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BACKGROUND: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are a life‐threatening condition which remain difficult to treat. Endovascular and open surgical repair (OSR) provide treatment options for patients, however, due to the lack of clinical trials comparing these, the optimum treatment option is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of endovascular repair versus conventional OSR for the treatment of TAAAs. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and AMED databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 26 April 2021. We also searched references of relevant articles retrieved from the electronic search for additional citations. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing endovascular repair to OSR for TAAAs for inclusion in the review. The main outcomes of interest were prevention of aneurysm rupture (participants without aneurysm rupture up to 5 years from intervention), aneurysm‐related mortality (30 days and 12 months), all‐cause mortality, spinal cord ischaemia (paraplegia, paraparesis), visceral arterial branch compromise causing mesenteric ischaemia or renal failure, and rate of reintervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened all titles and abstracts identified from the searches to identify those that met the inclusion criteria. We planned to undertake data collection, risk of bias assessment, and analysis in accordance with Cochrane recommendations. We planned to assess the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: No RCTs or CCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Due to the lack of RCTs or CCTs, we were unable to determine the safety and effectiveness of endovascular compared to OSR in patients with TAAAs and are unable to provide any evidence on the optimal surgical intervention for this cohort of patients. High‐quality RCTs or CCTs addressing this objective are necessary, however conducting such studies will be logistically and ethically challenging for this life‐threatening disease.

Background In December 2019, an outbreak of novel corona virus pneumonia occurred in Wuhan City, China, and spread throughout the whole of country in a short period. Figures from China’s National Health Commission show that more than 3300 health care workers have been infected as of early March. In Italy, 20% of responding health care professionals was infected, and some have died. Health care professionals are exposed to different types of stress both physical and psychological in response to this serious infectious public health event. Research aims The aim of this study is to measure the degree of mental stress among front line health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients. Methods We conducted the study through online survey questionnaire after obtaining the ethics approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Galway University Hospital in Ireland (Ref: C.A. 2355). All personal information of the medical staff involved in the survey has been kept confidential. Results Three hundred nine health care members (209 male and 97 female) have agreed to participate in our survey from different hospitals and different specialties all over the world. Overall PSS Score: mean 19.42 (Standard Deviation ± 5.876, range 1–33). Frontline health care workers working in University Hospitals and tertiary referral centres had lower levels of stress compared to those working in peripheral hospitals (P = 0.007, Kruskal Wallis). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most stressful events that a health care worker may face during his life time. Most of the participants in the survey developed a moderate degree of stress.

The impact of reduced adherence in randomized clinical trials is well documented in the literature. Nonadherence can negatively affect the trial sample size and estimation of the treatment effect. This protocol aims to evaluate the effects of a telephone call reminder on the adherence rates of participants to interventions in a cardiovascular randomized trial. This is a study within a trial (SWAT). The host trial is evaluating the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary 16-wk cardiovascular disease prevention program on risk factor profile among patients with carotid artery stenosis. Simultaneously, this SWAT will evaluate the effectiveness of telephone call reminders on the participants' adherence to the host trial intervention. The primary outcome is adherence to the protocol of the host trial. Secondary outcomes are level of adherence, number of dropouts, and time to drop out from the host trial.

Background The use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in diabetic wounds has been studied extensively. Even though venous insufficiency is the most common cause of lower limb ulceration, there is comparatively little evidence regarding the use of HBOT for Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU). We performed a systematic-review to evaluate and synthesise available evidence, to evaluate whether patients with VLU, when treated with HBOT, had greater rates of (i) complete VLU healing or (ii) reduction in VLU area, than controls. Methods In keeping with PRISMA guidelines, database searches of PubMed, Scopus and Embase was performed. After removal of duplicates, titles were screened for relevance by two authors, then abstracts, and in turn full text manuscripts. Data were extracted from relevant sources including one published abstract. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) and Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies (ROBINS-I) tools. Results Six studies were included. There was significant heterogeneity across the studies, with no standard control intervention, method of outcome reporting, or duration of follow up. Two studies reported 12 week follow up results and pooled analysis of complete ulcer healing showed no statistically significant difference between HBOT and controls for the outcome of complete ulcer healing OR 1.54 (95%CI = .50-4.75) P = .4478. A similar non-signifiacnt result was seen in four studies reporting 5-6 week follow up; OR 5.39 (95%CI = .57-259.57) P = .1136. Change in VLU area was reported in all studies, and pooled standardised mean difference was 1.70 (95%CI = .60 to 2.79) P = .0024, indicating a statistically significant benefit of HBOT in reducing ulcer area. Conclusion Existing evidence suggests that HBOT does not significantly affect complete healing of VLU. There is a statistically significant benefit in terms of reducing ulcer size, though in the absence of ulcer healing the clinical significance of this is not established. Current evidence does not justify widespread use of HBOT for VLU.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effectiveness of mobile health technologies to improve walking distance in people with intermittent claudication.

