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Background: Perform literature review to analyze current practices in imaging patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and examine patterns in our practice in order to assess whether a lower extremity computed tomography angiography (CTA) in addition to digital subtraction angiography enhanced the assessment of vessel calcification, percentage of stenosis, and affected outcomes in patients with PAD., Methods: The study included patients who underwent lower extremity imaging and were followed up to 12 months. This population was divided into cases who had both an angiogram and CTA performed within 30 days (n = 20), and controls who underwent angiography only (n = 19). Baseline characteristics, imaging results, and clinical outcomes were analyzed., Results: Thirty-nine patients met study criteria (mean age was 58.4 years, 69.2% were males, and 33.3% had diabetes). Patients mostly presented with tissue loss/rest pain (10.3%), claudication (15.4%), acute limb (10.3%), and trauma (15.4%). We have not observed any statistically significant differences in various examined blood vessels when their features (e.g., vessel diameter, stenosis, calcifications) were assessed by CTA combined with angiography versus angiography alone. The exceptions were external iliac artery, superficial femoral artery and dorsalis pedis vessels. In external iliac artery percentage of stenosis was 1.11% as determined by computed tomography (CT) scan versus 30% by angiography (P = 0.009). For superficial femoral artery stenosis, the percentage determined by CT was 48.68% vs. 81.41% by angiography, and observed difference between 2 modalities was statistically significant (P = 0.025). For dorsalis pedis percentage of stenosis detected by CT scan was 60.63% vs. 22.73% by angiography, and the differences in findings by these modalities were statistically significant (P = 0.039). The most frequent perioperative complication was cardiac-related (35.5%). Nineteen patients were readmitted and 8 had reinterventions within 12 months., Conclusions: Both imaging modalities yielded similar results for assessing vessel calcification and percentage of stenosis regardless of anatomic vessel location. Overall, utilization of CTA in addition to angiography for large vessels above the knee (e.g., iliac artery, superficial femoral artery) and below the knee for dorsalis pedis provided more detailed information on the properties of these vessels. Therefore, during preoperative assessments, CTA may be helpful in addition to angiography for planning surgical and endovascular interventions for symptomatic PAD treatment in larger vessels., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Polyvascular disease is strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, its prevalence in patients undergoing carotid and lower extremity surgical revascularization and its impact on outcomes are unknown., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB), 2013-2019. Polyvascular disease was defined as presence of atherosclerotic occlusive disease in more than one arterial bed: carotid, coronary, and infrainguinal. Primary outcomes were (1) composite perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) or death and (2) 5-year survival. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were evaluated using the χ 2 test and multivariable logistic regression. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards multivariable models., Results: Polyvascular disease was identified in 47% of CEA (39.0% in 2 arterial beds, 7.6% in 3 arterial beds; n = 93,736) and 47% of LEB (41.0% in 2 arterial beds, 5.7% in 3 arterial beds; n = 25,223). For both CEA and LEB, patients with polyvascular disease had more comorbidities including hypertension, congestive heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and end-stage renal disease (P < .0001). Perioperative MI/death rates increased with increasing number of vascular beds affected following CEA (0.9% in 1 bed vs 1.5% in 2 beds vs 2.7% in 3 beds; P < .001) and LEB (2.2% in 1 bed vs 5.3% in 2 beds vs 6.6% in 3 beds; P < .001). Polyvascular disease was associated independently with perioperative MI/death after CEA (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-1.81;P < .0001) and LEB (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.52-2.08; P < .0001). Five-year survival was decreased in patients with polyvascular disease after CEA (82% in 3 beds vs 88% in 2 beds vs 92% in 1 bed; P < .01) and LEB (72% in 3 beds vs 75% in 2 beds vs 84% in 1 bed; P < .01) in a dose-dependent manner, with the lowest 5-year survival observed in those with three arterial beds involved. Polyvascular disease was independently associated with 5-year mortality after CEA (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.24-1.40; P = .0001) and LEB (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.41; P = .0001)., Conclusions: Polyvascular disease is common