), 10 to 19 mm (n = 353), 20 to 29 mm (n = 34), and >30 mm (n = 4) were 0.166 mm/y, 0.172 mm/y, 0.383 mm/y, and 0.246 mm/y, respectively. Of the entire cohort, 27 patients (3.2%) eventually underwent intervention (81.5% endovascular), with the most common indications including size/growth criteria (70.4%) and symptom development (18.5%). On multivariate analysis, only prior tobacco use was significantly associated with aneurysm growth (P = .028)., Conclusions: The majority of SAAs in this cohort remained stable in size, with few patients requiring intervention over a mean follow-up of 4 years. Current guidelines recommending treatment of asymptomatic aneurysms >30 mm appear appropriate given their slow progression. Despite societal recommendations for intervention for all SAAs among women of childbearing age, only a minority underwent vascular surgical consultation and intervention in this series, indicating that these recommendations are likely not well known in the general medical community., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: Investigations into imaging modalities in the diagnosis of extracranial carotid artery occlusion (CAO) have raised questions about the inter-modality comparability of duplex ultrasound (DUS) and cross-sectional imaging (CSI). This study examines the relationship between DUS and CSI diagnoses of extracranial CAO., Methods: This single-institution retrospective analysis studied patients with CAO diagnosed by DUS from 2010 to 2021. Patients were identified in our office-based accredited vascular laboratory database. Imaging and clinical data was obtained via our institutional electronic medical record. Primary outcome was discrepancy between DUS and CSI modalities. Secondary outcomes included incidence of stroke and intervention subsequent to CAO diagnosis., Results: Of our 140-patient cohort, 95 patients (67.9%) had DUS follow-up (mean, 42.7 ± 31.3 months). At index duplex, 68.0% of individuals (n = 51) were asymptomatic. Seventy-five patients (53.6%) had CSI of the carotids after DUS CAO diagnosis; 18 (24%) underwent magnetic resonance imaging and 57 (76%) underwent computed tomography. Indications for CSI included follow-up of DUS findings of carotid stenosis/occlusion (44%), stroke/transient ischemic attack (16%), other symptoms (12%), preoperative evaluation (2.7%), unrelated pathology follow-up (9.3%), and outside institution imaging with unavailable indications (16%). When comparing patients with CSI and those without, there were no differences with regard to symptoms at diagnosis, prior neck interventions, or hypertension. There was a significant difference between cross-sectionally imaged and non-imaged patients in anti-hypertensive medications (72% vs 53.8%; P = .04). Despite initial DUS diagnoses of carotid occlusion, 10 patients (13.3%) ultimately had CSI indicating patent carotids. Four of these 10 patients had stenoses of ∼99% (with 1 string sign), four of 70% to 99%, one of 50% to 69%, and one of less than 50% on CSI. The majority of patients (70%) had CSI within 1 month of the index ultrasound. There were no significant relationships between imaging discrepancies and body mass index, heart failure, upper body edema, carotid artery calcification, and neck hardware. Eight individuals (10.7%) underwent ipsilateral revascularization; 62.5% (n = 5) were carotid endarterectomy procedures, and the remaining three procedures were a transcervical carotid revascularization, subclavian to internal carotid artery bypass, and transfemoral carotid artery stenting. Eight patients (10.7%) underwent contralateral revascularization, with the same distribution of procedures as those ipsilateral to occlusions. Two of the 10 patients with discrepancies underwent carotid endarterectomy, and one underwent carotid stenting., Conclusions: In our experience, duplex diagnosis of CAO is associated with a greater than 10% discordance when compared with CSI. These patients may benefit from closer surveillance as well as confirmatory computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. Further work is needed to determine the optimal diagnostic modality for CAO., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Duplex-derived velocity measurements are often used to determine the need for carotid revascularization. There is evidence that severe ipsilateral carotid stenosis can cause artificially elevated velocities in the contralateral carotid artery, which may decrease following ipsilateral revascularization. The objective of this study was to determine if contralateral carotid artery duplex velocities decrease following ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy or stenting procedures., Methods: This is a single institutional retrospective study of prospectively collected data on all patients who underwent carotid revascularization from 2013 to 2021. Patients with immediate preoperative and first postoperative Duplex scan within 4 months of carotid revascularization at our vascular laboratory were included for analysis. Patients with contralateral occlusion were excluded. Duplex criteria used to define moderate (50-69%) and severe (>70%) stenosis were systolic velocity ≥125 cm/sec and ≥230 cm/sec, respectively., Results: Between 2013 and 2021, 129 patients with bilateral carotid stenosis underwent either carotid endarterectomy (98) or a stenting procedure (31). The majority of patients (90%) underwent intervention for severe stenosis. Preoperatively, the contralateral artery was categorized as severe in 30.4% patients. After ipsilateral carotid revascularization, 86 patients (67.2%) saw a decrease in the contralateral artery peak systolic velocity (PSV), while the remaining remained stable or increased. Fifty-four patients had a change in designated stenosis severity in the contralateral artery. Between the carotid endarterectomy and stenting cohorts, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients whose contralateral velocity decreased (69.4% vs. 61.3%, P = 0.402). Patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes were significantly less likely to experience a decrease in the contralateral artery PSV after ipsilateral intervention (P = 0.018 and P = 0.033)., Conclusions: In patients with bilateral carotid disease, ipsilateral revascularization can change the contralateral artery velocity and perceived disease severity. Most patients were noted to have a decrease in the contralateral artery PSV, although almost one-third either stayed stable or increased. On multivariable analysis, patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes were less likely to see a decrease in the contralateral artery PSV after intervention. Patients who are at risk for artificial elevation of the contralateral artery may warrant a re-evaluation of the contralateral artery after ipsilateral intervention. These patients are potentially better assessed with axial imaging, although further research is needed., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: While prior studies have confirmed the protective effect of diabetes on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development, much less is known about the effect of diabetes, and in particular insulin dependence, on outcomes following AAA repair. In this study, we aim to evaluate the role of insulin-dependent diabetes on short-term and long-term outcomes following open and endovascular AAA repair., Methods: The Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network (VISION), a registry linking the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) data with Medicare claims, was queried for patients who underwent open or endovascular AAA repair from 2011 to the present. Exclusion criteria were unknown diabetes status, prior aortic intervention, maximum aneurysm diameter <45 mm at presentation, and Medicare Advantage coverage due to inconsistent follow-up. Patients were stratified based on diabetes status (no diabetes versus diabetes) and insulin dependence (no diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes versus insulin-dependent diabetes)., Results: Of the 38,437 cases in the VISION endovascular aortic aneurysm (EVAR) and open aortic aneurysm repair (OAR) databases, 21,943 met inclusion criteria. Perioperative outcomes after OAR were comparable between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, diabetic patients undergoing EVAR were significantly more likely to have a postoperative myocardial infarction (1.0% vs 0.6%, P = 0.04) and have a 30-day readmission (10.9% vs 8.8%, P < 0.001). Insulin-dependent diabetic patients were more likely to require a 30-day readmission after OAR (24.5% vs 13.5%, P = 0.02) and EVAR (15.1% vs 9.0%, P < 0.001); however, only insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients undergoing EVAR experienced higher rates of postoperative myocardial infarction (1.9% vs 0.7%, P < 0.01). After propensity score matching, patients with IDDM undergoing EVAR were additionally at increased risk of mortality at 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year follow-up with the highest risk occurring at the 1-year mark (hazard ratio 1.79, P < 0.0001), while IDDM patients undergoing OAR were only at a significantly increased risk of mortality at 5-year follow-up (hazard ratio 1.90, P = 0.01)., Conclusions: Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes have greater than 14% one-year mortality following open or endovascular aneurysm repair, compared to 8% for all others. Our findings raise questions about whether insulin-dependent diabetics should have a higher size threshold for prophylactic repair, although further studies are needed to address this question and consider the influence of glycemic control on these outcomes., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Despite the expanded application of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with significant cardiac comorbidities, the effect of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) on outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients with normal and abnormal EFs undergoing TEVAR for type-B aortic dissection (TBAD)., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative database was reviewed from 2012 to 2020. Patients were categorized into severely reduced (EF ≤ 30%), reduced (EF 30-50%) and normal EF (EF>50%). Baseline characteristics, procedural details and 18-month outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and aortic-related reintervention., Results: Of 1,993 patients, 38 (2%) and 208 (10%) patients had severely reduced ejection fraction (SREF) and reduced ejection fraction (REF). Patients with abnormal EF were more likely to have cardiac comorbidities and be prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and anticoagulants. Perioperatively, patients with SREF were more likely to experience mortality (13.2% vs. 6.7% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.018), MACE (26.3% vs. 11.5% vs. 8%, P < 0.001), hemodialysis (13.5% vs. 5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.001) and aortic related reintervention (21.1% vs. 13% vs. 10%, P = 0.041), compared to REF and normal ejection fraction (NEF) patients. However, these associations were not present on multivariable analysis. At 18 months, mortality was significantly higher in patients with SREF, which was confirmed on multivariable analysis, but depressed EF was not associated with increased aortic reintervention compared to NEF., Conclusions: SREF was not independently associated with perioperative mortality or MACE compared to NEF. REF had similar risk of morbidity and mortality compared to NEF in both the perioperative and early postoperative periods. TEVAR-related complications were similar among the cohorts. As such, TEVAR may be offered to appropriately selected patients regardless of