We aim to identify gender differences in complications after carotid surgery. Our primary endpoint is the incidence of perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality. Secondary endpoints include restenosis and reintervention rates.All patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy from July 2003 to May 2016 were reviewed. The Society for Vascular Surgery carotid reporting standards were used as a guideline for data collection.Over 13 years, 9,585 patients with carotid disease were referred to our institution. A total of 690 procedures were performed (633 carotid endarterectomies, 54 carotid angioplasties and stenting, and 3 bypasses). Of these 633 carotid endarterectomy procedures, 31.8% (201) were in women and 68.2% (432) were in men. In the perioperative period, female gender was found to be an independent predictor of stroke (odds ratio [OR]: 8.597, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.967-76.429, P = 0.041), restenosis (OR: 2.103, 95% CI: 1.445-3.060, P 0.001), and reintervention (OR: 6.448, 95% CI: 1.313-31.667, P = 0.019). Mortality and cardiac morbidity did not significantly differ between genders. Ten-year stroke-free survival was 98.0% in women and 99.1% in men (logrank P = 0.259). Ten-year restenosis-free survival was 77.6% (45 of 201) in women and 89.4% (45 of 425) in men (logrank P 0.001). Ten-year reintervention-free survival was 97.0% in women and 99.5% in men (logrank P = 0.008). Female gender was not an independent predictor of myocardial infarction (P = 0.713) and mortality (P = 0.856), respectively. The mean follow-up time was 47.06 ± 37.48 months with a median follow-up time of 43 months (interquartile range: 14.0-72.5).Female gender was an independent predictor of postoperative stroke, restenosis, and reintervention. Symptom status at the time of surgery and type of closure of the arteriotomy did not influence development of stroke in female patients.

Background Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million of the global population. PAD represents a marker for premature cardiovascular events. Patients with PAD, even in the absence of a history of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, have approximately the same relative risk of death from cardiovascular causes as patients with a history of coronary or cerebrovascular disease. Despite the high prevalence of PAD and the strong association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, patients with PAD are less likely to receive appropriate treatment for their atherosclerotic risk factors than those who are being treated for coronary artery disease. Atherosclerotic risk factor identification and modification play an important role in reducing the number of adverse outcomes among patients with atherosclerosis. Risk reduction therapy decreases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with PAD. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors. Methods This is a randomised, parallel group, active-control trial to compare the effectiveness of the risk factor modification intervention programme to standard healthcare in a tertiary vascular care centre, in the reduction of modified risk factors in PAD patients. The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors at 3 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes are to compare the impact of the programme on clinical outcomes in PAD patients at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include amputation-free survival, clinical improvement, haemodynamic improvement, need for revascularisation procedures, outcomes of revascularisation procedures, changes in quality of life and the incidence of adverse events. Discussion This study will provide clear evidence on the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors, through a high-quality, well-powered clinical trial. Trial registration This trial was registered (11/07/2017) on the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT number 2017-002964-41) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03935776) which was registered on 02 May 2019.

Background A holistic profile that includes demographic, medical history and wound characteristics of individuals with venous leg ulceration is lacking. Lack of such a profile negatively impacts the ability to develop interventions to improve patient outcomes. Objectives To describe the profile of the patient population with venous leg ulceration from published observational (non-interventional) studies and to identify gaps in the knowledge base for future research in this area. Methods A systematic review of observational studies that included more than 50 patients, from any world region, of any age and in any care setting. Results twenty studies, involving 3395 patients, from all world regions met our criteria. Demographic characteristics were well reported and showed a female to male ratio of 1.2:1, average age of 47–65 years, high levels of co-morbidities including hypertension (53–71%) and diabetes (16–20%), and only one study reporting ethnicity. When reported, approximately 4–30% had high levels of depression. The average wound size was 18.6–43.39 cm2; mean wound duration was 13.8–65.5 months, mean number of recurrences was four. No study reported on demographic factors plus medical history plus wound characteristics together. Conclusion a comprehensive, holistic profile of the population with VLU is lacking. There is a critical need for more comprehensive profiling to enable the development of targeted interventions to improve outcomes.

