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Subclavian artery aneurysms are extremely rare, accounting for approximately 0.1% of peripheral artery aneurysms. We present a case of a proximal left subclavian arterial aneurysm in a patient status post previous coronary artery bypass grafting; the aneurysm was complicated by involvement of the left internal mammary artery that had been previously utilized to revascularize the left anterior descending artery. Ostial stenosis of the internal mammary artery secondary to the aneurysm was present. Simultaneous reoperative coronary bypass surgery and repair of the left subclavian aneurysm was performed, with a good result. This is the second case reported in the literature of concomitant subclavian artery aneurysm repair and coronary revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A little less than half of American adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. In 2016, West Virginia (WV) had the highest percentage (15.2%) of adults with diagnosed diabetes in the U.S., Purpose: In partnership with the Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA), a cross-sectional study was preformed to assess knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions of diabetes risk., Methods: Data was collected by trained HSTA students and teachers who lived in rural counties in WV. Information was assessed using validated surveys, and HbA1c was obtained by utilizing professional point-of-care (Bayer) kits., Results: Mean age and Body Mass Index (BMI) was 36.11±17.86 years and 27.80±6.09 kg/m 2 , respectively. More than half of the participants had a family history of diabetes (58.8%) and hypertension (60.2%), and a majority had elevated BMI (65.9%). However, only 29.2% rated their future risk for diabetes as moderate to high. Eighty percent (80%) had an inadequate amount of weekly exercise, and 36% had lower quality of diet. Overall, dietary quality and diabetes knowledge was associated with a low to moderate diabetes risk score; risk score positively correlated with higher HbA1c (r=0.439, P<.001). Participants' HbA1c, perceived future risk of diabetes and family history of diabetes emerged as significant predictors of diabetes risk in the regression model, controlling for health behavior and diabetes knowledge., Implications: HbA1c, perceived future risk of diabetes and family history of diabetes may be the best predictors of developing diabetes in the future and, therefore, are important to assess during community screening. Perception of diabetes risk is lower than actual diabetes risk in WV., (Copyright © 2021 Ranjita Misra, Sara Farjo, Renee McGinnis, Megan Adelman Elavsky, Summer Kuhn, and Catherine Morton-McSwain.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess safety outcomes of femoropopliteal drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty using patient-level data from the Lutonix clinical program., Background: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of heterogenous trials and summary-level data identified increased long-term mortality in patients treated with paclitaxel-coated balloons and stents., Methods: We evaluated DCB angioplasty (n = 1,093) and uncoated balloon angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA]) (n = 250) outcomes in LEVANT 1 (The Lutonix Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Prevention of Femoropopliteal Restenosis), LEVANT 2 (Moxy Drug Coated Balloon vs. Standard Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Arteries), and the LEVANT Japan Clinical Trial. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with Cox proportional hazards modeling., Results: There were no significant differences in mortality rates between DCB angioplasty and PTA. The 5-year HR was 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68 to 1.52) in the aggregated LEVANT trials. The 2-year HR after DCB angioplasty was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.25 to 3.95) in LEVANT 1, 1.40 (95% CI: 0.62 to 3.14) in LEVANT 2, and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.05 to 1.92) in the LEVANT Japan Clinical Trial. The 5-year HR was 1.60 (95% CI: 0.94 to 2.72) in LEVANT 2. Adverse events and causes of death were balanced, without clustering between DCB angioplasty and PTA. Patients who underwent paclitaxel or nonpaclitaxel reinterventions had higher survival rates than those who did not undergo reinterventions. Baseline covariates predicting mortality included, among others, age (HR: 1.03 per year; p < 0.0001), prior treatment of target lesion (HR: 1.67; p = 0.022), arrhythmia (HR: 1.65; p = 0.031), and diabetes (HR: 1.18; p = 0.047), without differences between the 2 arms. No dose-response relationship was identified when adjusted for key predictors of mortality., Conclusions: Analyses of patient-level data identified no mortality differences between DCB angioplasty and PTA. Furthermore, the lack of dose-response relationships or clustering of causes of death argues against a causal relationship between paclitaxel and mortality. (LEVANT 1, The Lutonix Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Prevention of Femoropopliteal Restenosis [LEVANT 1], NCT00930813; Moxy Drug Coated Balloon vs. Standard Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Arteries [LEVANT 2], NCT01412541; LEVANT 2 Continued Access Registry, NCT01628159; LEVANT Japan Clinical Trial, NCT01816412)., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A recent summary-level meta-analysis comprising randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of femoropopliteal paclitaxel-coated balloon and stent intervention identified excess late mortality in the paclitaxel-treated patients., Methods: We evaluated the safety of the Stellarex drug-coated balloon (DCB) for femoropopliteal artery disease with an independently performed meta-analysis of patient-level data from all patients in the Stellarex femoropopliteal clinical program. To compare mortality after DCB or uncoated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), we aggregated data from 2 RCTs comprising 419 patients treated with DCB and 170 patients treated with PTA. In an additional analysis, data were aggregated from 6 poolable Stellarex DCB studies (2 RCTs, 3 single-arm studies, and 1 registry). All serious adverse events including deaths were adjudicated by a blinded, third-party, independent Clinical Events Committee. Kaplan-Meier estimates in the RCTs were compared with restricted mean survival time. Predictors of death were assessed with hazard ratios (HRs) and Cox proportional hazards modeling., Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in the patients treated with DCB and PTA in the pooled RCT analysis, with the exception that the DCB cohort was younger (67.4±9.7 versus 69.4±9.4 years, P =0.02), smoked more frequently (86.6% versus 78.8%, P =0.02), and were less often treated for recurrent lesions (8.8% versus 14.7%, P =0.04). In the RCTs, patients treated with DCB had all-cause mortality rates that were not different from those of patients treated with PTA (Kaplan-Meier estimates 1.8±0.7% versus 1.3±0.9%, 6.5±1.2% versus 5.9±1.9%, and 9.3±1.5% versus 9.9±2.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, P =0.86). All-cause mortality rates were similar in a 1906-patient pooled nonrandomized DCB data set (Kaplan-Meier estimates of 2.1%, 4.9%, and 7.0% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively). Clinical Events Committee-adjudicated causes of death were balanced between the DCB and PTA cohorts. Multivariable Cox modeling identified age (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08; P <0.001), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01-2.00; P =0.04), congestive heart failure (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.12-3.16; P =0.02), and renal insufficiency (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33-3.01; P <0.001) as predictors of mortality. Paclitaxel exposure was unrelated to mortality (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.98-1.10; P =0.23)., Conclusions: The mortality rates for patients treated with the DCB and uncoated PTA were indistinguishable over 3-year follow-up. Additional patient-level, adequately powered meta-analyses with larger RCT data sets will be needed to confirm the generalizability of these findings., Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT02110524, NCT01858363, NCT01858428, NCT03421561, NCT01912937, NCT01927068, and NCT02769273.