EF., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The outcomes of patients with premature cerebrovascular disease (age ≤55 years) who undergo carotid artery stenting are not well-defined. Our study objective was to analyze the outcomes of younger patients undergoing carotid stenting., Methods: The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS) and transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedures between 2016 and 2020. Patients were stratified based on age ≤55 or >55 years. Primary endpoints were periprocedural stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), and composite outcomes. Secondary endpoints included procedural failure (defined as ipsilateral restenosis ≥80% or occlusion) and reintervention rates., Results: Of the 35,802 patients who underwent either TF-CAS or TCAR, 2912 (6.1%) were ≤55 years. Younger patients were less likely than older patients to have coronary disease (30.5% vs 50.2%; P < .001), diabetes (31.5% vs 37.9%; P < .001), and hypertension (71.8% vs 89.8%; P < .001), but were more likely to be female (45% vs 35.4%; P < .001) and active smokers (50.9% vs 24.0%; P < .001) Younger patients were also more likely to have had a prior transient ischemic attack or stroke than older patients (70.7% vs 56.9%; P < .001). TF-CAS was more frequently performed in younger patients (79.7% vs 55.4%; P < .001). In the periprocedural period, younger patients were less likely to have a MI than older patients (0.3% vs 0.7%; P < .001), but there was no significant difference in the rates of periprocedural stroke (1.5% vs 2.0%; P = .173) and composite outcomes of stroke/death (2.6% vs 2.7%; P = .686) and stroke/death/MI (2.9% vs 3.2%; P = .353) between our two cohorts. The mean follow-up was 12 months regardless of age. During follow-up, younger patients were significantly more likely to experience significant (≥80%) restenosis or occlusion (4.7% vs 2.3%; P = .001) and to undergo reintervention (3.3% vs 1.7%; P < .001). However, there was no statistical difference in the frequency of late strokes between younger and older patients (3.8% vs 3.2%; P = .129)., Conclusions: Patients with premature cerebrovascular disease undergoing carotid artery stenting are more likely to be African American, female, and active smokers than their older counterparts. Young patients are also more likely to present symptomatically. Although periprocedural outcomes are similar, younger patients have higher rates of procedural failure (significant restenosis or occlusion) and reintervention at 1-year follow-up. However, the clinical implication of late procedural failure is unknown, given that we found no significant difference in the rate of stroke at follow-up. Until further longitudinal studies are completed, clinicians should carefully consider the indications for carotid stenting in patients with premature cerebrovascular disease, and those who do undergo stenting may require close follow-up., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Interventions for carotid occlusions undertaken are undertaken and the outcomes are poorly defined. We sought to study patients undergoing urgent carotid revascularization for symptomatic occlusions., Methods: The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried from 2003 to 2020 to identify patients with carotid occlusions undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Only symptomatic patients undergoing urgent interventions within 24 hours of presentation were included. Patients were identified based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This cohort was compared with symptomatic patients undergoing urgent intervention for severe stenosis (≥80%). The primary end points were perioperative stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI) and composite outcomes as defined by the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting guidelines. Patient characteristics were analyzed to determine predictors of perioperative mortality and neurological events., Results: We identified 390 patients who underwent urgent CEA for symptomatic occlusions. The mean age was 67.4 ± 10.2 years (range, 39-90 years). The cohort was predominantly male (60%) with associated risk factors for cerebrovascular disease, including hypertension (87.4%), diabetes (34.4%), coronary artery disease (21.6%), and current smoking (38.7%). This population had high use of medications, including statins (78.6%), P2Y 12 inhibitors (32.0%), aspirin (77.9%), and renin-angiotensin inhibitors (43.7%) preoperatively. When compared with patients undergoing urgent endarterectomy for severe stenosis (≥80%), those with symptomatic occlusion were well-matched with regard to risk factors, but the severe stenosis cohort seemed to be managed better medically and less likely to present with cortical stroke symptoms. Perioperative outcomes were significantly worse for the carotid occlusion cohort, primarily driven by higher perioperative mortality (2.8% vs 0.9%; P < .001). The composite end point of stroke/death/MI was also significantly worse in the occlusion cohort (7.7% vs 4.9%; P = .014). On multivariate analysis, carotid occlusion was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 3.028; 95% confidence interval, 1.362-6.730; P = .007) and composite outcome of stroke, death, or MI (odds ratio, 1.790; 95% confidence interval, 1.135-2.822; P = .012)., Conclusions: Revascularization for symptomatic carotid occlusion constitutes approximately 2% of carotid interventions captured in the Vascular Quality Initiative, affirming the rarity of this undertaking. These patients have acceptable rates of perioperative neurological events, but are at an elevated risk of overall perioperative adverse events, primarily driven by higher mortality, compared with those with severe stenosis. Carotid occlusion seems to be the most significant risk factor for the composite end point of perioperative stroke, death, or MI. Although intervention for a symptomatic carotid occlusion may be performed with acceptable rate of perioperative complications, judicious patient selection is warranted in this high-risk cohort., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Much attention has been given to the influence of anatomic and technical factors, such as maximum abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter and proximal clamp position, in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (OSR). However, no studies have rigorously examined the correlation between site of distal anastomosis and OSR outcomes despite conventional wisdom that more proximal sites of anastomosis are preferrable when technically feasible. This study aimed to test the association between sites of distal anastomosis and clinical outcomes for patients undergoing primary elective OSR., Methods: Our study included 5683 patients undergoing primary elective OSR at 233 centers from 2014 to 2020. Using a variety of statistical methods to account for potential confounders, including multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards modeling, as well as subgroup analysis, we examined the association between site of distal anastomosis and clinical outcomes in elective OSR. Primary outcomes were major in-hospital complication rate, 30-day mortality, and long-term survival., Results: Patients undergoing elective aortobifemoral reconstruction (n = 672) exhibited significantly increased rates of smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral artery disease in comparison to patients undergoing elective OSR with distal anastomosis to the aorta (n = 2298), common iliac artery (n = 2163), or external iliac artery (n = 550). Patients undergoing aorto-aortic tube grafting were significantly less likely to exhibit iliac aneurysmal disease and significantly more likely to be undergoing elective OSR with a suprarenal or supraceliac proximal clamp position. Using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis to control for important confounders, such as age, smoking status, and medical history, we found that distal anastomosis to the common femoral artery was associated with increased odds of major in-hospital complications (adjusted odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-2.18; P < .001) and reduced long-term survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.89; P = .010). We observed no significant differences in 30-day mortality across sites of distal anastomosis in our study population., Conclusions: It is generally accepted that more proximal sites of distal anastomosis should be selected in OSR when technically feasible. Our findings support this hypothesis by demonstrating that distal anastomosis to the common femoral artery is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and reduced long-term survival. Careful diligence regarding optimization of preoperative health status, perioperative care, and long-term follow-up should be applied to mitigate major complications in this patient population., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: There are few data regarding outcomes of patients with premature cerebrovascular disease (age ≤55 years) who undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The objective of this study was to analyze the demographics, presentation, perioperative and later outcomes of younger patients undergoing CEA., Methods: The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for CEA cases between 2012 and 2022. Patients were stratified based on age of less than 55 or age greater than 55 years. Primary end points were periprocedural stroke, death, myocardial infarction, and composite outcomes. Secondary end points included restenosis (≥80%) or occlusion, late neurological events and reintervention., Results: Of 120,549 patients undergoing CEA, 7009 (5.5%) were 55 years old or younger (mean age, 51.3 years). Younger patients were more likely to be African American (7.7% vs 4.5%; P < .001), female (45.2% vs 38.9%; P < .001), and active smokers (57.3% vs 24.1%; P < .001). They were less likely than older patients to have hypertension (82.5% vs 89.7%; P < .001), coronary artery disease (25.0% vs 27.3%; P < .001), and congestive heart failure (7.8% vs 11.4%; P < .001). Younger patients were significantly less likely than older patients to be on aspirin, anticoagulation, statins, or beta-blockers, but were more likely to be taking P2Y12 inhibitors (37.2 vs 33.7%; P < .001). Younger patients were more likely to present with symptomatic disease (35.1% vs 27.6%; P < .001) and were more likely to undergo nonelective CEA (19.2% vs 12.8%; P < .001). Younger and older patients had similar rates of perioperative stroke/death (2% vs 2%; P = NS) and postoperative neurological events (1.9% vs 1.8%; P = NS). However, younger patients had lower rates of overall postoperative complications compared with their older counterparts (3.7% vs 4.7%; P < .001). Of these patients, 72.6% had recorded follow-up (mean, 13 months). During follow-up, younger patients were significantly more likely than older patients to experience a late failure, defined as significant restenosis (≥80%) or complete occlusion of the operated artery (2.4% vs 1.5%; P < .001) and were more likely to experience any neurological event (3.1% vs 2.3%; P < .001). Reintervention rates did not significantly differ between the two cohorts. After controlling for covariates using a logistic regression model, age 55 years or younger was independently associated with increased odds of late restenosis or occlusion (odds ratio, 1.591; 95% confidence interval, 1.221-2.073; P < .001) as well as late neurological events (odds ratio, 1.304; 95% confidence interval, 1.079-1.576; P = .006)., Conclusions: Young patients undergoing CEA are more likely to be African American, female, and active smokers. They are more likely to present symptomatically and undergo nonelective