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Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects40% of the U.S. population; thus, intervention for symptomatic venous disease comprises a large portion of many vascular practices. The treatment of superficial CVI has evolved from open surgical treatment to minimally invasive endovenous closure, including both thermal and nonthermal techniques. Thrombotic complications of thermal ablation have been well reported, with an overall complication rate of 2%. However, a paucity of high-powered, real-world data is available on the thrombotic outcomes of nonthermal techniques. In the present study, we compared the incidence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) and endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT) in a large cohort of patients with CVI.A retrospective review was conducted at two tertiary-level institutions of patients who had undergone superficial endovenous ablation from 2018 to 2021. The patient demographics, comorbidities, and periprocedural outcomes were collected through medical record review. A Caprini risk assessment model score was assigned using the information available from the electronic medical records. The patients were categorized by procedure type (ClosureFast [Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN] radiofrequency ablation [RFA] vs VenaSeal [Medtronic Inc] cyanoacrylate glue closure [CAG]). The primary end point was the incidence of EHIT or EGIT. The secondary end point was the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism.A total of 803 patients had undergone 1096 procedures during the study period. Their mean age was 62 ± 15 years, and 67% were women. Of the 1096 procedures, 700 were RFA and 396 were CAG procedures, with a combined closure rate of 98% by postprocedure duplex ultrasound at 7 days. The average Caprini score was 5.2 ± 1.8 (RFA, 5.0; vs CAG, 5.4; P .001). The incidence of EHIT and EGIT was 1.9% and 1.3%, respectively (P = .57). The deep vein thrombosis rate was 0.1% in the RFA cohort and 0.3% in the CAG cohort (P = .81). A comparative analysis of thermal vs nonthermal techniques was performed. A univariate analysis of the risk factors for EHIT and EGIT revealed no significant factors predisposing to thrombotic events.The results from the present study have demonstrated the safety of RFA and CAG closure techniques for CVI, with lower thrombotic rates than previously reported. Further work might help to identify how these results can be achieved across all venous ablative techniques for CVI, even for patient populations with advanced venous disease and possibly a greater than average risk of thrombotic events.

Background Transcarotid arterial revascularization (TCAR) offers a novel technique for carotid artery stenting (CAS) that provides flow reversal in the carotid artery and avoids aortic arch manipulation, thus, potentially lowering ipsilateral and contralateral periprocedural stroke rates. As a new technology, adoption may be limited by concern for learning a new technique. This study seeks to examine the number of cases needed for a surgeon to reach technical proficiency. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed using a prospectively collected database of all TCAR procedures performed in a tertiary health care system between 2016 and 2020. Patient demographics and anatomic characteristics were collected. Intraoperative variables and perioperative outcomes were examined. These variables were collated into groups for the first 4 procedures, procedures 5–8, and after 8. Independent Samples t test, 1-way ANOVA, and logarithmic regression were used to statistically analyze the data. Results One-hundred and eighty-seven TCARs were performed by 14 surgeons. One hundred and twenty-two (65%) were male, 59 (32%) were older than 75 years, and 83 (44%) were symptomatic. The most common indications were high-lesions in 87 patients (47%) and recurrent stenosis after CEA in 37 patients (20%). Significant differences were found between the first and second groups of 4 cases when comparing mean operative time (71 vs. 58 min; P = 0.001) and flow reversal time (10.8 vs. 7.9 min; P= 0.004). similar significant differences were found between the first and third groups of 4 cases but not between the second and third groups. There was a reduction in contrast usage and fluoroscopy time after the first 4 cases, however, this did not reach statistical significance. There was no ipsilateral perioperative strokes. One patient had a contralateral stroke on postoperative day 2 due to intracranial atherosclerosis, and there was one perioperative mortality that occurred on postoperative day 3 after discharge. Conclusions Procedural and flow reversal times significantly shorten after 4 TCAR procedures are performed. Other metrics, such as fluoroscopy time and contrast usage, are also decreased. Complications, in general, are minimal. Proficiency in TCAR, as measured by these metrics, is met after performing only 4 procedures.