Complicated infrarenal aortic dissection conveys higher morbidity and mortality than proximal dissection. Septum maturation has a significant impact on false lumen modulation. We present two cases of infrarenal aortic aneurysm occurrence after acute dissection. Both cases had a DISSECT score of Sa, Ab, Di, C, PT Ab. Both were managed medically for 14 days, followed by endovascular scissoring, creating a fenestration window that was enhanced with stenting. Keywords: Endovascular scissoring, Aortic dissection, Infradiaphragmatic

Objective Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is an increasingly alarming presentation of advanced generalized circulatory failure. Most patients presenting with CLI have profound cardiovascular comorbidities that hinder surgical intervention. Moreover, some patients present with non-reconstructable arterial anatomy. For this vulnerable cohort, primary amputation is often the only available option. This study aims at answering the question: Can sequential pneumatic compression (SPC) preclude amputation? Methods A retrospective analysis of 187 patients (262 limbs) prescribed the Artassist SPC compared outcomes between the group of patients who acquired the device and those who did not. The primary end point was limb salvage; secondary end points were amputation-free survival and improvement in toe pressures. Results The mean age was 74.78 years, the median follow-up was 16 months, and the median duration of usage was 4 months. 81.72% of the patient acquired the device and 18.28% did not. The mean toe pressure was 61.4 mmHg pre-application, and 65 mmHg after application ( p = .071). Amputation-free survival was 98% and 96% for those who acquired the device and 90% and 84% for those who did not at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There was a non-significant association between limb salvage and device acquisition ( p = .714); however, there was a significant improvement in rest pain ( p p = .023), and amputation-free survival associated with using the device ( p = .01). Conclusions Although limb salvage is the paramount ambition for patients referred to vascular services, some patients with CLI are better served with primary amputation. Although the mechanism of SPC action is still ambiguous, there is strong evidence to support its role in preventing minor amputation, prolonging amputation-free survival, and improving rest pain in patients with non-reconstructable CLI; nevertheless, its role in prevention of major amputation lacks statistical significance.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effectiveness of surgical and radiological interventions versus best medical treatment alone for treating symptomatic cervical artery dissection.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression for treatment of individuals with critical limb ischaemia.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is the standard treatment for anatomically suitable patients. EVAR has been associated with a lower perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with open surgical repair (OSR) at the expense of increased reinterventions and costs. We aimed to compare the outcomes of EVAR and OSR for elective AAA repair. The primary end point was cost per QALY at 3 years. Secondary end points were perioperative morbidity and mortality; freedom from reintervention; length of hospital, high-dependency unit, and intensive care unit stay; and freedom from all-cause mortality.The project was approved by the Galway Clinical Research Ethics Committee. This project followed the Declaration of Helsinki. This was an audit of interventions that had already taken place. No active clinical intervention was undertaken, and patients' anonymity was preserved; thus, individual patient consent was not obtained. Data on all elective AAA repairs at a tertiary referral vascular center were collected from 2002 to 2015. Demographics and outcomes were reported according to the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines. QALY was measured on the basis of a quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity assessment. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests.Between 2002 and 2015, a total of 494 patients required elective AAA surgery; 401 underwent EVAR and 93 underwent OSR. Demographics and vascular-related risk factors were similar in both groups. Median (interquartile range) cost per QALY at 3 years was €5776 (€5541-€6481) for EVAR vs €7101 (€5812-€8952) for OSR (P .001). EVAR was associated with reduced perioperative morbidity (12.2% vs 50%; P .001). There was no significant association between procedure and perioperative mortality (EVAR, 1.7%; OSR, 4.3%; P = .130). There was no significant association found between the procedure and reintervention (P = .502). Our subgroup analysis found no association between procedure and improvement in all-cause mortality, QALYs, costs, or cost per QALY.EVAR is cost-effective with improved cost per QALY compared with OSR.