CEA. Although perioperative outcomes are similar, younger patients are more likely to experience carotid occlusion or restenosis as well as subsequent neurological events, during a relatively short follow-up period. These data suggest that younger CEA patients may require more diligent follow-up, as well as a continued aggressive approach to medical management of atherosclerosis to prevent future events related to the operated artery, given the particularly aggressive nature of premature atherosclerosis., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is a paucity of literature on the natural history of extracranial carotid artery occlusion (CAO). This study reviews the natural history of this patient cohort., Methods: This single-institution retrospective analysis studied patients with CAO diagnosed by duplex ultrasound between 2010 and 2021. Patients were identified by searching our office-based Intersocietal Accreditation Commission accredited vascular laboratory database. Imaging and clinical data were obtained via our institutional electronic medical record. Outcomes of interest included ipsilateral stroke, attributable neurologic symptoms, and ipsilateral intervention after diagnosis., Results: The full duplex database consisted of 5,523 patients who underwent carotid artery duplex examination during the study period. The CAO cohort consisted of 139 patients; incidence of CAO was 2.5%. Mean age at diagnosis was 69.7 years; 31.4% were female. Hypertension (72.7%), hyperlipidemia (64.7%), and prior smoking (43.9%) were the most common comorbid conditions. Of the CAO cohort, 61.3% (n = 85) of patients were asymptomatic at diagnosis; 38.8% (n = 54) were diagnosed after a stroke or transient ischemic attack occurring within 6 months prior to diagnosis, with 21.6% occurring ipsilateral to the CAO and 10.1% occurring contralateral to the CAO. 7.2% (n = 10) had unclear symptoms or laterality at presentation. Of the CAO cohort, 95 patients (68.3%) had duplex imaging follow-up (mean 42.7 ± 31.3 months). Of those with follow-up studies, 7 patients (5.0%) developed subsequent stroke ipsilateral to the CAO with mean occurrence 27.8 ± 39.0 months postdiagnosis. In addition, 5 patients (3.6%) developed other related symptoms, including global hypoperfusion (2.4%) and transient ischemic attack (1.2%). Of those, 95 patients with follow-up duplex ultrasound imaging, 6 (4.3%) underwent eventual ipsilateral intervention, including carotid endarterectomy (n = 4), transfemoral carotid artery stent (n = 1), and carotid bypass (n = 1), with mean occurrence 17.7 ± 23.7 months postdiagnosis. The aggregate rate of ipsilateral cerebrovascular accident, attributable neurologic symptoms, or ipsilateral intervention was 11.5%. Of 95 patients with follow-up duplex ultrasound imaging, 5 underwent subsequent duplex studies demonstrating ipsilateral patency, resulting in a 5.3% discrepancy rate between sequential duplex studies. All 6 patients undergoing intervention received periprocedural cross-sectional imaging (magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomography angiography). In 5 of these 6 patients, cross-sectional demonstrated severe stenosis rather than CAO, disputing prior duplex ultrasound findings., Conclusions: In this large, institutional cohort of patients with a CAO diagnosis on duplex ultrasound, a clinically meaningful subset of patients experienced cerebrovascular accident, related symptoms, or intervention. We also found a notable rate of temporal duplex discrepancies among patients with CAO diagnoses and discrepancies between CAO diagnosis per duplex ultrasound and findings on cross-sectional imaging for those patients who underwent intervention. These results suggest that use of a single duplex ultrasound as a sole diagnostic tool in CAO may not be sufficient and that physicians should consider close duplex ultrasound surveillance of these patients, potentially in conjunction with additional confirmatory imaging modalities. Further investigation into optimal workup and surveillance protocols for CAO is needed., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The continuation of antiplatelet agents in the periprocedural period around carotid stenting (CAS) procedures is felt to be mandatory to minimize the risk of periprocedural stroke. However, the optimal antiplatelet regimen is unclear, with some advocating dual antiplatelet therapy, and others supporting the use of P2Y 12 inhibitors alone. The objective of this study was to evaluate the periprocedural effect of P2Y 12 inhibitors for CAS., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative was used from years 2007 to 2020. All transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS) procedures were included. Patients were stratified based on perioperative use of P2Y 12 inhibitors as well as symptomatic status. Primary end points were perioperative neurological events (strokes and transient ischemic attacks). Secondary end points were mortality and myocardial infarction., Results: A total of 31,036 CAS procedures were included for analysis, with 49.8% TCAR and 50.2% TF-CAS cases; 63.8% of patients were male and 82.3% of patients were on a P2Y 12 inhibitor. P2Y 12 inhibitor use was more common in males, asymptomatic patients, those older than 70 years, and concurrent statin use. P2Y 12 inhibitors were more likely to be used in TCAR cases than in TF-CAS cases (87.3% vs 76.8%; P < .001). The rate of periprocedural neurological events in the whole cohort was 2.6%. Patients on P2Y 12 inhibitors were significantly less likely to experience a periprocedural neurological event (2.3% vs 3.9%; P < .001) and mortality (0.6% vs 2.1%; P < .001) than those who were not on a P2Y 12 inhibitor. There was no effect on the rates of myocardial infarction. On multivariate analysis, both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients on P2Y 12 inhibitors were significantly less likely to develop perioperative neurological events. Additionally, the use of P2Y 12 inhibitors demonstrated an independent significant effect in reducing of the rate of perioperative stroke (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.33). Finally, additional analysis of the types of P2Y 12 inhibitors used revealed that all seemed to be equally effective in decreasing the periprocedural neurological event rate., Conclusions: The use of perioperative P2Y 12 inhibitors seems to markedly decrease the perioperative neurological event rate with TCAR and TF-CAS in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and should be strongly considered. Patients with contraindications to P2Y 12 inhibitors may not be appropriate candidates for any CAS procedure. Additionally, alternative types of P2Y 12 inhibitors seem to be equally effective as clopidogrel. Finally, an analysis of the Vascular Quality Initiative demonstrates that, even for TCAR cases, only 87.3% of patients seem to be on P2Y 12 inhibitors in the periprocedural period, leaving room for significant improvement., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Potential complications of pelvic flow disruption during aortic aneurysm repair include buttock ischemia and mesenteric ischemia. Unilateral or bilateral hypogastric artery flow interruption, either from atherosclerosis or intentionally to facilitate aneurysm repair, is considered problematic in endovascular repair; however, it has not been well studied in open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (OAR). We sought to examine the effect of interruption of flow to one or both hypogastric arteries on outcomes after OAR., Methods: The Society for Vascular Surgery Quality Initiative database was queried for all patients undergoing elective open AAA repair between 2003 and 2020. (redundant) Patients with appropriate data on their hypogastric arteries postoperatively were stratified into two groups-patent bilaterally (normal pelvic perfusion, NPP) and unilateral or bilateral occlusion or ligation (compromised pelvic perfusion, CPP). Primary endpoints were 30-day major morbidity (myocardial infarction, respiratory complications, renal injury, and lower extremity or intestinal ischemia) and mortality., Results: During the study period, 9.492 patients underwent elective open AAA repair-860 (9.1%) with compromised pelvic perfusion and 8,632 (90.9%) with patent bilateral hypogastric arteries. The groups had similar cardiac risk factors, including a history of coronary artery disease, prior coronary intervention, and the use of P2Y12 inhibitors and statins. A majority of patients in the CPP cohort had concurrent iliac aneurysms (63.3% vs. 24.8%; P < 0.001). The perioperative mortality was significantly higher in patients with compromised pelvic perfusion (5.5% vs. 3.1%; P < 0.001). Bilateral flow interruption had a trend toward higher perioperative mortality compared to unilateral interruption (7.1% vs. 4.7%; P < 0.147). The CPP group also had increased rates of myocardial injury (6.7% vs. 4.7%; P = 0.012), renal complications (18.9% vs. 15.9%; P = 0.024), leg and bowel ischemia (3.5% vs. 2.1%; P = 0.008; and 5.7% vs. 3.4%; P < 0.001, respectively). On multivariable analysis, CPP was associated with increased perioperative mortality (OR 1.47, CI 1.14-1.88, P = 0.003). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was no difference in survival at 2 years postdischarge between the NPP and CPP cohorts (86.1% vs. 87.5%, log-rank P = 0.275)., Conclusions: Compromised pelvic perfusion is associated with increased perioperative complications and higher mortality in patients undergoing OAR. The sequelae of losing pelvic perfusion, in addition to the presence of more complex atherosclerotic and aneurysmal disease resulting in more difficult dissection, likely contribute to these findings. Thus, patients considered for OAR who have occluded hypogastric arteries or aneurysmal involvement of the hypogastric artery preoperatively may be candidates for more conservative management beyond traditional size criteria., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Mannitol is often administered during open juxtarenal or suprarenal aortic surgery to prevent ischemic injury to the kidneys. Prior evidence evaluating the benefits of intraoperative mannitol in reducing ischemia/reperfusion injury is conflicting and largely based on small, retrospective series. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mannitol in preventing postoperative hemodialysis in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair where proximal control involved temporary renal ischemia., Methods: The Society for Vascular Surgery Quality Initiative database was queried for all patients undergoing elective open AAA repair between 2003 and 2020. Patients were included in the current analysis if the proximal aortic clamp was placed above at least one renal artery. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as Cr > 1.8 mg/dL. Primary end points were 30-day major morbidity (myocardial infarction, respiratory complications, lower extremity or intestinal ischemia, and the need for temporary or permanent hemodialysis) and mortality. Comparisons were made between the mannitol and nonmannitol cohorts and stratified by the presence of preexisting CKD., Results: During the study period, 4,156 patients underwent elective open AAA repair requiring clamp placement more than one (32.7%) or both (67.3%) renal arteries; 182 patients (4.4%) had preexisting CKD. Overall, 69.8% of patients received mannitol during their surgery. Mannitol was more frequently used in cases involving clamp placement above both renal arteries (70.3%) than one renal artery (61.5%). While prolonged ischemia time (more than 40 min) was associated with a higher risk of postoperative dialysis in patients without CKD, it was not significant in patients with baseline CKD. On a univariate analysis, mannitol use in patients with CKD was associated with a lower risk of postoperative dialysis (P = 0.005). This remained significant on a multivariate analysis (P = 0.008). Mannitol use did not appear to confer renal protective effects in patients without baseline CKD., Conclusions: Mannitol use was associated with a decreased risk of need for postoperative hemodialysis in patients with CKD undergoing suprarenal aortic clamping for open aneurysm repair. In appropriately selected patients, particularly those with underlying renal insufficiency, mannitol may confer a renal protective effect in open repair of pararenal AAA requiring suprarenal clamping., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the standard of care for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in the modern era. Although numerous devices exist for standard infrarenal AAA repair, fenestrated EVAR (fEVAR) offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open repair for patients with a short infrarenal neck. Over time, aortic neck dilation can occur, leading to loss of the proximal seal, endoleaks, and AAA sac growth. In the present study, we analyzed aortic remodeling after EVAR vs fEVAR and further evaluated whether fEVAR confers a benefit in terms of sac shrinkage., Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 120 patients who had undergone EVAR was performed. Of these 120 patients, 30 had been treated with fEVAR (Zenith fenestrated; Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) and 90 patients were treated with EVAR devices (30 each with Endurant [Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland], Excluder [W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ], and Zenith [Cook Medical Inc]). The demographic data were recorded. Also, anatomic measurements were performed for each patient preoperatively, at 30 days postoperatively, and at the longest follow-up point using three-dimensional reconstruction software., Results: No significant differences were found in demographic data between the four groups. fEVAR had been used more often in aortas with large necks and irregular morphology (P = .004). At the longest follow-up, the suprarenal aorta encompassing 5, 10, and 15 mm above the lowest renal artery had dilated the most for the fEVAR group vs all EVAR groups. However, the infrarenal segment had tended to increase the least, or to even have regressed, for fEVAR compared with all three EVAR groups and was associated with the overall greatest proportion of sac shrinkage for the fEVAR group compared with the Medtronic, Gore, and Cook devices (-13.90% vs -5.75% vs -2.31% vs -4.68%, respectively; P = .025)., Conclusions: Compared with EVAR, the patients treated with fEVAR had experienced greater suprarenal dilation over time, consistent with an overall greater burden of disease in the proximal native aorta. However, the infrarenal segment had dilated significantly less over time in the fEVAR group compared with all three EVAR groups, suggesting that fEVAR might stabilize the infrarenal neck, promoting positive sac remodeling, which was evidenced by the greatest degree of decrease in the largest AAA diameter in the fEVAR group., (Copyright © 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In patients deemed high risk for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) who are indicated for treatment of carotid artery stenosis (CAS), transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has been demonstrated as a safe and effective alternative to trans-femoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS). Compared to CEA, where approx. 12% of patients undergoing awake intervention do not tolerate internal carotid artery (ICA) clamping, only 1-2% of patients were observed to have intolerance to flow reversal during TCAR based on data from the ROADSTER1/2 trials. This study reviewed awake interventions from those trials to assess factors associated with intolerance to flow reversal and review how those cases were managed., Methods: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from Reverse Flow Used During Carotid Artery Stenting Procedure (ROADSTER) multicenter trial along with the subsequent post-approval (ROADSTER-2) trial. The subset of patients from both trials undergoing awake TCAR was analyzed to compare demographics, procedural details, and anatomic factors between patients who did and did not experience intolerance to reversal of flow to assess for predisposing factors. Patients were deemed intolerant to flow reversal at the discretion of the operator, often related to changes in completion of neurologic tasks, hemodynamic stability, or patient reported symptoms., Results: A total of 103 patients from ROADSTER and 194 patients from ROADSTER-2 underwent TCAR under local/regional anesthesia. Of these, 8 patients had intolerance to flow reversal, though all cases were successfully completed. While intraoperative hemodynamic data was only available for 5 of the 8 intolerant patients, none experienced hypotension. 4 cases were completed under low flow reversal, 3 cases were successfully weaned from low to high flow over several minutes, and 1 case required general anesthesia. No significant association was found between intolerance to flow reversal and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLD), congestive heart failure (CHF), prior MI or angina, pre-op CAS-related symptoms, prior stroke, prior CAS or CEA, prior neck radiation, tandem stenosis, high cervical stenosis, or hostile neck. A trend towards significance was seen with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contralateral carotid artery occlusion (P = 0.086 and 0.139, respectively)., Conclusions: Despite intolerance to flow reversal, TCAR cases were successfully completed by adjusting reversal-of-flow rate and do not typically require conversion to GETA. While factors contributing to intolerance of flow reversal during TCAR remain poorly understood, this study identified a trend towards significance with an association of preexisting COPD and contralateral carotid artery occlusion. Given the low number of patients who experienced this issue, a larger sample size is required to better elucidate these trends., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: Adjunctive false lumen embolization (FLE) with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with chronic aortic dissection is thought to induce FL thrombosis and favorable aortic remodeling. However, these data are derived from small single-institution experiences and the potential benefit of FLE remains unproven. In this study, we examined perioperative and midterm outcomes of patients with aortic dissection undergoing concomitant TEVAR and FLE.* METHODS: : Patients 18 or older who underwent TEVAR for chronic aortic dissection with known FLE status in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database between January 2010 and February 2020 were included. Ruptured patients and emergent procedures were excluded. Patient characteristics, operative details and outcomes were analyzed by group: TEVAR with or without FLE. Primary outcomes were in-hospital post-operative complications and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included follow-up mean maximum aortic diameter change, rates of false lumen thrombosis, re-intervention rates, and mortality., Results: 884 patients were included: 46 had TEVAR/FLE and 838 had TEVAR alone. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, prior aortic interventions, mean maximum pre-operative aortic diameter (5.1cm vs. 5.0cm, P=0.43), presentation symptomatology, or intervention indication. FLE was associated with significantly longer procedural times (178min vs. 146min, P=0.0002), increased contrast use (134mL vs. 113mL, P=0.02), and prolonged fluoroscopy time (34min vs. 21min, P<0.0001). However, FLE was not associated with a significant difference in post-operative complications (17.4% vs. 13.8%, P=0.51), length of stay (6.5 vs. 5.7 days, P=0.18), or in-hospital all-cause mortality (0% vs. 1.3%, P=1). In mid-term follow-up (median 15.5months, IQR 2.2-36.2 months), all-cause mortality trended lower, but was not significant (2.2% vs. 7.8%); and Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no difference in overall survival between groups (P=0.23). By Cox regression analysis, post-operative complications had the strongest independent association with all-cause mortality (HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.56-4.5, P<0.001). In patients with available follow-up imaging and re-intervention status, mean aortic diameter change (n=337, -0.71cm vs. -0.69cm, P=0.64) and re-intervention rates (n=487, 10% vs. 11.4%, P=1) were similar., Conclusions: Adjunctive FLE, despite increased procedural times, can be performed safely for patients with chronic dissection without significantly higher overall perioperative morbidity or mortality. TEVAR/FLE demonstrates trends for improved survival and increased rates of FL thrombosis in the treated thoracic segment; however, given the lack of evidence to suggest a significant reduction in re-intervention rates or induction of more favorable aortic remodeling compared to TEVAR alone, the overall utility of this technique in practice remains unclear. Further investigation is needed to determine the most appropriate role for FLE in managing chronic aortic dissections., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Penetrating ulcers of the abdominal aorta (PUAA) are an increasingly common finding on abdominal imaging studies; however, their significance and natural history are not well described. This study's objective was to analyze the demographics, presentation, and outcomes of patients with a radiographic diagnosis of PUAA., Materials and Methods: Patients at our tertiary referral center were identified for inclusion based on a search for the term "penetrating ulcer" in abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging reports between January 2014 and December 2017. Patients' electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine baseline medical characteristics, imaging indication, and subsequent clinical course, interventions, and outcomes. Aortic diameters and ulcer depths were measured by a single observer on initial and follow-up imaging to assess for association with concomitant aortic pathology, evolving aortic disease, and ulcer progression, defined as increase in depth of ≥ 1 mm. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 16 (College Station, TX: StataCorp LLC), and a threshold P-value of <0.05 was set for significance., Results: Ninety-two patients with PUAA were identified; 57 (62%) were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 79.3 years, and comorbidities included hypertension (74%), hyperlipidemia (65%), and malignancy (34%). The most common indication for imaging was chest, back, or abdominal pain (19%). On initial imaging, the mean ulcer depth was 1 cm (range from 0.2 cm to 3.4 cm). Concomitant abdominal aortic dilation ≥ 3 cm was found in 34 (37%) patients. Thirty-six (39%) patients had a vascular surgery consultation immediately after radiographic diagnosis. Follow-up axial imaging was performed on 27 (29%) untreated patients. The overall sample's mean ulcer depth remained essentially unchanged from initial measurement (P = 0.99); however, 14 (52%) patients with follow-up imaging were found to have increased overall aortic diameter. Of the total 92 patients, 9 (10%) underwent an endovascular abdominal aortic intervention during the review period: 2 for symptomatic PUAA and the remainder for progression of concomitant aneurysmal disease. All-cause mortality was 5% during the mean follow-up period of 21.9 months (range 0 to 72.5 months). Of the patients lost to follow-up, 61% did not receive vascular referral after initial diagnosis., Conclusions: PUAA are typically incidental findings identified in elderly, comorbid patients undergoing imaging for an unrelated indication. Although isolated findings of asymptomatic PUAA rarely require surgical intervention, these patients we argue would benefit from vascular surgery referral for long-term follow-up and interval imaging to assess for disease progression and concomitant aortic degeneration, which may necessitate repair. In addition, we observed that most of those patients lost to follow-up did not receive vascular consultation, suggesting that lack of involvement of vascular specialists at the time of diagnosis is a missed opportunity to secure appropriate follow-up and management., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with considerable risk for thromboembolism; however, arterial thromboembolism is rare and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Their management requires careful coordination between multiple providers, and as a consequence, much of the published literature is limited to case reports published across specialties., Methods: We examined our recent institutional experience with aortoiliac, mesenteric, and peripheral arterial thromboembolisms in patients with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. To supplement our experience, a comprehensive literature review was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1966 to 2019. Patient demographics, flare/thromboembolism management, and outcomes were abstracted from the selected articles and our case series., Results: Fifty-two patients with IBD, who developed an arterial thromboembolism, were identified (49 from published literature and 3 from our institution). More than 82% of patients presented during an active IBD flare. Surgical intervention was attempted in 77% of patients, which included open thromboembolectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis, or bowel resection. Thromboembolism resolution was achieved in 76% of patients with comparable outcomes with either catheter-directed thrombolysis or open thrombectomy (83.3% vs. 68.2%). Nearly one-third of patients underwent small bowel resection or colectomy. In 2 patients, thromboembolism resolution was achieved only after total abdominal colectomy for severe pancolitis. Multiple thromboembolectomies were associated with higher risk for amputation. Overall mortality was 11.5% but was greatest for occlusive aortoiliac and mesenteric thromboembolism (14.3% and 57%, respectively). All survivors of occlusive superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism suffered short gut syndrome requiring small bowel transplant., Conclusions: Patients with IBD, who develop an arterial thromboembolism, can expect overall poor outcomes. Catheter-directed thrombolysis achieved comparable outcomes with open thromboembolectomy without undue bleeding risk. Total abdominal colectomy for moderate-to-severe pancolitis is an emerging strategy in the management of refractory arterial thromboembolism. Successful surgical management may include open thromboembolectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and bowel resection when indicated., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

These Society for Vascular Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines describe the care of patients with aneurysms of the visceral arteries. They include evidence-based size thresholds for repair of aneurysms of the renal arteries, splenic artery, celiac artery, and hepatic artery, among others. Specific open surgical and endovascular repair strategies are also discussed. They also describe specific circumstances in which aneurysms may be repaired at smaller sizes than these size thresholds, including in women of childbearing age and false aneurysms. These Guidelines offer important recommendations for the care of patients with aneurysms of the visceral arteries and long-awaited guidance for clinicians who treat these patients., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and its associated complications are increasing in incidence, but management strategies are largely derived from experience treating lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT). The purpose of this study is to examine our single institution's experience with in-hospital venous thromboembolism (VTE), specifically the characteristics and outcomes of the UEDVT population as it compares to LEDVT., Methods: This is a single tertiary care center retrospective cohort study of all consecutive inpatients diagnosed with acute VTE from June 2015 to December 2015. During this period, 4,495 patients underwent venous duplex examination (622 UE and 3,873 LE), identifying 83 inpatient DVTs. Chronic DVT and those diagnosed in the outpatient population were excluded. DVTs were classified as either provoked or unprovoked. Provoked DVT were defined as the presence of any of the following factors within 30 days prior to diagnosis: major surgery, immobilization (greater than 3 days of bedrest), trauma, infection requiring antibiotics, central venous access, pregnancy, and/or hormonal medication use. Inpatient pulmonary embolisms (PE) detected on chest computed tomography (CT) were also evaluated during this time frame. Patient data were collected, including age, gender, race, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, VTE risk factors, symptomatology at presentation, management including anticoagulation choice and filter placement if applicable, as well as discharge disposition. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, California), and a threshold P-value of <0.05 set for significance., Results: During the study period, 83 DVTs (48 LEDVT, 35 UEDVT) and 24 PE were identified in 96 inpatients. Of these DVTs, 77.1% of these were defined as provoked. Eleven patients had simultaneous DVT and PE, and thirteen patients had PE with presumed occult pelvic or LEDVT. UEDVT patients had a higher proportion of comorbidities than LEDVT patients: coronary artery disease (25.7% vs. 13.1%, P = 0.16), congestive heart failure (20% vs. 6.6%, P = 0.09), as well as a trend toward higher incidence of malignancy (60% vs. 42.6%, P = 0.13). Of provoked VTE, UEDVT correlated more significantly with central venous catheters (88.4% vs. 12.5%, P=<0.0001), but was less commonly associated with prolonged bed rest (19.2% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.11). PE was diagnosed in 24/96 (25%) of the study population. Patients with LEDVT were found to have a significantly higher incidence of PE compared to those with UEDVT (34.4% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.006). Same-admission mortality for patients with VTE was 13/96 (13.5%). Of these, patients with UEDVT had significantly higher all-cause mortality than patients with LEDVT (28.5% vs. 4.9%, P = 0.004). When catheter-related UEDVT was excluded, there remained a significant difference in mortality between non-catheter-related UEDVT and LEDVT (33.3% vs. 4.9% P = 0.0119)., Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of UEDVT in hospitalized patients who experience VTE. Despite a lower incidence of synchronous PE, patients with UEDVT had a higher prevalence of significant medical comorbidities and higher all-cause mortality on the index hospital admission., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT), although rare, has a potential for significant morbidity and mortality. IVCT is often a result of IVC filter thrombosis, but it can also occur de novo. Although anticoagulation remains the standard of care, endovascular techniques to restore IVC patency have become key adjunctive therapies in recent years. This study examines a single-center experience with diagnosis and management of IVCT., Methods: A retrospective Institutional Review Board-approved review of a single-center institutional database was screened to identify IVCT thrombosis using International Classification of Diseases code 453.2 over a 3-year period. Etiology of IVCT was separated into 2 groups: those with IVC thrombosis in the setting of prior IVC filter place and those in whom IVCT occurred de novo. Patient demographics, presenting characteristics, and management of IVCT were examined. Treatment options included expectant management with anticoagulation versus catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), mechanical thrombectomy, stenting, or a combination. For those who underwent intervention, technical success, defined as restoration of IVC patency, was assessed., Results: Forty-one unique patients were identified with radiographically confirmed diagnosis of ICVT (mean age 61, range 25-91; 21 female, 51.2%). Eighteen (43.9%) patients presented with thrombosed IVC filter. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism included tobacco usage, current or prior smoking (n = 17, 41.5%), history of prior deep vein thrombosis (n = 25, 61.0%), malignancy (n = 17, 41.5%), use of hormonal supplements (n = 3, 7.3%), known thrombophilia (n = 4, 9.8%), and obesity (body mass index: mean 29, range 18.8-58.53). Eleven patients (26.8%) presented with pulmonary embolism (PE), and of those 63.6% had IVC filter thrombosis (n = 7). Risk of PE was not significantly different between those patients presenting with a thrombosed IVC filter compared to those with de novo IVCT (38.9% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.12) Management of IVCT included anticoagulation alone (n = 27, 65.9%), CDT (n = 5, 12.2%), mechanical thrombolysis (n = 10, 24.4%), and adjunctive IVC stent (n = 3, 7.3%). Among the 14 (34.1%) patients who had intervention for IVCT, patency was restored in 12 patients (85.7%)., Conclusions: IVCT is a rare event and is associated with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism. PE can occur in roughly 25% of patients presenting with IVCT. Presence of a filter does not appear to confer an advantage in preventing PE when IVCT occurs. Although majority of IVCT is managed with anticoagulation alone, endovascular interventions, including lysis and stenting, can safely restore patency in most properly selected patients., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Diabetes mellitus is a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk-equivalent for the outcome of peripheral vascular disease. The impact of diabetes with comorbid risk factors on the outcome of peripheral vascular disease remains unexplored., Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of participants in Lifeline Vascular Screening Inc. age 40-90 who were screened for peripheral vascular disease, defined as lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD, ABI <0.9) and/or carotid artery stenosis (CAS, internal CAS ≥50%). CHD was defined as prior myocardial infarction or revascularization. Risk factors included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history of cardiovascular disease., Results: Among 3,517,804 participants, PAD and CAS was identified in 4.4% and 3.7%, respectively. Diabetes was identified in 376,528 participants, 324,680 (86%) of whom did not have CHD. Among diabetic participants without CHD, prevalence of PAD increased with 1-2 (4.3%), 3-4 (7.3%), and ≥5 (12.0%) comorbid risk factors (p trend < 0.0001). The pattern was similar for CAS (3.7%, 6.2%, 8.8%, p trend < 0.0001). Compared to participants without diabetes, those with diabetes and 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 risk factors had increasing odds of PAD and CAS after adjustment for age, sex and race/ethnicity (1.0, 95% CI 0.98-1.06; 1.8, 95% CI 1.8-1.89; 3.5, 95% CI 3.43-3.64, respectively, p trend < 0.0001). By comparison, in nondiabetic participants, CHD increased odds of PAD and CAS by 2-fold (2.06, 95% CI 2.02-2.1; 2.19, 95% CI 2.15-2.23 respectively)., Conclusions: Diabetes, particularly with comorbid risk factors, confers