Search

Postoperative groin complication is a common cause of morbidity in vascular surgery. Prophylactic wound adjuncts addressing this issue have been shown to reduce complications in high-risk patients, but their widespread implementation is limited by their high cost. This study introduces a risk prediction model for patients at a high risk for groin complication which can be accessed through the iPhone application, Vasculink.A literature search identified risk prediction models for groin complication in vascular surgery. Odds ratios of risk factors that were present in at least 2 published models were calculated with a pooled effect size. The weighted risk for each factor was used to create our model and a cutoff point defining high risk patients was chosen. The initial model was assessed and validated using a split-sample methodology on a cohort identified via a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing open vascular surgery at our institution between 2017 and 2020. Model performance was assessed using the C-statistic.Risk factors included in our model were female gender, body mass index ≥28 kg/mBy using risk factors identified in the literature we have been able to establish a highly sensitive risk prediction model for groin complication following open vascular surgery. By incorporating our model into an iPhone application, Vasculink, we hope to facilitate preoperative decision making regarding the use of prophylactic wound adjuncts.

The novel Surfacer Inside-Out recanalization technique facilitates right-sided central venous access in occluded vessels but carries a risk of arterial and pleural injuries. This article demonstrates how an advanced intraoperative imaging protocol can help to avoid these potential complications.This retrospective review included patients undergoing the Surfacer Inside-Out central venous recanalization procedure between December 2017 and October 2021. The study sample comprised patients included in the SAVE-US trial at our site as well as patients treated after US Food and Drug Administration approval of the device. All procedures were performed using intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) angiography to map out the trajectory of the device through the mediastinum and supraclavicular space with fusion imaging for guidance. Procedures were aborted if CBCT findings predicted injury to arterial or respiratory structures. The intraoperative coronal and sagittal orientation of the device was compared to preoperatively predicted trajectory.A total of 17 procedures were performed in 16 patients with end-stage renal disease and a mean age of 61 ± 11 years. Most patients presented a type 3 central venous occlusion (9/15). Successful recanalization was achieved in 14 of the 17 cases (82.4%) with no intraoperative complications. The procedure had to be aborted in 3 of the 17 cases based on intraoperative CBCT findings, which projected the device to perforate the right pleural space in one patient, the trachea and right subclavian artery in another, and the innominate artery in the third patient. The total radiation dose per procedure was 753 ± 346 mGy and the mean procedural time was 101.6 ± 29.7 minutes. A median of 2 (range, 1-5) intraoperative CBCT scans were performed per patient and accounted for 70% of the total radiation dose. Statistical analysis showed intraoperative CBCT findings to differ significantly from preoperative predicted values.The nonsteerable and penetrating nature of the Surfacer device may lead to serious complications when performed under fluoroscopic guidance alone. Intraoperative CBCT with fusion overlay enhances the safety and effective use of this device and inside out crossing technique.

Because of the fear of obliterating the collateral outflow path and thus worsening venous hypertension, many physicians believe that deep venous obstruction (DVO) is a contraindication for the treatment of superficial venous reflux (SVR). In the present review, we have described the available clinical data for this important group of patients.A literature search was performed of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify clinical research studies reported between 1991 and 2021 that had evaluated the concomitant management of SVR and DVO. Studies were excluded if they had included fewer than five patients, had not specified the interventions used to treat SVR, or had no follow-up data available. All the studies included were observational, and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Ten retrospective cohort studies were included, with a total of 2476 limbs in 2428 patients, with concurrent SVR and DVO or a known history of deep vein thrombosis treated in 944 limbs. Of the 10 studies, 8 were comparative. The level of DVO was suprainguinal, when specified, in most cases. The mean age range was 42 to 65 years, 1432 patients (59%) were women, and advanced chronic venous disease (ie, CEAP [clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic] class 4-6) was present in 614 limbs (70%), with two studies reporting uniquely on C6 patients. Of the 944 limbs treated for concomitant SVR and DVO, a combination of saphenous vein ablative procedures and deep venous stenting was performed in 483 limbs (51.2%), saphenous vein ablative procedures alone in 293 limbs (31%), and deep venous stenting alone in 168 (17.8%). Of the five studies comparing the different treatment strategies to treat concurrent SVR and DVO, four reported better outcomes after a combination of deep venous stenting and saphenous vein ablation compared with ablation alone. Studies comparing the outcomes of saphenous ablation for patients with reflux alone vs patients with concurrent reflux and DVO did not find any significant differences in clinical improvement and postoperative complication rates.The current evidence is weak owing to the limited number of studies and small sample size but suggests that ablation of SVR is safe for patients with concurrent DVO. Patients with advanced venous disease and iliac vein obstruction had better results when SVR ablation was combined with treatment of iliac vein obstruction. Additional contemporary studies are needed to confirm the safety and specifically investigate the efficacy of SVR ablation in relieving the symptoms of patients with concurrent infrainguinal obstruction.

Jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3), a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase, promotes endothelial regeneration, but its function in neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) has not been explored. In this study, we examined the contribution of endothelial JMJD3 to NIH of AVFs and the mechanisms underlying JMJD3 expression during kidney failure. We found that endothelial JMJD3 expression was negatively associated with NIH of AVFs in patients with kidney failure. JMJD3 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) was also downregulated in the vasculature of chronic kidney disease (CKD) mice. In addition, specific knockout of endothelial JMJD3 delayed EC regeneration, enhanced endothelial mesenchymal transition, impaired endothelial barrier function as determined by increased Evans blue staining and inflammatory cell infiltration, and accelerated neointima formation in AVFs created by venous end to arterial side anastomosis in CKD mice. Mechanistically, JMJD3 expression was downregulated via binding of transforming growth factor beta 1-mediated Hes family transcription factor Hes1 to its gene promoter. Knockdown of JMJD3 enhanced H3K27 methylation, thereby inhibiting transcriptional activity at promoters of EC markers and reducing migration and proliferation of ECs. Furthermore, knockdown of endothelial JMJD3 decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production, leading to the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that decreased expression of endothelial JMJD3 impairs EC regeneration and function and accelerates neointima formation in AVFs. We propose increasing the expression of endothelial JMJD3 could represent a new strategy for preventing endothelial dysfunction, attenuating NIH, and improving AVF patency in patients with kidney disease.

Objective: Arteriovenous fistulas created for hemodialysis often fail to become usable and are frequently abandoned. This prospective trial evaluated the efficacy of vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, in increasing radiocephalic fistula use for hemodialysis and secondary patency. Methods: PATENCY-2 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients on or approaching the need for hemodialysis undergoing radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation. Of 696 screened, 613 were randomized, and 603 were treated (vonapanitase n = 405, placebo n = 208). The study drug solution was applied topically to the artery and vein for 10 min immediately after fistula creation. The primary endpoints were fistula use for hemodialysis and secondary patency (fistula survival without abandonment). Other efficacy endpoints included unassisted fistula use for hemodialysis, primary unassisted patency, fistula maturation and unassisted maturation by ultrasound criteria, and fistula procedure rates. Results: The proportions of patients with fistula use for hemodialysis was similar between groups, 70% vonapanitase and 65% placebo, ( p = 0.33). The Kaplan–Meier estimates of 12-month secondary patency were 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73–82) for vonapanitase and 76% (95% CI, 70–82) for placebo ( p = 0.93). The proportions with unassisted fistula use for hemodialysis were 46% vonapanitase and 37% placebo ( p = 0.054). The Kaplan–Meier estimates of 12-month primary unassisted patency were 50% (95% CI, 44–55) for vonapanitase and 43% (95% CI, 35–50) for placebo ( p = 0.18). There were no differences in the proportion of patients with fistula maturation or in fistula procedure rates. Adverse events were similar between groups. Vonapanitase was not immunogenic. Conclusions: Vonapanitase treatment did not achieve clinical or statistical significance to meaningfully improve radiocephalic fistula surgical outcomes. Outcome in the placebo group were better than in historical controls. Vonapanitase was well-tolerated and safe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02414841 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02414841 )

Even in the best of circumstances, a significant number of patients will require adjunctive endovascular and/or surgical revision prior to achieving functional patency after endovascular or percutaneous AVF creation, at least within the United States. This rate appears to be higher after percutaneous AVF than after endovascular AVF, although because published reports of the former are mostly derived from American experience and those of the latter derived from experience outside the United States, it is unclear whether these differences are due to the technique itself or cultural and/or anatomic differences in dialysis access practices and patient populations. If arterial inflow is poor, this should be corrected first. When flow is adequate (perhaps 900 cc/min) but no single vein is cannulatable, a dominant suitable vein can be superficialized or transposed. If no suitable vein is dominant (most accurately assessed by using an intraoperative flowmeter), the best vein can be used, with or without occlusion of the other veins or reimplantation into the brachial artery. Finally, if the original anastomosis remains the sole supply to the cannulated vein, the original fistula has achieved assisted primary maturation (and assisted primary patency continues), while if a new arteriovenous anastomosis has been constructed, the original fistula has failed. We point out that for this reason as well as to best utilize the upper arm for later access, endovascular and percutaneous AVFs should be constructed and maintained within an atmosphere where both surgeons and non-surgeons work together on the overall access plan.

