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Objectives: To ascertain whether acute aortic dissection (AAD) remains the most common aortic catastrophe, as generally believed, and to detect any improvement in outcomes compared with previously reported population-based data.Patients and Methods: We determined the incidence, operative intervention rate, and long-term survival rate of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with a clinical diagnosis of AAD initially made between 1980 and 1994. The incidence of degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) rupture was also delineated. We compared these results with other population-based studies of AAD, degenerative TAA, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture.Results: During a 15-year period, we identified 177 patients with thoracic aortic disease. We focused on 39 patients with AAD (22% of the entire cohort) and 28 with TAA rupture (16%). The annual age- and sex-adjusted incidences were 3.5 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval, 2.4-4.6) for AAD and 3.5 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.9) for TAA rupture. Thirty-three dissections (85%) involved the ascending aorta, whereas 6 (15%) involved only the descending aorta. Nineteen patients (49%) underwent 22 operations for AAD, with a 30-day case fatality rate of 9%. Among all 39 patients with AAD, median survival was only 3 days. Overall 5-year survival for those with AAD improved to 32% compared with only 5% in this community between 1951 and 1980.Conclusions: In other studies, the annual incidences of TAA rupture and AAA rupture are estimated at approximately 3 and 9 per 100,000 persons, respectively. This study indicates that AAD and ruptured degenerative TAA occur with similar frequency but less commonly than ruptured AAA. Although timely recognition and management remain problematic, these new data suggest that recent diagnostic and operative advances are improving long-term survival in AAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blunt traumatic aortic disruption (BTAD) carries significant mortality and morbidity. Traditional open repair has appreciable risks of perioperative mortality and spinal cord ischemic complications. Endovascular repair may reduce the incidence of these adverse outcomes. We present the experience at two military trauma centers with thoracic aortic endografting for trauma (TAET) and compare this with recent open experience.Methods: A review of inpatient records was performed. All patients undergoing open repair or TAET for acute BTAD were studied. Collected data included demographics, injury characteristics, and in-hospital variables. Descriptive statistics were calculated with two-tailed t-tests performed for comparison of continuous variables.Results: Five open and eight TAET repairs were performed. Mean age was 32 years (range 28-50) in the TAET group and 35 (25-57) in the open group. All patients, except one TAET, had at least one associated injury with thoracic injuries predominating. Twelve BTAD were just distal to the left subclavian artery. One injury, treated with TAET, was just proximal to the celiac. Operative blood loss averaged 298 +/- 394 mL in the TAET group vs. 2,400 +/- 3,800 mL in the open group (p = 0.18). Crystalloid infusions were similarly reduced in TAET patients, 1,019 +/- 532 mL vs. 4,860 +/- 1,547 mL, p < 0.05), as were red blood cell transfusions, 1.6 units vs. 5.0 units (p = 0.12). The majority of patients [6/8 (75%) TAET, 5/5 (100%) open] experienced an inpatient complication (p = 0.09). All open patients had at least one infectious complication. There were no inpatient deaths related to aortic injury or spinal cord ischemic complications.Conclusions: TAET is feasible for the treatment of BTAD in military trauma centers. It is important for military centers to accomplish this with adequate results as endovascular technologies are now being taken to the battlefield. Decreased blood loss and resuscitation requirements compared to open repair are likely contributors to improved outcomes with TAET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Integrated vascular surgery residency positions have doubled more than the last decade. Studies have investigated the impact of co-existing subspecialty surgical training programs on case volume of general surgery residents (GSRs). However, no studies have explored the impact of subspecialty training on GSR operative competency. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of integrated residencies on operative performance and autonomy of GSR performing vascular procedures., Methods: Autonomy and performance ratings of GSR participating in vascular surgery cases were collected from all institutions participating in the Society for Improving Medical Professional Learning application database from 2015 to 2023. Faculty and self-assessments of autonomy and performance on vascular cases performed by GSRs at programs with co-existing vascular integrated residency (VIR), vascular surgery fellowship (VSF), or no subspecialty vascular training (VX) were compared using Fisher's exact tests with Bonferroni corrections across training levels and case complexity., Results: Eleven thousand one hundred seventy five assessments (26% at institutions with VIR, 46% VSF, and 28% VX) were submitted by 920 GSRs and 343 faculty. Senior GSRs at programs with VSF achieved lower autonomy than those with VIR (P = 0.049) or VX (P = 0.042) based on faculty assessment. GSRs achieved a level of "practice ready" at significantly higher rates when training at programs with VIR, and