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To identify the rate of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after isolated distal deep venous thrombosis (IDDVT) by performing a meta-analysis of the rate of PTS across randomised and observational studies.MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Clinicaltrials.gov, European Union Clinical Trials, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number, and the Australian and New-Zealand Trials Registries.This review followed PRISMA guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42021282136). Databases were searched up to December 2021 and prospective studies reporting the development of post-thrombotic syndrome were included; these were pooled with the meta-analysis.The results showed a post-thrombotic rate of 17% (95% CI 11 - 26%) (seven studies, 217 cases, 1 105 participants). Heterogeneity was high (IThe risk of post-thrombotic syndrome after IDDVT was one in five and the risk of severe clinical manifestations, including ulceration, was one in 50. There was significant clinical, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity between studies and a substantial risk of bias from pooled studies. Randomised trials to support interventions for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome are urgently needed.

Background Medical therapy for stroke prevention has improved significantly over the past 30 years. Recent analyses of medically treated cohorts have suggested that early rates of stroke may have reduced, and reports of the safety of carotid surgery have also shown improvements. Since the effectiveness of carotid surgery versus medical therapy was established in the 1990s, there is an urgent need to evaluate whether surgery remains cost-effective in the UK. Methods A decision model was developed to estimate the lifetime costs and utilities of modern medical therapy with and without carotid endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic stenosis from the perspective of the UK National Health Service. The base-case population consisted of adults aged 70 years with 70–99 per cent stenosis. Model data were obtained from clinical studies and wider literature. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out. Results In the base-case scenario, the 5-year absolute risk reduction with carotid endarterectomy was 5 per cent, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €12 021 (exchange rate £1 GBP = €1.1125 (Tuesday 1 January 2019)) per quality-adjusted life-year. Surgery was more cost-effective if performed rapidly after presentation. In patients with 50–69 per cent carotid stenosis, surgery appeared less clinically effective. However, there was considerable uncertainty. Conclusion Surgery may not now be clinically effective and cost-effective in those with moderate carotid stenosis. However, these results are uncertain because of the limited data on modern medical therapy and an RCT may be justified.

BackgroundDespite significant improvements in endovascular technology and anaesthetic practice over the last 20 years, patients with CLTI remain at high risk of major limb amputation and overall mortality. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a contemporary review of the rate of major amputation and key clinical outcomes following all endovascular interventions in CLTI.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies from 2010-2020 reporting the risk of major lower limb amputation in patients with CLTI. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews andClinicalTrials.govwere searched for relevant studies by 2 reviewers. The primary endpoint was rate of major limb amputation at 1 year and 2 years. Meta-analysis of proportions was employed using the random effects model. Studies were quality assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. To investigate factors associated with major limb amputations, subgroup analyses and meta-regression for clinical-demographic and lesion characteristics were employed.ResultsA total of 28 studies, from 24 manuscripts were eligible for inclusion. These included a total of 49,756 patients. At one-year post-revascularisation, the pooled rate of major lower limb amputations at 1 year was 8.6% (95% CI 6.7% - 11.0%). At two years, the rate of major amputations was 11.1% (95% CI 7.6% - 16.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that in studies that mandated stent deployment for all patients, there was a significantly lower rate of major amputations of 5.1% (95% CI 4.7% - 5.5%). Meta-regression showed that none of the clinical-demographic and lesion characteristics were associated with major lower limb amputations, and no volume-outcome relationship was observed.ConclusionsThis review provides important benchmarking information on the outcomes of endovascular intervention in a frail CLTI cohort. This provides a realistic evaluation of risk to facilitate full informed consent and the setting of realistic expectations regarding the need for reintervention, major and minor amputation and overall mortality.

Objective This study aimed to develop and internally validate risk prediction models for predicting groin wound surgical site infections (SSIs) following arterial intervention and to evaluate the utility of existing risk prediction models for this outcome. Methods Data from the Groin wound Infection after Vascular Exposure (GIVE) multicentre cohort study were used. The GIVE study prospectively enrolled 1 039 consecutive patients undergoing an arterial procedure through 1 339 groin incisions. An overall SSI rate of 8.6% per groin incision, and a deep/organ space SSI rate of 3.8%, were reported. Eight independent predictors of all SSIs, and four independent predictors of deep/organ space SSIs were included in the development and internal validation of two risk prediction models. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify relevant risk prediction models for their evaluation. Results The “GIVE SSI risk prediction model” (“GIVE SSI model”) and the “GIVE deep/organ space SSI risk prediction model” (“deep SSI model”) had adequate discrimination (C statistic 0.735 and 0.720, respectively). Three other groin incision SSI risk prediction models were identified; both GIVE risk prediction models significantly outperformed these other risk models in this cohort (C statistic 0.618 – 0.629; p Conclusion Two models were created and internally validated that performed acceptably in predicting “all” and “deep” groin SSIs, outperforming current existing risk prediction models in this cohort. Future studies should aim to externally validate the GIVE models.