increased odds of PAD and CAS, even in the absence of CHD. Counseling regarding screening and prevention for peripheral vascular disease among individuals with diabetes and multiple risk factors may be useful., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Reversal of flow in the vertebral artery (RFVA) is an uncommon finding on cerebrovascular duplex ultrasound examination. The clinical significance of RFVA and the natural history of patients presenting with it are poorly understood. Our objective was to better characterize the symptoms and outcomes of patients presenting with RFVA., Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all cerebrovascular duplex ultrasound studies performed at our institution between January 2010 and January 2016 (N = 2927 patients). Individuals with RFVA in one or both vertebral arteries were included in the analysis., Results: Seventy-four patients (74/2927 patients [2.5%]) with RFVA were identified. Half of the patients were male. Mean age at the time of the first ultrasound study demonstrating RFVA was 71 years (range, 27-92 years); 78% of patients had hypertension, 28% were diabetic, and 66% were current or former smokers. Indications for the ultrasound examination were as follows: 44% screening/asymptomatic, 7% anterior circulation symptoms, 20% posterior circulation symptoms, 28% follow-up studies after cerebrovascular intervention, and 5% upper extremity symptoms. At the time of the initial ultrasound examination, 21 patients (28%) had evidence of a prior carotid intervention (carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting), 21 patients had evidence of moderate (50%-79%) carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in at least one carotid artery, and 12 patients (16%) had evidence of severe (>80%) CAS. Of the 15 patients presenting with posterior circulation symptoms, 11 (73%) had evidence of concomitant CAS. In contrast, 22 of the 59 patients (37%) without posterior circulation symptoms had duplex ultrasound findings of CAS (P = .01). The mean duration of follow-up was 28 ± 22 months. Follow-up data were available for 63 patients (85%), including the 15 patients who presented with posterior circulation symptoms. Of these 15 patients, 5 underwent subclavian artery revascularization, including balloon angioplasty and stenting in 4 patients and open/hybrid revascularization in 1 patient. Five individuals were awaiting intervention. Three patients underwent carotid endarterectomy for CAS, with resultant improvement in posterior circulation symptoms. Finally, one patient was deemed too high risk for intervention, and one patient was found to have an alternative cause for symptoms. The remaining 59 patients continued to be asymptomatic during follow-up. One patient progressed to vertebral artery occlusion, and six patients had progression of CAS., Conclusions: Symptomatic RFVA responds well to intervention, including subclavian artery stenting and carotid intervention in patients with CAS. The majority of patients with this finding are asymptomatic at the time of presentation. Although progression of vertebral artery disease is rare, these patients may benefit from monitoring for progression of CAS with surveillance ultrasound., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lymphedema is an incurable and disfiguring disease secondary to excessive fluid and protein in the interstitium as a result of lymphatic obstruction. Pneumatic compression (PC) offers a novel modality for treatment of lymphatic obstruction through targeting lymphatic beds and mimicking a functional drainage system. The objective of this study is to demonstrate improved quality of life in patients with lower-extremity lymphedema., Methods: Consecutive patients presenting to a single institution for treatment of lymphedema were all treated with PC for at least 3 months. All patients underwent a pre- and post-PC assessment of episodes of cellulitis, number of ulcers, and venous insufficiency. Post-PC symptom questionnaires were administered. Symptom improvement was the primary outcome for analysis., Results: A total of 100 patients met inclusion criteria. At presentation, 70% were female with a mean age of 57.5 years. Secondary lymphedema was present in 78%. Mean length of PC use was 12.7 months with a mean of 5.3 treatments per week. Ankle and calf limb girth decreased after PC use, (28.3 vs. 27.5 cm, P = 0.01) and (44.7 vs. 43.8 cm, P = 0.018), respectively. The number of episodes of cellulitis and ulcers pre- and post-PC decreased from mean of 0.26-0.05 episodes (P = 0.002) and 0.12-0.02 ulcers (P = 0.007), respectively. Fourteen percent had concomitant superficial venous insufficiency, all of whom underwent venous ablation. Overall 100% of patients reported symptomatic improvement post-PC with 54% greatly improved. 90% would recommend the treatment to others., Conclusions: PC improves symptom relief and reduces episodes of cellulitis and ulceration in lower-extremity lymphedema. It is well tolerated by patients and should be recommended as an adjunct to standard lymphedema therapy. Screening for venous insufficiency is recommended., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Arterioenteric fistulas represent an infrequent but potentially fatal cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Patients often present in extremis from shock and sepsis. This mandates a rapid diagnosis so that prompt, potentially life-saving interventions can be performed. We report the case of a 35-year-old man who presented with hematuria and hematochezia secondary to an iliac artery-uretero-colonic fistula that developed years after open common iliac artery aneurysm repair. His condition rapidly progressed to hemorrhagic shock, and he underwent successful endovascular treatment with a covered stent graft as a bridge to definitive open surgery. Subsequently, graft explantation, extra-anatomic arterial bypass, bowel resection, and ureter ligation was undertaken. A summary of the literature on iliac artery-enteric fistulas follows., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The incidence of concomitant carotid artery stenosis and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) has been reported at between 0.5% and 5%. In these patients, treatment strategies must balance the risk of ischemic stroke with the risk of aneurysmal rupture. Several studies have addressed the natural course of UIAs in the setting of carotid revascularization; however, the final recommendations are not uniform. The purpose of this study was to review our institutional experience with concomitant UIAs and carotid artery stenosis., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) at our institution between 2003 and 2010. Only patients with preoperative imaging demonstrating intracranial circulation were included. Charts were reviewed for patients' demographic and clinical data, duration of follow-up, and aneurysm size and location. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: carotid artery stenosis with unruptured intracranial aneurysm (CS/UIA) and carotid artery stenosis without intracranial aneurysm (CS)., Results: Three hundred five patients met the inclusion criteria and had a total of 316 carotid procedures (CAS or CEA) performed. Eleven patients were found to have UIAs (3.61%) prior to carotid revascularization. Male and female prevalence was 2.59% and 5.26% (P = 0.22), respectively. Patients' demographics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The average aneurysm size was 3.25 ± 2.13 mm, and the most common location was the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. No patient in the study had aneurysm rupture, and the mean follow-up time was 26.5 months for the CS/UIA group., Conclusions: Concomitant carotid artery stenosis and UIAs is a rare entity. Carotid revascularization does not appear to increase the risk of rupture for small aneurysms (<10 mm) in the midterm. Although not statistically significant, there was a higher incidence of aneurysms found in females in our patient population., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs) are a rare complication of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. They occur in <1% of aortic grafting procedures, result from graft defects, foreign bodies, and trauma, and are associated with a high mortality rate. We report a complex AEF associated with vertebral body osteomyelitis, likely secondary to tuberculous infection. A 78-year-old man presented with a 2-week history of abdominal pain, fever, and anemia. Past surgical history is significant for open repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm followed later by an endovascular repair of a proximal para-anastomotic aneurysm. Computed tomography angiography revealed air in the aneurysm sac, without evidence of endoleak. The posterior aspect of the aneurysm was noted to be in continuity with a destructive osteomyelitis of the second lumbar vertebral body and an adjacent psoas abscess. Percutaneous drainage revealed purulent fluid containing mixed enteric flora. With fluoroscopic guidance, injection of contrast in the aortic sac drainage catheter demonstrated complex fistulous communications from the aortic sac to the overlying small intestine. After a course of drainage, antibiotic therapy, and parenteral nutrition, the patient underwent a transperitoneal repair of the AEF with duodeno-duodenectomy and wide debridement of the aortic sac and Dacron graft. Pathology revealed giant cell granulomas, highly suggestive of tuberculosis., (Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The utilization of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in suitable patients has resulted in decreased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Octogenarians as a subgroup have been more readily offered EVAR, as it is less invasive, and therefore presumably better tolerated than conventional open aortic repair. The purpose of this study is to investigate periprocedural and late EVAR outcomes in octogenarians compared with patients less than 80 years of age., Methods: From January 2003 to May 2008, 322 patients underwent EVAR. A total of 117 octogenarians were compared with 205 patients less than 80 years of age. A retrospective review of the demographic data, aneurysm details, perioperative morbidity, mortality, and late outcomes were analyzed., Results: Octogenarians were significantly more likely to have a history of diabetes mellitus (51% vs 23%; P < .001), coronary artery disease (45% vs 32%; P = .0165), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (44% vs 30%; P = .0113), and renal insufficiency (57% vs 31%; P < .0001). There were no significant differences in the rates of perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, death, intestinal, or arterial ischemic complications between the two groups. Octogenarians had a significant higher rate of pulmonary complications (5.1% vs 1%; P < .03) and access-site hematomas (12% vs 2.4%; P = .001) than younger patients. When all significant perioperative morbidity was combined, octogenarians were twice as likely to develop complications following EVAR than younger patients (27.4% vs 11.7%; P = .001). At 5-year follow-up, younger patients were twice as likely to develop type II endoleaks., Conclusions: EVAR can be performed safely and effectively in octogenarians, and the incidence of major complications including myocardial infarction, stroke, and death is unchanged compared with younger patients. However, there is a significantly increased rate of access-site hematomas, pulmonary, and perioperative complications in octogenarians as a whole. Our findings suggest EVAR remains a suitable form of therapy in the elderly group provided there is an appropriate preoperative evaluation and perioperative monitoring following repair.