at the lowest rates with VSF (P < 0.001). However, self-perception of autonomy and performance was highest among GSRs at programs with VX compared with VIR and VSF (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The presence of VIR was associated with higher achievement of "practice ready" competency and higher levels of operative autonomy among senior GSRs performing vascular procedures. Shared-learning among peers and faculty expertise in teaching resident-level trainees may contribute to this finding., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Hospital volume is associated with mortality after open aortic aneurysm repair. Fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (B-FEVAR) has been increasingly used for repair of complex thoracoabdominal and juxtarenal aneurysms, but evidence of a center-volume relationship is limited. We aimed to measure the association of center volume with in-hospital mortality, postoperative outcomes, and 1-year survival following B-FEVAR., Methods: Patients undergoing elective endovascular thoracoabdominal and complex abdominal aneurysm repair with branch intervention (2014-2021) listed within the national Vascular Quality Initiative Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair/Complex EVAR database were analyzed. Centers were grouped into quartiles by mean annual procedure volume. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the effect of center volume on in-hospital mortality adjusting for baseline and procedural characteristics. Kaplan-Meier estimation, log rank test, and mixed effects Cox regression were used to evaluate 1-year survival., Results: A total of 4302 adult elective F-BEVAR procedures were identified at a total of 163 centers. In-hospital mortality did not differ by hospital volume (quartile [Q]1 = 35/1059 [3.3%]; Q2 = 30/1063 [2.8%]; Q3 = 33/1120 [2.9%]; and Q4 = 44/1060 [4.2%]; P = .308). The high volume group had a higher rate of major complication (Q1 = 14.9%; Q2 = 12.8%; Q3 = 13.3%; and Q4 = 20.1%; adjusted P < .001). Physician-modified grafts were more frequently employed in high-volume centers (Q1 = 4.5%; Q2 = 18.7%; Q3 = 11.3%; and Q4 = 19.2%; P < .001), with a decreased incidence of any endoleak noted at the end of the procedure (Q1 = 34.9%; Q2 = 32.8%; Q3 = 30.0%; and Q4 = 29.0%; P = .003). In the multivariable analysis, in-hospital mortality was not associated with center volume, comparing very low volume to medium- and high-volume centers (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] vs Q4: Q1 = 1.1 [0.6-1.9], Q2 = 0.6 [0.4-1.1], and Q3 = 0.9 [0.5-1.5]; all P > .05). No significant difference was found in 1-year survival between center volume groups., Conclusions: In-hospital mortality is not associated with procedure volume within centers performing complex endovascular aortic repair. However, complication rates and endoleak may be associated with procedure volume. Long-term outcomes by annualized procedure volume, specifically graft durability and sac expansion, should be investigated., Competing Interests: Disclosures M.T. is a consultant for W. L. Gore Inc and Medtronic Inc. M.L.W. is a consultant for W. L. Gore Inc., (Copyright © 2024 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The effect of gender on the outcomes of revascularization procedures in young patients with premature atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is not known. The objective of this study was to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between young males and females undergoing infra-inguinal revascularization procedures., Methods: We examined postoperative outcomes of male and female PAD patients under the age of 55 who underwent infra-inguinal revascularization procedures at a single tertiary institution from 2011 to 2019. Primary outcomes included 30-day morbidity, patency of the revascularization procedures, and major adverse limb events (MALE). Secondary outcomes included survival, amputation rate, reintervention rate, improvement of ankle-brachial index (ABI), and number of reinterventions., Results: Eighty-one infra-inguinal revascularization procedures (46 endovascular and 35 open procedures) were reviewed including 45 procedures in 37 males and 36 procedures in 31 females. Fifty-three (65.4%) of the procedures were performed in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia symptoms. The rest were treated for life-disabling claudication. The female patients were younger, had higher body mass index, and were more likely to have diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in comparison to males. Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular event was 0.0% and MALE was 16.0%. Mean follow-up was 806.2 days. At 1 year, primary patency was 34.4 ± 6.2%, primary assisted patency was 52.7 ± 6.5%, secondary patency was 61.8 ± 6.3%, and MALE-free rate was 47.0 ± 6.4%. For secondary outcomes at 1 year, amputation-free rate was 92.5 ± 3.2%, reintervention-free rate was 50.2 ± 6.4%, and survival was 96.2 ± 2.6%. By the end of the study, overall mortality rate was 14.8% and major amputation rate was 13.6%. No major differences were observed between males and females among these outcomes. A smaller improvement in ABI after revascularization was noted in females compared to males (female 0.2 ± 0.2 vs male 0.4 ± 0.2, p = .04). Among patients who required reintervention, females required a higher number of reinterventions than males (female 1.7 ± 2.5 vs male 0.8 ± 1.1, p = .03)., Conclusions: There were no significant differences in short-term and long-term outcomes between males and females under the age