Aims In recent years, improvements in medical therapy for stroke prevention have emerged. Recent analyses of medically treated cohorts have suggested that early rates of stroke may have reduced, whilst reports for safety of carotid surgery have also shown improvements. Since the effectiveness of carotid surgery versus medical therapy was established in 1990s, it is important to evaluate whether surgery remains cost-effective. Methods A decision model was developed to estimate the lifetime costs and utilities of modern medical therapy with and without carotid endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic stenosis from perspective of the UK National Health Service. The base-case population consisted of adults 65 years of age with 70–99% stenosis. Costs and utilities were obtained from National Health Service tariffs and the literature. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out. Data on surgical safety was taken from the 2020 National Vascular Registry Report. Data on modern medical therapy was taken from Fisch et al. 2020. Results In the base-case scenario, the 5-year absolute risk reduction with endarterectomy was 5%, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £23,632 per quality adjusted life year. Surgery was more cost-effective if performed rapidly after presentation. In patients with 50–69% stenosis, surgery appeared clinically ineffective. Conclusion In symptomatic patients with 70–99% stenosis, carotid endarterectomy would remain cost-effective if performed rapidly after presentation. Surgery may have lost clinical efficacy in those with moderate stenosis. However, these results are uncertain because of limited data on modern medical therapy. A new randomised controlled trial of surgery versus modern medical therapy is needed.

Aim of study To report outcomes of tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) followed by weight-bearing total contact cast (TCC) in the out-patient setting for patients presented with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) and, develop a new classification system for midfoot CN based on this experience. Patient and methods Published evidence suggests that tight Achilles-gastrocnemius-soleus complex is the deforming force in the initiation and progression of midfoot CN and TAL has shown to improve the range of ankle dorsiflexion and reduction of midfoot plantar pressures. We utilised this technique in the out-patient setting followed by weight-bearing TCC for all new patients who presented with a diagnosis of midfoot CN from February 2018. We report their outcomes after a 12 months follow-up and propose a new classification system based on the clinical and radiographic parameters. Results TAL followed by weight-bearing TCC was performed in 33 feet. In 30 feet, the disease progression either stopped or receded to a lower stage on the new classification system. The procedure was well tolerated by patients in an out-patient setting and there were no reported complications such as wound healing, complete transaction of tendon or deep vein thrombosis. At 12 months follow-up, 30 of 33 pts returned to their pre-procedure level of mobilisation with their usual walking aids or customised shoes. The inter-observer agreement was k = 0.86 for read 1 and k = 0.96 for read 2; and intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.93 to 1.00 for the double read indicating excellent inter-observer and intra-observer agreement. Conclusion TAL followed by weight-bearing TCC is a safe and well tolerated procedure when performed in an out-patient setting. The Charcot disease of the midfoot slowed in the early stages of midfoot CN and in some cases, receded. The new classification system is easy to use, reliable, reproducible and sensitive enough to detect changes in the disease progression.

Introduction Up to 50% of patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after an above knee deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of graduated compression stockings in preventing PTS after DVT. Methods and analysis Pragmatic, UK multicentre randomised trial in adults with first above knee DVT. The standard of care arm is anticoagulation. The intervention arm will receive anticoagulation plus stockings (European class II, 23–32 mm Hg compression) worn for a median of 18 months. The primary endpoint is PTS using the Villalta score. Analysis of this will be through a time to event approach and cumulative incidence at median 6, 12 and 18 months. An ongoing process evaluation will examine factors contributing to adherence to stockings to understand if and how the behavioural interventions were effective. Ethics and dissemination UK research ethics committee approval (reference 19/LO/1585). Dissemination though the charity Thrombosis UK, the Imperial College London website, peer-reviewed publications and international conferences. Trial registration number ISRCTN registration number 73041168.

Thyroid Hemiagenesis (THA) is an uncommon, congenital anomaly defined by the absence of one thyroid lobe with or without the isthmus. Reports suggest it may be found more often in regions endemic for hypothyroidism. Genetic abnormalities are thought to have a role based on findings in monozygotic twins. Most cases are sporadic, however familiar clusters have also been documented. It is found more frequently in females. A majority of patients report no symptoms and THA is found incidentally during investigations or intraoperatively. THA is usually associated with normal thyroid function, but it can present with thyroid hypofunction.\ud \ud Since a majority of patients are asymptomatic, there are no specific recommendations for management. Ultrasound imaging and thyroid scintigraphy using technetium or iodine are useful in diagnosis. Its clinical importance occurs when the remnant thyroid lobe requires excision leading to the lifelong requirement for thyroxine supplementation.\ud \ud Published English literature (Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases) was searched. Medical subject headings (MeSH) terms used were “thyroid hemiagenesis,” “one thyroid lobe,” and “thyroid aplasia”. Case reports, case series, and original articles were selected to provide a framework for this review.\ud \ud Articles reviewed were published in the past 20 years. The association of THA with thyroid cancer was explored. In this group, the F:M ratio was 3.25:1. Left THA constituted 53% of cases, right THA in 29.4%, and isthmus absence in 17.6% of cases. Also, the authors investigated the link between THA and hyperparathyroidism, both left and right THA are seen in an equal number of cases in the hyperparathyroidism subgroup. In patients with THA and Grave’s disease, left THA was seen in a majority of cases (86.7%), while an equal number of left and right THA was observed in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In addition, congenital abnormalities associated with THA were observed, the left THA was seen in 60% and right THA in 40% of cases of this subgroup.\ud \ud The summative review provided a detailed insight into the epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, genetics, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment for THA by combining findings and results from almost a hundred research papers from around the world. THA remains a poorly understood, often incidentally detected, abnormality in euthyroid patients undergoing investigations and treatment for other thyroid disorders.