Objective Venous insufficiency is often not readily recognized as a contributing etiology to nonhealing wounds by nonvascular surgery specialists, potentially delaying appropriate treatment to achieve wound healing and increasing healthcare costs. The objective of the present study was to understand the time and resources used before the definitive treatment of venous ulcers. Methods A single-institution retrospective medical record review of C6 patients undergoing radiofrequency saphenous and perforator vein ablation from May 2016 to January 2018 identified 56 patients with 67 diseased limbs. The numbers of inpatient, emergency department, and wound care visits and the intervals to vein ablation from the initial evaluation of the ulceration by a healthcare provider were collected. The demographics, comorbidities, previous venous interventions, wound characteristics, duplex ultrasound imaging, and available wound healing follow-up through July 2018 were assessed for all patients. Results For the 67 limbs examined, 588 total healthcare visits were performed for wound assessment before a referral to a vascular surgeon, with 413 visits at a wound care center (70% of all visits). Other specialty visits included emergency medicine (17.9% of limbs) and rheumatology (22.4% of limbs). Six patients (nine limbs) were admitted to inpatient services for treatment of their ulceration. Overall, the patients were seen an average of 8.6 ± 9.7 times for their ulcer with the wound center before determination of a contributing venous etiology and subsequent treatment. These visits translated to a median of 230 days (interquartile range, 86.5-1088 days) between the first identification of the ulcer by healthcare providers and subsequent accurate diagnosis and definitive treatment of their venous disease with radiofrequency saphenous and perforator vein ablation. After intervention, 18.64% of the limbs had healed at 1 month, 33.92% had healed at 3 months, 50% had healed at 6 months, and 82.92% had healed by 12 months. Conclusions An earlier and accurate diagnosis of the venous contribution to ulcers and subsequent appropriate treatment of venous etiologies in wound formation by a vascular venous specialist could significantly improve healing and minimize resource usage.

Objective Venous leg ulcers (CEAP [clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic] class 6) represent the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency. As closure techniques for superficial venous reflux evolve, direct outcome comparisons of treatments are integral, because many studies have already demonstrated that early endovenous intervention improves wound healing. The present study compared the rates of venous wound healing between two techniques of superficial vein closure: ClosureFast radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and adhesive closure (VenaSeal; both Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn). Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective review of all patients with CEAP class 6 who had undergone closure of their truncal veins from 2015 to 2020. Patients undergoing ClosureFast RFA were compared with those undergoing VenaSeal adhesive closure. The primary endpoint was the interval to wound healing from initial vein closure. The secondary endpoints included ulcer recurrence and infection rates. Bivariate analysis involved the χ2, Fisher exact, t, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors affecting the time to wound healing in the most predictive model. Statistical significance was defined as P Results A total of 119 patients with CEAP 6 were included, with a median follow-up of 105 days (interquartile range, 44-208 days). Of the 119 limbs, 68 were treated with RFA and 51 with VenaSeal. Significantly more patients undergoing RFA had had a history of deep vein thrombosis (29% vs 10%; P = .01) and deep venous reflux (82% vs 51%; P = .003). The VenaSeal patients were older (72 years vs 65 years; P = .02) with a greater rate of coronary artery disease (16% vs 37%; P = .01). The median time to wound healing after the procedure was significantly shorter for VenaSeal than for RFA (43 vs 104 days; P = .001). Two RFA patients developed a postprocedure infection. The ulcer recurrence rate was 19.3% (22.1% for RFA vs 13.7% for VenaSeal; P = .25). On multivariate analysis, the treatment modality was the only significant predictor of the time to wound healing. When stratified by ulcer size as small ( 3 cm2), VenaSeal closure healed the wounds significantly faster for all ulcers. Conclusions ClosureFast and VenaSeal are both safe and effective treatments to eliminate truncal venous insufficiency. VenaSeal showed a superior time to wound healing compared with ClosureFast in both large and small ulcers.