INTRODUCTIONAortoenteric fistula is a rare but very serious complication of both surgical and endovascular abdominal aortic reconstruction. Since the advent of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), 20 cases of aortoduodenal fistula associated with aortic stent grafts have been reported.1 However, only a handful has been reported following inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. It most commonly presents with bleeding, usually from the upper gastro-intestinal tract. With recent advances in the screening, diagnosis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms either surgically or through an endovascular approach, the diagnosis of an aortoduodenal fistula in patients with gastro-intestinal bleeding must be suspected and excluded.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe describe a case of secondary aortoduodenal fistula that occurred two and a half years following endovascular stent graft repair of an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm. We also outline the emergency correction plan and the attempts at repair.DISCUSSIONThis case defies the general concept that patients with inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms are relatively immune to rupture. Although the presence of a peri-aneurysm thick inflammatory membrane decreases the possibility of rupture, these patients are more susceptible to other related complications such as aorto-enteric and aorto-caval fistulas.2 This case also demonstrates the peculiar presence of Streptococcus anginosus as the pathological organism leading to graft infection and subsequent fistula, as opposed to enterococci which are often found in endograft infection.CONCLUSIONAorto-enteric fistulas are associated with a grave prognosis. Early diagnosis is crucial and extra vigilance should be taken in cases of inflammatory AAA.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate duplex ultrasound arterial mapping (DUAM) as the sole imaging modality when planning for bypass surgery (BS) and endovascular revascularization (EvR) in patients with critical limb ischemia for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II C/D infrainguinal lesions. Methods: This was a retrospective review evaluating the accuracy of DUAM as the sole imaging tool in determining patient suitability for BS vs EvR. Primary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of DUAM compared with intraoperative digital subtraction angiography. Secondary outcomes were procedural, hemodynamic, and clinical outcomes, amputation-free survival, and freedom from major adverse clinical events. Results: From 2002 to 2012, a total of 4783 patients with peripheral arterial disease were referred, of whom 622 critical limb ischemia patients underwent revascularization for TASC C and D lesions (EvR: n = 423; BS: n = 199). Seventyfour percent of EvR and 82% of BS were performed for TASC D (P = .218). The DUAM showed sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 98% in identifying lesions requiring intervention. Of the 520 procedures performed with DUAM alone, there was no difference regarding the number of procedures performed for occlusive or de novo lesions (EvR: 65% and 71%; BS: 87% and 78%; P = .056). Immediate clinical improvement to the Rutherford category

Objective The aim was to analyse the incidence and presentation of carotid patch inflammatory reactions following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods This was a cohort study using a prospectively maintained database. All patients who underwent elective CEA at a tertiary vascular centre between 2002 and 2016 were included. Computed tomography scan angiogram, duplex scan, and leucocyte scintigraphy were used to assess patients with suspected inflammatory patch complications. Re-intervention procedures and outcomes were noted. Histopathology and organisms cultured from the harvested material during re-intervention were assessed. Results During the study period, 633 patients underwent elective CEA. Fifty-one underwent eversion endarterectomy: 111 did not require a patch, whereas 471 patients had a patch repair. Four hundred and twenty eight had a Dacron patch repair and 43 a biological patch. Eight patients returned with late Dacron patch inflammatory complications (1.3% of all CEA and 1.9% of Dacron patch closures) after a period ranging from 18 months to 7 years (mean 4.1 ± 2.1 years). Seven of the eight patients underwent surgical re-intervention, and the eighth patient was deemed high surgical risk. One patient underwent a vein bypass, three had vein patch repair, one required internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation after patch excision, and two were managed by debridement, with omohyoid and sternomastoid muscle covering of the patch. The patient who required ICA ligation suffered a fatal stroke. The remaining patients had a satisfactory outcome. All patients showed evidence of foreign body reaction in pathological examination with no pathological organism cultured from swabs or tissue harvested during surgery. Conclusion Late wound complications after CEA may be related to inflammatory reaction of the Dacron patch rather than infection. Infection should be excluded first. Reconstruction with vein is effective. However, debridement with sternomastoid and omohyoid muscle covering of the patch may be considered in high risk patients after exclusion of infection with regular follow-up.