in patients undergoing CEA and LEB and is associated with a higher risk of perioperative MI/death and decreased long-term survival. After revascularization, patients with polyvascular disease should be considered for more aggressive cardioprotective medications and closer follow-up., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The day of the week (DOW) for performing procedures and operations has been shown to affect clinical and resource utilization outcomes. Limited published data are available on vascular surgery operations. Our primary objective was to assess outcomes by DOW for infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB) performed for claudication or rest pain. The secondary objective was to assess outcomes by DOW for LEBs performed for tissue loss., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried from 2003 to 2018 for all elective index infrainguinal LEBs performed for claudication or rest pain. Cases performed for acute limb ischemia as well as concomitant peripheral vascular intervention, nonelective LEBs, sequential grafts, and weekend cases were excluded. LEBs were grouped by DOW: Monday-Tuesday (early weekdays) versus Wednesday-Friday (later weekdays). Baseline data, operative details, and outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. LEBs performed for claudication/rest pain were analyzed together while tissue loss was assessed separately., Results: There were 12,084 LEBs identified-44.5% performed on Monday-Tuesday and 55.5% on Wednesday-Friday. Overall, the mean age was 65.6 years, 68.6% were male, and 82.8% were Caucasian. LEBs were performed for claudication in 57.4% of cases. An autogenous great saphenous vein was used in 58.8% of cases, whereas a prosthetic graft was used in 35.1% of cases. The most common bypass origin was the femoral artery (94.1%), and target was the popliteal artery (70.1%). Significant differences between Monday-Tuesday versus Wednesday-Friday, respectively, were mean body mass index (27.8 kg/m 2 vs. 28 kg/m 2 ), preoperative aspirin use (74.2% vs. 72.5%), continuous vein harvest technique (41.9% vs. 44%), and mean operative time (mins) (216.2 vs. 222.6) (all P < 0.05). Univariate postoperative outcomes were significantly different between Monday-Tuesday versus Wednesday-Friday, respectively, for mean length of stay (LOS) (days) (3.9 vs. 4.3), cardiac complications (myocardial infarction/dysrhythmia/congestive heart failure) (3.5% vs. 4.9%), stroke (0.3% vs. 0.6%), and respiratory complications (0.8% vs. 1.3%) (all P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that LEBs performed on Wednesday-Friday versus Monday-Tuesday for claudication/rest pain were independently associated with cardiac complications and prolonged LOS. There were also 8,491 LEBs performed for tissue loss which overall had similar findings to LEBs performed for claudication/rest pain such as increased LOS for LEBs performed for tissue loss on Wednesday-Friday (P < 0.001) and similar likeliness for respiratory complication, wound complication, return to the operating room, and mortality (all P > 0.05). However, LEBs performed for tissue loss on Wednesday-Friday versus Monday-Tuesday had similar cardiac complications (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Elective LEBs performed on later weekdays for claudication/rest pain were associated with cardiac complications and prolonged LOS, whereas tissue loss confirmed association with prolonged LOS. Further investigations are needed to identify whether increased resources or allocation of resources should be focused on later weekdays to optimize patient outcomes., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Firearm injuries have traditionally been associated with worse outcomes compared with other types of penetrating trauma. Lower extremity trauma with vascular injury is a common presentation at many centers. Our goal was to compare firearm and non-firearm lower extremity penetrating injuries requiring vascular repair., Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2014 for all penetrating lower extremity injuries requiring vascular repair based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Our primary outcomes were in-hospital lower extremity amputation and death., Results: We identified 19,494 patients with lower extremity penetrating injuries requiring vascular repair-15,727 (80.7%) firearm injuries and 3767 (19.3%) non-firearm injuries. The majority of patients were male (91%), and intent was most often assault/legal intervention (64.3%). In all penetrating injuries requiring vascular repair, the majority (72.9%) had an arterial injury and 43.8% had a venous injury. Location of vascular injury included iliac (19.3%), femoral-popliteal (60%), and tibial (13.2%) vascular segments. Interventions included direct vascular repair (52.1%), ligation (22.1%), bypass (19.4%), and endovascular procedures (3.6%). Patients with firearm injuries were more frequently younger, black, male, and