Purpose: Thoracic central venous obstruction is commonly associated with the use of central venous catheters. The Surfacer System to Facilitate Access in Venous Occlusions Study was an Food and Drug Administration–approved US Investigational Device Exemption study designed to evaluate the performance and safety of the Surfacer System when used to facilitate central venous access in patients with thoracic central venous obstruction. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter, single-arm study between December 2017 and May 2019. Device performance and adverse events were collected peri-procedurally and at discharge. Enrollment included 15 female and 15 male subjects with a mean age of 55.5 ± 12.9 (range: 30–79) years. Twenty-eight patients (93.3%) required central venous access for hemodialysis access. Locations of thoracic central venous obstruction were graded from 1 to 4 based on severity and extension of venous occlusions. Seven patients (23.3%) had type 1, 6 (20.0%) type 2, 16 (53.3%) type 3, and 1 (3.3%) type 4 obstruction. Results: Successful central venous catheter placement was achieved in 27 of 30 patients (90.0%). The procedure was discontinued in three (10.0%) due to tortuous anatomy discovered intraprocedurally. All 27 patients with successful CVC placement achieved adequate catheter patency and tip positioning with a mean overall procedural time and time to achieve central venous access with the Surfacer System being 44.1 ± 30.6 and 19.1 ± 25.1 min, respectively. There were no device-related adverse events or catheter malposition. Conclusion: The results of the SAVEUS Study confirm the safety and efficacy of the Surfacer System and the Inside-Out procedure when used for the placement of right-sided central venous access in patients with thoracic central venous obstruction.

Surgical site infection (SSIs) in lower extremity vascular procedures is a major contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Despite previous advancements in preoperative and postoperative care, the surgical infection rate in vascular surgery remains high, particularly when groin incisions are involved. However, successfully targeting modifiable risk factors reduces the surgical site infection incidence in vascular surgery patients. We conducted an extensive literature review to evaluate the efficacy of various preventive strategies for groin surgical site infections. We discuss the role of preoperative showers, preoperative and postoperative antibiotics, collagen gentamicin implants, iodine impregnated drapes, types of skin incisions, negative pressure wound therapy, and prophylactic muscle flap transposition in preventing surgical site infection in the groin after vascular surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous devices for creation of native arteriovenous fistulae offer an alternative to traditional open surgical techniques. The 4 Fr WavelinQ EndoAVF System was developed as a lower profile alternative to facilitate access through smaller vessels and minimize access site complications; The current report is the original first experience of this device, assessing outcome in 120 patients followed for 6 months. METHODS The use of the 4 Fr WavelinQ system in three studies, EASE (32 patients), EASE-2 (24 patients), and the EU post-market clinical follow-up study (64 patients) was aggregated and analyzed. Patients were followed with duplex ultrasound at discharge and follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were evaluated as Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates and standard errors. Time to maturity and time to successful cannulation were defined as the mean ± SD days from the procedure in patients enrolled on dialysis. RESULTS Procedural success was achieved in 116 patients (96.7%). Primary, assisted-primary, and secondary 6-month patency rates were 71.9%±4.5%, 80.7%±4.1%, and 87.8%±3.3%, respectively. Time to maturity averaged 41±17 days. Time to successful cannulation averaged 68±51 days. Device-related serious adverse events were reported in 3/120 patients (2.5%) and procedure-related serious adverse events occurred in 7/120 patients (5.8%). Arterial or venous access complications were not reported in any of the patients. Access circuit reinterventions were performed in 23 patients (19.2%), split between those performed for EndoAVF maturation (13/120, 10.8%) and maintenance (11/120. 9.2%). CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous creation of native dialysis fistulae with the 4 Fr WavelinQ EndoAVF System is safe and effective, with favorable durability and a low rate of serious complications and reinterventions through 6-month follow-up. Utilization of the 4F device allows for percutaneous fistula creation between the radial artery and radial vein or the ulnar artery and ulnar vein. These findings suggest that the 4 Fr device is a useful percutaneous alternative to open surgical AVF or endovascular AVF with larger-bore devices.

Objective: In complex dialysis patients, central venous stenosis may preclude additional upper extremity access options. The Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft (Merit Medical Systems, Inc.) can bypass this stenosis providing patients with an additional upper extremity long-term access option. We report our experience with early-cannulation Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts and compare them to traditional Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft placement from 1 January 2013 through 15 August 2017 at our institution and compared those undergoing placement of traditional Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts and simultaneous tunneled dialysis catheter insertion to those undergoing Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft placement using an early-cannulation Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft without a tunneled dialysis catheter. Results: A total of 88 patients had 98 Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts inserted throughout this time period. Of these, 61 (62%) were early-cannulation Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts, while 37 (38%) were traditional Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts. Primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates at 1 year were higher for the traditional Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft cohort (53.1% vs 25.2%, p < 0.01; 70.1% vs 30.5%, p < 0.01; and 80.4% vs 55.4%, p = 0.07, respectively). There was no difference in the rate of postoperative hematoma, seroma, pseudoaneurysm formation, steal syndrome, or overall graft thrombosis between the two cohorts. Early-cannulation Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts required earlier reintervention for thrombosis and earlier reintervention for any cause when compared to traditional Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts (146 ± 184 days vs 417 ± 272 days, p < 0.01, and 123 ± 169 days vs 401 ± 311 days, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: In complex dialysis patients, early-cannulation Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts have significantly lower 1-year primary and primary-assisted patency rates and require earlier reintervention to maintain this patency compared to traditional Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts.

A woman in her mid-forties with a history of cervical cancer requiring chemoradiation presented with bilateral ureteral strictures secondary to radiation therapy. The ureteral obstruction was initially relieved with bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes, and subsequently, bilateral ureteral stents. Over the course of 8 months, she presented with multiple episodes of severe gross haematuria. This persisted even after stent removal and conversion back to percutaneous nephrostomy tubes. The initial evaluation, done with concern for an uretero-iliac artery fistula, which included bilateral retrograde pyelograms and CT angiography was non-diagnostic. Given continued haematuria, repeat endoscopic evaluation was undertaken; on retrograde pyelogram, brisk contrast was seen to pass into the arterial system, consistent with a left ureteroarterial fistula. The patient underwent endovascular iliac artery stent placement. Subsequently, the patient underwent resection of the iliac artery with endovascular graft in situ, left distal ureterectomy with proximal ureteral ligation following femoral-to-femoral bypass. This allowed for complete resolution of the patient’s gross haematuria episodes.

Objective Outflow tract stenosis is the leading cause of hemodialysis access loss. Many lesions are highly resistant to endovascular treatment, necessitating open surgical intervention. We present our experience using medial claviculectomy for treatment of recalcitrant lesions at the thoracic outlet. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent medial claviculectomy for dialysis-associated venous thoracic outlet syndrome at our institution between February 2013 and February 2018. Data collection included demographics, past medical history, access history, subsequent procedures, preoperative and postoperative brachial volume flows, and access use. Results We performed 25 medial claviculectomies in 25 patients with central venous stenosis. Four patients underwent concomitant central venous bypass and were excluded from this study. Twelve accesses were created at our institution; of these, the average access age was 41.6 months (±26.7 months). All patients previously underwent multiple angioplasty attempts to treat outflow stenosis and continued to have residual symptoms and poor fistula function. Medial claviculectomy with venolysis and angioplasty were performed to treat residual outflow stenosis at the level of the subclavian vein. Twenty-one patients had residual stenosis requiring angioplasty. Six patients had subclavian rupture requiring stent graft placement. All patients reported symptom improvement and immediate use of the fistula after medial claviculectomy. Nineteen (76%) patients reported complete resolution of symptoms after the procedure. Ultimately, eight (32%) ipsilateral arteriovenous accesses were lost, and six (24%) patients died in follow-up with patent, functional fistulas. Median length of follow-up was 17 months (interquartile range, 5-28 months). The 18-month primary patency and secondary patency with regard to subclavian vein interventions were 28% (95% confidence interval, 13.8%-56.1%) and 84% (95% confidence interval, 69.7%-100%), respectively. One patient required ligation for high-output cardiac failure. One patient had contralateral brachiocephalic jailing, which was corrected with kissing brachiocephalic stents. Conclusions Medial claviculectomy is an effective treatment of recalcitrant central venous stenosis of the thoracic outlet. Balloon angioplasty or stent or stent graft placement is often necessary after extrinsic compression is alleviated and demonstrates acceptable secondary patency rates.