INTRODUCTIONAortic coarctation is a congenital defect which rarely presents in adulthood but results in significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular techniques present novel therapeutic options for managing this anomaly with comparable results to traditional open surgical repair.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe convey a case of postductal aortic coarctation in a symptomatic 31-year-old woman, undetected, despite 27 years history of congenital bicuspid valve with aortic incompetence. We staged a successful endovascular repair following presentation with hypertension, abdominal pain, and worsening lower limb claudication. This lady recovered well, eventually giving birth to twins after a successful caesarean section delivery. The anatomical, clinical and technical features of the case are appraised.DISCUSSIONAortic coarctation is classified anatomically as preductal (infantile) or postductal (adult) and the morphological spectrum of abnormality ranges from a discrete stenosis distal to the left subclavian to a hypoplastic transverse arch and aortic isthmus presenting in infancy. Its incidence is 0.2–0.6 per 100 live births. Traditional open surgical repair of aortic coarctation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Advances in endovascular techniques with their associated shorter hospital time and lower costs, reduced short term morbidity and mortality mean that they are likely to become mainstays of treatment.CONCLUSIONThe presentation of aortic coarctation for the first time in an adult is extremely unusual. Error and delayed diagnosis can never be fully exempted in the practice of medicine even with the most advanced diagnostic tools. Follow-up is mandatory by trans-oesophageal echo in all endovascular patients.

A 59 year old gentleman with a background history of hypertension and hyperlipedaemia, presented to the emergency department with abdominal and chest pain. He was confused and haemodynamically unstable. His blood pressure at presentation was 70/40 His pulse was 125, on examination his abdomen was tender centrally and in the left flank. A fast scan revealed asizeable abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patient underwent a CT scan angiogram on route to the operating theatre. The CT scan confirmed a rupturedabdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It was 5.8cm at maximum diameter. There was a large retroperitoneal haematoma on the left side. The patient had bilateral common iliacsaccular artery aneurysms, measuring 3.5 cm on the right and 2.5 cm on the left (Figures 1). The anatomy of the aneurysm was suitable for endovascular repair of the ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (REVAR).

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a common vascular disease mostly affecting those over the age of 65 years. Open surgical repair (OSR) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of AAA, however long-term mortality and morbidity still remain high in patients with inflammatory AAA, when compared to atherosclerotic AAA. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of both inflammatory and atherosclerotic AAA after OSR. Methods: Out of 837 aortic interventions, 149 patients were identified as having undergone open surgical repair for AAA between 2003 and 2013. Of the 149 patients, histopathological data was available for 92 patients with open AAA repair. Kaplan-Meier curves were analysed to evaluate probability of survival. Results: Patients with inflammatory AAA were younger (70 years) by an average of 2 years compared to atherosclerotic AAA (72 years). Morbidity and length of intensive care stay were insignificantly different in both groups. Inflammatory AAA were associated with higher all cause survival rate (82%) compared to atherosclerotic AAA (68%) (P=0.008) after ten years. Conclusion: There was no difference in clinical outcomes between both atherosclerotic AAA and inflammatory AAA, which is due to the technique used. IAAA were associated with lower mortality rates and improved all cause survival at ten years post open surgical repair Yes

We investigated the safety and efficacy of primary aorto-uni-iliac (AUI) endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) without fem-fem crossover in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and concomitant aortoiliac occlusive disease. 537 EVARs were implemented between 2002 and 2015 in University Hospital Galway, a tertiary referral center for aortic surgery and EVAR. We executed a parallel observational comparative study between 34 patients with AUI with femorofemoral crossover (group A) and six patients treated with AUI but without the crossover (group B). Group B patients presented with infrarenal AAAs with associated total occlusion of one iliac axis and high comorbidities. Technical success was 97% (n=33) in group A and 85% (n=5) in group B (P=0.31). Primary and assisted clinical success at 24 months were 88% (n=30) and 12% (n=4), respectively, in group A, and 85% (n=5) and 15% (n=1), respectively, in group B (P=0.125). Reintervention rate was 10% (n=3) in group A and 0% in group B (P=0.084). No incidence of postoperative critical lower limb ischemia or amputations occurred in the follow-up period. AUI without crossover bypass is a viable option in selected cases.