Background Arterial bypass tunneling via the obturator foramen (OFB) can be performed to circumvent groin infections during lower extremity revascularization. The objective of this study is to report safety and efficacy outcomes of OFB in the setting of infected femoral pseudoaneurysms and infected prosthetic femoral bypass grafts. Methods A multihospital, single-entity healthcare system retrospective review was conducted for all patients who underwent OFB between January 2014 through June 2020. Any patient >18 years of age who underwent OFB in the setting of groin infection with a minimum of 30 days follow-up was included in the trial. Demographic, operative, and clinical characteristics of patients were gathered during chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and R studio. Results Seventeen patients underwent OFB during the defined time-period. Demographic data are presented in the first table (Demographic Characteristics). Mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3.25. Mean estimated blood loss was 500 mL. Mean operative time was 307 min. Mean follow-up time was 8.5 months (range 0–35 months). In total, 41.2% patients underwent fluoroscopic-guided tunneling, and, when compared to blind tunneling, showed no difference in intraoperative complications or operative time (P value 0.3). In total, 52.9% of patients required ICU admission resulting in a mean number of 0.8 ICU days. The overall mean length of stay was 16.8 days. Two major amputations were reported during follow-up. Patient mortality within 30 days was 0%. Primary patency within 30 days was 100%. Intravenous drug use was not associated with an increased number of subsequent groin wound procedures (P value 0.3). Intravenous drug use was not associated with concomitant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (P value 0.3). Conclusion OFB is a safe and effective surgical option in patients who are unable to undergo anatomic tunneling during lower extremity bypass. OFB is associated with favorable rates of primary patency and amputation-free survival at midterm follow-up.

Introduction : Parallel grafting presents a viable method for treating patients with complex aortic aneurysms. The current literature is limited to mostly pararenal configurations. We examined our results in patients with SMA/Celiac artery involvement. Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed for all patients undergoing parallel grafting during the period of 2014 to 2018 at a single institution. All patients had at least SMA with/without Celiac artery parallel grafting. Results : Seventy-nine patients (65% male, median age 74) were treated with 208 parallel grafts. Median ASA 1 score is 4. Forty-nine cases were elective, 22 urgent, and 8 emergent. Mean pre-operative aneurysm diameter was 7.1cm (4.6-15cm). Self-expanding covered stents were used for the renal arteries (mean 6.3mm), and balloon-expandable covered stents were used for the SMA and Celiac (mean SMA 8.6mm, mean celiac 8.3mm). Axillary exposure was the choice of access in 68 patients (86%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. We defined this as aneurysm sac exclusion with patent visceral stent grafts, and absent to mild gutter leaks. Mean aortic graft proximal seal achieved was 48mm. Coverage extended above the celiac artery in 75% (10% stented and 65% covered). Median contrast volume was 145ml, operative duration was 4 hours, fluoroscopy time was 56min, and EBL was 250ml. Peri-operative mortality was 6.1%. 4.5%, and 25%, for the elective, urgent, and emergent groups, respectively. There was no incidence of spinal cord ischemia. Axillary access was complicated in 4 patients, requiring patch closure of the axillary artery. One patient developed postprocedural ESRD from a rupture and ATN despite patent renal stents. Of those patients with a patent GDA and celiac coverage, two required a cholecystectomy. Nine patients had a persistent gutter leak at the conclusion of the procedure. Median follow-up was 12 months. On follow-up imaging, all SMA and Celiac stents were patent. Six renal stents were occluded and 2 patients progressed to ESRD, both solitary renal periscope configurations at the index procedure. Only 4 patients had persistent gutter leaks with 2 requiring reintervention. Ninety-five percent of patients demonstrated sac regression or stabilization with a mean sac size of 6.5cm. Conclusions : Parallel grafting presents a safe, efficacious and off the shelf alternative to conventional repair of complex aortic aneurysms involving the visceral aorta.