Purpose: To describe the use of the Hybrid vascular graft in disadvantaged anatomy for hemodialysis access creation and compare outcomes to standard-wall polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. Methods: In a retrospective analysis, 25 patients (mean age 65±14 years; 13 men) who received the Hybrid graft were compared with 35 contemporaneous patients (mean age 63±12 years; 20 men) who received a standard PTFE graft for hemodialysis access over a 2-year period. Criteria for Hybrid graft placement were (1) exhausted or inadequate peripheral veins for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation and concomitant small target veins that precluded conventional PTFE graft placement, (2) previous graft anastomosis or a stent in the venous target at the level of the axilla, or (3) failed brachial-basilic or brachial-brachial upper arm transposition AVF with a small target vein at the axilla. Efficacy, anatomic and clinical considerations, and technique were reviewed; patency rates, complications, and reinterventions were examined. Results: Technical success was achieved in all cases, and all grafts were usable for hemodialysis. Seven of 25 Hybrid patients required stent-graft extensions and 3 patients required angioplasty to improve venous outflow at the time of Hybrid graft insertion. Three of 35 standard PTFE graft patients required angioplasty to improve venous outflow at the time of graft insertion. There was no perioperative mortality or procedure-related morbidity in either group. Median follow-up was 21 months. The patient survival estimate was 66% at 2 years. Estimated primary patency (24% vs 18%, p>0.05), assisted primary patency (34% vs 28%; p>0.05), and secondary patency rates (40% vs 38%, p≥0.05) at 24 months were equivalent for Hybrid vs PTFE grafts, respectively. Venous hypertension was not a complication following Hybrid graft implantation but was seen in 2 patients with the standard PTFE graft. Conclusion: The Hybrid graft offers a safe, technically effective alternative for patients with disadvantaged anatomy requiring hemodialysis access and has comparable outcomes to standard PTFE grafts. Further clinical experience and long-term data are required for determining the proper utility of this device in chronic dialysis-dependent patients.

Background Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) aneurysms (AVFAs) can lead to skin erosion, bleeding, difficult access while on hemodialysis, and poor cosmetic appearance. We reviewed our experience in treating patients with aneurysmal dilatation of their AVF. Methods We reviewed clinical data of 48 patients (37 men; overall mean age, 55 years; range, 28-85 years) with an AVFA who underwent treatment during a 30-month period. Relevant clinical variables and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results All patients underwent a fistulogram, and 90% required percutaneous angioplasty to improve outflow. Fifty-six percent of patients had one stenotic outflow lesion, and 44% had at least two tandem outflow stenoses that required treatment. Open repair with aneurysmorrhaphy was performed in one stage in 64% of patients and in two stages in 36%. A tunneled hemodialysis catheter was required in 11 patients (23%) until the surgically repaired AVF was ready for use again, comprising 10 patients treated with single-stage surgery and only one patient in the staged group. All AVFAs were effectively treated, and patients were able to maintain functional use of their access when healed. Conclusions There is a high association of venous outflow stenoses and AVFA. Comprehensive therapy should encompass treatment of any venous outflow stenoses before open AVFA repair. A two-stage repair may decrease tunneled hemodialysis catheter use in patients with multiple aneurysms.

Neointima formation is a major contributor to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. We have previously shown that activation of the Notch signaling pathway contributes to neointima formation by promoting the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the venous anastomosis. In the current study we investigated the mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation and migration of VSMCs, and in particular the role of bone marrow-derived fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP-1)(+) cells, another cell type found in models of vascular injury. Using VSMC-specific reporter mice, we found that most of the VSMCs participating in AVF neointima formation originated from dedifferentiated VSMCs. We also observed infiltration of bone marrow-derived FSP-1+ cells into the arterial anastomosis where they could interact with VSMCs. In vitro, conditioned media from FSP-1+ cells stimulated VSMC proliferation and phenotype switching. Activated Notch signaling transformed FSP-1(+) cells into type I macrophages and stimulated secretion of cytokines and growth factors. Pretreatment with a Notch inhibitor or knockout of the canonical downstream factor RBP-Jκ in bone marrow-derived FSP1(+) cells decreased FSP1(+) cell infiltration into murine AVFs, attenuating VSMC dedifferentiation and neointima formation. Our results suggest that targeting Notch signaling could provide a new therapeutic strategy to improve AVF patency.

Objective Arteriovenous fistulas created in patients with chronic kidney disease often lose patency and fail to become usable. This prospective trial evaluated the efficacy of vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, in promoting radiocephalic fistula patency and use for hemodialysis. Methods PATENCY-1 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 349 patients on or approaching hemodialysis and being evaluated for radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation. Of these, 313 were randomized and 311 treated. Patients were assigned to vonapanitase (n = 210) or placebo (n = 103). The study drug solution was applied topically to the artery and vein for 10 minutes immediately after fistula creation. The primary and secondary end points were primary patency (time to first thrombosis or corrective procedure) and secondary patency (time to abandonment). Tertiary end points included use of the fistula for hemodialysis, fistula maturation by ultrasound, and procedure rates. Results The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 12-month primary patency were 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-49) and 31% (95% CI, 21-42) for vonapanitase and placebo (P = .25). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 12-month secondary patency were 74% (95% CI, 68-80) and 61% (95% CI, 51-71) for vonapanitase and placebo (P = .048). The proportions of vonapanitase and placebo patients were 39% and 25% (P = .035) with unassisted use for hemodialysis and 64% and 44% (P = .006) with unassisted plus assisted use. Conclusions Vonapanitase treatment did not significantly improve primary patency but was associated with increased secondary patency and use for hemodialysis. Further research is needed to evaluate these end points.

Despite the lower cost, improved early survival, and preservation of the remaining kidney function, peritoneal dialysis is used by only 8.8% of the dialysis population in the USA. Intraabdominal adhesions reported in 70-90% of patients with prior abdominal surgery (PAS) reduce the peritoneal surface area and may increase the intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis (LPD) catheter placement in patients with and without PAS.Patients who had LPD catheters placed between January 2014 and August 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the revision-free catheter survival (RFCS) and revision-assisted catheter survival (RACS) between the 2 groups.One hundred forty-two patients had had LPD catheter placed during the study time, 82 (58%) with PAS. Lysis of adhesions (LOA) was required in 26 patients (28%) with PAS. Demographics and comorbidities were similar, but more women had PAS (65% vs. 35%, P 0.001). Seventeen patients (12%) required revision, with no difference between the 2 groups. Both RFCS and RACS were similar in patients without and with PAS (P = 0.38 and 0.98, respectively). RFCS was 73% vs. 64% at 1 year (no PAS versus PAS) and 62% vs. 51% at 2 years, whereas RACS was 84% vs. 77% at 1 year (no PAS versus PAS) and 69% vs. 68% at 2 years. Only 2 intraoperative complications occurred, namely a superficial liver injury and pelvic hematoma. Three complications (0.02%) occurred within 30 days, namely 1 peritonitis and 2 catheter malfunctions. Overall complication rate was 25%, predominantly poor drainage (17% and 22% for PAS and no PAS, respectively), and there were no differences between the subgroups. No deaths occurred within a year of surgery during the study follow-up.LPD and LOA can be performed safely in patients with multiple PAS. When possible, LPD catheters should be part of the vascular surgery training armamentarium and offered to patients with PAS.