on Medicaid, with lower household income, intent of assault or legal action, and two most severe injuries in the same body region (P < .0001 for all). Firearm injuries compared with non-firearm injuries were more often reported to be arterial (75.5% vs 61.9%), to involve iliac (20.6% vs 13.7%) and femoral-popliteal vessels (64.7% vs 39.9%), to undergo endovascular repair (4% vs 2.1%), and to have a bypass (22.5% vs 6.5%; P < .05 for all). Firearm-related in-hospital major amputation (3.3% vs 0.8%; P = .001) and mortality (7.6% vs 4.2%; P = .001) were higher compared with non-firearm penetrating trauma. Multivariable analysis showed that injury by a firearm source was independently associated with postoperative major amputation (odds ratio, 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.07-11.01; P < .0001) and mortality (odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.65; P = .01)., Conclusions: Firearm injury is associated with a higher rate of amputation and mortality compared with non-firearm injuries of the lower extremity requiring vascular repair. These data can continue to guide public health discussions about morbidity and mortality from firearm injury., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the treatment of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease has been reported, outcomes of patients on the upper end of the obesity spectrum, including morbid obesity (MO) and superobesity (SO), are unclear. Our goal was to analyze perioperative outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) and peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) in this population of patients., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative was reviewed for all infrainguinal peripheral artery disease interventions from 2010 to 2017. All patients were categorized into four groups: nonobese (BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m 2 ), obese (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m 2 ), morbidly obese (BMI 40-49.9 kg/m 2 ), and superobese (BMI ≥50 kg/m 2 ). Patient and case details were recorded. Multivariable analysis was used to analyze outcomes. For statistical analysis, MO and SO groups were combined., Results: We identified 29,138 LEB cases (68.5% nonobese, 28.3% obese, 2.9% morbidly obese, 0.3% superobese) and 81,405 PVI cases (66.6% nonobese, 29.2% obese, 3.6% morbidly obese, 0.5% superobese). For both LEB and PVI, patients with MO and SO were more likely to be younger, female, nonsmokers, and ambulatory (P < .05). They also more often had diabetes, end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, and fewer previous inflow procedures (P < .05). LEB and PVI interventions in patients with MO and SO were less often elective and more often performed for tissue loss. Multivariable analysis showed that LEB in patients with MO and SO was not significantly associated with increased perioperative cardiac complications, return to the operating room, or mortality. Patients with MO and SO were significantly associated with increased surgical site infection (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.98; P = .03) and increased respiratory complications (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.31; P = .01). Multivariable analysis showed that MO and SO were not significantly associated with periprocedural access site hematoma, access site stenosis or occlusion, or mortality after PVI., Conclusions: MO and SO were significantly associated with increased incidence of wound infections and respiratory complications after LEB but were not significantly associated with increased incidence after PVI. Overall, patients with MO and SO have more comorbidities and more advanced presentation of vascular disease at the time of intervention, but MO and SO alone should not deter necessary and appropriate revascularization., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Lower extremity arteriovenous (AV) access is an alternative when upper extremity access options have been exhausted. Our goal was to assess short- and medium-term outcomes of lower extremity hemodialysis access., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative was reviewed for all lower extremity AV hemodialysis cases. Patient and case details were recorded. Multivariable analysis was used to analyze outcomes., Results: We identified 463 lower extremity AV access cases in the VQI registry. There were 56 AVF (12.1%) and 407 AVG (87.9%). The mean age was 56 ± 15 years, 46.9% were male, and 40.7% were Caucasian. The majority (90%) had a previous upper extremity AV access and 25.4% had a prior lower extremity access. More than one-half (57.9%) had a tunneled line at the time of the procedure. Patients undergoing an AVF vs AVG creation were younger, more often ambulatory, and less often with peripheral arterial disease. For AVF, the superficial femoral artery was more often used for access inflow (76.8% vs 49.4%; P < .001), compared with