Objective: Venous aneurysms are uncommon vascular abnormalities that may be identified anywhere in the body. Historically, they were often misdiagnosed as soft tissue lesions, but with the advent of readily available noninvasive imaging (such as duplex ultrasound), they can now be easily identified. Our aim was to review the presentation of venous aneurysms, available imaging modalities for defining them, and management., Methods: The English-language literature before March 2017 was reviewed, and only reports of primary venous aneurysms of the deep veins were included. Reports were subdivided on the basis of the location of the venous aneurysm, and reports containing sample imaging studies were referenced from Elsevier publications., Results: In total, our review identified reports of 35 head and neck venous aneurysms, 42 thoracic venous aneurysms, 152 intra-abdominal venous aneurysms, and 279 venous aneurysms of the extremities. Venous aneurysms of the lower extremity deep veins were most likely to be manifested by venous thromboembolic events, with approximately 25% to 50% of popliteal vein aneurysms presenting with pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis can be made by duplex ultrasound, computed tomography venography, magnetic resonance venography, or invasive venography. Management varies by location; most thoracic and head and neck aneurysms are observed, whereas venous aneurysms of the extremities are treated with surgical intervention, given the potential for venous thromboembolism. Few reports describe endovascular management of these lesions, so open surgical intervention remains the standard of care., Conclusions: Venous aneurysms are rare vascular malformations that occur throughout the body. Many are identified on routine imaging ordered for other indications, whereas venous aneurysms of the deep veins of the extremities are often manifested with venous thromboembolism. Management of these lesions is determined largely by location and the potential morbidity and mortality of the untreated aneurysms vs surgery; aneurysms of the head and neck and thorax are managed with observation and serial imaging over time, whereas those of the abdomen and extremities are treated with surgical intervention. Endovascular techniques continue to lack a defined role in their management, and the standard of care remains open repair, when indicated., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