of 55 after infra-inguinal revascularization. Poor patency, high MALE rate, and high mid-term mortality, and amputation rates after revascularization in young PAD patients highlight the need for improved strategies to treat premature PAD., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Operative risk for supra-aortic trunk (SAT) surgical revascularization for occlusive disease, particularly transthoracic reconstruction (TR), remains ill-defined. This study sought to describe and compare 30-day outcomes of TR and extra-anatomic (ER) SAT surgical reconstruction for an occlusive indication across the United States over a contemporary 15-year period., Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, TR and ER performed during 2005-2019 were identified. Procedures performed for nonocclusive indications and those concomitant with coronary or valve operations were excluded. Rates of stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI) and these as composite outcome (S/D/M) were compared. Logistic regression with stabilized inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to compare groups via average treatment effect (ATE) while adjusting for covariate imbalances., Results: Over the 15-year period, 166 TR and 1,900 ER patients were identified. The majority of ERs were carotid-subclavian bypass (n = 1,344; 70.7%) followed by carotid-carotid bypass (n = 261; 13.7%) and subclavian/carotid transpositions (n = 123; 6.5%). TR consisted of aorto-SAT bypass (n = 120; 72.3%) and endarterectomy (n = 46; 27.7%). The median age was 64 years for TR and 65 years in ER (P = 0.039). Those undergoing TR were more often women (69.0% vs. 56.9%; P = 0.001) and less likely to have undergone previous cardiac surgery (9.2% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.006). TR were also less frequently hypertensive (68.1% vs. 75.4%; P = 0.038) and had statistically lower preoperative creatinine levels (0.86 vs 0.91; P = 0.002). Unadjusted rates of MI (0.6% vs. 1.3%; P = 0.72) and stroke (3.6% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.15) were similar between groups with mortality (3.6% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.05) and S/D/M (6.6% vs. 3.9%; P = 0.10) trending higher with TR. IPWs could be calculated for 1,754 patients (148 TR; 1,606 ER). The estimated probability of S/D/M was 3.8% in the ER group and 6.2% in TR; no difference was seen in ATE (2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.5 to 6.2; P = 0.23). No differences were seen in individual component ATEs (stroke: 3.0% vs. 1.7%; ATE = 1.3%; 95% CI: -3.9 to 1.3; P = 0.32; mortality: 3.8% vs. 1.4%; ATE = 2.4%; 95% CI: -5.6 to 0.7; P = 0.13). Secondary outcomes showed TR patients were more likely to have non-home discharge (18.7% vs. 6.6%; ATE = 12.1%; 95% CI: 5.0-19.2; P < 0.001) and longer lengths of stay (6.1 vs. 4.0; ATE = 2.2 days; 95% CI: 0.9-3.4; P < 0.001). Moreover, TR patients were more likely to require transfusion (22.7% vs. 5.0%; ATE = 17.7%; 95% CI: 10.2-25.2; P < 0.001) and develop sepsis (2.7% vs. 0.2%; ATE = 2.5%; 95% CI: 0.1-5.0; P = 0.04)., Conclusions: Transthoracic and extra-anatomic surgical reconstruction of the SATs for occlusive disease have similar operative cardiovascular risk. However, morbidity tends to be higher with TR due to higher transfusion requirements, sepsis risk, and need for facility stay. These results suggest ER as a first-line approach in those with proper disease anatomy is reasonable with lower morbidity, while TR remains justified in appropriate patients., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report outcomes of the human acellular vessel (HAV) implanted for limb salvage through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Expanded Access Program for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia with no autologous conduit., Methods: The HAV is a bioengineered vascular conduit designed with human vascular smooth muscle cells. The product is under regulatory study. From April 2019 to November 2021, the HAV was implanted in 14 patients (12 men; mean age, 62±14 years) at 3 US centers. Each case was performed with a single-use investigational new drug Expanded Access Program issued by the FDA. Institutional review board approval was obtained; technical and clinical outcomes were analyzed., Results: A single 6-mm-diameter (40-cm-long) HAV was implanted in 9 patients; 5 patients required 2 HAVs sewn together as a composite. Technical success was 100%. Median follow-up was 12 (range, 1 to 41) months. Primary and secondary patency rates were 72% and 81% at 12 months; assisted primary patency was attained in 4 patients. Amputation-free survival was 93% at 6 months and 77% at 12 months. All patients with a patent HAV experienced clinical improvement with no HAV-related infections or adverse events. There were 4 deaths in the cohort, late mortality unrelated to the HAV., Conclusion: The HAV is a safe and effective "off-the-shelf" biologic conduit. This experience from the FDA Expanded Access Program in this population with few alternative limb salvage options will help guide regulatory deliberations for patients with lower extremity ischemia and no autologous bypass conduit options., (Copyright © 2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) clinical practice guidelines recommend best medical therapy (BMT) as first-line therapy before offering revascularization to patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Notably, atherectomy and tibial-level interventions are generally discouraged for management of IC; however, high regional market competition may incentivize physicians to treat patients outside the scope of guideline-directed therapy. Therefore, we sought to determine the association between regional market competition and endovascular treatment of patients with IC., Methods: We examined patients with IC undergoing index endovascular peripheral vascular interventions (PVI) in the SVS Vascular Quality Initiative from 2010 to 2022. We assigned the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index as a measure of regional market competition and stratified centers into very high competition (VHC), high competition, moderate competition, and low competition cohorts. We defined BMT as preoperative documentation of being on antiplatelet medication, statin, nonsmoking status, and a recorded ankle-brachial index. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of market competition with patient and procedural characteristics. A sensitivity analysis was performed in patients with isolated femoropopliteal disease matched by the TransAtlantic InterSociety classification of disease severity., Results: There were 24,669 PVIs that met the inclusion criteria. Patients with IC undergoing PVI were more likely to be on BMT when treated in higher market competition centers (odds ratio [OR], 1.07 per increase in competition quartile; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.11; P < .0001). The probability of undergoing aortoiliac interventions decreased with increasing competition (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.81-0.87; P < .0001), but there were higher odds of receiving tibial (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.30-1.50; P < .0001) and multilevel interventions in VHC vs low competition centers (femoral + tibial OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14; P = .001). Stenting decreased as competition increased (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87-0.92; P < .0001), whereas exposure to atherectomy increased with higher market competition (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.11-1.19; P < .0001). When assessing patients undergoing single-artery femoropopliteal intervention for TransAtlantic InterSociety A or B lesions to account for disease severity, the odds of undergoing either balloon angioplasty (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.625-0.840; P < .0001) or stenting only (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.727-0.966; P < .0001) were lower in VHC centers. Similarly, the likelihood of receiving atherectomy remained significantly higher in VHC centers (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.36-1.84; P < .0001)., Conclusions: High market competition was associated with more procedures among patients with claudication that are not consistent with guideline-directed therapy per the SVS clinical practice guidelines, including atherectomy and tibial-level interventions. This analysis demonstrates the susceptibility of care delivery to regional market competition and signifies a novel and undefined driver of PVI variation among patients with claudication., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim was to analyze the risk of progression to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), amputation and subsequent interventions after revascularization versus noninvasive therapy in patients with intermittent claudication (IC)., Background: Conflicting evidence exists regarding adverse limb outcomes after each treatment strategy., Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched aided by a health sciences librarian through August 16, 2022. Randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing invasive (endovascular or surgical revascularization) and noninvasive treatment (exercise and/or medical treatment) were included. PROSPERO registration was completed (CRD42022352831)., Results: A total of 9 RCTs comprising 1477 patients (invasive, 765 patients; noninvasive, 712 patients) were eligible. During a mean of 3.6-year follow-up, progression to CLTI after invasive [5 (2-8) per 1000 person-years] and noninvasive treatment [6 (3-10) per 1000 person-years] were not statistically different [rate ratio (RR): 0.77; 95% CI, 0.35-1.69; P =0.51, I2 =0%]. Incidence of amputation (RR: 1.69; 95% CI, 0.54-5.26; P =0.36, I2 =0%) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.26; 95% CI, 0.91-1.74; P =0.16, I2 =0%) also did not differ between the groups. However, the invasive treatment group underwent significantly more revascularizations (RR: 4.15; 95% CI, 2.80-6.16; P <0.00001, I2 =83%). The results were not changed by fixed effect or random-effects models, nor by sensitivity analysis., Conclusions: Although there is equivalent risk of progression to CLTI, major amputation and all-cause mortality compared with noninvasive treatment, invasive treatment for patients with IC led to significantly more revascularization procedures and should be used selectively in patients with major lifestyle limitation. Guideline recommendation of noninvasive treatment for first-line IC therapy is supported., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Optimal temporal surgical management of significant carotid stenosis and coronary artery disease remains unknown. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass (CABG) are performed concurrently (CCAB) or in a staged (CEA-CABG or CABG-CEA) approach. Using the Vascular Quality Initiative-Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Coordinated Registry Network-Medicare-linked dataset, this study compared operative and long-term outcomes after CCAB and staged approaches., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative-Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Coordinated Registry Network dataset was used to identify CEAs from 2011 to 2018 with combined CABG or CABG within 45 days preceding or after CEA. Patients were stratified based on concurrent or staged approach. Primary outcomes were stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, stroke and death as composite (SD) and all as composite within 30 days from the last procedure as well as in the long term. Univariate analysis and risk-adjusted analysis using inverse propensity weighting were performed. Kaplan-Meier curves of stroke, MI, and death were created and compared., Results: There were 1058 patients included: 643 CCAB and 415 staged (309 CEA-CABG and 106 CABG-CEA). Compared with staged patients, those undergoing CCAB had a higher preoperative rate of congestive heart failure (24.8% vs 18.4%; P = .01) and decreased renal function (14.9% vs 8.5%; P < .01), as well as fewer prior neurological events (23.5% vs 31.4%; P < .01). Patients undergoing CCAB had similar weighted rate of 30-day stroke (4.6% vs 4.1%; P = .72), death (7.0% vs 5.0%; P = .32), and composite outcomes (stroke and death, 9.8% vs 8.5%; P = .56; stroke, death, and MI, 14.7% vs 17.4%; P = .31), but a lower weighted rate of MI (5.5% vs 11.5%; P < .01) vs the staged cohort. Long-term adjusted risks of stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.36; P = .51) and mortality (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.76-1.36; P=.91) were similar between groups, but higher risk of MI long-term was seen in those staged (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.07-2.08; P = .02)., Conclusions: In patients undergoing CCAB or staged open revascularization for carotid stenosis and coronary artery disease, the staged approach had an increased risk of postoperative cardiac event, but the short- and long-term rates of stroke and mortality seem to be comparable. Adverse cardiovascular event risk is high between operations when staged and should be a consideration when selecting an approach. Although factors leading to staged sequencing performance need further clarity, CCAB seems to be safe and should be considered an equally reasonable option., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a rare but serious complication of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR). Several measures including spinal drain (SD) placement have been proposed to reduce the risk of SCI in TEVARs performed for aneurysms. However, there are no specific large-scale data on potential benefits of SD placement in Stanford Type B aortic dissection (TBAD). We aimed to assess the impact of preoperative SD placement on preventing SCI during TEVARs performed for TBAD., Methods: We included all TEVAR cases performed for TBAD in Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) from 2012 to 2021. Patients with connective tissue disease, open conversion, rupture, proximal disease > zone 5, proximal landing zone <2 or SCI on presentation were excluded. One-to-one propensity score matching was used to balance patients on 34 dimensions by the nearest neighbor principle to compare patients based on preoperative SD placement. The primary outcome was SCI. Secondary outcomes included 30-day and 90-day mortality, perioperative complications, and 90-day2intervention., Results: A total of 2,683 TEVARs were performed for TBAD with 1,227 (45.7%) undergoing preoperative SD placement. Propensity matching produced 672 well-matched pairs. In the matched cohort, SD placement was not associated with significant reduction in temporary SCI (3.0% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.45). However, SD placement was associated with significant reduction of the risk of permanent SCI at discharge (1.3% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.012). SD was also associated with lower risk of 30-day mortality (3.7% vs 6.4%, P = 0.025) and shorter length of stay but not 90-day mortality or 90-day reintervention., Conclusions: Our study suggests that preoperative SD placement in patients undergoing TEVAR for TBAD is beneficial in reducing the risk of permanent SCI without increasing risks of perioperative complications. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease and cardiac disease are often comorbid conditions. Echocardiography is a diagnostic tool that can be performed preoperatively to risk stratify patients by a functional cardiac test. We hypothesized that ventricular dysfunction and valvular lesions were associated with an increased incidence of expanded major adverse cardiac events (Expanded MACE)., Methods and Materials: Retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2020 including all patients from a major academic center who had vascular surgery and an echocardiographic study within two years of the index procedure., Results: 813 patients were included in the study; a majority had a history of smoking (86%), an ASA score of 3 (65%), and were male (68%). Carotid endarterectomy was the most common surgery (24%) and the least common surgery was open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (5%). We found no significant association between the echocardiographic findings of left ventricular dysfunction, right ventricular dysfunction, or valvular lesions and the postoperative development of Expanded MACE., Conclusions: The preoperative echocardiographic findings of left ventricular dysfunction, right ventricular dysfunction and moderate to severe valvular lesions were not predictive of an increased incidence of postoperative Expanded