Objectives Spinal cord ischemia following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a devastating complication. This study seeks to demonstrate how a standardized protocol to prevent spinal cord ischemia affects incidence in patients undergoing TEVAR. Methods Using CPT codes 33880 and 33881, all TEVAR procedures performed at a single tertiary care center from January 2017 to December 2018 were examined. Patients who had concomitant ascending aortic repairs or a TEVAR for traumatic indications were excluded from analysis, leaving 130 TEVAR procedures. Comorbid conditions, procedural characteristics, extent of coverage, peri-procedural management strategies, and post-operative outcomes were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results One hundred thirty patients undergoing TEVAR were examined for four perioperative variables: postoperative hemoglobin greater than 10 g/dL, subclavian revascularization, preoperative spinal drain placement, and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring (SSEP). All conditions were met in 46.2% (60/130) of procedures; 37.8% (28/74) in emergent/urgent cases and 61.5% (32/52) in elective cases. Of patients who required subclavian coverage, 87.1% (54/62) underwent subclavian revascularization; 70.8% (92/130) of patients received spinal drains preoperatively; 68.5% (89/130) of patients had SSEP monitoring; 73.8% (93/130) of patients obtained a postoperative hemoglobin of >10 g/dL. Out of all patients, two (1.5%) developed spinal cord ischemia. Conclusion Incidence of spinal cord ischemia in our cohort was low at 1.5% (2/130). Individual and bundled interventions for the prevention of spinal cord ischemia were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant effect given the low rate. Nonetheless, we advocate for a proactive approach for the prevention of spinal cord ischemia given our experience in this complex population.

Endovenous ablation has become the preferred means to treat superficial venous insufficiency. Ablative technologies have evolved to include a variety of both thermal and non-thermal techniques. The reported thrombotic complications of endovenous heat induced thrombosis (EHIT) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) associated with thermal techniques are low (

Background There is a wide ranging incidence of venous thromboembolism after surgery and it continues to be a major cause of morbidity after spinal procedures.This study’s aim was to investigate the relationship between timing and administration of venous thromboembolism (VTE) pharmacologic chemoprophylaxis after spinal surgery and the resulting VTE and bleeding complications by reviewing current practices and outcomes at a high-volume single institution to better define opportunities for perioperative intervention to prevent VTE without increasing bleeding complications. Methods All patients who underwent elective one or two-stage lumbar spinal fusion procedures were identified. A logistic regression was used to evaluate (1) risk of symptomatic VTE within 30 days of surgery and (2) bleeding-related complications. The odds of developing a VTE as well as bleeding-related complications were compared among the three treatment groups: no chemoprophylaxis, chemoprophylaxis 24h post-surgery. Results When adjusted for doses administered, the odds of developing a postoperative VTE within 30 days were 0.189 (95% confidence interval (0.044, 0.808)) in patients who received anticoagulation Conclusion Patients undergoing elective spinal surgery who received anticoagulation within 24h of the conclusion of their procedure had an 81% reduction in the odds of developing a deep vein thrombosis within 30 days with no significant difference in bleeding complications.

A diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection should be considered in any patient presenting with chest pain. Thoracic aortic dissection is relatively rare but when undiagnosed, often portends to poor prognosis. Owing to relatively small numbers of patients presenting with aortic dissection, the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection was established to better understand aortic dissection pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and, in turn, treatment options. The registry has more recently evaluated differences of clinical presentations, management in outcomes, between sexes. In-hospital complications have occurred with greater frequency in women than men, resulting in higher in-hospital mortality. What causes this disparity? Women tend to have a longer life-expectancy than men. Should this gap affect the criteria in which uncomplicated Type B aortic dissections are treated in women? Women tend to have smaller access vessels and greater angulation of the aortic arch. Should this difference tailor treatment options? This chapter aims to identify the sex differences in clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes of thoracic aortic dissections in hopes of identifying opportunities to improve morbidity and mortality in management of this disease.