Background: Living in deprived areas is associated with poorer outcomes after certain vascular procedures and surgical site infection in other specialties. Our primary objective was to determine whether living in more income-deprived areas was associated with groin wound surgical site infection after arterial intervention. Secondary objectives were to determine whether living in more income-deprived areas was associated with mortality and clinical consequences of surgical site infection. Methods: Postal code data for patients from the United Kingdom who were included in the Groin Wound Infection after Vascular Exposure (GIVE) multicenter cohort study was used to determine income deprivation, based on index of multiple deprivation (IMD) data. Patients were divided into three IMD groups for descriptive analysis. Income deprivation score was integrated into the final multivariable model for predicting surgical site infection. Results: Only patients from England had sufficient postal code data, analysis included 772 groin incisions (624 patients from 22 centers). Surgical site infection occurred in 9.7% incisions (10.3% of patients). Surgical site infection was equivalent between income deprivation tertiles (tertile 1 = 9.5%; tertile 2 = 10.3%; tertile 3 = 8.6%; p = 0.828) as were the clinical consequences of surgical site infection and mortality. Income deprivation was not associated with surgical site infection in multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.574; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.038-8.747; p = 0.689). Median age at time of procedure was lower for patients living in more income-deprived areas (tertile 1 = 68 years; tertile 2 = 72 years; tertile 3 = 74 years; p

Aim To assess feasibility of a novel remotely-supervised exercise programme at a vascular hub during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Participants with arterial claudication (ABPI Results 12 participants were enrolled, of these 2 participants were unsuitable. Median age was 63 years and 2 (20%) were female. Baseline median ABPI was 0.7 (IQR 0.5-0.8), median baseline absolute walking distance was 75m (IQR 50-140) and median baseline QoL was 51/80 (IQR 15-79). 7 participants (70%) successfully completed the programme and were discharged. Their median daily longest walk was 2000m (IQR 200-4000) and QoL scores improved to 6/80 (IQR 2-20) (p = 0.02). Remaining 3 participants required revascularisation for disease progression. Reimbursement tariffs for the supervised exercise programme were £700 per patient, whereas for revascularisation were £2000 - £5000. Conclusion Remotely supervised exercise was feasible and improved walking distance and quality of life in 70% of participants. Approximately £3000 per patient was saved from a reduction in revascularisation procedures in our unit.

A woman in her 50s presented to the Emergency Department, following massive haematemesis, having swallowed a single tooth denture 3 years previously. Endoscopy initially revealed profuse bleeding at 20cm from the incisors, initially treated with an oesophageal covered stent. Following ongoing haematemesis, a thoracic and abdominal CT angiogram demonstrated an aorto-oesophageal fistula, which was successfully treated with a thoracic endograft and left tube thoracostomy. The patient remains well to 1 year. This is the first case to demonstrate successful use of covered stents in both the aorta to stop exsanguination, as well as the oesophagus to prevent mediastinitis and avoid the need for thoracotomy and hypothermic circulatory arrest in a critically ill patient.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) of groin wounds are a common and potentially preventable cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in vascular surgery. Our aim was to define the contemporaneous rate of groin SSIs, determine clinical sequelae, and identify risk factors for SSI. Method: An international multicentre prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing groin incision for femoral vessel access in vascular surgery was undertaken over 3 months, follow up was 90 days. The primary outcome was incidence of groin wound SSI. Results: 1337 groin incisions (1039 patients) from 37 centres were included. 115 groin incisions (8.6%) developed SSI, of which 62 (4.6%) were superficial. Patients who developed an SSI had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (6 vs 5 days, p=0.005), a significantly higher rate of post-operative acute kidney injury (19.6% vs 11.7%, p=0.018), with no significant difference in 90-day mortality. Female sex, Body Mass Index≥30kg/m2, ischaemic heart disease, aqueous betadine skin preparation, bypass/patch use (vein, xenograft or prosthetic) and increased operative time were independent predictors of SSI. Conclusion: Groin infections which are clinically apparent to the treating vascular unit are frequent and their development carries significant clinical sequelae. Risk factors include modifiable and non-modifiable variables.