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

Objective: Although fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, its association with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is less certain. We, thus, sought to characterize F&V intake and investigate the association between F&V consumption and presence of PAD in a large community sample., Approach and Results: Self-referred participants at >20 000 US sites who completed medical and lifestyle questionnaires were evaluated by screening ankle brachial indices for PAD (ankle brachial index ≤0.9). Among 3 696 778 individuals, mean age was 64.1±10.2 years and 64.1% were female. Daily consumption of ≥3 servings of F&V was reported by 29.2%. Increasing age, female sex, white race, never smoking, being currently married, physical activity, increasing income, and frequent consumption of fish, nuts, and red meat were positively associated with daily consumption of F&V. After multivariable adjustment, there was a stepwise inverse association between F&V intake and PAD. Participants reporting daily intake of ≥3 servings of F&V had 18% lower odds of PAD than those reporting less than monthly consumption. In unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted models, the inverse association with F&V became stronger as ankle brachial index decreased. When stratified by smoking status, the association was present only among those subjects who currently or formerly smoked tobacco., Conclusions: Our study demonstrates an inverse association of F&V consumption with prevalent PAD and overall low F&V consumption. These observations suggest the need to further efforts to increase F&V consumption and for more rigorous evaluation of the role of F&V in PAD prevention., (© 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Aberrant left vertebral artery (LVA) origin off the aortic arch is an uncommon anatomic variant. Treatment of the thoracic aortic pathology that necessitates its coverage has not been described. We present a patient with an acute intramural hematoma with a dominant LVA originating from the aortic arch. A LVA-to-carotid artery transposition with shunt placement, carotid-to-subclavian bypass, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair were performed. The patient recovered uneventfully, without any evidence of stroke. This case study shows that aberrant left vertebral anatomy presents a unique and interesting challenge and that vertebral shunt techniques during revascularization can be performed without stroke., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is associated with significantly increased risk of peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes is classified as a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalent, but it is unknown whether diabetes is a CHD risk equivalent for peripheral vascular disease. The objective was to evaluate the odds of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or carotid artery stenosis (CAS) among participants with diabetes, CHD, or both, compared with participants without diabetes or CHD, in a nationwide vascular screening database. We hypothesized that diabetes and CHD would confer similar odds of PAD and CAS., Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of all eligible Life Line Screening Inc participants age 30 to 90 years with ankle brachial indices for PAD (ankle brachial index <0.9 in either leg) and carotid artery duplex ultrasonographic imaging for CAS (internal CAS ≥50%) was performed (N=3,522,890)., Results: Diabetes and CHD were present in 372,330 (10.7%) and 182,760 (5.8%) of participants, respectively; PAD and CAS were present in 155,000 (4.4%) and 130,347 (3.7%) of participants. After multivariable adjustment, PAD odds were 1.56 (95% CI 1.54-1.59) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.65-1.73) for participants with diabetes or CHD, respectively. Participants with both diabetes and CHD had 2.75-fold increased odds of PAD (95% CI 2.66-2.85). Findings were similar for CAS; compared with no diabetes or CHD, CAS odds increased for participants with diabetes alone (1.53, 95% CI 1.50-1.56), CHD alone (1.72, 95% CI 1.68-1.76), and both diabetes and CHD (2.57, 95% CI 2.49-2.66). Findings were consistent for women and men., Conclusion: In a large database of more than 3.5 million self-referred participants, diabetes was a CHD risk equivalent for PAD and CAS, and participants with comorbid diabetes and CHD had an especially robust association with PAD and CAS. Counseling regarding screening and prevention of peripheral vascular disease may be useful for patients with diabetes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) disproportionally affects racial groups in the United States. Few studies have analyzed the rates of PAD in the American Indian (AI)/Alaskan Native (AN) population. In this article, we compare the prevalence of PAD in the AI/AN as compared with white and nonwhite Americans., Methods: The study data were provided by Life Line Screening (Independence, OH). The cohort consists of self-referred individuals who paid for vascular screening tests. Mild-to-moderate and severe PAD were defined as having an ankle-brachial index (ABI) in at least one extremity of < 0.9 and < 0.5, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the rates of PAD between AI/AN, Caucasians, and nonwhites., Results: The original sample for which this study was obtained included 3,444,272 people. Of this group there was a predominance of females 64.5% (2,221,555) compared with 35.5% (1,222,716) males. The Native American/AN population was 2.8% of the sample (96,440). In our univariate analysis AI/AN had the highest rates of mild-moderate and severe PAD when compared with whites (odds ratio [OR] 1.78 and 2.14, respectively) and nonwhites (OR 1.52 and 1.82, respectively). We then controlled for atherosclerotic risk factors in our multivariate analysis, and the AI/NA cohort had persistently higher rates of both moderate and severe PAD compared with whites (OR 1.32 and 1.40) but not compared with nonwhites (OR 0.95 and 0.92)., Conclusions: Here we present the largest epidemiology study of PAD in AI/AN to date. AI/NA people have disproportionately high rates of both mild to-moderate and severe PAD when compared with whites and nonwhite Americans. After controlling for atherosclerotic risk factors the rates of PAD remain high for AI/NA when compared with whites but not when compared with nonwhites. While it is possible that a combination of diet and lifestyle choices are responsible for the high rates of PAD in this population, genetic factors may be involved as well, and deserve further investigation. Optimal medical management may help to prevent the complications of PAD in this patient population., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is a relatively uncommon but potentially lethal condition associated with bowel ischemia and infarction. The natural history and long-term outcomes are poorly understood and under-reported., Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of noncirrhotic patients diagnosed with MVT from 1999 to 2015 was performed using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and radiology codes. Patients were excluded if no radiographic imaging was available for review. Eighty patients were identified for analysis. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data on presentation and at long-term follow-up were collected. Long-term sequelae of portal venous hypertension were defined as esophageal varices, portal vein cavernous transformation, splenomegaly, or hepatic atrophy, as seen on follow-up imaging., Results: There were 80 patients (57.5% male; mean age, 57.9 ± 15.6 years) identified; 83.3% were symptomatic, and 80% presented with abdominal pain. Median follow-up was 480 days (range, 1-6183 days). Follow-up radiographic and clinical data were available for 50 patients (62.5%). The underlying causes of MVT included cancer (41.5%), an inflammatory process (25.9%), the postoperative state (20.7%), and idiopathic cases (18.8%). Pancreatic cancer was the most common associated malignant neoplasm (53%), followed by colon cancer (15%). Twenty patients (26%) had prior or concurrent lower extremity deep venous thromboses. Most patients (68.4%) were treated with anticoagulation; the rest were treated expectantly. Ten (12.5%) had bleeding complications related to anticoagulation, including one death from intracranial hemorrhage. Four patients underwent intervention (three pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and one thrombectomy). One patient died of intestinal ischemia. Two patients had recurrent MVT, both on discontinuing anticoagulation. Long-term imaging sequelae of portal hypertension were noted in 25 of 50 patients (50%) who had follow-up imaging available. Patients with long-term sequelae had lower recanalization rates (36.8% vs 65%; P = .079) and significantly higher rates of complete as opposed to partial thrombosis at the initial event (73% vs 43.3%; P < .005). Long-term sequelae were unrelated to the initial cause or treatment with anticoagulation (P = NS)., Conclusions: Most cases of MVT are associated with malignant disease or an inflammatory process, such as pancreatitis. A diagnosis of malignant disease in the setting of MVT has poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival of only 25%. MVT can be effectively treated with anticoagulation in the majority of cases. Operative or endovascular intervention is rarely needed but important to consider in patients with signs of severe ischemia or impending bowel infarction. There is a significant incidence of radiographically noted long-term sequelae from MVT related to portal venous hypertension, especially in cases of initial complete thrombosis of the mesenteric vein., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic vascular disorder, involving multiple arterial territories. This project sought to investigate the relationship between lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in a large self-referred population., Methods: Data from the ankle brachial index (ABI) and carotid duplex ultrasound were analyzed from 3.67 million US subjects in the Life Line Screening program between 2004 and 2008. PAD was defined by ABI<0.9 and CAS was defined by greater than 50% stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds of CAS by PAD status and severity., Results: Mean age of the population was 63.7 ± 10.6 years and 64% were women. The prevalence of PAD and CAS was 4.1% and 3.9%, respectively. Subjects with PAD had a higher prevalence of CAS than those without PAD (18.8% vs. 3.3%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, PAD was associated with greater odds of CAS (OR 3.28, 95% CI 3.22-3.34). Both symptomatic (OR 3.66, 95% CI 3.58-3.75) and asymptomatic PAD (OR 2.91, 95% CI 2.84-2.98) was associated with CAS. Increasing severity of PAD was associated with greater odds of CAS (OR 2.32, 3.61, 4.19, 5.14, and 7.59 for ABI categories 0.81-0.90, 0.71-0.80, 0.61-0.70, 0.41-0.60, ≤0.40, respectively)., Conclusion: Presence and severity of PAD was associated with prevalence of CAS in the large self-referred and self-paying Life Line cohort, regardless of lower extremity symptoms., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although the relationship between physical activity and coronary heart disease is well characterized, a paucity of data exists on physical activity and vascular disease in other arterial territories. This study examined the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in association with physical activity., Approach and Results: The association between physical activity and vascular disease was examined in >3 million self-referred US participants in the United States from 2003 to 2008 who completed a medical and lifestyle questionnaire in the Life Line screening program. All subjects were evaluated by screening ankle brachial indices <0.90 for PAD and ultrasound imaging for CAS >50%. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to estimate odds of disease. Among 3 250 350 subjects, 63% of the population engaged in some leisure time vigorous physical activity. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, and family history of cardiovascular disease, subjects who reported any physical activity had a significantly lower odds of PAD (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.65) and CAS (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.81). The association between physical activity with PAD and CAS was robust when stratified by sex, race, and age categories. Physical activity intensity frequency was associated with lower PAD and CAS in a graded manner (P trend <0.0001 for both). Findings seemed unaffected by confounding by comorbidity or indication., Conclusions: In a large population-based study, higher levels of physical activity were independently associated with lower odds of vascular disease in the lower extremities and carotid arteries., (© 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes and different phenotypes of peripheral vascular disease (lower extremity peripheral artery disease [PAD], carotid artery stenosis [CAS], and abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA])., Research Design and Methods: Prevalence of vascular disease was evaluated in 3,696,778 participants of the Life Line Screening survey between 2003 and 2008. PAD was defined as ankle-brachial pressure index <0.90 or prior revascularization, CAS as ≥50% stenosis or prior revascularization, and AAA as infrarenal aortic diameter ≥3 cm or prior repair. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were assessed using logistic regression modeling., Results: Diabetes mellitus was present in 10.8% of participants (n = 399,884). Prevalence of PAD, CAS, and AAA was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in participants with compared with those without diabetes. After multivariate adjustment for baseline demographics and clinical risk factors, a significant interaction existed between diabetes and vascular disease phenotype (P < 0.0001). Diabetes was associated with increased odds of PAD (OR 1.42 [95% CI 1.41-1.4]; P < 0.0001) and CAS (1.45 [1.43-1.47]; P < 0.0001) but decreased odds of AAA (0.86 [0.84-0.88]; P < 0.0001). The strength of association increased with increasing severity of disease in each vascular phenotype, and this association persisted in the population with asymptomatic vascular disease., Conclusions: In a large population-based study, the association between diabetes and vascular disease differed according to vascular phenotype. Future studies exploring the mechanism for these vascular-specific differences are needed., (© 2014 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Objective: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the impact of TEVAR on mortality, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and discharge status in patients with acute uncomplicated TBAD., Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample from 2009 and 2010. Patients were categorized according to the type of treatment: TEVAR or medical management. Outcomes, including mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), acute renal failure, discharge disposition, and LOS, were compared between the treatment groups., Results: We identified 4706 patients with TBAD. Mean age was 67 years and 55% were male. Treatment options included TEVAR in 504 and medical management in 4202. The overall adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar for both the groups (8.5% for TEVAR vs 10.3% for medical management, P = .224). The TEVAR carried higher risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.14-2.27]; P = .0073). The TEVAR was associated with prolonged LOS (12 vs 5.6 days, P < .0001) and patients were less likely to be discharged home (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.99; P = .013). When stratified by age, all outcomes were similar between the 2 groups, with the exception of longer LOS with TEVAR., Conclusions: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute uncomplicated TBAD was associated with similar in-hospital mortality, MI, and renal failure as compared to medical management. The TEVAR had higher rate of stroke up to the age 70 years and longer LOS. Because extending TEVAR to less complicated patients could only decrease TEVAR mortality rates, these findings support the more widespread use of TEVAR to treat patients with uncomplicated TBAD.