Objective The authors have previously demonstrated that VenaSeal (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) adhesive, compared with radiofrequency ablation (RFA, ClosureFast; Medtronic, Inc), in treatment of refluxing saphenous veins in CEAP 6 limbs, results in shorter healing times of venous ulcers. The authors hypothesize that the longer treated length possible with VenaSeal's nonthermal modality may affect the number of critical refluxing perforators contributing to the nonhealing wound. This follow-up study compares the need for follow-up treatment of perforator veins after saphenous vein treatment with either radiofrequency ablation (ClosureFast RFA) or adhesive closure (VenaSeal). Methods A multi-institutional retrospective review of CEAP 6 patients who had closure of their saphenous veins from 2015 to 2020 was conducted. Patients who underwent follow-up treatment of perforator veins were grouped according to their method of initial management of their saphenous veins. The primary end point was incidence of a perforator procedure after ClosureFast or VenaSeal ablation. Secondary end points included sclerotherapy to facilitate wound healing. Bivariate analysis used the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, t-test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test. A P value of Results There were 119 CEAP 6 patients with saphenous closure: 51 limbs treated with VenaSeal and 68 with RFA. Median follow-up was 105 days (interquartile range: 44, 208). All limbs achieved wound healing during the study period. Mean time to wound healing post index procedure was shorter for VenaSeal than RFA (72 vs 293.8 days, P > .0009), as was median time (43 vs 104 days, P = .001). More limbs treated with RFA had previous known deep vein thrombosis (29% vs 10%, P = .009), deep venous insufficiency (82% vs 51%, P = .0003), and perforator reflux (57% vs 29%, P = .002). Limbs with identified follow-up perforator reflux treated with RFA had a higher prevalence of initially treated saphenous veins with RFA compared with those treated with VenaSeal (49% vs 27%, P = .003). There was no difference between the methods of vein closure and use of concurrent sclerotherapy. Conclusions ClosureFast and VenaSeal are both effective and safe modalities of saphenous ablation, but VenaSeal treatment was associated with less perforator RFA intervention.

Endovascular techniques have revolutionized the management of deep venous occlusive disease. Open surgery, however, is still required for cases that prove refractory to endovascular interventions. The surgical management of deep venous occlusive disease typically involves venous bypass. Preoperative planning before open venous surgery relies upon dynamic imaging to clarify the location and severity of venous obstruction, the assessment of infrainguinal reflux, and the delineation of bypass origination and target vessels. Adjunct arteriovenous fistulas and anticoagulation may improve patency rates of open surgical venous bypass. The timely recognition and management of complications improves secondary patency rates.

Objective The standard surgical approach to Stanford type A aortic dissection is open repair. However, up to one in four patients will be declined surgery because of prohibitive risk. Patients who are treated nonoperatively have an unacceptably high mortality. Endovascular repair of the ascending aorta is emerging as an alternative treatment for a select group of patients. The reported rates of technical success, mortality, stroke, and reintervention have varied. The objective of the study was to systematically report outcomes for acute type A dissections repaired using an endovascular approach. Methods The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. We performed online literature database searches through April 2020. The demographic and procedural characteristics of the individual studies were tabulated. Data on technical success, short-term mortality, stroke, and reintervention were extracted and underwent meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results Fourteen studies with 80 cases of aortic dissection (55 acute and 25 subacute) were included in the final analysis. A wide variation was found in technique and device design across the studies. The outcomes rates were estimated at 17% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10%-26%) for mortality, 15% (95% CI, 8%-23%) for technical failure, 11% (95% CI, 6%-19%) for stroke and 18% (95% CI, 9%-31%) for reintervention. The mean Downs and Black quality assessment score was 13.9 ± 3.2. Conclusions The technique for endovascular repair of type A aortic dissection is feasible and reproducible. The results of our meta-analysis demonstrate an acceptable safety profile for inoperable patients who otherwise would have an extremely poor prognosis. Data from clinical trials are required before the technique can be introduced into routine clinical practice.