Objectives Venous thromboembolism is a potentially fatal complication of superficial endovenous treatment. Proper risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis could mitigate this hazard; however, there are currently no evidence-based or consensus guidelines. This study surveyed UK and Republic of Ireland vascular consultants to determine areas of consensus. Methods A 32-item survey was sent to vascular consultants via the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (phase 1). These results generated 10 consensus statements which were redistributed (phase 2). ‘Good’ and ‘very good’ consensus were defined as endorsement/rejection of statements by >67% and >85% of respondents, respectively. Results Forty-two consultants completed phase 1. This generated seven statements regarding risk factors mandating peri-procedural pharmacoprophylaxis and three statements regarding specific pharmacoprophylaxis regimes. Forty-seven consultants completed phase 2. Regarding venous thromboembolism risk factors mandating pharmacoprophylaxis, ‘good’ and ‘very good’ consensus was achieved for 5/7 and 2/7 statements, respectively. Regarding specific regimens, ‘very good’ consensus was achieved for 3/3 statements. Conclusions The main findings from this study were that there was ‘good’ or ‘very good’ consensus that patients with any of the seven surveyed risk factors should be given pharmacoprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin. High-risk patients should receive one to two weeks of pharmacoprophylaxis rather than a single dose.

Background Clinical management of wounds can benefit from objective measures of response to treatment. Wound surface area and volume are objective measures of wound healing. Using a synthetic wound model, we compare the accuracy and reproducibility of 2 commercially available 3-dimensional (3D) cameras against planimetry and water displacement. Methods Twelve ulcers of various sizes and colors were reproduced in modeling clay and cured. Five naive observers used digital planimetry, water displacement, Eykona camera (Fuel 3D, UK), and Silhouette camera (ARANZ, New Zealand) to measure the wounds. Results When compared with traditional planimetry, wound surface area measurement with Eykona and Silhouette tended to underestimate wounds by 1.7% and 3.7%, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.94 (Eykona) and 0.92 (Silhouette). Intraclass correlations for planimetry and the 2 cameras were all 1. Eykona and Silhouette tended to underestimate wound volumes when compared with water displacement by 58% and 23%, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.92 (Eykona) and 0.72 (Silhouette). Intraclass correlations for water displacement and the two cameras were all 1. Discussion Serial accurate objective area measurements are feasible as part of ongoing clinical assessment of wounds. 3D cameras are reliable but have not shown superior accuracy to manual planimetry, and financial concerns and IT integration may limit general clinical usage. Volume measurements of wounds are practicable as part of clinical care.

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-phl-10.1177_0268355520936420 for Reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism following superficial endovenous treatment: A UK and Republic of Ireland consensus study by Nikesh Dattani, Joseph Shalhoub, Sandip Nandhra, Tristan Lane, Abdulsalam Abu-Own, Ahmed Elbasty, Aled Jones, Andrew Duncan, Andrew Garnham, Ankur Thapar, Anna Murray, Anzar Baig, Athanasios Saratzis, Atif Sharif, Bella Huasen, Claire Dawkins, Craig Nesbitt, Daniel Carradice, Darren Morrow, David Bosanquet, Eamon Kavanagh, Faisal Shaikh, Gergely Gosi, Graeme Ambler, Gregory Fulton, Gurdas Singh, Hannah Travers, Hayley Moore, James Olivier, Louise Hitchman, Martin O’Donohoe, Matthew Popplewell, Mekki Medani, Michael Jenkins, Mingzheng A Goh, Oliver Lyons, Olivia McBride, Paul Moxey, Philip Stather, Phillipa Burns, Rachel Forsythe, Rachel Sam, Ranjeet Brar, Robert Brightwell, Ruth Benson, Sarah Onida, Sharath Paravastu, Simon Lambracos, Srinivasa R Vallabhaneni, Stewart Walsh, Tasleem Aktar, Tony Moloney, Zola Mzimba and Isaac Nyamekye in Phlebology

Hippocrates could never have imagined the progress made in stroke care since this statement, yet the world is still unable to agree on a universal definition. This review charts the evolution of the definition of stroke and highlights current problems.