Introduction: Central venous occlusive (CVO) disease involving the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) can occur frequently in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic dialysis. Dialysis access is essential for the survival of these patients. Case description: We report a case of a chest wall graft creation using bovine carotid artery conduit in a patient who was experiencing life-threatening loss of dialysis access secondary to her SVC and IVC occlusion along with a hypercoagulable state. We did a subcutaneous anterior chest wall graft from the left axillary artery to the right atrium (RA) using a mini thoracotomy incision. Conclusions: ESRD patients with CVO pose a unique challenge. We believe our approach can provide an excellent option for dialysis access in patients with exhausted conventional access options.

BACKGROUND : Revascularization alternatives for patients with critical limb ischemia and without adequate autogenous vein remain challenging. We reviewed our experience with the use of arterial homograft as a conduit for limb salvage in patients with limb ischemia and active lower extremity infections. METHODS : A retrospective review of patients who underwent open arterial revascularization of the lower extremity with cryopreserved femoral artery homograft for the treatment of symptomatic critical limb ischemia (i.e., foot ulceration, infection, or gangrene) during an 18-month period was performed. Relevant clinical variables and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Clinical success was defined as limb salvage for one year, patency of the reconstruction, and wound healing. RESULTS : Thirteen patients (5 men; average age 71 ± 8.3 years, range 51-87 years) were treated during this study period. Treatment indications included 10 (77%) foot ulcerations, 2 (15%) critically ischemic limbs without ulceration, and 1 (8%) infected polytetrafluoroethylene bypass graft with acute occlusion and limb ischemia. A femoral below-the-knee popliteal bypass was performed in 4 (1%), femoral to anterior tibial artery in 4 (31%), femoral to posterior tibial artery in 3 (23%), and femoral to peroneal artery in 2 (15%). All 13 limbs were preserved. Minor amputations were performed in 6 patients, 2 underwent toe amputations and 4 patients had a trans-metatarsal amputation. The cumulative patency rate at 6, 9, and 18 months was 92.3%, 70.3%, and 58.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION : Open arterial revascularization with arterial femoral homograft is an acceptable treatment method in patients with critical limb ischemia and active infection in whom autogenous vein is not available or the use of a synthetic conduit is not possible.

Venous stenosis and occlusion are a major cause of vascular access dysfunction and failure. The HeRO Graft bypasses occlusion and traverses stenosis with outflow directly into the central venous circulation. A randomized, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the HeRO Graft relative to conventional AV grafts. The design was to enroll 143 patients in a 2:1 randomization ratio between HeRO and conventional AV control groups. Data on 72 subjects (52 HeRO Graft and 20 AV graft controls) were obtained. The HeRO Graft and control cohorts were comparable in baseline characteristics. Adequacy of dialysis, bacteremia rates, and adverse events were consistent between groups. Twelve month Kaplan-Meier estimates for primary and secondary patency rates were 34.8% and 67.6% in the HeRO Graft cohort, and 30.6% and 58.4% in the control cohort. There was no statistical difference in terms of patency between groups. The rates of intervention were 2.2/year for HeRO Graft and 1.6/year for the control (p = 0.100). Median days to loss of secondary patency was 238 for HeRO Graft versus 102 for the control (p = 0.032). The HeRO Graft appears to provide similar patency, adequacy of dialysis, and bacteremia rates to those of conventional AV grafts.

Introduction In this article, we will review the clinical symptoms of dialysis access steal syndrome (DASS), evaluation, treatment options, and our approach and treatment algorithm. Methods We reviewed the literature discussing different aspects of DASS including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, evaluation and management options. Results DASS is the most dreaded complication of access surgery. Although the incidence is low, all providers caring for dialysis patients should be aware of this problem. Symptoms can range from mild to limb threatening. Although various tests are available, the diagnosis of DASS remains a clinical one and requires thoughtful management to have the best outcomes. Conclusions Multiple treatment options exist for steal. We present diagnostic evaluation and management algorithm.

Objective This study explored the long-term outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas treated with vonapanitase (recombinant human elastase) at the time of surgical creation. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 151 patients undergoing radiocephalic or brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation who were randomized equally to placebo, vonapanitase 10 μg, or vonapanitase 30 μg. The results after 1 year of follow-up were previously reported. The current analysis occurred when the last patient treated was observed for 3 years. For the current analysis, the primary end point was primary patency; the secondary end points included secondary patency, use of the fistula for hemodialysis, and rate of procedures to restore or to maintain patency. Results There was no significant difference in the risk of primary patency loss with vonapanitase 10 μg or 30 μg vs placebo. When seven initial patency loss events related to cephalic arch and central vein balloon angioplasty were excluded, the risk of patency loss was reduced with vonapanitase overall (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; P = .049) and 30 μg (HR, 0.51; P = .03). In patients with radiocephalic fistulas (n = 67), the risks of primary and secondary patency loss were reduced with 30 μg (HR, 0.37 [ P = .02] and 0.24 [ P = .046], respectively). The rate of procedures to restore or to maintain fistula patency was reduced with 30 μg vs placebo (0.23 vs 0.72 procedure days/patient/year; P = .03) and also reduced in patients with radiocephalic fistulas with 30 μg vs placebo (0.17 vs 0.85 procedure days/patient/year; P = .048). Conclusions In this study, vonapanitase did not significantly improve primary patency in the primary analysis but did significantly improve primary patency in an analysis that excluded patency loss due to cephalic arch and central vein balloon angioplasty. In patients with radiocephalic fistulas, 30 μg significantly improved primary and secondary patency. Vonapanitase 30 μg decreased the rate of procedures to restore or to maintain patency in the analysis that included all patients and in the subset with radiocephalic fistulas.

Summary Background For patients with end-stage renal disease who are not candidates for fistula, dialysis access grafts are the best option for chronic haemodialysis. However, polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts are prone to thrombosis, infection, and intimal hyperplasia at the venous anastomosis. We developed and tested a bioengineered human acellular vessel as a potential solution to these limitations in dialysis access. Methods We did two single-arm phase 2 trials at six centres in the USA and Poland. We enrolled adults with end-stage renal disease. A novel bioengineered human acellular vessel was implanted into the arms of patients for haemodialysis access. Primary endpoints were safety (freedom from immune response or infection, aneurysm, or mechanical failure, and incidence of adverse events), and efficacy as assessed by primary, primary assisted, and secondary patencies at 6 months. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year, or had a censoring event. These trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01744418 and NCT01840956. Findings Human acellular vessels were implanted into 60 patients. Mean follow-up was 16 months (SD 7·6). One vessel became infected during 82 patient-years of follow-up. The vessels had no dilatation and rarely had post-cannulation bleeding. At 6 months, 63% (95% CI 47–72) of patients had primary patency, 73% (57–81) had primary assisted patency, and 97% (85–98) had secondary patency, with most loss of primary patency because of thrombosis. At 12 months, 28% (17–40) had primary patency, 38% (26–51) had primary assisted patency, and 89% (74–93) had secondary patency. Interpretation Bioengineered human acellular vessels seem to provide safe and functional haemodialysis access, and warrant further study in randomised controlled trials. Funding Humacyte and US National Institutes of Health.

Purpose To explore the safety and efficacy of PRT-201. Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation study of PRT-201 (0.0033 to 9 mg) applied after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. Participants were followed for one year. The primary outcome measure was safety. Efficacy measures were the proportion with intra-operative increases in AVF outflow vein diameter or blood flow ≥25% (primary), changes in outflow vein diameter and blood flow, AVF maturation and lumen stenosis by ultrasound criteria and AVF patency. Results The adverse events in the PRT-201 group (n=45) were similar to those in the placebo group (n=21). There were no differences in the proportion with ≥25% increase in vein diameter or blood flow, successful maturation or lumen stenosis. There was no statistically significant difference in primary patency between the dose groups (placebo n=21, Low Dose n=16, Medium Dose n=17 and High Dose n=12). In a subgroup analysis that excluded three participants with early surgical failures, the hazard ratio (HR) for primary patency loss of Low Dose compared with placebo was 0.38 (95% CI 0.10-1.41, P=0.15). In a Cox model, Low Dose (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.04-0.79, P=0.09), white race (HR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03-0.79, P=0.02), and age Conclusions PRT-201 was not different from placebo for safety or efficacy measures. There was a suggestion for improved AVF primary patency with Low Dose PRT-201 that is now being studied in a larger clinical trial.