Open saphenous removal, phlebectomy, and venous ligation were historic mainstays of surgical treatment of venous disease. Duplex ultrasound has become standard to diagnose venous insufficiency. Percutaneous modalities have allowed treatments to include thermal and nonthermal endovenous ablation. These treatments vary in preoperative planning, procedural steps, and postprocedural care, but all are safe and effective. An individualized approach should be taken in determining which modality is offered to each patient. Endovenous options, which often are minimally invasive and safely performed in an outpatient setting, allow access to effective treatments with low risk and discomfort.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to review the current anatomic indications for and early results of aortouni-iliac (AUI) devices for endovascular aneurysm repair.MethodsA total of 128 patients receiving an Endurant (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) AUI device in the U.S. Investigational Device Exemption trial (44 patients) or the Endurant Stent Graft Natural Selection Global Postmarket Registry (84 patients) were reviewed. Preoperative computed tomography imaging of patients in the Investigational Device Exemption trial and case report forms of Registry patients were used to determine anatomic indications. Baseline characteristics and early results were compared with those of 1305 patients receiving a bifurcated (BIF) device in sister studies.ResultsThe indication for the AUI device was unclear from case report forms in two Registry cases. The remaining 126 patients had a unilateral iliac occlusion in 30 (23%), a severely narrowed aortic segment in 58 (45%), severe iliac occlusive disease in 28 (22%), severe iliac tortuosity in 29 (23%), or complex iliac aneurysms in 19 (15%). Two patients had a previous aortobifemoral graft; 38 patients (30%) had multiple indications. The AUI cohort included more women than the BIF group did (19% vs 10%; P < .01) and had more severe comorbidities. Successful deployment was achieved in all AUI cases. The 30-day mortality was 2% (BIF cohort, 1%; P = .21). More AUI patients underwent repair under general anesthesia (81% vs 64%; P < .01), and procedures were longer (110.9 ± 54.9 minutes vs 99.2 ± 44.3 minutes; P = .02). Except for longer intensive care unit stays (19.6 ± 80.0 hours vs 9.0 ± 34.8 hours; P = .01) and higher myocardial infarction rates (4% vs 1%; P < .01), outcomes of the AUI cohort were similar to those of the BIF cohort. There were no migrations, ruptures, fractures, or open conversions at up to 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsThe AUI configuration extends endovascular aneurysm repair feasibility to several hostile anatomic conditions. Despite increased comorbidities in the recipient patient population and associated higher rates of postoperative myocardial infarction and respiratory complications, early outcomes with the new generation of AUI devices are acceptable and comparable to those after treatment with BIF configurations.

Since their introduction in 1973, inferior vena cava filters have evolved concurrent with advancing technology, and, therefore, their use has expanded due to broader indications for insertion. This paper focuses on the challenges and future directions of this trend, including a closer look at complications, retrieval rates, and cost-effectiveness.

Introduction As the first generation of integrated (0 + 5) vascular surgery (VS) residents enter the job market, this survey sought to understand how the surgical community perceives this training paradigm. Methods An anonymous online survey was e-mailed to surgery chairpersons (n = 193) and Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) members (n = 2193) in the United States/Canada with 26% (n = 38) and 14% (n = 309) response rates, respectively. Respondents were asked about their practice background, residency program, hiring patterns, and perceptions of the 0 + 5 training. Results Response rates were 26% (n = 38) and 14% (n = 309) for surgery chairpersons and SVS members, respectively. SVS respondents were from academic (62%) and private (38%) practices and included staff surgeons (62%), program directors (15%), and division chiefs (22%). Only 33% had a 0 + 5 program, and 57% had a VS fellowship. Overall, 94% were likely to hire a new vascular surgeon in the next 5 years. In some categories, SVS respondents believed 0 + 5 residents would be less prepared than 5 + 2 residents. Only 32% thought that 0 + 5 residents have the same level of surgical maturity, and 36% thought that they have the same level of open operative skills as 5 + 2 trainees. Another 34% thought 0 + 5 residents will need additional fellowship training in open surgery. However, there was also a general perception from SVS respondents that 0 + 5 residents would be prepared for clinical practice (67%) and would have equal endovascular skills to 5 + 2 trainees (92%). The chairpersons had similar perceptions as SVS members. Both SVS members (88%) and chairpersons (86%) would consider interviewing a 0 + 5 graduate for faculty position; 83% and 72%, respectively, would consider hiring. Moreover, 93% of SVS respondents who currently have a 0 + 5 program and 86% of SVS respondents who do not would consider hiring a 0 + 5 graduate. Both SVS members (62%) and chairpersons (50%) believed the 0 + 5 paradigm is essential for the advancement of VS. Conclusions Overall perceptions of 0 + 5 graduates were positive and indicated their likely acceptance into the VS workforce. Although there were some reservations regarding the 0 + 5 graduates’ maturity level and open operative skills, the surgical community was willing to interview and hire these trainees for staff positions. Further follow-up will be required to evaluate their performance in clinical practice.