Objective: Endovascular interventions for critical limb ischemia are associated with inferior limb salvage (LS) rates in most randomized trials and large series. This study examined the long-term outcomes of selective use of endovascular-first (endo-first) and open-first strategies in 302 patients from March 2007 to December 2010., Methods: Endo-first was selected if (1) the patient had short (5-cm to 7-cm occlusions or stenoses in crural vessels); (2) the disease in the superficial femoral artery was limited to TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II A, B, or C; and (3) no impending limb loss. Endo-first was performed in 187 (62%), open-first in 105 (35%), and 10 (3%) had hybrid procedures., Results: The endo-first group was older, with more diabetes and tissue loss. Bypass was used more to infrapopliteal targets (70% vs 50%, P = .031). The 5-year mortality was similar (open, 48%; endo, 42%; P = .107). Secondary procedures (endo or open) were more common after open-first (open, 71 of 105 [68%] vs endo, 102 of 187 [55%]; P = .029). Compared with open-first, the 5-year LS rate for endo-first was 85% vs 83% (P = .586), and amputation-free survival (AFS) was 45% vs 50% (P = .785). Predictors of death were age >75 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-6.6; P = .0007), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.1-5.6; P < .0001), and prior stroke (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.03-2.3; P = .036). Predictors of limb loss were ESRD (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.4; P = .015) and below-the-knee intervention (P = .041). Predictors of worse AFS were older age (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.13-3.7; P = .018), ESRD (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.1-5.11; P < .0001), prior stroke (P = .0054), and gangrene (P = .024)., Conclusions: At 5 years, endo-first and open-first revascularization strategies had equivalent LS rates and AFS in patients with critical limb ischemia when properly selected. A patient-centered approach with close surveillance improves long-term outcomes for both open and endo approaches., (Copyright © 2014 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

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

Background: A 61-year-old man with a previous endovascular repair and stage 5 chronic kidney disease presented with a symptomatic 4.5-cm left internal iliac artery aneurysm. The decision was made to proceed with endovascular repair., Methods: The preoperative magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan was linked to on-table rotational imaging using the Artis zeego Fusion program (Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany). Using the fused image as a road map, we undertook coil embolization of the left internal iliac artery, and a tapered stent graft was extended from the previous graft into the external iliac artery., Results: Completion angiography revealed exclusion of the aneurysm sac. Three milliliters of contrast were used throughout the procedure. A follow-up magnetic resonance angiography scan at 1 month and duplex ultrasonography at 1 year revealed continued exclusion of the aneurysm sac. The patient's renal function remained unchanged., Conclusions: This case shows that in a patient with severe chronic kidney disease, fusion of preoperative imaging with intraoperative rotational imaging is feasible and can limit significantly the amount of contrast used during a complex endovascular procedure., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Endoleak and sac growth remain unpredictable occurrences after EVAR, necessitating regular surveillance imaging, including CT angiography. This study was designed to identify preoperative CT variables that predict AAA remodeling and sac behavior post-EVAR., Methods: Pre- and postoperative CT scans from 136 abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with EVAR were analyzed using M2S (West Lebanon, NH) software for size measurements. Preoperative total sac volume and proportion of thrombus and calcium in the sac were assessed. Sac change was defined as a 3-mm difference in diameter and a 10-mm3 difference in volume when compared with preoperative measurements. Univariate analysis was performed for age, gender, AAA size, relative thrombus/calcium volume, device type, presence of endoleak, and the effects on sac size., Results: Gender, device type, age, AAA size, and percent calcium were not predictive of sac change post-EVAR. Increased proportion of thrombus on pre-EVAR resulted in a greater likelihood of sac shrinkage (P=0.002). Patients with aneurysms that grew on postoperative CT scan had less sac thrombus on pre-EVAR (mean 27.5%) than patients without evidence of endoleak (mean 41.9%, P<0.0001). Only 2 of 30 patients with >50% pre-EVAR thrombus developed endoleak. A>50% thrombus burden resulted in endoleak in significantly fewer patients (6.7%) compared with those who had <50% thrombus (43.1%)., Conclusions: The proportion of thrombus on preoperative CT may predict sac behavior after EVAR and development of an endoleak. Greater than 50% thrombus appears to predict absence of endoleak after EVAR. Aneurysms with large thrombus burden are less likely to grow and may require less vigilant postoperative surveillance than comparable AAA with relatively little thrombus., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Uncomplicated type B dissections have been traditionally managed with antihypertensive therapy. In the endovascular era, this dictum has been revisited. This review pooled the available studies to compare the outcomes of best medical therapy (BMT) to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated type B dissections., Methods: A literature search was performed to identify studies on uncomplicated type B dissections managed with BMT with and without TEVAR. The primary outcome measures were mortality rates at 30 days and at 2 years following intervention., Results: A total of 6 studies included 123 patients who underwent TEVAR/BMT, and 566 patients who had BMT alone. The mortality rates at 30 days (6.5% TEVAR/BMT vs 4.8% BMT, P = .21) and at 2 years (9.7% vs 11.9%, P = .32) were similar. Renal failure was greater in TEVAR/BMT (15.4% vs 2.1%, P < .01). Rates of surgical reintervention/intervention were similar (17.6% vs 20.1%, P = .31)., Conclusion: The TEVAR with BMT does not provide survival benefit compared to BMT alone, 2 years following uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.