We aimed to improve the lead-time and the patient experience of the diagnostic stage of the suspected colorectal cancer pathway. This project worked within the constraints of limited resources and an austere environment. The core team included a project manager trained in quality improvement methodologies. Senior and Fleming's planned change model was used as the overall framework. Baseline data supported the case for change and highlighted targets for improvement. A stakeholder workshop employed social movement theory, lean thinking, experience-based design and patient stories to engage influential leaders and secure support and commitment. Solutions that arose from the workshop were then researched. A "Genchi Genbutsu" ethos took the team to Northumbria to learn about another unit's pathway innovations. Subsequently, our new pathway employed solutions aimed at increasing the proportion of patients who went straight-to-test. Consensus on the design was achieved using Schein's process consultation theory. Implementation of the new pathway resulted in a significant reduction in the median time from referral to endoscopy from 26 days to 14 days (P0.001), and a significant increase in the proportion going straight-to-test from 6% to 43%. Changes to improve patient experience were also implemented, however data to evidence this has not yet been collected. Going forward, further standardisation is required and issues around sustainability need to be tackled. This project exemplified, amongst others, the value of working from data from the beginning and a comprehensive early stakeholder engagement.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with increased morbidity, length of stay, and cost. Cyanoacrylate glue is a low-cost, fluid-proof, antimicrobial barrier. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the use of cyanoacrylate glue after standard wound closure versus dressings in the reduction of SSI. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registries were searched with no restrictions in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were prospective studies comparing glue versus dressings after standardised wound closure. Two reviewers independently screened articles and utilised GRADE for quality assessment. Meta-analysis was not performed because of the heterogeneity of the data. Three articles were included in the review. Study quality was uniformly low. Incidence of SSI was low, between 0% and 4%. No significant differences were reported in the single randomised controlled trial. A single non-randomised parallel group trial reported a significant reduction in the incidence of SSI in the cyanoacrylate group. There was no consistent evidence demonstrating reduction in SSI as a result of the use of cyanoacrylate glue. Future studies should assess the use of cyanoacrylate in procedures with a higher rate of SSI, for example, lower limb bypass.

Objective There is an increasing evidence base to support the use of extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in selected surgical patients to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). The benefit of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in addition to extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is unclear. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence relating to the effectiveness of using GCS in conjunction with extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis to prevent VTE in surgical patients. Methods A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in April 2017. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO (CRD42017062655). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible if one of the study arms included patients receiving extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis alone (>21 days) or in conjunction with GCS. Data on deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and VTE-related death were compiled. Pooled proportions of the VTE rates were determined using random-effects meta-analysis. Results The systematic search identified 1291 studies, of which 19 studies were eligible for inclusion. No RCT directly compared extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis alone with GCS plus extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. A total of 9824 patients from 16 RCTs were treated with extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, of whom 0.81% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-1.20) were diagnosed with symptomatic DVT and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.12-0.36) with PE. Three trials included 337 patients who received extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in conjunction with GCS. In this group, 1.61% (95% CI, 0.03-5.43) had symptomatic DVT with no reported PE. Similar VTE rates were observed when studies in orthopedic and abdominal surgery were analyzed separately. Conclusions There is insufficient evidence to recommend GCS in conjunction with extended pharmacologic prophylaxis to prevent VTE in patients undergoing orthopedic and abdominal surgery. A clinical trial directly investigating this important subject is needed.

Objective: To systematically review temporal changes in perioperative safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in asymptomatic individuals in trial and registry studies. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched using the terms “carotid” and “endarterectomy” and “asymptomatic” from 1947 to August 23, 2014. Articles dealing with 50%–99% stenosis in asymptomatic individuals were included and low-volume studies were excluded. The primary endpoint was 30-day stroke or death and the secondary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using random-effects meta-regression for registry data and for trial data graphical interpretation alone was used. Results: Six trials (n = 4,431 procedures) and 47 community registries (n = 204,622 procedures) reported data between 1983 and 2013. Registry data showed a significant decrease in postoperative stroke or death incidence over the period 1991–2010, equivalent to a 6% average proportional annual reduction (95% credible interval [CrI] 4%–7%; p p Conclusions: CEA is safer than ever before and high-volume registry results closely mirror the results of trials. New benchmarks for CEA are a stroke or death risk of 1.2% and a mortality risk of 0.4%. This information will prove useful for quality improvement programs, for health care funders, and for those re-examining the long-term benefits of asymptomatic revascularization in future trials.

Background The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence and determine whether there is a clinical benefit for using pharmacological agents as adjunctive treatment for chronic venous ulcers. Method A systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE (from 1 January 1947 through 15 August 2013) and Cochrane databases (from inception through 15 August 2013) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were all randomised controlled trials investigating pharmacological adjuncts for the treatment of venous ulcers with a minimum sample size of 20 patients for each treatment arm. Results Ten relevant articles were identified; one pilot randomised controlled trial and four Cochrane reviews were included. Pentoxifylline, aspirin, sulodexide, mesoglycan, flavonoids, thromboxane A2 antagonist (ifetroban), zinc, prostaglandin and prostacyclin analogues were the drugs reviewed. Pentoxifylline was found to be more effective than placebo in terms of complete ulcer healing or in causing a significant improvement (greater than 60% reduction in ulcer size) (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.24). Aspirin and flavonoids show potential to be effective adjuncts but methodological shortcomings and issues with bias limit the validity of results from trials involving each of these drugs, respectively. There was no significant difference between placebo and Ifetroban and likewise pooled results from trials investigating sulodexide and zinc showed no benefit in comparison to placebo. Conclusion Many systemic pharmacological agents have been investigated as adjuncts to venous ulcer healing; however, pentoxifylline (400 mg, three times a day) is currently the only drug that has promising evidence to support its use. Other compounds are in early stage research.