Background: Inadvertent subclavian artery catheterization during attempted central venous access is a well-known complication. Historically, these patients are managed with an open operative approach and repair under direct vision via an infraclavicular and/or supraclavicular incision. We describe our experience and technique for endovascular management of these injuries., Methods: Twenty patients were identified with inadvertent iatrogenic subclavian artery cannulation. All cases were managed via an endovascular technique under local anesthesia. After correcting any coagulopathy, a 4-French glide catheter was percutaneously inserted into the ipsilateral brachial artery and placed in the proximal subclavian artery. Following an arteriogram and localization of the subclavian arterial insertion site, the subclavian catheter was removed and bimanual compression was performed on both sides of the clavicle around the puncture site for 20 min. A second angiogram was performed, and if there was any extravasation, pressure was held for an additional 20 min. If hemostasis was still not obtained, a stent graft was placed via the brachial access site to repair the arterial defect and control the bleeding., Results: Two of the 20 patients required a stent graft for continued bleeding after compression. Both patients were well excluded after endovascular graft placement. Hemostasis was successfully obtained with bimanual compression over the puncture site in the remaining 18 patients. There were no resultant complications at either the subclavian or the brachial puncture site., Conclusion: This minimally invasive endovascular approach to iatrogenic subclavian artery injury is a safe alternative to blind removal with manual compression or direct open repair., (Copyright 2010 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Clinical decision making for carotid surgery depends largely upon stenosis grade. While digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard for stenosis grading, many physicians use less invasive modalities. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of multidimensional Computed tomography (CTA) with ultrasound (US) grading and peak flow velocity (PSV)., Methods: 37 stenosed carotid arteries were studied retrospectively in 36 consecutive patients. US grading and PSV were compared to multidimensional CTA analysis (diameter, area and volumetric measurements), performed by a medical software company. Calculations of stenosis percentage on CTA were made using the NASCET and ECST methodology. Diameter measurements were also performed by a neuroradiologist., Results: All CTA diameter, area and volume measurements had only modest correlation with PSV (r<0.5) and ultrasound grading (p<0.5). There was concordant classification of stenosis grades in only 40-60% of cases. CTA diameter, area and volume measurements had good correlation (0.69

Durable vascular access for hemodialysis remains a critical issue in end-stage renal disease patients. Creation of an autogenous arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the most distal location of the nondominant extremity is the preferred technique and provides superior patency over an AV graft. Others have shown that regional anesthesia in the form of axillary block results in the dilatation of the native veins and allows for their increased utilization in creating AV fistulae. We report on 26 patients undergoing creation of a vascular access for hemodialysis. Regional anesthesia consisting of axillary nerve block was used in all cases. All surgical plans with regard to the site and type of access were made based on the physical exam and ultrasound vein measurements taken prior to surgery. On the day of surgery patients were reevaluated with venous ultrasound using tourniquet before and after administration of the regional block. The previously determined operative plan either remained unchanged or was modified depending on the venous dilatation noted after administration of regional block. Among 26 patients, average vein diameter increased from 0.29 +/- 0.12 cm to 0.34 +/- 0.11 cm (P = 0.008). Twenty-one of 26 patients had no modification in operative plan (group 1). Five had some modification of the original operative plan (group 2): AV graft to a brachial vein transposition (n = 2), AV graft to a Cimino fistula (n = 2), and brachiocephalic to a Cimino (n = 1). The average follow-up for all patients was 82.6 +/- 75.6 days and did not differ between the groups. There was one failure in a patient from group 1, and there was no significant difference in the patency rate between study groups (P = 0.29). Following regional nerve block, operative plans in patients undergoing AV access surgery were modified in 29.4% of patients undergoing creation of an AV access for hemodialysis; either from graft to fistula creation or from the proximal to more distal fistula site. The routine use of regional anesthesia as well as intraoperative ultrasound during AV access surgery can lead to improved site selection and increased opportunity for AV fistula creation.

Physicians in residency training will be the referring physicians of tomorrow. We sought to determine the current surgical and medical trainees' perception of vascular surgery's endovascular qualifications and capabilities. An anonymous survey was sent to all general surgery and internal medicine residents at a single academic institution. Respondents answered the question "Which specialty is the most qualified to perform (1) inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion; (2) angiograms, angioplasty, and stenting of the carotid arteries; (3) renal arteries; (4) aorta; and (5) lower extremity arteries?" For each question, respondents chose one response, either vascular surgery, interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, or do not know. One hundred respondents completed the survey (general surgery, n=50; internal medicine, n=50). There was a significant difference in the attitudes of surgery and medicine residents when choosing the most qualified endovascular specialist (p<0.05). Surgery residents chose vascular surgery as the most qualified specialty for each listed procedure: carotid (80%, n=40), IVC (56%, n=28), aorta (100%, n=50), extremity (86%, n=43), renal (78%, n=39). Medicine residents chose vascular surgery as the most qualified specialty less frequently: carotid (66%, n=33), IVC (6%, n=3), aorta (88%, n=44), extremity (72%, n=36), renal (16%, n=8). There was no significant difference in specialty selection based on postgraduate year. There is a large discrepancy between surgical and medical trainees' perception of vascular surgery's endovascular abilities, particularly regarding IVC placement and renal artery interventions. If our own institution mirrors the nation, each passing year a significant portion of the 21,722 graduating internal medicine residents go into practice viewing vascular surgeons as second-tier endovascular providers. A concerted campaign should be undertaken to educate medical residents regarding the skills and capabilities of vascular surgeons.

A case is reported of a 28-year-old female who initially presented with a right iliac deep venous thrombosis of unclear etiology. A stenosis in the iliac vein was seen, but no intrinsic or extrinsic mass was noted on multiple imaging studies. The patient presented 2 years later with right hydronephrosis, and at that time a right pelvic mass was discovered. Resection was performed with concomitant reconstruction of the right iliac arterial system, and pathology revealed a malignant epithelioid angiosarcoma.

The objective of this study was to define clinical and imaging characteristics of periaortitis prior to and after therapy with immunosuppressive drugs. Four consecutive patients with periaortitis (two secondary to atherosclerosis and two with rheumatic diseases) were studied with contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), rheumatologic serologies, and acute-phase reactants. All were treated with corticosteroids and two patients received immunosuppressive agents. Patients were followed with serial MRA scans, CT scans, and clinical exams. Prior to treatment, all patients demonstrated a rind of periaortic tissue, which was enhanced with both contrast-enhanced CT as well as gadolinium-enhanced MRA. Clinical symptoms resolved and rind contracture occurred in all cases following therapy. Enhancement of the rind persisted despite the clinical improvement in all patients. No patient developed an aortic aneurysm or retroperitoneal fibrosis during the follow-up period. Corticosteroid/immunosuppressive treatment was continued for an average of 41 months. At 62 months of total follow-up, there has been no recurrence of periaortitis by clinical and/or radiologic exam. Treatment of periaortitis with corticosteroids and immunosuppression therapy leads to resolution of clinical symptoms and radiologic contracture of the periaortic rind. Patients responded to therapy without developing progressive fibrosis or aneurysm. MRA allows safe and repetitive imaging of periaortitis and provides excellent definition of lumenal abnormalities including plaque rupture.

Objective: Transcatheter embolization with coils and other agents has been described as a treatment method for type II endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Type I endoleak has not been treated commonly with such therapies, although most investigators believe they warrant definitive intervention. The liquid adhesive n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) is often used to treat congenital arteriovenous malformations. The objective of this study is to report our initial experience in treating type I endoleak with n-BCA and with a variety of other interventions., Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 270 patients who underwent EVAR at our institution between January 1994 and December 2002. Of these, 24 patients had type I endoleak (8.9%), diagnosed either intraoperatively (n = 13, 52%) or during follow-up (n = 12, 48%). Among these 24 patients, 17 had proximal leaks and the remaining 8 patients had distal leaks. These cases form the focus of this study., Results: Twenty-two leaks required endovascular intervention, with the following success rate: n-BCA, 12 of 13 cases (92.3%); extender cuffs, 4 of 5 cases (80%); coils with or without thrombin, 3 of 4 cases (75%). In one patient with persistent endoleak despite attempted endovascular intervention the device ultimately was surgically explanted, and the patient did well. Of six patients with endoleak initially managed expectantly, two eventually underwent attempts at definitive intervention, both with n-BCA. Three sealed spontaneously before definitive intervention could be performed; and in one 97-year-old patient who refused intervention, the aneurysm subsequently ruptured and the patient died. In total, 13 patients with type I endoleak underwent n-BCA transcatheter embolotherapy. No serious complications were directly related to this therapy. Colon ischemia developed in one patient, and was believed to be a result of thromboembolism during wire and catheter manipulation rather than n-BCA treatment. Twelve of these 13 leaks remain sealed at mean follow-up of 5.9 months (range, 0-19 months)., Conclusion: Our initial use of n-BCA occlusion suggests that it may be an effective and safe method of treatment of type I endoleak after EVAR. In particular, n-BCA embolotherapy may be especially useful in treating type I endoleak not amenable to placement of extender cuffs. Larger case series and longer follow-up are needed before this treatment is more broadly recommended. Type I endoleak after EVAR can be treated successfully with a variety of endovascular methods, and surgical explantation is rarely required.