Patients with chronic occlusion of iliac veins may present with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe disability, including limb swelling, venous claudication, and ulceration. Endovascular treatment has emerged as first line of interventional therapy. Surgical venous–venous bypasses for the management of these patients in the era of endovascular therapy are rarely performed. These procedures are reserved only for patients with severe symptoms and long occlusive lesions that have failed previous endovascular interventions. We present a clinical scenario involving the use of femorocaval bypass to treat an iliofemoral occlusion recalcitrant to stenting, manifesting with severe lower extremity swelling and venous claudication. The surgical bypass resulted in significant improvement in the patient’s clinical status.

The distal revascularization interval-ligation (DRIL) procedure has demonstrated efficacy in the management of dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS); however, this has not been widely used because of concerns about complexity, risk of ligating a native artery, and lack of long-term outcomes.Retrospective review of all patients with DASS who underwent DRIL procedure from March 2005 to August 2011. Indications, clinical considerations, bypass grafts, and patency rates were determined; complications, reinterventions, and factors influencing their outcomes were studied.33 patients, (70% women, mean age of 56 ± 13) with DASS underwent a DRIL. Indications were ischemic pain alone in 12 (36%) patients, loss of neurologic function in 7 (21%), both ischemic pain and loss of neurologic function in 4 (12%) tissue loss in 7 (21%), pain during hemodialysis in one (3%), and "prophylactic" DRIL during a femoral vein transposition (FVt) fistula in two (6%). Technical success was 100%; Ischemic symptoms fully resolved by DRIL in 24 of the 31 symptomatic patients (77%) and during the follow up period DASS did not develop in the subjects we judged at high risk and underwent DRIL during FVt. One serious complication occurred because of early bypass thrombosis causing worsening hand gangrene requiring transmetacarpal amputation. The primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rates of the arterial bypass at 12 months were 65%, 75%, and 95% respectively. AV access primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency were 29%, 85%, and 94% at 12 months.DRIL procedure is effective at relieving symptoms in carefully selected patients, but does have potential complications such as bypass failure and worsened ischemia. DASS remains a complex clinical entity in that it is not fully understood, and deserves further study.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) affect close to a quarter of a million people in the United States every year. Intervention is designed to treat the AAA when the patient becomes symptomatic and to prevent the fatality associated with rupture. Physicians and patients should weigh the risks associated with intervention compared to the risk of rupture for the particular size of the aneurysm and the patient's comorbidities. Thus, the decision to intervene, especially in asymptomatic aneurysms, is mostly based on clinical judgment. Endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) is attractive in that it offers a minimally invasive approach that obviates a major abdominal procedure and cross-clamping of aorta. We report on the current affairs of the major clinical trails evaluating the outcomes of patients undergoing EVAR and describe the current devices available in the United States for endovascular repair.

As the utility of the Gore TAG endograft expands in an off-label fashion to include various aortic pathologies like aortoesophageal fistulas (AEFs), more TAG endograft collapses are being described in the literature. We report a case of a recurrent endograft collapse in a patient with a right-sided aortic arch, who was treated for a hemorrhage from an AEF. One month following the initial endograft placement, angiography detected infolding of the endograft, which was then re-expanded with another endograft. Four months later, the patient developed an acute biventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction (EF) less than 20%. Cardiac catheterization revealed that the patient had an 80 mmHg pressure gradient across the endograft suggesting another collapse. A balloon-expandable stent was used to re-expand the endografts and restore the EF. On follow-up, the patient's endograft has remained patent without evidence of further collapse.

To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous therapy for symptomatic50% angiographic restenosis after iliac intervention versus outcomes of the primary procedure.A retrospective analysis was performed of 937 patients (733 men; mean age 65 years) who underwent 1532 endovascular interventions for symptomatic atherosclerotic iliac artery obstruction and were followed by duplex ultrasound between 1990 and 2009. In this population, 374 vessels restenosed (50% on duplex); about half (176, 47%) were associated with recurrent symptoms. In 102 symptomatic patients (58 men; mean age 61 years), 147 limbs (84%) had repeat angioplasty/stenting and were compared to the primary treatment group.Thirty-day mortality was1% in both primary and recurrent treatment groups, but morbidity was doubled in the reintervention group (4% versus 8%; p0.05). While the incidence of systemic complications was low in both groups, the drivers for increased morbidity in the recurrent group were lesion-specific and access-site complications. In the 937-patient cohort, the rate of50% restenosis on duplex was 15%±1% at 5 years. Gender (p = 0.03), diabetes (p = 0.04), metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001), symptoms (p0.001), angioplasty alone (p = 0.04), concurrent superficial femoral artery occlusion (p = 0.02), and increasing complexity of the iliac intervention (p = 0.02) were associated with primary failure. Patency rates at 10 years for primary versus recurrent treatment were 73%±2% versus 66±8% for primary patency (p = 0.004); 88%±2% versus 74%±7% for assisted primary patency (p = 0.005); and 90%±2% versus 78%±10% for secondary patency (p = 0.002). Female gender (p = 0.01), continued smoking (p = 0.02), eGFR60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (p = 0.03), lesion length (p = 0.02), lesion calcification (p = 0.005), and TASC II category (p = 0.04) negatively influenced patency of recurrent lesions. Sustained clinical success (absence of recurrent symptoms) was 74%±2% in the primary group and 66%±8% in the restenotic group (p = 0.014) at 10 years. Symptoms (p = 0.04), female gender (p = 0.002), hypertension (p = 0.004), eGFR60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (p = 0.02), external iliac artery disease (p = 0.02), lesion length (p = 0.02), and poor immediate clinical outcome (p0.001) negatively influenced clinical success of recurrent lesions.Percutaneous reintervention for recurrent iliac artery disease has a higher procedure-related morbidity compared to primary intervention. Longer-term outcomes are also poorer than for primary lesions. The patients who present with restenosis are more likely to be younger and of female gender than patients presenting for primary intervention. Both patency and functional outcomes after reintervention are worse than those for primary interventions.

Background Exhaustion of upper extremity dialysis access options is becoming more prevalent due to the longer survival of this patient population. In addition, central venous occlusive disease (CVOD) increases the risk of losing access viability in the ipsilateral extremity. Purpose We describe a novel technique of lower extremity arteriovenous graft (AVG) placement in which the external iliac artery and vein are utilized, as illustrated in 2 selected cases. Methods Two dialysis patients presented with exhausted upper extremity access options and bilateral intrathoracic CVOD. In patient 1, a venogram demonstrated complete occlusion of the left common iliac vein and severe stenosis of the right common femoral vein, rendering these unsuitable for access creation. In patient 2, with a history of peripheral arterial disease, an arteriogram revealed that the common and superficial femoral arteries were inadequate for access creation bilaterally. A retroperitoneal approach was utilized for a right external iliac artery and vein arteriovenous graft tunneled under the inguinal ligament to the anterior thigh. Results Adequate thrill and uneventful postoperative course were observed in both cases. At 10 months, patient 1 has done well on hemodialysis without the need for further intervention. Patient 2 has only recently had the procedure and is not yet using her graft. Conclusions As the number of patients requiring lower extremity vascular access increases, new surgical techniques will become available to handle the clinical and anatomic challenges encountered in this population.

The traditional apprenticeship model introduced by Halsted of "learning by doing" may just not be valid in the modern practice of vascular surgery. The model is often criticized for being somewhat unstructured because a resident's experience is based on what comes through the "door." In an attempt to promote uniformity of training, multiple national organizations are currently delineating standard curricula for each trainee to govern the knowledge and cases required in a vascular residency. However, the outcomes are anything but uniform. This means that we graduate vascular specialists with a surprisingly wide spectrum of abilities. Use of simulation may benefit trainees in attaining a level of technical expertise that will benefit themselves and their patients. Furthermore, there is likely a need to establish a simulation-based certification process for graduating trainees to further ascertain minimum technical abilities.