Background Benefit from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in symptomatic moderate (50–69 per cent) carotid stenosis remains marginal. The Fourth National Clinical Guideline for Stroke recommends use of the risk score from the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) to aid decision-making in symptomatic carotid disease. It is not known whether clinicians are, in fact, influenced by it. Methods Using the ECST risk prediction model, three scenarios of patients with a low (less than 10 per cent), moderate (20–25 per cent) and high (40–45 per cent) 5-year risk of stroke were devised and validated. Invitations to complete an online survey were sent by e-mail to vascular surgeons and stroke physicians, with responses gathered. The questionnaire was then repeated with the addition of the ECST risk score. Results Two hundred and one completed surveys were analysed (21·5 per cent response rate): 107 by stroke physicians and 94 by vascular surgeons. The high-risk scenario after the introduction of the ECST risk score showed an increased use of CEA (66·7 versus 80·1 per cent; P = 0·009). The low-risk scenario after risk score analysis demonstrated a swing towards best medical therapy (23·4 versus 57·2 per cent; P < 0·001). CEA was preferred in the moderate-risk scenario and this was not altered significantly by introduction of the risk score (71·6 versus 75·6 per cent; P = 0·609). Vascular surgeons exhibited a preference towards CEA compared with stroke physicians in both low- and moderate-risk scenarios (P < 0·001 and P = 0·003 respectively). Conclusion The addition of a risk score appeared to influence clinicians in their decision-making towards CEA in high-risk patients and towards best medical therapy in low-risk patients.

Moderate to severe asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis is found in 2–7% of the European population aged over 60 years; however the prevalence is highest in those with peripheral arterial disease (25%). The number of individuals needed to scan to prevent one extra stroke through referral for endarterectomy is 143 for claudicants, 250 for those with aortic aneurysmal disease and 333 for those with contralateral symptomatic carotid stenosis. The cost per stroke saved with surgery is approximately £76,000, through a policy of testing claudicants for asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis, then offering carotid endarterectomy. Through implementing large scale testing of claudicants aged 60 years in England and Wales, 0.2% of the total number of strokes per year would be saved at a cost of £17 million. The main cost driver is the amount of unnecessary surgery performed (number needed to treat=20).

The annual rate of ipsilateral stroke associated with asymptomatic carotid stenosis has fallen from 2-4% to

Why the United States Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services should not extend reimbursement indications for carotid artery angioplasty/stenting

Background and Purpose— Development of translational functional imaging modalities for atherosclerosis risk stratification is sought for stroke prediction. Our group has developed late-phase contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LP-CEUS) to quantify microbubble contrast retention within carotid atherosclerosis and shown it to separate asymptomatic plaques from those responsible for recent cerebrovascular events. We hypothesized that microbubbles are retained in areas of plaque inflammation, aiming to examine whether LP-CEUS signal reflects plaque biology. Methods— Subjects awaiting carotid endarterectomy (n=31) underwent axial LP-CEUS and diseased intimal segments were symmetrically divided in the long axis. Half-specimens underwent quantitative immunohistochemical analysis for CD68 (macrophages) and CD31 (angiogenesis). Half-specimens were processed for atheroma cell culture and supernatant collected at 24 hours for multianalyte profiling for 34 analytes. Results— Percentage area immunopositivity was significantly higher in subjects in which normalized plaque late-phase intensity was ≥0 versus P =0.004; CD31 mean 9.45 versus 4.82, P =0.025). Interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 were significantly higher by multianalyte profiling when LP-CEUS was ≥0. Conclusions— LP-CEUS reflects biological features of inflammation and angiogenesis, key features predisposing to plaque rupture. Further investigation of LP-CEUS as a tissue-specific marker of inflammation for risk stratification of carotid atherosclerosis is warranted.