Background: The precise relationship between risk factor burden and prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in different vascular territories (PAD, carotid artery stenosis [CAS], and abdominal aortic aneurysms [AAAs]) is unclear., Methods: We investigated the association of modifiable risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle) with any and type-specific peripheral vascular disease (PVD) among 3.3 million patients in the U.S., aged 40 to 99, who underwent screening bilateral ankle brachial indices, carotid duplex ultrasound, and abdominal aortic ultrasound in the Life Line Screening program between 2004 and 2008. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds of disease in different risk factor categories. Population-attributable risk was calculated to estimate the proportion of disease that could be potentially ascribed to modifiable risk factors., Results: Among 3,319,993 participants, prevalence of any PVD was 7.51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.50%-7.53%). PAD was present in 3.56% (95% CI, 3.54%-3.58%), CAS in 3.94% (95% CI, 3.92%-3.96%), and AAAs in 0.88% (95% CI, 0.86%-0.89%). The multivariate-adjusted prevalence with the presence of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 modifiable risk factors was 2.76, 4.63, 7.12, 10.73, 16.00, and 22.08 (P < .0001 for trend) for any PVD; 1.18, 2.09, 3.28, 5.14, 8.32, and 12.43 (P < .0001 for trend) for PAD; 1.41, 2.36, 3.72, 5.73, 8.48, and 11.58 (P < .0001 for trend) for CAS; and 0.31, 0.54, 0.85, 1.28, 1.82, and 2.39 (P < .0001 for trend) for AAAs, respectively. These associations were similar for men and women. For every additional modifiable risk factor that was present, the multivariate-adjusted odds of having vascular disease increased significantly (any PVD [odds ratio (OR), 1.58; 95% CI, 1.58-1.59]; PAD [OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.62-1.63]; CAS [OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.56-1.57]; and AAA [OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.50-1.53])., Conclusions: This very large contemporary database demonstrates that risk factor burden is associated with an increased prevalence of PVD, and there is a graded association between the number of risk factors present and the prevalence of PAD, CAS, and AAAs., (Copyright © 2013 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The treatment of venous insufficiency using endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation may result in endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT), a form of deep venous thrombosis. This study sought to assess whether increasing the ablation distance peripheral to the deep venous junction would result in a reduction in the incidence of EHIT II., Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database from April 2007 to December 2011. Consecutive patients undergoing great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) ablation were evaluated. Previous to February 2011, all venous ablations were performed 2 cm peripheral to the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction (group I). Subsequent to February 2011, ablations were performed greater than or equal to 2.5 cm peripheral to the respective deep system junction (group II). The primary outcome was the development of EHIT II or greater (ie, thrombus protruding into the deep venous system but comprising less than 50% of the deep vein lumen). Secondary outcomes included procedure-site complications such as thrombophlebitis and hematomas. χ(2) tests were performed for all discrete variables, and unpaired Student's t-tests were performed for all continuous variables. P < .05 was considered statistically significant., Results: A total of 4223 procedures were performed among group I (n = 3239) and group II (n = 984). Patient demographics were similar between the two groups; however, the CEAP classification was higher by a small margin in group II, and the result was significant (group I: 2.6% ± 0.9% vs group II: 2.8% ± 1.0%; P = .006). The incidence of EHIT II was 76 in group I and 13 in group II. This represented a trend toward diminished frequency in group II as compared with group I (group I: 2.3% vs group II: 1.3%; P = .066). There were no reported cases of EHIT III or IV in this patient cohort. Patients who developed an EHIT II in group I were treated using anticoagulation 54% of the time, and patients who developed an EHIT II in group II were treated using anticoagulation 100% of the time., Conclusions: This study suggests that changing the treatment distance from 2 cm to greater than or equal to 2.5 cm peripheral to the deep venous junction may result in a diminished incidence of EHIT II. Ongoing evaluation is required to validate these results and to affirm the long-term durability of this technique., (Copyright © 2013 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study sought to determine the relationship between vascular disease in different arterial territories and advanced age., Background: Vascular disease in the peripheral circulation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is little data to assess the prevalence of different phenotypes of vascular disease in the very elderly., Methods: Over 3.6 million self-referred participants from 2003 to 2008 who completed a medical and lifestyle questionnaire in the United States were evaluated by screening ankle brachial indices <0.9 for peripheral artery disease (PAD), and ultrasound imaging for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) >50% and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) >3 cm. Participants were stratified by decade of life. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds of disease in different age categories., Results: Overall, the prevalence of PAD, CAS, and AAA, was 3.7%, 3.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. Prevalence of any vascular disease increased with age (40 to 50 years: 2%, 51 to 60 years: 3.5%, 61 to 70 years: 7.1%, 71 to 80 years: 13.0%, 81 to 90 years: 22.3%, 91 to 100 years: 32.5%; p < 0.0001). Prevalence of disease in each vascular territory increased with age. After adjustment for sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and exercise, the odds of PAD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12 to 2.15), CAS (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.79 to 1.81), and AAA (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 2.30 to 2.36) increased with every decade of life., Conclusions: There is a dramatic increase in the prevalence of PAD, CAS, and AAA with advanced age. More than 20% and 30% of octogenarians and nonagenarians, respectively, have vascular disease in at least 1 arterial territory., (Copyright © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate diagnostic performance of three nonenhanced methods: variable-refocusing-flip angle (FA) fast spin-echo (SE)-based magnetic resonance (MR) angiography (variable FA MR) and constant-refocusing-FA fast SE-based MR angiography (constant-FA MR) and flow-sensitive dephasing (FSD)-prepared steady-state free precession MR angiography (FSD MR) for calf arteries, with dual-injection three-station contrast material-enhanced MR angiography (gadolinium-enhanced MR) as reference., Materials and Methods: This prospective study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant, with informed consent. Twenty-one patients (13 men, eight women; mean age, 62.6 years) underwent calf-station variable-FA MR, constant-FA MR, and FSD MR at 1.5 T, with gadolinium-enhanced MR as reference. Image quality and stenosis severity were assessed in 13 segments per leg by two radiologists blinded to clinical data. Combined constant-FA MR and FSD MR reading was also performed. Methods were compared (logistic regression for correlated data) for diagnostic accuracy., Results: Of 546 arterial segments, 148 (27.1%) had a hemodynamically significant (≥ 50%) stenosis. Image quality was satisfactory for all nonenhanced MR sequences. FSD MR was significantly superior to both other sequences (P < .0001), with 5-cm smaller field of view; 9.6% variable-FA MR, 9.6% constant-FA MR, and 0% FSD MR segmental evaluations had nondiagnostic image quality scores, mainly from high diastolic flow (variable-FA MR) and motion artifact (constant-FA MR). Stenosis sensitivity and specificity were highest for FSD MR (80.3% and 81.7%, respectively), compared with those for constant-FA MR (72.3%, P = .086; and 81.8%, P = .96) and variable-FA MR (75.9%, P = .54; and 75.6%, P = .22). Combined constant-FA MR and FSD MR had superior sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (88.3%) compared with constant-FA MR (P = .0076), variable-FA MR (P = .0044), and FSD MR (P = .0013). All sequences had an excellent negative predictive value (NPV): 93.2%, constant-FA MR; 94.7%, variable-FA MR; 91.7%, FSD MR; and 92.9%, combined constant-FA MR and FSD MR., Conclusion: At 1.5 T, all evaluated nonenhanced MR angiographic methods demonstrated satisfactory image quality and excellent NPV for hemodynamically significant stenosis., Supplemental Material: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.12120859/-/DC1., (RSNA, 2013)

Background: Prosthetic grafts for lower-extremity bypass have limited patency compared with autologous vein grafts. Precuffed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts alter the geometry of the distal hood to improve patency. This study reports the authors' long-term results on the use of precuffed ePTFE grafts for infrainguinal bypasses in patients with arterial occlusive disease and compares these with results of reversed great saphenous vein grafts (rSVG)., Methods: A retrospective review of billing codes identified 101 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and 47 rSVG bypasses performed over a 6-year period. Femoral to below-knee popliteal and femoral to tibial bypasses were analyzed. Data collected consisted of risk factors, Rutherford classification, bypass inflow and outflow, runoff vessels, patency, amputation, and death. Primary end points consisted of primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency along with limb salvage., Results: Mean age of the patients was 76 years in the PTFE group and 69.8 years in the rSVG group. For femoral to below-knee popliteal bypasses, primary patency at 1, 3, and 5 years in the PTFE group was 76.9%, 48.7%, and 43.3%, respectively, compared with 77.1%, 77.1%, and 77.1%, respectively, in the rSVG group (P = 0.225). Secondary patency was 89.2%, 70.9%, and 50.6% in the PTFE group compared with 84.4%, 84.4%, and 84.4% in the rSVG group (P = 0.269). Limb salvage was similar in the PTFE compared with the rSVG group (97.7%, 90.5%, and 79.4% vs. 83.3%, 83.3%, and 83.3%; P = 0.653). For femoral to tibial bypasses, primary patency in the PTFE group at 1, 3, and 5 years was 57.1%, 40.4%, and 22.1%, respectively, compared with 67.4%, 67.4%, and 50.6%, respectively, for the rSVG group (P = 0.246). Secondary patency was 75.5%, 44.9%, and 22.7% in the PTFE group compared with 91.8%, 91.8%, and 52.5% in the rSVG group (P = 0.022). Limb salvage at 1, 3, and 5 years was 79.2%, 55.7%, and 55.7%, respectively, in the PTFE group compared with 96.4%, 96.4%, and 64.3%, respectively, in the rSVG group (P = 0.046)., Conclusions: Precuffed ePTFE grafts demonstrate similar 1-year patency to that of rSVG. However, mid- and long-term patency is reduced compared with saphenous vein grafts (SVG), especially to tibial targets. PTFE grafts to the popliteal demonstrate limb salvage rates similar to those of SVG. In the tibial vessels, limb salvage rates for PTFE grafts are significantly worse compared with SVG., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 72-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease was admitted with right upper quadrant pain, hypotension, an elevated bilirubin, and leukocytosis. A computed tomography scan showed a dilated common bile duct and an associated 4.5 cm gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was coil embolized successfully while maintaining dual access from the brachial and femoral arteries using the "body floss" technique. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoscopic treatment for her obstructive jaundice. We report on the technical aspects of this case and review the literature.