Purpose: To describe endovascular repair of traumatic iliac pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) following spinal surgery. Case Report: A 48-year-old male underwent minimally invasive L5-S1 hemilaminectomy, foraminotomy, and microdiscectomy spinal surgery for trauma related to a motor-vehicle accident. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated pseudoaneurysm of the right internal iliac artery and AVF at the common iliac bifurcation with the right iliac vein with prompt filling of the iliac vein and vena cava. The second patient, a 25-year-old female, underwent minimally invasive L4-S1 hemilaminectomy, foraminotomy, and microdiscectomy spinal surgery for intractable pain and was complicated with postoperative symptoms of congestive heart failure. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated AVF between the right common iliac artery and vein with associated pseudoaneurysm formation. Endovascular repair was performed in both cases. Follow-up imaging revealed no endoleak and complete pseudoaneurysm and AVF exclusion. Conclusions: Endovascular repair of iliac injuries following spine surgery can be successfully performed with minimal morbidity.

A 64-year-old woman underwent prophylactic inferior vena cava filter placement immediately after spinal surgery for pulmonary embolus prophylaxis. One week after surgery, acute renal failure developed, and she required hemodialysis secondary to filter migration with iliocaval and renal vein thrombosis. Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis was performed, with complete recovery of renal function and no evidence of recurrence on follow-up imaging. This report highlights an important and rare complication of filter placement and the importance of prompt thrombus debulking to preserve end organ function while reducing the risks of hemorrhagic complications. Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis allows prompt clearance of venous outflow channels and is attractive in patients with end-organ compromise and high risk for bleeding.

Since the Greenfield filter was introduced in 1973, inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have evolved and adapted, and their use has exploded. This chapter will review standard and expanded uses of temporary and permanent IVC filters and discuss efficacy and use in specific patient populations. The technical considerations of filter placement and retrieval will be reviewed, and complications of IVC filters will be discussed.

ObjectiveRefluxing perforators contribute to venous ulceration. We sought to describe patient characteristics and procedural factors that (1) impact rates of incompetent perforator vein (IPV) thrombosis with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS) and (2) impact the healing of venous ulcers (CEAP 6) without axial reflux.MethodsA retrospective review of UGS of IPV injections from January 2010 to November 2012 identified 73 treated venous ulcers in 62 patients. Patients had no other superficial or axial reflux and were treated with standard wound care and compression. Ultrasound imaging was used to screen for refluxing perforators near ulcer(s). These were injected with sodium tetradecyl sulfate or polidocanol foam and assessed for thrombosis at 2 weeks. Demographic data, comorbidities, treatment details, and outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable modeling was performed to determine covariates predicting IPV thrombosis and ulcer healing.ResultsThere were 62 patients (55% male; average age, 57.1 years) with active ulcers for an average of 28 months with compression therapy before perforator treatment, and 36% had a history of deep venous thrombosis and 30% had deep venous reflux. At a mean follow-up of 30.2 months, ulcers healed in 32 patients (52%) and did not heal in 30 patients (48%). Ulcers were treated with 189 injections, with an average thrombosis rate of 54%. Of 73 ulcers, 43 ulcers (59%) healed, and 30 (41%) did not heal. The IPV thrombosis rate was 69% in patients whose ulcers healed vs 38% in patients whose ulcers did not heal (P < .001). Multivariate models demonstrated male gender (P = .03) and warfarin use (P = .01) negatively predicted thrombosis of IPVs. A multivariate model for ulcer healing found complete IPV thrombosis was a positive predictor (P = .02), whereas a large initial ulcer area was a negative predictor (P = .08). Increased age was associated with fewer ulcer recurrences (P = .05). Predictors of increased ulcer recurrences were hypertension (P = .04) and increased follow-up time (P = .02). Calf vein thrombosis occurred after 3% (six of 189) of injections.ConclusionsThrombosis of IPVs with UGS increases venous ulcer healing in a difficult patient population. Complete closure of all IPVs in an ulcerated limb was the only predictor of ulcer healing. Men and patients taking warfarin have decreased rates of IPV thrombosis with UGS.