MACE. We identified a significant association between RV dysfunction and post-operative dialysis that should be interpreted carefully due to the small number of outcomes. The transition from open to endovascular surgery and advances in perioperative management may have led to improved cardiovascular outcomes., Trial Registration: Trial Registration: NCT04836702 (clinicaltrials.gov). https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=NCT04836702., Competing Interests: The authors acknowledge no competing interest related to this manuscript. MJM has patent applications related to perioperative efficiency (wireless suture needles, scrub table item usage analysis), ownership of PeriOp Green Inc., consulted with Dialectica on viscoelastic monitoring of blood clotting, spoke at Takeda Pharmaceutical on sustainability in healthcare. RSB receives a royalty for publication in UpToDate from Wolters-Kluwer., (Copyright: © 2023 Meyer et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: An infection-resistant, immediately available conduit for trauma and urgent vascular reconstruction remains a critical need for successful limb salvage. While autologous vein remains the gold standard, vein-limited patients and size mismatch are common issues. The Human Acellular Vessel (HAV) (Humacyte, Inc., Durham, NC) is a bioengineered conduit with off-the-shelf availability and resistance to infection, ideal characteristics for patients with challenging revascularization scenarios. This report describes HAV implantation in patients with complex limb-threatening ischemia and limited conduit options who may have otherwise faced limb loss., Methods: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded-access program was used to allow urgent implantation of the HAV for arterial reconstruction. Electronic medical records were reviewed with extraction of relevant data including patient demographics, surgical implantation, patency, infectious complications, and mortality., Results: The HAV was implanted in 8 patients requiring vascular reconstruction. Graft or soft tissue infection was present in 2 patients. One patient with severe penetrating pelvic injury had 4 HAV placed to repair bilateral external iliac artery and vein injuries. There was 1 technical failure due to poor outflow, 2 patients died unrelated to HAV use, and 5 lower extremity bypasses maintained patency at an average of 11.4 months (range: 4-20 months). No HAV infectious complications were identified., Conclusions: This report is the first United States series describing early outcomes using the HAV under the FDA expanded-access program for urgent vascular reconstruction. The HAV demonstrates resistance to infection, reliable patency, and offers surgeons an immediate option when confronted with complex revascularization scenarios. Assessment of long-term outcomes will be important for future studies., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The proportion of open aneurysm repairs requiring at least a suprarenal clamp has increased in the past few decades, partly owing to preferred endovascular approaches for most patients with infrarenal aneurysms, suggesting that the management of aortic clamp placement has become even more relevant. This study evaluated the association between the proximal clamp site and intraoperative ischemia times with postoperative renal dysfunction and mortality., Methods: We used the Vascular Quality Initiative to identify all patients undergoing open repairs of elective or symptomatic juxtarenal AAAs from 2004 to 2018 and compared outcomes by clamp site: above one renal artery, above both renal arteries (suprarenal), or above the celiac trunk (supraceliac). Outcomes evaluated included acute kidney injury (AKI), new-onset renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality. We used multilevel logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazards models, clustered at the hospital level, to adjust for confounding., Results: We identified 3976 patients (median age, 71 years; 70% male; 8.2% non-Caucasian), with a median aneurysm diameter of 5.9cm (interquartile range [IQR], 5.4-6.8 cm). Proximal clamp sites were above one renal artery (31%), suprarenal (52%), or supraceliac (17%). The rates of unadjusted outcomes were 20.5% for AKI, 4.1% for new-onset RRT, 4.9% for 30-day mortality, and 8.3% for 1-year mortality. On adjusted analyses, independent of ischemia time, suprarenal clamping relative to clamping above a single renal artery had higher odds of postoperative AKI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval; 95% CI, CI, 1.28-1.75), but similar odds for new-onset RRT (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.79-2.06) and 30-day mortality (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.79-1.58) and hazards for 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.86-1.45). However, every 10 minutes of prolonged intraoperative ischemia time was associated with an increase in odds or hazards ratio of postoperative AKI by 7% (IQR, 3%-11%), new-onset RRT by 11% (IQR, 4%-17%), 30-day mortality by 11% (IQR, 6%-17%), and 1-year mortality by 7% (IQR, 2%-13%). Patients with more than 40 minutes of ischemia time had notably higher rates of all four outcomes., Conclusions: Suprarenal clamping relative to clamping above a single renal artery was associated with AKI, but not new-onset RRT or 30-day mortality. However, the intraoperative renal ischemia time was independently associated with all four postoperative outcomes. Although further studies are warranted, our findings suggest that an expeditious proximal anastomosis