Objective: The objective of this study was to review a single-institution contemporary experience with extracranial aneurysms of the carotid artery., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients evaluated for an aneurysm of the extracranial carotid artery from 2005 to 2010. Demographics, presentation, and operative management were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 22 months (range, 1-58 months)., Results: Over the study period, 16 aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms were identified in 15 patients. Of these, 14 aneurysms (in six men and eight women with mean age of 63 years) underwent surgical repair. The mean aneurysm size was 2.45 cm (range, 0.8-5 cm). One aneurysm (7.1%) was associated with neurologic symptoms, and 13 were asymptomatic. The underlying etiology was trauma in five (35.7%), prior carotid endarterectomy in five (35.7%), and degenerative atherosclerosis in four (28.6%). Aneurysms were isolated to the common carotid artery in six (42.9%), internal carotid artery in five (35.7%), and carotid bifurcation in three (21.4%). Five patients underwent aneurysmectomy with primary repair, seven underwent repair with an interposition graft, one required an innominate to common carotid artery bypass, and one patient had a plication and patch angioplasty. No mortalities or neurologic events were documented within 30 days. One patient had transient cranial nerve palsy. One patient required reintervention at 4 months for stenosis of the bypass graft, and one patient died at 10 months from an unrelated condition. There were no neurologic events on follow-up., Conclusions: Carotid artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are uncommon and usually asymptomatic. Prior trauma and carotid surgery were common etiologies. The location of the aneurysms was equally distributed between the internal and common carotid arteries. Surgical repair was safe and effective with no significant morbidity or mortality and good midterm stroke prevention., (Copyright © 2012 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study reviews a single-center experience of endovascular popliteal aneurysm (PAA) repair., Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify all endovascular PAA repairs performed between September 2004 and January 2011., Results: We identified 21 patients (mean age, 74 ± 9 years, 91% men) with PAAs (mean size, 2.89 ± 1.0 cm) in 26 limbs, of which 38% were symptomatic. All patients underwent endovascular repair with a Viabahn covered stent graft (W. L. Gore & Assoc, Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz). Postoperatively, all patients were maintained on antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel or aspirin, or both. Mean follow-up was 22 ± 17 months (range, 1-57 months). One patient with one aneurysm was lost to follow-up. Primary and secondary patencies were both 91.2% at 1 year and were 85.5% and 91.2%, respectively, at 2 years. The limb salvage rate was 100%. Four stent graft failures occurred at a mean of 12.3 ± 11 months. One technical failure due to stent graft infolding required conversion to an open femoral-popliteal bypass. Three additional graft failures occurred in patients with poor (single-vessel) runoff. Compared with patients with two- or three-vessel runoff, the graft failure rate in patients with single-vessel runoff was statistically significant (P = .02). Two of the graft failures were successfully treated with open thrombectomy, and one required a tibial artery bypass for limb salvage., Conclusions: Endovascular repair of PAAs is feasible and has acceptable midterm patency rates. Poor distal runoff predicted graft failure., (Copyright © 2012 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Iatrogenic arterial injury is an uncommon but recognized complication of posterior spinal surgery. The spectrum of injuries includes vessel perforation leading to hemorrhage, delayed pseudoaneurysm formation, and threatened perforation by screw impingement on arterial vessels. Repair of these injuries traditionally involved open direct vessel repair or graft placement, which can be associated with significant morbidity. We identified five patients with iatrogenic arterial injury during or after posterior spinal surgery between July 2004 and August 2009 and describe their endovascular treatment. Intraoperative arterial bleeding was encountered in two patients during posterior spinal surgery. The posterior wounds were packed, temporarily closed, and the patient was placed supine. In both patients, angiography demonstrated arterial injury necessitating repair. Covered stent grafts were deployed through femoral cutdowns to exclude the areas of injury. In three additional patients, postoperative computed tomography imaging demonstrated pedicle screws abutting/penetrating the thoracic or abdominal aorta. Angiography or intravascular ultrasound imaging, or both, confirmed indention/perforation of the aorta by the screw. Aortic stent graft cuffs were deployed through femoral cutdowns to cover the area of aortic contact before hardware removal. All five patients did well and were discharged home in good condition. Endovascular repair of arterial injuries occurring during posterior spinal procedures is feasible and can offer a safe and less invasive alternative to open repair., (Copyright © 2012 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women on the development of peripheral atherosclerosis remains in question. The goal of this study was to analyze the use of HRT in a large population of postmenopausal women and to determine its association with the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)., Methods: A prospective database of patients who underwent voluntary vascular screening was used. Identification of patients as postmenopausal, and their use of HRT, was based on patient questionnaires. PAD was defined to be present if either lower extremity ankle-brachial index was ≤0.9., Results: Analysis was performed on data from 847,982 postmenopausal women; 433,178 (51.1%) reported having used HRT. HRT subjects were slightly older than patients who had not used HRT (64.5 years vs. 63.6 years). Caucasian women were significantly more likely to have used HRT than non-Caucasian women (52.4% vs. 47.6%). HRT subjects were significantly more likely to have smoked cigarettes (42.8% vs. 40.6%), to have hypertension (47.9% vs. 45.1%), and to have hypercholesterolemia (55% vs. 51.5%) than women who had not used HRT (all P < 0.001). However, HRT subjects were significantly less likely to have diabetes mellitus (8.6% vs. 10.2%, P < 0.001). Despite the increased prevalence of several atherosclerotic risk factors among women who used HRT, they were significantly less likely to have PAD (3.3% vs. 4.1%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusting for age, race, and medical comorbidities that predispose toward the development of atherosclerosis confirmed that HRT was independently associated with a decreased risk of PAD (odds ratio: 0.8, 95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.82). In subsets of postmenopausal women with known atherosclerotic risk factors, the significant effect of HRT on the prevalence of PAD was maintained; in women with either a smoking history, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, or age of ≥70 years, the odds ratio of HRT use with regard to PAD remained approximately 0.8., Conclusions: The use of HRT in postmenopausal women appears to be associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of PAD in this population-based study. This association appeared to be significant even in postmenopausal women with known atherosclerotic risk factors. These observational data may suggest a relationship between HRT and the prevalence of PAD that has not been the specific subject of previous randomized prospective studies., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In 2001, the use of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) was introduced to the United States to treat superficial venous insufficiency. EVLA has subsequently undergone a rapid rise in popularity and usage with a concomitant decrease in traditional operative saphenectomy. Since its inception, the use of EVLA to treat superficial venous insufficiency has advanced significantly. The efficacy of treatment has been validated using both hemoglobin-specific laser wavelength and water-specific laser wavelength lasers. Currently, laser optimization is focusing on reducing postprocedural sequelae. The clinical parameters that correlate best with improved postoperative recovery use lower power/energy settings, water-specific laser wavelength lasers, and jacket or radial-emitting tips. Future study is still required to assess the durability of treatment at lower power and energy settings coupled with jacket or radial-emitting tip fibers. Long-term follow-up using duplex imaging is recommended to ensure persistent treatment success.