Objective This study determined the incidence and characteristics of recurrent disease after femoropopliteal angioplasty, following either selective or routine stenting of diseased site(s). Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database for femoropopliteal interventions from June 2003 to July 2010 was performed. Interventions during this period were from a single institution, followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after initial intervention and on a semiannual basis thereafter with clinical examinations and duplex ultrasound imaging. Two groups were identified: those with routine stenting (RS; routine stenting for all diseased areas) and those with selective stenting (SS; selective stenting for only segments which exhibited compromised flow from residual stenosis or significant dissection). Patients who developed recurrent symptoms (claudication, rest pain), a decrease in ankle-brachial index (ABI) (>0.2), or duplex documentation of a significant (>80%) recurrent stenosis underwent reintervention. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II classification, runoff, and degree of calcification (none, mild, moderate, severe) at initial intervention were recorded. The time to reintervention and recurrence pattern were recorded for both groups. Results During the study period, 746 endovascular interventions in 477 patients were performed. Total reintervention rate, including bypass, amputation, and asymptomatic occlusion after initial intervention, was 36.48% (group SS, 42.9%; group RS, 33.1%; P = .04). Of all initial interventions, 182 endovascular reinterventions in 165 patients for recurrent femoropopliteal disease were identified (group SS, 70; group RS, 95). No differences were noted among the groups in gender, comorbidities, initial TASC II classification, run off, calcification scores, or statin or clopidogrel use, or both. Time to recurrence was similar in the RS and SS groups. TASC II classification, runoff score, and degree of calcification were similar between the two groups. Although not statistically significant, analysis of recurrence pattern demonstrated de novo stenosis was more common in the SS group (50.0% vs 34.7%; P = .06). Conclusions This single-center retrospective study found a significant difference in the incidence of recurrence requiring reintervention between patients treated with selective and routine stenting for femoropopliteal disease. Analysis of endovascular reinterventions, however, reveals no significant difference in recurrence time or recurrence pattern between the two groups. No significant differences were identified in time to recurrence, TASC II classification, runoff, and calcification of endovascular reinterventions between the two groups' end points. Additional prospective studies to evaluate the roles of routine and selective stenting in symptomatic femoropopliteal peripheral arterial disease and to investigate recurrence lesion characteristics and the patency of multiple endovascular interventions between these two groups are needed.

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathology is an evolving and increasingly attractive alternative to open repair. Endograft technology and delivery systems have improved rapidly since their introduction in the 1990s, and early and mid-term results for currently available devices are promising. No individual device has proven to be superior as no comparative trials have been performed. However, each available device is unique in its characteristics to treat aortic disease: GORE(®) TAG(®) (WL Gore and Associates, AZ, USA), Zenith(®) (TX1(®) and TX2(®), Cook, IN, USA), and Talent™ (Medtronic Vascular, CA, USA). In addition to a prerequisite set of endovascular skills, a detailed knowledge of different graft designs and an understanding of aortic pathology significantly affect the efficacy of endovascular repair of thoracic aortic disease. This article focuses on the currently available devices, their characteristics and pivotal clinical trial results.