Why the US Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Should Not Extend Reimbursement Indications for Carotid Artery Angioplasty/Stenting

Objective Robust guidelines exist for the treatment of carotid stenosis and intracranial aneurysms independently, however, the management of tandem carotid stenosis and intracranial aneurysms remains uncertain. Although the prevalence of tandem pathologies is small (1.9%-3.2%), treating carotid stenosis can alter intracranial hemodynamics potentially predisposing to aneurysm rupture. In this review, our aim was to assess the safety of intervention in this cohort, by analyzing outcomes from the published literature. Methods The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to conduct the review. Articles from 1947 to 2012 were searched using EMBASE Classic and EMBASE (November, 1947 -March, 2012) and Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process and other NonIndexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE(R) on Ovid SP, http://ClinicalTrials.gov, http://controlled-trials.com and the Cochrane review database using a predefined search strategy. Results One hundred forty-one patients from 27 articles were included. Interventions ranged from single (n = 104, 74%), staged (n = 26, 18%) to simultaneous procedures (n = 11, 8%). The largest cohort of patients was treated by carotid endarterectomy alone (n = 92, 66%). The majority of patients presented with a symptomatic carotid stenosis and an asymptomatic ipsilateral intracranial aneurysm (n = 70, 50%). Five subarachnoid hemorrhages occurred (4% [5/140], three within 30 days of the procedure and two thereafter) of which two were fatal. All five occurred in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy as a single procedure (5%). Two of the five patients presented with ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms. Conclusions Published reports of perioperative aneurysm rupture are rare in individuals with tandem carotid stenosis and intracranial aneurysms. This is the first analysis of all published cases. However, it is limited by the small number of studies and the possible underreporting due to publication bias and underdiagnosis where angiography was not performed. Although we report a low incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, analysis of registry data with a larger cohort is warranted to confirm these findings.

Patients with chemotherapy-refractory liver metastases who are not candidates for surgery may be treated with focal ablation techniques with established survival benefits. Irreversible electroporation is the newest of these and has the putative advantages of a nonthermal action, preventing damage to adjacent biliary structures and bowel. This report describes the use of irreversible electroporation in a 61-year-old man with a solitary chemoresistant liver metastasis unsuitable for radiofrequency ablation as a result of its proximity to the porta hepatis. At 3 months, tumor size was decreased on computed tomography from 28 × 19 to 20 × 17 mm, representing stable disease according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. This corresponded to a decrease in tumor volume size from 5.25 to 3.16 cm(3). There were no early or late complications. Chemoresistant liver metastases in the proximity of the porta hepatis that are considered to be too high a risk for conventional surgery or thermal ablation may be considered for treatment by the novel ablation technique of irreversible electroporation.

Objective The sonographic findings of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) are used by some as selection criteria for venography. We performed a systematic review to establish the prevalence and strength of association between sonographic CCSVI and multiple sclerosis (MS). Method Two reviewers searched PubMed and EMBASE from 1948 to date using the keywords ‘chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency’ according to PRISMA guidelines. Results Four cross-sectional studies met the criteria for inclusion. The prevalence of CCSVI ranged from 7% to 100% in MS patients and from 2% to 36% in healthy controls. Diagnostic odds ratios for MS varied between 2 and 26, 499 ( I 2 = 94%). Sensitivities of CCSVI for MS varied between 7% and 100% ( I 2 = 98%). Specificities varied between 64% and 100% ( I 2 = 95%). Conclusion There is substantial variation in the strength of association between CCSVI and MS beyond that explained by demographic differences or sonographer training. Reliable evidence on which to base decisions requires sonographic consensus and assessment of the reproducibility of individual criteria between trained sonographers.

Objectives Carotid stenosis accounts for 20% of ischemic strokes and can be managed with pharmacotherapy alone or in conjunction with carotid endarterectomy or stenting. The management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is controversial amongst physicians. The aim of this study was to explore patient preferences for the potential management options using a standardized scenario to minimize clinician bias. These data will then be used to facilitate comparison with existing published data on physicians' preferences in the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Methods A patient information booklet and questionnaire was developed, validated, and distributed to patients who were identified as candidates for carotid screening duplex based on the presence of peripheral arterial, coronary, or aneurismal disease. Patients were asked to imagine their duplex revealed a 70% unilateral carotid stenosis. Five-year stroke or death risks of 11% were quoted for best medical therapy. The perioperative stroke or death rates quoted were 3% for endarterectomy and 3% to 5% for stenting, based on best current evidence. No physician interaction was allowed to minimize clinician bias. Responses for treatment preference and reasoning were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results from this survey were then compared with a previously published poll of physician preference. Results One hundred two questionnaires were analyzed with a 94% response rate: 48% chose pharmacotherapy alone, 30% selected carotid endarterectomy, and 22% opted for stenting. The preference for pharmacotherapy alone over either intervention, and for endarterectomy, over stenting was consistent in subgroup analyses by age, gender, prior stroke, family history of stroke, and smoking status. Conclusion In this scenario, patients were split equally between medical and surgical treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. This was identical to a recent poll of physicians. Tools for risk assessment and the results of the SPACE2, ACST2, and ACT1 trials would benefit patients and physicians making this important treatment decision.

Aneurysms of the inferior vena cava are rare, with 54 cases reported in the literature. They carry a significant morbidity and mortality risk. A case of an inferior vena cava aneurysm in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome is reported. Open aneurysmorrhaphy of the Type III aneurysm was successfully performed. The patient's leg swelling, back pain and exercise tolerance improved. Inferior vena cava aneurysms are not known to be associated with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome. However, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for great vessel aneurysms in these patients as they are associated with greater thromboembolic risk.