Background: The benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in female patients has been questioned by various randomized, prospective trials, particularly in asymptomatic cases; several have noted an increase in perioperative stroke among women after CEA. The outcome of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has not been extensively examined in women. This study examined the outcome of CEA and CAS in women vs men by using a national database., Methods: Outcomes of CEA and CAS were stratified by sex using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The NIS was used to identify patient discharges that occurred during 2004 and 2005. Appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) procedure and diagnosis codes were used to identify CEA and CAS cases. Outcome measures included in-hospital perioperative stroke and death. Comparisons of demographics, procedures, and outcome were performed between men and women. Additional analysis was performed among women alone to attempt to identify whether improved outcome was noted with either procedure., Results: Of 54,658 procedures, 94.2% were CEA and 5.8% were CAS. Women comprised 42.3% of the analyzed cases. Women and men were equally likely to be symptomatic (5.3% vs 5.3%, P = .8). Women were significantly less likely to undergo CAS than men (5.4% vs 6.1%, P < .001). Women and men had equivalent rates of perioperative stroke when undergoing CEA (1.0% vs 1.0%, P = .9) and CAS (2.7% vs 2.0%, P = .2). Symptomatic women had a significantly higher rate of perioperative stroke overall than did symptomatic men (3.8% vs 2.3%, P = .03). Asymptomatic women had a significantly lower perioperative stroke rate after CEA than after CAS (0.9% vs 2.1%, P < .001). Rates of perioperative showed a trend favoring CEA vs CAS among symptomatic women (3.4% vs 6.2%, P = .1)., Conclusions: The concern regarding an increased perioperative stroke rate after CEA among asymptomatic women appears to be unfounded. The perioperative stroke rate among symptomatic women was higher than that of symptomatic men, but still well within the acceptable range for symptomatic patients undergoing a cerebrovascular intervention. Nationally, women underwent CAS significantly less frequently than did men. Outcome among women for perioperative stroke favored CEA over CAS, particularly in asymptomatic patients. CEA may be the preferred treatment in women seeking intervention for cerebrovascular disease, unless compelling reasons exist to perform CAS., (Copyright © 2011 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The impact of vascular injuries on patient mortality has not been well evaluated in multi-trauma patients. This study seeks to determine (1) whether the presence of vascular trauma negatively affects outcome compared with nonvascular trauma (NVT) and (2) the utility of existing severity scoring systems in predicting mortality among vascular trauma (VT) patients., Methods: A retrospective review of our trauma database from January 2005 to December 2007 was conducted. Demographics, Injury Severity Scores (ISS), Revised Trauma Scores (RTS), Trauma Score-Injury Severity Scores (TRISS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and mortality rates were compared. Control patients were selected from a matching cohort based on ISS. Comparisons were made between groups based on the above scoring systems. Statistical analysis used χ(2) analysis and Student t-tests., Results: Fifty VT and 50 NVT patients were identified with no significant differences in age, gender, mechanism of injury, ISS, RTS, or TRISS. The mean APACHE II score was higher in VT compared with NVT (12.3 vs 8.8, P < .05). Overall mortality was higher in VT compared with NVT but did not reach statistical significance (24% vs 11.8%, P = .108). VT patients with RTS score >5 had a higher mortality rate (26% vs 2.2%, P = .007). VT patients with an ISS score >24 had a higher mortality compared with NVT patients (61% vs 28.6%, P = .04). VT patients with an APACHE II score <14 also had a higher mortality rate (18.2% vs 0%, P = .007). Finally, VT patients with a TRISS probability of survival of >80% had a higher mortality rate (13.9% vs 0%, P = .05)., Conclusions: In multi-trauma patients, the presence of vascular injury was associated with increased mortality in less severely injured patients based on the RTS, TRISS, and APACHE II scores. These scoring systems underestimated mortality in patients with vascular trauma. Level of care and future trauma algorithms should be adjusted in the presence of vascular trauma., (Copyright © 2011 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate the duplex results of endovenous laser ablation in the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSV) and small saphenous veins (SSV) with at least 1-year follow-up., Methods: A retrospective registry was entered by 11 centers from Europe and America, organized by the International Endovenous Laser Working Group. Data concerning 1,020 limbs in patients with incompetence of the GSV and/or SSV, treated with the Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) procedure, were collected. EVLA failures were defined on duplex imaging as reflux confined to the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction, reflux confined to the main saphenous trunk, or reflux of both junction and main trunk (totally patent saphenous vein) were analyzed at one or more years postoperatively., Results: The mean age of patients was 54 ± 5 years (range: 18-91 years). The average body mass index was 25. There was a paucity of severe complications: One case of third-degree skin burn, six patients with postsurgical deep vein thrombosis (0.6%), and 27 cases of sensory nerve damage (2.7%). At 1-year, the rate of complete occlusion of the saphenous trunk was 93.1%. There were 79 cases of treatment failures as evidenced by duplex: 22 isolated junction failures (2.2%), 44 isolated trunk failures (4.4%), and 13 totally patent veins (1.3%). Two-year duplex results were reported for 329 limbs with the identification of 19 new cases of failure. No new cases of failure were reported at 3-year follow-up of 130 limbs. Cumulative failure rates estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis were 7.7% at 1-year and 13.1% at 2- and 3-year follow-up., Conclusions: On the basis of a duplex scan performed at least 1-year post-treatment, this multicenter registry confirms the safety and efficacy of the EVLA procedure in the treatment of GSV and SSV reflux. Considering the continued failure rate documented in the present study, an annual follow-up by duplex is recommended to 2 years after EVLA., (Copyright © 2011 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To report preliminary experiences with the treatment of aortic aneurysm sac abscesses following prior endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) using computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage., Case Reports: Three patients aged 73 to 78 years with aortic aneurysm sac infections following prior EVAR, 2 of which were associated with aortoduodenal fistula, underwent CT-guided percutaneous drainage and catheter placement. One patient had complete resolution of the aortic aneurysm sac abscess following percutaneous drainage; 1 patient was stabilized to eventual extraanatomic bypass, graft explantation, and fistula repair; and 1 patient was temporized to debridement and fistula repair with endograft preservation., Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous drainage may be a helpful therapy in selected patients for the treatment of aortic aneurysm sac infections following EVAR.

Objective: Prophylactic atropine traditionally has been used to prevent CAS-associated hemodynamic depression. Glycopyrrolate may serve as an alternative with decreased cardiac effects. This study aims to compare the efficacy of prophylactic glycopyrrolate to atropine in preventing CAS-induced hemodynamic instability and cardiac complications., Methods: 115 consecutive CAS patients from 2004-2010 were evaluated. Primary endpoints were stroke, MI, bradycardia (HR<60 beats/min), and hypotension (systolic BP <90 mm Hg). Additional outcomes included tachycardia (HR >100 beats/min), hypertension (systolic BP >160 mm Hg), pre- and postoperative systolic BP difference, vasopressor use, arrhythmias, cardiac enzyme elevations, and access site complications., Results: Of 115 patients, 65 (56.5%) patients who received atropine or glycopyrrolate prior to CAS were analyzed [40 (61.5%) patients received glycopyrrolate, 25 (38.5%) received atropine]. Mean age was 70.0 ± 8.5 years (range, 48-86 years). Mean stenosis was 86.2 ± 7.4% (range, 70-99%). No MI, major stroke, or death was observed in the 30-day postoperative period. Baseline systolic BP and HR were equivalent between groups. Postoperative bradycardia and hypotension were significantly lower in glycopyrrolate patients compared with atropine patients (30% vs 72%, P = .002; 2.5% vs 36%, P < .001, respectively). Postoperative hypertension was also significantly lower in the glycopyrrolate cohort (2.5% vs 16%, P = .047), whereas tachycardia, pressure changes, vasopressor use, and cardiac complications did not differ significantly. No significant differences in neurologic and access site complications were observed., Conclusions: Prophylactic glycopyrrolate, compared with atropine, reduces hemodynamic instability during CAS. The authors recommend glycopyrrolate use to prevent CAS-induced bradycardia and hypotension.

Background: There is a paucity of literature regarding thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) in women. We report our institutional experience with TEVAR., Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed from 2004 to 2008. TEVAR was performed in 59 patients; 29 (49%) were female., Results: Mean age was 73.5 years. Mean thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) diameter was larger for women (5.9 cm vs 4.7 cm). A trend toward an increase in paraplegia was noted in women, 10.3% vs 4.8%. This may be related to increase in length of aortic coverage in women, 18.2 cm vs 15.2 cm (P < .05)., Conclusion: TEVAR in women is safe and effective. The length of aortic coverage is greater in women, which may be related to larger aneurysms and more diffuse disease. This may be associated with a concerning increase in postoperative paraplegia. Women undergoing TEVAR should be considered for prophylactic maneuvers to prevent spinal cord ischemia (SCI), including minimizing length of coverage.