BackgroundThe intent of endovascular therapy for symptomatic atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is to preserve parenchyma and avoid renal-related morbidity. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of renal artery intervention on parenchymal preservation.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of records from patients who underwent endovascular intervention for ARAS and were followed by duplex ultrasound between 1990 and 2008. Renal volume (in cm3) was estimated in all patients as renal length (cm) × renal width (cm) × renal depth (cm) × 0.5. The normal renal volume was calculated as 2 × body weight (kg) in cm3. Failure of preservation was considered to be a persistent 10% decrease in volume. Clinical benefit defined as freedom from renal-related morbidity (increase in persistent creatinine >20% of baseline, progression to hemodialysis, death from renal-related causes) was calculated.ResultsFive hundred ninety-two renal artery interventions were performed. One hundred eighty-six kidneys suffered parenchymal loss (>5%) with an actuarial parenchymal loss rate of 29% ± 1% at five years respectively. There were no significant differences in age, gender, starting renal volume, or kidney size. However, patients with parenchymal loss had lower eGFR (45 ± 24 vs 53 ± 24 mL/min/1.73 m2; Loss vs noLoss, P = .0002, Mean ± SD) higher resistive index (0.75 ± 0.9 vs 0.73 ± 0.10; P = .0001) and worse nephrosclerosis grade (1.43 ± 0.55 vs 1.30 ± 0.49; P = .006) then those not suffering parenchymal loss. Parenchymal loss was associated with significantly worse five-year survival (26% ± 4% vs 48% ± 2%; Loss vs noLoss; P < .001) and freedom from renal-related morbidity (70% ± 5% vs 82% ± 2%; P < .05) with increased numbers progressing to dialysis (17% vs 7%; P < .006).ConclusionWhile parenchymal preservation occurs in most patients, parenchymal loss occurs in 31% of patients and is associated with markers of impaired parenchymal perfusion (resistive index and nephrosclerosis grade) at the time of intervention. Pre-existing renal size or volumes were not predictive of parenchymal loss. Parenchymal loss is associated with a significant decrease in survival and a marked increased renal related morbidity and progression to hemodialysis.

BackgroundEndovascular therapy for symptomatic atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is common and effective in the well-selected patient. Hypertension is a common indication for intervention and a major component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The impact of MetS on outcomes after percutaneous renal intervention is unknown.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of records from patients who underwent endovascular intervention for ARAS and were followed by duplex ultrasound between January 1990 and January 2008. MetS was defined as the presence of ≥3 of the following criteria: Blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg/≥90 mm Hg; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein ≤50 mg/dL for women and ≤40 mg/dL for men; fasting blood glucose ≥110 mg/dL; or body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. The average follow-up period was 3.3 years. Clinical benefit defined as freedom from renal-related morbidity (increase in persistent creatinine >20% of baseline, progression to hemodialysis, death from renal-related causes) or freedom from recurrent hypertension, anatomic patency, restenosis, and patient survival were measured.ResultsFive hundred ninety-two renal artery interventions were performed in 427 patients. Fifty-two percent were identified as having MetS. Patients with MetS were more often female (35% vs 50%, NoMetS vs MetS). There were no significant differences in presenting symptoms. There was no peri-operative mortality and equivalent morbidity (6% vs 7%, NoMetS vs MetS). Patients with MetS had equivalent survival and cumulative patency. However, the MetS group had a lower five-year freedom from restenosis (87±2% vs 69±9%, NoMetS vs MetS; P < .01) and lower five-year retained clinical benefit (71±8% vs 45±8%, NoMetS vs MetS; P < .01) with a higher number progressing to hemodialysis (3% vs 13%, NoMetS vs MetS; P < .01). Individually, the components of MetS did not influence outcomes. Statin therapy did not influence outcomes.ConclusionMetS is associated with markedly reduced renal clinical benefit and increased progression to hemodialysis following endovascular intervention for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. MetS is thus a risk factor for poor long-term outcomes following renal interventions.

Background Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has emerged as an acceptable off-label treatment modality for aortic dissection. We report our experience in endovascular treatment of this disease with an emphasis on defining the patterns of morbidity. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all ( n = 90) patients with thoracic aortic disease who received a TEVAR between February 2005 and December 2007. Aortic dissection was the indication in 23 (26%) patients (48% acute, 52% chronic; Stanford A 17%, Stanford B 83%). For the purposes of this report, we concentrated on the type B dissection (17 patients). Eighty-two percent of the patients were symptomatic on presentation, and 56% of cases were performed either urgently or emergently. Results Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with an average operative time of 178 ± 119 min. Forty-seven percent required a left subclavian bypass. Thirty-day mortality was 5.5% and morbidity was 12%. Postoperative complications included respiratory failure in 28% of cases, gastrointestinal symptoms in 11%, and cerebrovascular symptoms in 5.5%. No renal failure occurred. While cerebrospinal fluid drain was used in 35% of cases, transient spinal cord ischemia was observed in 5.5%. Average length of stay was 13 ± 12 days; 63% of patients were discharged home, 12% required rehabilitation, and 25% were discharged to a skilled nursing facility. There was no association between outcome and mode of presentation or anatomic extent. Conclusion Aortic dissection remains a challenging clinical entity, and the advent of TEVAR has improved outcomes but still carries considerable morbidity, with distinct patterns between mode of presentation and anatomic extent.

BackgroundEndovascular therapy for symptomatic atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is common but is associated with a significant restenosis rate. This study evaluates the outcomes of percutaneous endoluminal therapy for symptomatic restenosis (>50% on angiography) after renal intervention.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of records from patients who underwent endovascular intervention for ARAS and were followed by duplex ultrasound scan between January 1990 and January 2008. Clinical benefit defined as freedom from recurrent hypertension or renal-related morbidity (increase in persistent creatinine >20% of baseline, progression to hemodialysis, death from renal-related causes), anatomic patency, restenosis, and patient survival were measured.ResultsA total of 447 patients underwent 619 renal artery interventions. A total of 80 vessels restenosed with an actuarial restenosis rate of 19% at 5 years. Of these restenoses, 65 (81%) were associated with recurrent symptoms (recurrent hypertension 84%, or continuing deterioration in renal function 16%). Fifty-five (85%) underwent repeat angioplasty and 10 underwent bypass surgery. The remainder was observed. The 55 percutaneous interventions were performed in 51 patients (61% female, average age 62 years, range, 51-85). A total of 73% had metabolic syndrome, 58% had hyperlipidemia, and 51% were considered diabetic; all of them had primary stenting during their first procedure. There was a 4% technical failure rate in both groups. In the restenosis group, the presence of stent was associated with a 9% technical failure rate, while in the absence of a stent the technical failure rate was only 3% (P < .05). At 5 years, outcomes were equivalent between the primary and recurrent groups for survival (76 ± 2% vs 75 ± 8%, primary vs recurrent), cumulative patency (82 ± 3% vs 70 ± 10%), freedom from restenosis (81 ± 3% vs 81 ± 9%), and retained clinical benefit (44 ± 4% vs 46 ± 10%). By Cox proportional hazards and multivariate analysis, administration of statins were associated with freedom from restenosis in the recurrent lesions. Statins, contralateral kidney size (>9 cm) and a ≥20% improvement in baseline creatinine with 3 months were associated with freedom from recurrent symptoms. Restenosis after therapy in recurrent lesions was significantly correlated with recurrent symptoms (Spearman r = 0.4614, P < .0004).ConclusionPercutaneous reintervention for renal artery restenosis is safe and effective with equivalent outcomes to primary intervention. The patients are more likely to present with recurrent hypertension and be younger and of female gender than patients presenting for primary intervention. Functional outcomes after reintervention are equivalent to primary intervention.

Percutaneous renal artery revascularization for hypertension and renal dysfunction is now common, and there is an increasing realization that renal artery intervention can be associated with parenchymal injury. The frequency, cause, and outcomes of acute functional injury associated with renal intervention are poorly delineated. Our aim was to determine the frequency of acute functional renal injury 30 days after renal artery intervention, to identify factors associated with functional renal injury and determine whether functional renal injury related to renal intervention is associated with late adverse clinical events. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing renal artery interventions for atherosclerotic renal artery disease between 1990 and 2007 was performed. No distal embolic protection devices were used. Acute functional parenchymal renal injury was defined as a persistent increase in serum creatinine of > or =0.5 mg/dL at 1 month after the procedure. Freedom from kidney-related morbidity (increase in persistent creatinine >20% of baseline, progression to hemodialysis, death from kidney-related causes) and patient survival were measured. There were 418 patients who underwent 581 renal artery interventions: 57% for hypertension, 23% for hypertension associated with chronic renal insufficiency, and 12% for renal insufficiency. Acute functional renal injury occurred in 20% of the patients. The occurrence of a functional injury was associated with a significant decrement in freedom from kidney-related morbidity (mean +/- SEM 80 +/- 2% vs. 55 +/- 10%, no injury vs. injury, p < 0.01) and markedly decreased survival at 5-year follow-up (71 +/- 4% vs. 41 +/- 10%, p < 0.01). At 5-year follow-up, three times as many patients with functional injury progressed to hemodialysis compared to those without injury (19% vs. 7%, p < 0.01). By multivariate analysis, the presence of an unrepaired abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), low estimated glomerular filtration rate, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, contralateral renal artery disease, and a solitary kidney were significantly associated with functional injury and poor long-term clinical benefit. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and contrast volume were determined to be not significant. Acute functional renal injury occurs in approximately 20% of patients undergoing percutaneous renal artery intervention and is more likely in the presence of an unrepaired AAA, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and preexisting renal disease. Acute functional renal injury is a negative predictor of survival and is associated with subsequent renal failure, need for dialysis, and death. While this data set does not establish a causal relationship, patients who are predisposed to acute functional injury may have underlying factors that also lead to decreased long-term renal function and decreased survival.