AVG, and there was no difference in using femoral vein as the main outflow (78.6% vs 82.6%; P = .466). For AVF, compared with AVG, there was no difference in wound infection (12.5% vs 9.6%; P = .571), ischemic steal (5% vs 2.2%; P = .273), or leg swelling (2.5% vs 3.3%; P = .99) at 6 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the overall cohort showed that freedom from loss of primary patency at 6 months was 52.9%, freedom from any reintervention at 6 months was 75.3%, and the 1-year survival was 81.9%. Survival at 5 years was 65.5%. Multivariable analysis showed no significant association of access type (AVF vs AVG) with primary patency loss or death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-1.5; P = .4), any reintervention or death (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.82-3.33; P = .163), or mortality (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.71-5.33; P = .197). Factors independently associated with primary patency loss or death included peripheral arterial disease (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.06-2.42; P = .03) and obesity (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.05; P = .01). Any reintervention or death was associated with obesity (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.09-2.56; P = .015). Mortality was associated with congestive heart failure (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.13-2.94; P = .015) and white race (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.08-2.73; P = .023)., Conclusions: In our contemporary multicenter analysis, patients undergoing lower extremity AV access creation have low primary access patency and almost 20% mortality at 1 year. These results should be considered when suggesting a lower extremity dialysis access, as well as other dialysis alternatives when available., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is associated with poor outcomes across many surgical fields. However, the effects on outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB), particularly over the 90-day global surgical period, are unclear. Our goal was to analyze the effect of hypoalbuminemia within 90 days after LE bypass., Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of all infrainguinal LEBs from 2007 to 2017. Patients were categorized into 3 preoperative albumin groups: severe hypoalbuminemia (SH; albumin ≤2.8g/dL), mild-moderate hypoalbuminemia (MH; albumin >2.8-3.5g/dL), and normal albumin (albumin >3.5g/dL). Patient and procedural details were recorded. Outcomes analyzed included wound infection, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary complications, early graft occlusion (≤30 days), mortality, and emergency department (ED) presentation and readmissions within 30 and 90 days. Multivariable analysis was performed., Results: We identified 313 patients undergoing LEB-45 (14.4%) with SH, 133 (42.5%) with MH, and 135 (43.1%) with normal albumin. Overall, the mean age was 65.7 years, and 63.3% were male. The SH group more frequently had tissue loss, diabetes, hypertension, end-stage renal disease, preoperative hematocrit <30%, and patients admitted preoperatively (all P < .05). There were no significant differences in wound complications, MI, pulmonary complications, early graft occlusion, 30-day or 90-day mortality, and 30-day ED presentation. Severe hypoalbuminemia compared to MH and normal albumin, respectively, had significantly higher rates of 30-day readmission (40% vs 30.8% vs 17.8%, P = .005), 90-day ED presentation (55.6% vs 33.8% vs 29.6%, P = .006), and 90-day readmission (66.7% vs 48.9% vs 35.6%, P = .001). Multivariable analysis showed that SH was independently associated with 90-day ED presentation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-6.36, P = .014) and 90-day readmission (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.21-5.71, P = .015)., Conclusion: Our study suggests that patients with SH undergoing LEB had similar perioperative complication rates compared to normal albumin and MH groups, and SH was independently associated with 90-day ED presentation and readmission. Further studies are needed to assess other factors associated with ED visits and readmission.

Background: Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) utilize hospital resources at high rates. One major driver for resource utilization is emergency department (ED) visits. Our goal was to assess perioperative ED visits after lower extremity bypass (LEB) for CLI., Methods: All patients undergoing LEB for CLI from 2008 to 2017 at our institution were analyzed. ED visits and details of the visit within 30 and 90 days of discharge from index admission were recorded. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors for any ED presentation and ED presentation without hospital admission., Results: There were 317 patients identified who underwent infrainguinal LEB for CLI. Average age was 66 years, and 60.6% of patients were male. Within 30 and 90 days, 24.3% and 36.3% presented to the ED overall, and 16.7% and 26.5% of all postoperative patients had an ED presentation without hospital admission, respectively. Most common reasons for any ED visits and for ED visits without admission within 30 days were wound complications (22.1% and 20.8%), cardiac complications (16.9% and 17%), and ipsilateral leg pain (10.4% and 11.3%), respectively. Cryopreserved vein bypass (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-8.84, P = 0.046) and index length of stay (LOS) (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15, P < 0.001) predicted any 30-day ED visit. Active leg infection at the time of bypass (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.21-4.58, P = 0.012) and index LOS (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.004-1.09, P = 0.033) predicted 30-day ED presentation without hospital admission. Most common reasons for any ED visit and for ED visits without admission within 90 days were surgical wound complications (15.8% and 14.3%), cardiac complications (14.9% and 14.3%), and nonsurgical wounds (9.6% and 9.5%), respectively. Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.52-4.93, P = 0.001) and index LOS (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.12, P = 0.017) predicted any 90-day ED visit. CRI (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.81-6.17, P = 0.001) predicted 90-day ED presentation without hospital admission. For multiple ED visits within 90 days, there were 5 patients each with 5 ED visits, 12 each with 4 ED visits, 26 each with 3 ED visits, and 47 each with 2 ED visits., Conclusions: There is a high rate of ED utilization in CLI patients after LEB. Targeting these patients with closer follow-up and improved outpatient ambulatory access could assist in decreasing the frequency of postoperative ED visits. Particular areas of targeted improvement are those patients who presented to the ED and were not admitted., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Performing lower extremity bypass (LEB) in actively smoking claudicants remains controversial. Whereas some surgeons advocate a strict nonoperative approach to active smokers, citing perceived inferior outcomes, others will proceed with surgical bypass if the patient is anatomically suited and medical management has failed. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of active smoking on LEB outcomes among claudicants., Methods: All patients undergoing infrainguinal LEB for claudication in the Vascular Study Group of New England from 2003 to 2016 were analyzed. Smoking was defined as active tobacco use within 1 month of surgery. End points included in-hospital outcomes; long-term primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency; and mortality. Univariate, Cox multivariable, and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to determine the impact of smoking. Propensity score matching was performed to control for intergroup differences., Results: Of 1789 LEBs, 971 (54%) were performed in nonsmokers and 818 (46%) in smokers. The follow-up rate was 87% at a mean of 382 days (standard error, ±6.8 days). Smokers were younger (60 vs 68 years; P < .001) and were less likely to have multiple comorbidities, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and chronic renal insufficiency (P ≤ .05); they were more likely to have an above-knee popliteal bypass target (52% vs 43%; P = .001). Smokers also had lower rates of postoperative major cardiac events (2.4% vs 5.3%; P = .002) and perioperative blood transfusion (5.6% vs 11%; P < .001) compared with nonsmokers, but there was no difference in respiratory complications, wound complications, or mortality. At 2-year follow-up, smokers demonstrated inferior primary patency (48% vs 61%; P = .03) and assisted primary patency (59% vs 74%; P = .01), with comparable rates of secondary patency and overall mortality. Propensity matching yielded two similar groups (n = 450 for each). Propensity-matched smokers had significantly decreased 2-year primary patency (43% vs 58%; P = .02), assisted primary patency (54% vs 71%; P = .03), and 10-year survival (69% vs 76%; P < .01). Cox multivariable analysis confirmed that smoking was an independent predictor of diminished primary patency (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.6; P = .03), assisted primary patency (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = .004), and overall survival (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5; P < .001)., Conclusions: Despite the fact that smokers are younger and have fewer comorbidities than nonsmokers, active smoking at the time of LEB for claudication is associated with decreased long-term patency and decreased overall survival. Surgeons should consider smoking an important risk factor for worse LEB outcomes in smokers compared with nonsmokers., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Controversy persists surrounding the perceived bleeding risk associated with perioperative clopidogrel use in patients undergoing lower extremity bypass (LEB). The purpose of this study was to examine the LEB bleeding risk and clinical sequelae associated with clopidogrel., Methods: All LEBs in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) from 2008 to 2014 were studied. The exposure was perioperative clopidogrel. Primary outcomes were blood transfusion, estimated blood loss ≥500 mL, and reoperation for bleeding. Secondary outcomes included mean operative time, major cardiac events, respiratory complications, infectious complications, and in-hospital mortality. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to analyze patients on the basis of clopidogrel use and its association with outcomes. Nonparametric test for trend and Mantel-Haenszel methods were used to analyze association of clopidogrel use with blood transfusion and secondary outcomes., Results: Among the LEB cohort (N = 9179), 28% (n = 2544) were taking clopidogrel and 72% (n = 6635) were not. Patients taking clopidogrel were more likely to have coronary disease, prior coronary intervention, abnormal findings on stress test, and aspirin use (P < .001 for all). Patients taking clopidogrel were more likely to receive blood transfusion (38% vs 24%; P < .001) and to have estimated blood loss ≥500 mL (21% vs 12%; P < .001). Reoperation for bleeding rates were similar (0.9% vs 1.1%; P = .9). Clopidogrel use was also associated with increased mean operative times (244 minutes vs 232 minutes; P < .001) as well as with cardiac complications (8.8% vs 6.5%; P = .001), respiratory complications (2.5% vs 1.6%; P = .007), and in-hospital mortality (1.3% vs 0.8%; P = .03). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that clopidogrel was associated with increased risk of 1- or 2-unit blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.1; P < .001) and >2-unit blood transfusion (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.7-2.5; P < .001). Major cardiac events (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = .05) and respiratory complications (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-2.0; P = .03) were also independently associated with clopidogrel use. Weighted Mantel-Haenszel ORs controlling for blood transfusion amount revealed no remaining effect of clopidogrel on major cardiac events (OR, 1.1; P = .4) or respiratory complications (OR, 1.0; P = .8)., Conclusions: Perioperative clopidogrel use in LEB surgery is associated with increased blood loss and blood transfusion. Associated clinical sequelae include increased cardiac and pulmonary complications. Accordingly, surgeons should consider discontinuation of perioperative clopidogrel when it is clinically appropriate unless it is strongly indicated at the time of LEB., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although an increasing number of patients with peripheral arterial disease undergo multiple revascularization procedures, the effect of prior interventions on outcomes remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative outcomes of bypass surgery in patients with and those without prior ipsilateral treatment., Methods: Patients undergoing nonemergent infrainguinal bypass between 2011 and 2014 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Targeted Vascular module. After stratification by symptom status (chronic limb-threatening ischemia [CLTI] and claudication), patients undergoing primary bypass were compared with those undergoing secondary bypass. Within the secondary bypass group, further analysis compared prior bypass with prior endovascular intervention. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to establish the independent association between prior ipsilateral procedure and perioperative outcomes., Results: A total of 7302 patients were identified, of which 4540 (62%) underwent primary bypass (68% for CLTI), 1536 (21%) underwent secondary bypass after a previous bypass (75% for CLTI), and 1226 (17%) underwent secondary bypass after a previous endovascular intervention (72% for CLTI). Prior revascularization on the same ipsilateral arteries was associated with increased 30-day major adverse limb event in patients with CLTI (9.8% vs 7.4%; odds ratio [OR], 1.