Purpose: To assess added value of a new time-resolved technique with temporal interpolation and stochastic spiral trajectory through k-space and parallel imaging (TR-MRA) to conventional bolus chase MRA (BC-MRA) for infragenual peripheral artery evaluation., Materials and Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of peripheral arterial disease patients was performed. Infragenual TR-MRA and BC-MRA were performed in 26 patients over four months. Two readers individually assessed image quality, diagnostic confidence, and stenosis severity and length in 13 defined below knee segments, first with BC-MRA alone, and then with a combined BC-MRA and TR-MRA reading (BC+TR-MRA). Perceived contribution of TR-MRA was rated by each reader. The reference standard was a consensus reading of both sequences. Catheter angiographic (CA) correlation was available in 6 patients., Results: A total of 646 infragenual segments in 51 extremities were evaluated. Image quality and diagnostic confidence were superior for BC+TR-MRA compared with BC-MRA alone (P < 0.001). Adding TR-MRA improved sensitivity (85.7% versus 80.7%; P < 0.05) and diagnostic accuracy (88.1% versus 85.4%; P < 0.05) for hemodynamically significant stenosis. Venous contamination (0% versus 13.1% segments) and motion (0.9% versus 8.0%) were decreased for BC+TR-MRA versus BC-MRA alone, P < 0.01. For BC+TR-MRA, TR-MRA was rated more useful than BC-MRA in 30/51 legs (58.8%). TR-MRA identified retrograde flow in 5 segments. Where available, there was high concordance between CA and BC+TR-MRA (91.6%) for stenosis., Conclusion: Adding TR-MRA with temporal interpolation and stochastic spiral trajectories to bolus chase MRA improves image quality, diagnostic confidence and accuracy. It provides hemodynamic information and minimizes venous contamination and patient motion.

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

Improvements in the design of endovascular grafts are based on lessons learned from difficulties encountered with prior-generation devices. The most common difficulties in device design relate to how the device is delivered and how it can safely and durably fix the aneurysm. This concept is especially true in patients with difficult anatomy. Difficult anatomy, such as small, calcified, tortuous access vessels and short angulated sealing zones, continue to challenge engineers. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved eight endovascular devices for the treatment of aortic aneurysms: five for abdominal aortic aneurysms and three for thoracic aortic aneurysms. Compared to the first-generation devices approved in 1999, current devices have smaller and more flexible delivery systems. The devices themselves are more flexible and have better fixation than prior-generation devices. This article will focus on the next generation of devices that are not yet approved, but currently under investigation in the United States.

We reviewed our experience with urgent carotid intervention in the setting of acute neurological deficits. Between June 1992 and August 2008, a total of 3145 carotid endarterectomies (CEA) were performed. Twenty-seven patients (<1.0%) were categorized as urgent. The mean age was 74.1 years (range 56-93 years) with 16 (60%) men, and 11 (40%) women, Symptoms included extremity weakness or paralysis (n=13), amaurosis fugax (n=6), speech difficulty (n=2), and syncope, (n=3). Three patients exhibited a combination of these symptoms. Three open thrombectomy were performed. Regional anesthesia was used in 13 patients (52%). Seventeen patients (67%), required shunt placement. At 30-days, 2 patient (7%) suffered a stroke, and 1 (4%) died. Urgent CEA can be performed safely. A stroke rate of 7% is acceptable in those who may otherwise suffer a dismal outcome without intervention.

In patients who require lower extremity revascularization, prosthetic graft is a reasonable alternative in the absence of a suitable autologous vein conduit. However, prosthetic bypass grafts have limited patency, especially for infrageniculate reconstruction. Polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were geometrically modified at the distal end to increase their patency. The authors reviewed their experience with the Distaflo graft in patients who required lower extremity below-knee popliteal and tibial bypasses when no suitable autologous vein conduit was available. Chart review was conducted of the 57 patients who underwent 60 lower extremity bypasses over a 3-year period between June 2003 and April 2006. Twenty-four revascularizations were constructed to the tibial outflow sites, whereas the remaining grafts were placed to the below-knee (28) and above-knee (8) popliteal artery, respectively. Study endpoints were primary, assisted primary, secondary patency, and limb salvage at the time of follow-up. Distaflo bypass was performed at the infrageniculate level in 86.7% of cases (28 below-knee popliteal, 24 tibial). Mean follow-up time was 12 months (range, 0.5-37.5 months). At 1 year, primary, assisted primary, and secondary patencies and limb salvage rates for below-knee popliteal bypasses were 83.5%, 89.5%, 94.7%, and 94.4%, respectively. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patencies and limb salvage rates for tibial bypasses were 44.4%, 44.4%, 63.2%, and 74.9%, respectively. Distaflo precuffed graft is a good alternative conduit for below-knee popliteal and tibial lower extremity reconstructions in the absence of an autologous vein and appears to have promising early patency and limb salvage rates even when used for tibial bypasses.

Recent reviews of device-specific complications using neuroprotection have addressed technical difficulties during delivery as well as adverse outcomes, intraoperative and 30-day. Little has been written, however, regarding the relevance of filter occlusion during the carotid stent procedure. A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing carotid artery stent procedures using a variety of neuroprotection devices from 2003 to 2007. Prospective databases from two institutions were examined for incidence and management of filter occlusions during procedures as well as adverse neurological events (intraoperative and 30-day) associated with filter occlusion. There were 283 carotid artery stent procedures performed on 256 patients (163 male, 93 female): 177 (62.5%) arteries were asymptomatic and 106 were symptomatic. Neurological adverse events occurred in six patients (2.1%); three of these resolved completely at 72 hr. Neuroprotection was used in 95% of all patients, and filters were used in 221 stent procedures: Boston Scientific Filter Wire (n = 81), Guidant Accunet (n = 100), Angioguard (n = 17), and Abbot Emboshield (n = 23). Filter occlusion occurred in 11 patients (4.9%) in whom this form of neuroprotection was employed: Angioguard (n = 5), Accunet (n = 2), Emboshield (n = 2), and EPI Filter wire (n = 2). Two of the 11 patients with filter occlusions suffered a neurological event. There was no correlation between filter occlusion and gender, symptoms, stent, or filter type (p > 0.05). Filter occlusion was managed with export catheter-directed aspiration in seven patients and with prompt filter retrieval in five patients. Filter occlusion is an infrequent event that does not appear to be filter-specific and can be managed successfully by catheter-directed aspiration or filter retrieval. The majority of patients with filter occlusion do not suffer from atheroemboli as a result of this occlusion.

Carotid artery interventions can be associated with adverse hemodynamic changes, including bradycardia and hypotension. These hemodynamic changes are believed to be caused by direct stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreceptors, mimicking normal physiological response to rises in blood pressure. During open carotid surgery, these hemodynamic changes can be controlled by direct injection of medications that block fast voltage gated sodium channels in the neuron cell membrane, thus preventing depolarization of the presynaptic neuron in the carotid sinus. This form of control is difficult or impossible during percutaneous carotid interventions because direct access to the carotid artery and carotid sinus is not available. This discussion focuses on the cause, effects, and possible treatments for the hemodynamic changes associated with carotid artery stenting procedures.