creation is more important than trying to maintain clamp position below one renal artery, suggesting that suprarenal clamping may be the best strategy for open AAA repair when needed to efficiently perform the proximal anastomosis., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To clarify the natural history of abdominal aortic ectasia (AAE) measuring 25 - 29 mm in maximum diameter, and to determine the optimal follow up based on the growth, risk of rupture, and overall mortality of AAE., Data Sources: MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar., Review Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of AAE in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were searched, with the help of a health sciences librarian, up to 11 August 2021. Studies with longitudinal outcomes of AAE (prevalence, annual growth rate, aneurysmal enlargement, rupture, aneurysm related death, and all cause mortality) were included. Meta-analyses were conducted with a random effects model RESULTS: Twelve studies describing a total of 8 369 patients were eligible. The prevalence at population based settings was 3.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4 - 4.0); annual growth rate was 0.82 mm/year (95% CI 0.20 - 1.45). The estimated risks of aortic diameters exceeding 30 mm and 55 mm in five years were 45.0% (95% CI 28.5 - 61.5) and 0.3% (95% CI 0 - 0.6) respectively, while those beyond five years were 70.2% (95% CI 46.9 - 93.6) and 5.2% (95% CI 2.2 - 8.2). The rates of rupture and aneurysm related death were minimal until five years (0.1% and 0.1%, respectively) and beyond (0.4% and 0.2%, respectively). Overall mortality was 7.5% (95% CI 3.9 - 11.0) and 17.3% (95% CI 9.5 - 25.1) up to and beyond five years. Overall mortality from three studies showed no statistical difference between AAE and aneurysms (hazard ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.32 - 1.21; p = .16). Cancer (35.0%) and cardiovascular diseases (31.9%) were major causes of death., Conclusion: AAE carries minimal risk of aneurysm related lethal events during the first five years, but a similar overall mortality risk as abdominal aortic aneurysm. Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of death in patients with AAE., (Copyright © 2022 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The newly proposed Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS), a categorical staging of infrainguinal artery disease complexity, is expected to correlate with clinical outcomes in patients with chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). This study aimed to verify the relationship between GLASS stages and clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) and bypass surgery (BS)., Data Sources: MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were searched in consultation with a health sciences librarian through June 2021., Review Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. All studies comparing the outcomes of patients with CLTI stratified by GLASS staging were eligible. Amputation free survival (AFS), limb salvage rate (LSR), major adverse limb event (MALE), overall survival, immediate technical failure (ITF), and limb based patency (LBP) were analysed. Data were pooled and synthesised with a random effects model., Results: Datasets from seven retrospective cohort studies and one randomised control trial with a total of 2 204 patients (2 483 limbs) were identified. Pooled estimates demonstrated statistical differences between GLASS 1+2 and GLASS 3 in LSR (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47 - 0.80, p < .001) and MALE (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.53 - 0.83, p < .001). After stratification, there were statistical differences in AFS, LSR, and MALE between GLASS 1+2 and GLASS 3 in the EVT subgroup but not in BS. In GLASS 2 and 3, MALE was significantly worse after EVT. In GLASS stages 1, 2, and 3, ITF after EVT was 3.9%, 5.3%, and 27.9%, respectively. LBP after EVT was significantly different between GLASS 1+2 and GLASS 3 (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.71 - 0.97, p = .020)., Conclusion: GLASS is predictive of LSR and MALE as well as ITF and LBP after EVT. The current meta-analysis suggests advanced GLASS stages favour BS over EVT., (Copyright © 2022 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pharmacotherapy for undersized abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a clinical unmet need. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have failed to show effectiveness despite countless promising data in preclinical studies. We aimed to identify the population with undersized AAAs (30-54 mm) who potentially benefit from pharmacotherapy. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA statement, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled RCTs. The primary outcome was mean difference (MD) in annual growth rate (< 0 favors pharmacotherapy), and the secondary outcome was aneurysm-related events (diameters ⩾ 55 mm, ruptures, or referral to surgery). Results: Our search strategy identified eight RCTs (six trials on antibiotics [ABx], two on renin-angiotensin system inhibitors [RAS-I]) with a total of 1325 patients. The mean of baseline diameters ranged from 33.1 mm to 43.1 mm. Neither ABx nor RAS-I showed significant differences in MD. Multivariable random-effects restricted maximum likelihood meta-regression revealed a statistically significant linear relationship between baseline diameter and MD (coefficient 0.15 [95% CI 0.0011, 0.30], p = 0.049) but not for the follow-up period ( p = 0.28) and duration of treatment ( p = 0.11). In line with this result, ABx with baseline diameter < 40 mm significantly reduced MD (-1.03 mm/year [95% CI -1.64, -0.42], p = 0.001) and a borderline significant difference in aneurysm-related events (HR 0.53 [95% CI 0.28, 1.00], p = 0.05), whereas the other groups ⩾ 40 mm never demonstrated effectiveness. Fixed-effect models did not change the results. No evidence of publication bias was detected. Conclusion: Undersized AAAs < 40 mm can potentially benefit from pharmacotherapy. Future RCTs should consider preferentially including undersized AAA with smaller diameters.