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-1.7]) and claudication (5.2% vs 2.5%; OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.3-3.5]). Similarly, secondary bypass was an independent risk factor for 30-day major reintervention (CLTI: OR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.1-1.8]; claudication: OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.3-3.5]), bleeding (CLTI: OR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2-1.6]; claudication: OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.3-2.4]), and unplanned reoperation (CLTI: OR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0-1.4]; claudication: OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1-2.1]), whereas major amputation was increased in CLTI patients only (OR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.01-1.8]). Postoperative mortality was not significantly different in patients undergoing secondary compared with primary bypass (CLTI: 1.7% vs 2.2% [P = .22]; claudication: 0.4% vs 0.6% [P = .76]). Among secondary bypass patients with CLTI, those with prior bypass had higher 30-day reintervention rates (7.8% vs 4.9%; OR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.0-2.2]) but fewer wound infections (7.3% vs 12%; OR, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.4-0.8]) compared with patients with prior endovascular intervention., Conclusions: Prior revascularization, in both patients with CLTI and patients with claudication, is associated with worse perioperative outcomes compared with primary bypass. Furthermore, prior endovascular intervention is associated with increased wound infections, whereas those with prior bypass had higher reintervention rates. The increasing prevalence of patients undergoing multiple interventions stresses the importance of the selection of patients for initial treatment and should be factored into subsequent revascularization options in an effort to decrease adverse events., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who present with critical limb ischemia (CLI) have become an increasingly common and complex treatment problem for vascular surgeons. Dialysis patients have high short-term mortality rates regardless of whether revascularization is pursued. ESRD patients with CLI can be managed with: local wound care, endovascular or surgical revascularization, or amputation. Some patients may heal small foot wounds with local wound care alone, even if distal perfusion is marginal, as long as any infectious process has been controlled. Surgical revascularization has a mortality rate of 5-10% but has a high chance of limb salvage. However, overall 5-year survival may be as low as 28%. Endovascular therapy also carries a high perioperative mortality risk in this population with similar limb salvage rates. Amputation is indicated in patients with advanced stage CLI, as described by the Society for Vascular Surgery's Wound, Ischemia and foot Infection (WIfI) system. Statistical models predict that endovascular or surgical revascularization strategies are less costly and more functionally beneficial to patients than primary amputation alone. Decisions on how to manage ESRD patients with CLI are complex but revascularization can often result in limb salvage, despite limited overall survival. Dialysis patients with good life expectancy and good quality conduit may benefit most from surgical bypass.

After endovascular therapy, duplex ultrasound surveillance to detect restenosis guides clinical decisions and defines treatment failure. However, the correlation between duplex ultrasound and symptom recurrence remains unclear. We reviewed our institutional experience (2007-2010) to identify patients undergoing endovascular therapy for claudication. The association between post-intervention systolic velocity ratio and patient-reported symptom recurrence was determined. We analyzed 183 follow-up visits following treatment in 88 limbs (femoropopliteal (56%) or iliac (44%) arteries). After femoropopliteal intervention, median systolic velocity ratio was higher in patients with symptom recurrence (2.99 symptomatic vs. 1.69 asymptomatic; p<0.001). Elevated systolic velocity ratio or occlusion correlated with symptom recurrence (area under receiver operator characteristic curve=0.82 [95% CI 0.74-0.83]), and systolic velocity ratio>2.5 was 71% sensitive and 72% specific for symptom recurrence. After femoropopliteal endovascular therapy for claudication, duplex ultrasound-detected restenosis is highly associated with clinical deterioration. This validates objective criteria for treatment failure in claudicants and suggests that symptom status can serve as a primary indicator of anatomic restenosis., (© The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)

Background: Advanced age (≥ 80 years) has been associated with adverse outcomes after lower extremity bypass for critical limb ischemia (CLI), but endovascular therapy (ET) is reported to have comparable safety across age groups. Here, we assess the safety and effectiveness of advanced age on outcomes after ET for lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication (IC)., Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained institutional database (2007-2012) identified all patients undergoing ET for IC. Demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were assessed via univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression. Effectiveness was assessed across a panel of outcome metrics including the following: overall survival, freedom from major adverse limb event (MALE), and freedom from reintervention, amputation, or restenosis (RAS). Freedom from MALE + perioperative death (MALE + POD) was the primary safety end point., Results: Two hundred thirty-six patients underwent primary ET for 284 affected limbs. Of these, 46 interventions (16%) were performed in patients ≥ 80 years old. The average age of octogenarians treated was 84.4 years compared with 67.4 years among those aged <80 (P < 0.001). Compared with younger claudicants, octogenarians were less likely to have hypercholesterolemia (43.5% vs. 63.9%, P = 0.01) and more likely to deny a history of smoking (41.3% vs. 14.7%, P < 0.001). Octogenarians were also more likely to undergo interventions involving the popliteal artery (50% vs. 31.9%, P = 0.03). There were no other significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification, or treated arterial segment. Thirty-day freedom from MALE + POD was 100% in octogenarians and 99.6% in patients <80 years, with no difference between age groups. There were no differences in freedom from MALE, freedom from RAS, or overall survival at 1- and 3-year follow-up., Conclusions: Although age >80 years has been identified as an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in the surgical treatment of CLI, our results suggest that ET for selected octogenarians with lifestyle-limiting claudication is as safe and effective as ET in younger patients. Advanced age alone should not prohibit consideration of ET for patients with IC., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Compared with other common chronic conditions, admissions for management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are associated with prolonged hospitalizations. Length of stay (LOS) is one of many metrics receiving increased attention in the current focus on efficient healthcare delivery. Our objective was to characterize LOS among patients with severe PAD, those undergoing surgical bypass for critical limb ischemia (CLI), and identify risk factors for protracted postoperative LOS., Methods: Patient data from the 2007 to 2009 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were used to develop a database consisting of patients undergoing bypass surgery for CLI (n = 4,894). Protracted postoperative LOS was defined as the top quartile of days hospitalized from surgery to discharge. Preoperative risk factors with significant association (Pearson chi-squared test; P < 0.05) were used to develop a logistic regression model for protracted postoperative LOS., Results: Average postoperative LOS was 7.5 days (median 6 days). The top quartile of postoperative LOS, >8 days, was used to define protracted LOS. Independent preoperative risk factors for protracted postoperative LOS included demographic characteristics (advanced age and non-Caucasian race), comorbidities, and medical history (e.g., obesity, dialysis dependence, severe cardiac and pulmonary disease, and bleeding disorders). Indicators of PAD severity (e.g., distal target sites, open wounds or gangrene, and prior arterial surgery) were also independent predictors of protracted LOS after surgery. The greatest predictors of extended postoperative LOS were prolonged preoperative hospitalization (OR 2.2 [95% CI: 1.8-2.6], P < 0.001) and preoperative dependent functional status (OR 2.0 [95% CI: 1.7-2.3], P < 0.001 for partial dependence; OR 2.8 [95% CI: 1.8-4.3], P < 0.001 for totally dependent status), where OR and CI stand for odds ratio and confidence interval., Conclusions: Here, we identify preoperative risk factors for protracted postoperative LOS after infrainguinal bypass for CLI. These findings provide an important evidence basis for ongoing efforts to reduce healthcare spending and facilitate provision of efficient health care. Future efforts will include prospective identification of patients at high risk for protracted postoperative LOS and targeted multidisciplinary efforts to reduce associated costs without sacrificing healthcare quality., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Prosthetic vascular graft infection in patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease can lead to multiple additional procedures, including extra-anatomic bypass or even amputation. We report the case of an 88-year-old woman with critical limb ischemia and an infected prosthetic femoral-femoral bypass graft. Using a planned hybrid 2-stage approach, we performed endovascular recanalization of the native left iliac arterial system using remote access via the superficial femoral artery to avoid infected groin wounds. Recanalization of the patient's Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II D chronic iliac occlusion allowed for removal of the infected graft and placement of a profunda femoris artery to proximal posterior tibial artery bypass, thereby restoring inflow and avoiding the infected left groin. Newer endovascular techniques coupled with open surgical options may lead to limb salvage in patients with previously unreconstructable peripheral arterial disease., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)