Prior studies have suggested that young patients may be more prone to recurrent disease after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The goal of this study was to review a series of CEAs performed on younger patients (< or = 55 years) and to determine if these patients are more likely to develop recurrent stenosis. A review was conducted of CEAs performed from 1985 through 1994. Analysis was performed on a study group of 94 young patients who underwent 109 CEAs during this time. A control group of 222 patients older than 55 years who underwent 256 CEAs during the years 1991 through 1993 was selected for comparison. During a mean of nearly 4 years of follow-up, younger patients were significantly more likely to experience a late failure of CEA, including total occlusion of the operated artery, or recurrent stenosis requiring redo surgery. Careful patient evaluation is important in choosing younger patients who require CEA. Implications of these data include mandating careful noninvasive follow-up examinations for younger patients undergoing CEA.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the procedure of choice for identifying aortic atheromas, which may result in stroke, transient ischemic attack and peripheral embolization. However, because of anatomic constraints, the innominate artery may not be visualized. We investigated gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) as an alternative technique for evaluation of suspected atheromas of the innominate artery. From a retrospective review of 520 examinations, we identified five patients who had innominate artery atheromas diagnosed prospectively with gadolinium-enhanced MRA who also underwent TEE within 1 month. A total of 10 innominate artery atheromas were demonstrated on MRA; none of these were visualized on TEE. One patient had three atheromas, two patients had two atheromas and three patients had one atheroma. They ranged in size from 3 mm to 1.5 cm (mean 6.5 mm). One atheroma was flat, two were filiform, and seven were protruding. Gadolinium-enhanced MRA is superior to TEE for the diagnosis of atheromas of the innominate artery. In the setting of right cerebral or right arm embolization, when no source is seen in the arch on TEE, gadolinium-enhanced MRA should be considered.

Objectives: Although the results of the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study clearly demonstrated the benefit of surgical over medical management of severe carotid artery stenosis, the results for women in particular were less certain. This was to some extent because of the higher perioperative complication rate observed in the 281 women (3.6% vs 1.7% in men). The objective of this study was to review a large experience with carotid endarterectomy in female patients and to determine whether the perioperative results differed from those of male patients., Methods: A review was conducted of a prospectively compiled database on all carotid endarterectomies performed between 1982 and 1997. Operations performed in 991 female patients were compared with those performed in 1485 male patients., Results: Female patients had a significantly lower incidence of diabetes, coronary artery disease, and contralateral carotid artery occlusion than did male patients. Female patients had a significantly higher incidence of hypertension. There were no significant differences in the age, smoking history, anesthetic route, shunt use, or clamp tolerance between the two groups. Of 991 female patients, 659 (66.5%) had preoperative symptoms, whereas 332 (33.5%) cases were performed for asymptomatic stenosis. Among 1485 male patients, 1041 (70.1%) had symptoms, and 444 (29.9%) were symptom free before surgery. There were no significant differences noted in the perioperative stroke rates between men and women overall (2.3% vs 2.4%, P =.92), or when divided into symptomatic (2.5% vs 3.0%, P =.52) and asymptomatic (2.0% vs 1.2%, P =.55) cases., Conclusions: Carotid endarterectomy can be performed with equally low perioperative stroke rates in men and women in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. In this series, symptom-free female patients had the lowest overall stroke rate. The concerns of the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study regarding the benefit of carotid endarterectomy in female patients should therefore not prevent clinicians from recommending and performing carotid endarterectomy in appropriately selected symptom-free female patients.

Lower extremity paraplegia or paraparesis is an extremely rare event after operative repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAS). We report two such cases that occurred after endovascular repair or attempted endovascular repair of routine AAAS. To our knowledge, these are the first two cases reported specifically in the literature. These cases may have significant implications with regard to the endovascular management of AAAS, because atheroembolization to the spinal cord appears to be the underlying cause.

Objectives: Vascular malformations of the pelvis are rare and present a difficult therapeutic challenge. Surgical treatment is notoriously difficult and carries a high likelihood of recurrence. Surgical proximal ligation of a feeding vessel may in fact be contraindicated, because it can make subsequent transcatheter therapy impossible. The purpose of this study was to review our results with transcatheter embolization therapy in symptomatic complex pelvic vascular malformations in 35 patients., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of a prospectively compiled database of all patients undergoing transcatheter therapy of a pelvic vascular malformation at our institution., Results: The mean age of the patients was 34 years (range, 16 months-66 years), and 51% were male. The most common presenting symptoms included pain (59%), a visible or palpable lesion (62%), associated palpable pulsation or thrill (44%), hemorrhage (27%), congestive heart failure (18%), and symptoms due to mass effect (35%). A significant number of patients had undergone previous, unsuccessful attempted surgical treatment of the lesion (32%). The most common type of lesion noted on arteriography was arteriovenous shunting (89%). Patients required a mean of 2.4 embolization procedures (range, 1-11 procedures) over a mean period of 23.3 months (range, 1-144 months). The most common agents used were rapidly polymerizing acrylic adhesives. The most common vessels involved and treated were branches of the hypogastric artery (82%). More than one procedure were performed in 20 patients (53%). Seven were planned as staged embolizations, whereas 13 were due to residual or recurrent symptoms. Adjunctive surgical procedures were performed subsequent to embolization therapy in five patients (15%). Eighty-three percent of patients were asymptomatic or significantly improved at a mean follow-up of 84 months (range, 1-204 months)., Conclusions: Pelvic vascular malformations are difficult to eradicate completely, and recurrences are common. Many patients require multiple therapeutic interventions. However, most of these difficult cases have good results in the long term. Transcatheter embolization plays a significant role in, and may be the treatment of choice for, symptomatic pelvic vascular malformations.

In order to maximize the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA), the rate of perioperative stroke must be kept to a minimum. A recent analysis of carotid surgery at our institution found that most perioperative strokes were due to technical errors resulting in thrombosis or embolization. From 1992 through 1997 we have performed nearly 1200 additional CEAs; the purpose of this study was to examine recent trends in the causes of perioperative stroke, with specific attention to differences in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The records of 1041 patients undergoing 1165 CEAs were reviewed from a prospectively compiled database. Analysis of these data showed that a history of preoperative stroke appears to increase the risk of perioperative stroke after CEA. Surgical factors associated with perioperative stroke include an inability to tolerate clamping, use of an intraarterial shunt, and having surgery performed under general anesthesia; these factors are clearly interrelated and only the use of intraarterial shunting remains a risk factor by multivariate analysis. Over half of all perioperative strokes (54%) appear to be caused by intraoperative or postoperative thrombosis and embolization. The patient requiring use of intraarterial shunting and/or with a preoperative stroke most likely has a significant watershed area of brain at increased risk of infarction. However, technical errors are still the most common cause of perioperative stroke in these high-risk patients. Such high-risk patients may manifest clinical stroke from small emboli that may be tolerated by asymptomatic clamp-tolerant patients. Technical precision and appropriate cerebral protection are particularly critical for successful outcomes in high-risk patients.

Purpose: When managing a new neurologic deficit after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), the surgeon is often preoccupied with determining the cause of the problem, requesting diagnostics tests, and deciding whether the patient should be surgically reexplored. The goal of this study was to analyze a series of perioperative neurologic events and to determine if careful analysis of their timing and mechanisms can predict which cases are likely to improve with reoperation., Methods: A review of 2024 CEAs performed from 1985 to 1997 revealed 38 patients who manifested a neurologic deficit in the perioperative period (1.9%). These cases form the focus of this analysis., Results: The causes of the events included intraoperative clamping ischemia in 5 patients (13.2%); thromboembolic events in 24 (63.2%); intracerebral hemorrhage in 5 (13.2%); and deficits unrelated to the operated artery in 4 (10.5%). Neurologic events manifesting in the first 24 hours after surgery were significantly more likely to be caused by thromboembolic events than by other causes of stroke (88.0% vs. 12.0%, P<.002); deficits manifesting after the first 24 hours were significantly more likely to be related to other causes. Of 25 deficits manifesting in the first 24 hours after surgery, 18 underwent immediate surgical reexploration. Intraluminal thrombus was noted in 15 of the 18 reexplorations (83. 3%); any technical defects were corrected. After the 18 reexplorations, in 12 cases there was either complete resolution of or significant improvement in the neurologic deficit that had been present (66.7%)., Conclusions: Careful analysis of the timing and presentation of perioperative neurologic events after CEA can predict which cases are likely to improve with reoperation. Neurologic deficits that present during the first 24 hours after CEA are likely to be related to intraluminal thrombus formation and embolization. Unless another etiology for stroke has clearly been established, we think immediate reexploration of the artery without other confirmatory tests is mandatory to remove the embolic source and correct any technical problems. This will likely improve the neurologic outcome in these patients, because an uncorrected situation would lead to continued embolization and compromise.