Objective Ischemic steal syndrome (ISS) and pathologic high flow (HF) are a complications after hemodialysis access creation. Their management is complex and varied with most requiring surgical revision for correction of symptoms. Revision using distal inflow (RUDI) has been described in small series for the treatment of ISS. We present our experience with RUDI for the treatment of ISS and pathologic HF. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent RUDI for ISS from April, 2010 to March, 2014. Data collection included demographic characteristics, medical histories, subsequent procedures, volume flows, access usage, limb salvage, and patient survival. Results We performed 29 RUDI procedures in 28 patients (16 women, 12 men). Indications for surgery were pathologic HF in 13 and ISS in 19. Ten percent had previous banding for ISS or HF. Sixty-nine percent of patients had a history of diabetes. Fifty-two percent had a history of atherosclerotic disease. Mean time to intervention from creation was 40 months (range, 6-88 months). Accesses included 1 upper arm graft and 27 brachial artery-based fistulas. Outflow included 25 cephalic veins and 3 basilic veins. Distalization targets were 19 radial arteries and 10 ulnar arteries. Mean flow reduction was 1191 mL/min. Primary assisted patency at 1 year was 74%. Secondary patency at 1 year was 87%. A single access was ligated for continued heart failure after RUDI. ISS symptom resolution was reported as complete in 69% and partial in 31%. Conclusions RUDI is an effective and durable treatment of ISS and HF comparable with reported experiences with distal revascularization-interval ligation, proximalization of the arterial inflow, and banding. Patient selection is key for optimizing relief of symptoms and maintaining use of the access.

Left-sided superior vena cava (SVC) as the result of persistence of the left superior cardinal vein in postnatal life is a rare congenital anomaly, is usually associated with other cardiac defects, and can cause symptoms of right to left shunt. We report the case of a 58-year-old Asian man with a history of end-stage renal disease and Ebstein anomaly that was corrected surgically who presented with progressively worsening disabling dyspnea. An echocardiogram with concomitant intravenous saline injection raised the suspicion of right to left shunt, a finding that was confirmed with contrast injection of the left SVC that rapidly filled the left heart chambers and subsequently the aortic arch. To treat this anomaly, we accessed the left basilic vein under ultrasound guidance and inserted a 14F sheath into the left subclavian vein. A covered stent was then prepared at the back table with three Prolene 4-0 sutures that were wrapped around the middle portion of the graft to achieve a controlled area of stenosis after deployment. The stent graft was placed along the proximal innominate vein and the contiguous part of the left SVC. Coil embolization was then performed with coils that were positioned at the stenotic area of the covered stent. An immediate venogram demonstrated residual flow into the left SVC; however, a delayed venogram 2 weeks after the procedure showed occlusion of the left SVC and the development of collaterals to the right innominate vein that was draining to a normal right SVC. The patient remained marginally hypotensive after surgery, but he soon noted a substantial improvement in his symptoms. A repeat echocardiogram with intravenous saline injection confirmed the correction of the right to left shunt. Endovascular repair of persistent left SVC is feasible and safe and can be performed with minimal morbidity.

Background Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as an acceptable treatment alternative in patients with carotid bifurcation disease. Although early results of CAS have been promising, long-term clinical outcomes remain less certain. We report herein the frequency, management, and clinical outcome of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after CAS at a single academic institution. Methods Clinical records of 208 CAS procedures in 188 patients with carotid stenosis of 80% or greater, including 48 (26.5%) asymptomatic patients, during a 42-month period were analyzed. Follow-up serial carotid duplex ultrasound scans were performed. Selective angiography and repeat intervention were performed when duplex ultrasound scans showed 80% or greater ISR. Treatment outcomes of ISR interventions were analyzed. Results Over a median 17-month follow-up, 33 (15.9%) ISRs of 60% or greater were found, according to the Doppler criteria. Among them, seven patients (3.4%) with a mean age of 68 years (range, 65-87 years) developed high-grade ISR (≥80%), and they all underwent further endovascular interventions. Six patients with high-grade ISR were asymptomatic, whereas one remaining patient presented with a transient ischemic attack. Five of seven ISRs occurred within 12 months of CAS, and two occurred at 18 months' follow-up. Treatment indications for initial CAS in these seven patients included recurrent stenosis after CEA (n = 4), radiation-induced stenosis (n = 1), and high-cardiac-risk criteria (n = 2). Treatment modalities for ISR included balloon angioplasty alone (n = 1), cutting balloon angioplasty alone (n = 4), cutting balloon angioplasty with stent placement (n = 1), and balloon angioplasty with stent placement (n = 1). Technical success was achieved in all patients, and no periprocedural complications occurred. Two patients with post-CEA restenosis developed restenosis after ISR interventions, both of whom were successfully treated with cutting balloon angioplasty at 6 and 8 months. The remaining five patients showed an absence of recurrent stenosis or symptoms during a mean follow-up of 12 months (range, 3-37 months). By using the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the freedom from 80% or greater ISR after CAS procedures at 12, 24, 36, and 42 months was 97%, 97%, 96%, and 94%, respectively. Conclusions Our study showed that ISR after CAS remains uncommon. Successful treatment of ISR can be achieved by endovascular interventions, which incurred no instance of periprocedural complications in our series. Patients who developed ISR after CEA were likely to develop restenosis after IRS intervention. Diligent ultrasound follow-up scans are important after CAS, particularly in patients with post-CEA restenosis.

Blunt trauma to the thoracic aorta is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to death in 75% of cases at the time of injury, as a result of either aortic transection or acute rupture. Although it accounts for 1% of adult admissions to level I trauma centers, blunt aortic injury represents the second most common cause of death due to blunt trauma, second to head injury. It is estimated that only 25% of patients who sustain aortic injuries due to blunt thoracic trauma remain alive upon arrival to the hospital. The prognosis for patients who survive the initial injury remains poor: nearly 30% will die within the first 6 hours, and 50% of these patients will not live beyond the first 24 hours after the injury. This high mortality rate has previously prompted traditional management of blunt aortic injury to establish early diagnosis and rapid surgical intervention to prevent a catastrophic rupture. This belief has been modified to allow delay of the operative intervention to first manage other serious concomitant injuries and lessen the high surgical mortality rate associated with emergent aortic repair. Despite advances in modern trauma care, emergent operative intervention for blunt aortic injury is associated with significant cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, and hemodynamic complications. The classic injury mechanism of blunt thoracic aorta is related to the combination of sudden deceleration and traction at the relatively immobile aortic isthmus, which represents the junction between the relatively mobile aortic arch and the fixed descending aorta. The isthmus is the most common location for rupture (50% to 70%), followed by the ascending aorta or aortic arch (18%) and the distal thoracic aorta (14%). Patients with blunt trauma to the thoracic aorta typically have multiple associated injuries to

Deep venous thrombosis and its consequences remain a significant clinical challenge despite advances in the current healthcare system. The use of thrombolytic therapy has played an important role in the management of both arterial and venous thrombotic conditions. In this article, relevant clinical evidence and rationale in support of thrombolytic therapy in ileofemoral deep venous thrombosis are discussed.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as an acceptable treatment alternative in high-risk patients with carotid stenosis. This study assessed the effect of the learning curve on treatment complications and clinical outcome of CAS. Clinical variables and treatment outcomes of 200 consecutive CAS procedures in 182 patients (mean age, 72 years) with carotid stenosis of 70% or greater during a 40-month period were analyzed. Technical success, periprocedural complications, and treatment outcomes were compared in four sequential groups (group I, II, III, and IV) of 50 consecutive interventions. Treatment indications and relevant risk factors were similar among the four groups. The overall technical success was 98%, and the combined 30-day stroke and death rates was 2.5%. An increase in the technical success rate was noted in the latter three groups compared with group I (P < .05). Total procedural time and contrast volume were significantly higher in group I compared with the latter three groups (P < .05). The intraoperative anticoagulation regimen was changed from an intravenous heparin combination to bivalirudin after the first 54 cases, resulting in reduced bleeding complications in groups III and IV (P = .03) compared with group I. The 30-day stroke and death rate in groups I and II was 8% and 2%, which was reduced significantly to 0% in groups III and IV (P < .05). A Cox regression model identified procedural volume (P = .03) as a predictor of a reduced complication rate. Carotid artery stenting with neuroprotection can provide excellent treatment outcome. Our experience demonstrates a procedural-associated learning curve, as evidenced by the reduced procedural-related complications, fluoroscopic time, and contrast volume that occurred with an increase in physician experience. The procedural success is also enhanced partly by endovascular device refinement and improved anticoagulation regimen. Successful outcome of CAS can be achieved once physicians overcome the initial procedural-related learning curve.