Objective/background Deep venous stenting is increasingly used in the treatment of deep venous obstruction; however, there is currently no consensus regarding post-procedural antithrombotic therapy. The aim of the present study was to determine the most commonly used antithrombotic regimens and facilitate global consensus. Methods An electronic survey containing three clinical scenarios on venous stenting for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions, acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and post-thrombotic syndrome was distributed to five societies whose members included vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and haematologists. The results of the initial survey (phase 1) were used to produce seven consensus statements, which were distributed to the respondents for evaluation in the second round (phase 2), along with the results of phase 1. Consensus was defined a priori as endorsement or rejection of a statement by ≥ 67% of respondents. Results Phase 1 was completed by 106 experts, who practiced in 78 venous stenting centres in 28 countries. Sixty-one respondents (58% response rate) completed phase 2. Five of seven statements met the consensus criteria. Anticoagulation was the preferred treatment during the first 6–12 months following venous stenting for a compressive iliac vein lesion. Low molecular weight heparin was the antithrombotic agent of choice during the first 2–6 weeks. Lifelong anticoagulation was recommended after multiple DVTs. Discontinuation of anticoagulation after 6–12 months was advised following venous stenting for a single acute DVT. No agreement was reached regarding the role of long-term antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions Consensus existed amongst respondents regarding anticoagulant therapy following venous stenting. At present, there is no consensus regarding the role of antiplatelet agents in this context.

Background Up to 50% of patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following their first proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in preventing PTS. Method Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov were electronically searched from inception to January 2015 for studies investigating the effect of GCS in preventing PTS. All randomised control trials were considered for inclusion if they compared the efficacy of GCS (30–40 mmHg at the ankle) with either placebo or no stockings in adults with new proximal lower limb DVT. Methodological assessment, using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The effect of GCS was expressed as the risk difference (RD). Results A total of 686 articles were screened. Three randomised controlled trials inclusive of 1,177 patients were eligible for inclusion. PTS developed in 49–70% of control patients at 5 years. High statistical heterogeneity was observed between trials (all PTS: I 2 = 0.94; severe PTS: I 2 = 0.79). The risk difference in PTS incidence between control and GCS arms varied from 0% to 39% between trials. In trials with a higher baseline prevalence of PTS, a visual trend towards more benefit with GCS was noted. Conclusion Uncertainty because of sampling variability and heterogeneity was too high to conclude in favour or against an effect of wearing compression stockings in preventing PTS. An effect may be present for higher values of baseline risk. Further evidence is needed. Article history

> [The] two branches which they call carotides or soporales, the sleepy arteries, because they being obstructed, or any way stopt we presently fall asleep. > > —Ambroise Pare (ca. AD 1510–1590)1 Current understanding of carotid artery disease begins in Ancient Greece. The term carotid is derived from the Ancient Greek karos (κάρος), meaning to stupefy. This first description is ascribed to Hippocrates (ca. 460–370 BC) but defined in the later accounts of Rufus of Ephesus (fl. ca. AD 100), who stated that the term was used because superficial compression of the vessels was known to induce stupefaction. The importance of the carotid arteries was even evident in the timeless art of the era. The 31st metope (a rectangular architectural element) from the south side of the Parthenon in Athens (Figure 1) depicts a centaur gripping the neck and compressing the left carotid artery of a Lapith (member of a mythological Thessalian people) during the legendary Centauromachy battle. Galen (ca. AD 131–201) attributed the loss of consciousness to compression not of the carotid arteries but of “sensitive nerves” located proximal to the vessels.2 Today cardiologists recognize a similar syndrome of carotid sinus syncope, tested for through carotid baroreceptor hypersensitivity. Figure 1. The 31st metope from the south side of the Parthenon in Athens. On display in the British Museum, the southern aspect metopes depict the battle between the centaurs (left) and the Lapiths (right) at the wedding of Peirithus, the king of the Lapiths. The left carotid artery of the Lapith is here being intentionally compressed to induce unconsciousness. Photograph courtesy of Colin Howley. Used with permission. The most devastating consequence of carotid artery disease is stroke, which was referred to during classical antiquity as apoplexy. Hippocrates and Galen were both aware that the hemiplegia often accompanying apoplexy resulted from a lesion in …

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a hypothesis through which cerebral venous drainage abnormalities contribute towards the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. CCSVI venoplasty is already practised worldwide. We report the case of a 33-year-old lady with multiple sclerosis who underwent left internal jugular venoplasty resulting in iatrogenic jugular thrombosis requiring open thrombectomy for symptom relief. This occurred without insertion of a stent and while fully anticoagulated. Clinicians should be aware that endovenous treatment of CCSVI could cause paradoxical deterioration of cerebral venous drainage. Patients with complications post venoplasty are now presenting to geographically distant vascular units.