Patients with prolonged history of central venous catheters can develop central venous occlusion. We report the creation of an axillary artery to right atrial graft using the femoropopliteal vein (FPV) for dialysis access in a patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis with history of central venous occlusion. The patient had previously developed steal syndrome following a right brachial artery to right atrial polytetrafluoroethylene graft requiring revision to a left axillary artery inflow which subsequently thrombosed. This is the first report of using an autologous FPV conduit to the right atrium for dialysis.

There has been an increase in superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome secondary to the growing use of indwelling catheters and pacemaker wire insertions. These 2 factors can account up to 74% cases of benign SVC syndrome. Endovascular therapy is considered the first line of treatment. Surgery is an excellent option and is generally reserved for SVC syndrome not amenable to traditional endovascular procedures. We report a case of central venous reconstruction including an SVC reconstruction using the femoropopliteal vein as a panel graft in a patient with SVC syndrome due to pacemaker wires who failed multiple endovascular interventions.

Objective The Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative and Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative call for the indiscriminate creation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) over arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) without providing patient-specific criteria for vascular access selection. Although the U.S. AVF rate has increased dramatically, several reports have found that this singular focus on increasing AVFs has resulted in increased AVF nonmaturation/early failure and a high prevalence of catheter dependence. The objective of this study was to determine the appropriateness of vascular access procedures in clinical scenarios constructed with combinations of relevant factors potentially influencing outcomes. Methods The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used. Accordingly, a comprehensive literature search was performed and a synthesis of results compiled. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was applied to 2088 AVF and 1728 AVG clinical scenarios with varying patient characteristics. Eleven international vascular access experts rated the appropriateness of each scenario in two rounds. On the basis of the distribution of the panelists' scores, each scenario was determined to be appropriate, inappropriate, or indeterminate. Results Panelists achieved agreement in 2964 (77.7%) scenarios; 860 (41%) AVF and 588 (34%) AVG scenarios were scored appropriate, 686 (33%) AVF and 480 (28%) AVG scenarios were scored inappropriate, and 542 (26%) AVF and 660 (38%) AVG scenarios were indeterminate. Younger age, larger outflow vein diameter, normal or obese body mass index (vs morbidly obese), larger inflow artery diameter, and higher patient functional status were associated with appropriateness of AVF creation. Older age, dialysis dependence, and smaller vein size were associated with appropriateness of AVG creation. Gender, diabetes, and coronary artery disease were not associated with AVF or AVG appropriateness. Dialysis status was not associated with AVF appropriateness. Body mass index and functional status were not associated with AVG appropriateness. To simulate the surgeon's decision-making, scenarios were combined to create situations with the same patient characteristics and both AVF and AVG options for access. Of these 864 clinical situations, 311 (36%) were rated appropriate for AVG but inappropriate or indeterminate for AVF. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that patient-specific situations exist wherein AVG is as appropriate as or more appropriate than AVF. These results provide patient-specific recommendations for clinicians to optimize vascular access selection criteria, to standardize care, and to inform payers and policy. Indeterminate scenarios will guide future research.

Purpose To explore the safety and efficacy of PRT-201 applied to the outflow vein of a newly created arteriovenous graft (AVG). Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation study of PRT-201 (0.01 to 9 mg) applied to the graft-vein anastomosis and adjacent outflow vein immediately after AVG placement. The primary outcome measure was safety. The efficacy measures were intraoperative increases in outflow vein diameter and blood flow rate, primary unassisted patency, and secondary patency by dose groups (placebo, low, medium, high and All PRT-201). Results A total of 89 patients were treated (28 placebo and 61 PRT-201). There were no significant differences in the proportion of placebo and PRT-201 patients reporting adverse events. Intraoperative outflow vein diameter increased 5% (p=0.14) in the placebo group compared with 13% (p=0.01), 15% (p=0.07) and 12% (pConclusions PRT-201 was well tolerated and increased AVG intraoperative outflow vein diameter and blood flow. Low dose tended to increase secondary patency and decrease the rate of procedures to restore or maintain patency. Larger studies with these doses will be necessary to confirm these results.

Gallstone disease poses a major health problem in the United States. More than 600,000 cholecystectomies are performed yearly, with estimated direct costs for the diagnosis and treatment of gallstones exceeding $5 billion annually. 1 Choledocholithiasis is detected in 8% to 20% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. 2–4 Several options are available for the diagnosis and treatment of choledocholithiasis, but there is no consensus on the optimal management strategy for these patients. 5 The selection of diagnostic and treatment approaches depends on multiple factors, including the level of suspicion for choledocholithiasis, patient and physician preferences, resource availability, and the expertise of the surgeons, endoscopists, and radiologists. Clinical, ultrasonographic, and serum chemistry data commonly acquired during patient evaluations are sensitive in 96% to 98% and specific in 40% to 75% of the patients for the determination of choledocholithiasis. 2–4 Therefore, when these indicators are used for the selection of patients for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), up to 75% of the patients have no common bile duct (CBD) stones found during the procedure. Even though ERCP is effective for the diagnosis and clearance of CBD stones, this procedure can be associated with patient discomfort, inconvenience, and complications. 6 Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) has been shown to possess diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of ERCP. 7–12 In a previous study, we selected patients for MRC imaging on the basis of clinical evaluation, serum liver enzyme elevations, and CBD dilatation as detected by abdominal ultrasonography 11 (Fig. 1 contains our previous management algorithm). Whereas MRC application resulted in accurate diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, we believed the approach was associated with overuse. Subsequently, we modified the approach to the management of patients with gallstone disease at our institution. The management approach categorized patients into four groups based on the level of suspicion for choledocholithiasis, which then directed patient evaluation and management. We hypothesized that with the implementation of these triage guidelines, there would be a reduction in redundant and unnecessary diagnostic testing, thus leading to improvements in magnetic resonance imaging and ERCP utilization. The utility of the new management guidelines was evaluated in this prospective nonrandomized study involving 440 patients. Figure 1. Previous patient management algorithm: AST, aspartate transaminase; ALT, alanine transaminase; MRC, magnetic resonance cholangiography; ERCP, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography.

Introduction Knowledge about variations of the venous arm anatomy is limited despite its importance for a successful arteriovenous fistula creation. Report We describe a complication of a Basilic Vein Transposition (BVT) resulting from failure to recognize aberrant anatomy. The brachial–basilic junction was located in an unusual position near the antecubital fossa leading to inadvertent distal brachial vein ligation and transposition of basilic and the proximal and unusually unpaired brachial vein. Discussion This case highlights the prevalence of anomalies of upper extremity veins and the need for thorough Duplex vein mapping before surgery for the preservation and planning of future access.

Superior vena cava (SVC) hemorrhage due to iatrogenic injury is an infrequent but important event. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of right pneumonectomy for lung cancer with iatrogenic SVC injury and hemorrhage. After unsuccessful attempts at suture repair of the defect, an endovascular approach using a stent graft succeeded in controlling hemorrhage while maintaining vessel patency. To our knowledge, this is the third report of SVC hemorrhage control using this technique, and it supports the experience of other authors that endovascular stenting is an effective means of treating emergent venous hemorrhage.