Background: Superficial femoral artery and profunda patency has been shown to affect aortofemoral bypass (AFB) limb patency. However, the effect of retrograde flow through the external iliac artery (EIA) is unknown and is the subject of this analysis., Methods: Institutional AFB data from 2000 to 2017 were gathered, excluding that where Superficial femoral artery /EIA patency could not be determined. The cohort was divided into limbs with and without EIA occlusion; primary outcome was limb-based primary patency. Kaplan-Meier estimated patency; cox proportional-hazards model evaluated EIA patency while controlling for other factors., Results: Over the study period, there were AFB 557 limbs in 281 patients. Of the 435 AFB limbs in 220 patients that met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, 162 had EIA occlusion and 273 had a patent EIA. Mean age was 69.6 ± 9.0. EIA occlusions were more common in male patients (59.9% vs. 44.6%; P = 0.001), patients with CAD (43.8% vs. 34.1%; P = 0.042), COPD (34.6% vs. 20.5%; P = 0.001), and CHF (14.8% vs. 5.9%; P = 0.002). Limbs with EIA occlusions more often underwent end-to-side proximal anastomosis (40.7% vs. 24.2%; P < 0.001) and simultaneous infrainguinal bypass (7.4% vs. 0.7%; P < 0.001). Median clinical follow-up was 4.4 years (IQR: 1.6-8.4). Five-year primary patency was 83.1% (95% CI: 74.5-90.0%) for EIA occlusion limbs and 85.9% (95% CI: 80.2-90.0%) with patent EIA limbs (P = 0.96). While controlling for other factors, EIA stenosis or occlusion did not affect primary patency. For patients with a proximal occlusion (occluded aorta, occluded common iliac, or end-to-end proximal anastomosis) and occluded SFA (N = 73), EIA occlusion had a HR of 1.92 for loss of patency, but this was not statistically significant., Conclusions: EIA patency did not influence primary patency in the overall cohort Further investigation on the topic in specific patient subgroups is warranted to determine the effect of EIA patency., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The impact of carotid artery lesion calcification on adverse events following carotid artery stenting is not well-studied. Few reports associated heavily calcified lesions with high risk of perioperative stroke following transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS). With the advent of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), we aimed to compare the outcomes of these two procedures stratified by the degree of lesion calcification., Methods: Our cohort was derived from the Vascular Quality Initiative database for carotid artery stenting. Patients with missing information on the degree of carotid artery calcification were excluded. Patients were stratified into two groups: >50% (heavy) calcification and ≤50% (no/mild) calcification. The Student t test and the χ 2 test were used to compare patients' baseline characteristics and crude outcomes, as appropriate. Clinically relevant and statistically significantly variables on univariable analysis were added to a logistic regression model clustered by center identifier., Results: A total of 11,342 patients were included. Patients with >50% calcification were older, had more comorbidities, and more contralateral occlusion. There were more patients with prior ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy in the ≤50% calcification group. In patients who underwent TCAR, there were no significant differences between those who had >50% vs ≤50% carotid calcification in the odds of in-hospital adverse outcomes. However, in patients with heavy calcification who underwent TFCAS, there was a 50% to 60% increase in the odds of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.5; P = .03), stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3; P = .013), and stroke/death (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.02-2.08; P = .039). Compared with TFCAS in patients with heavy calcification, TCAR was associated with a 40% to 90% reduction in the odds of contralateral stroke (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.4; P = .001), contralateral stroke/TIA (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.87; P = .024), any stroke/TIA (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.38-0.91; P = .02), death (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.13-0.72; P = .006), stroke/death (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.32-0.8; P = .004), and stroke/death/myocardial infarction (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.87; P = .008). There were no significant differences in the odds of stroke and myocardial infarction., Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of patients undergoing TFCAS vs TCAR in the Vascular Quality Initiative database, TCAR demonstrated favorable outcomes compared with TFCAS among patients with calcification greater than 50% of the carotid circumference. Advance burden of carotid artery calcification was associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing TFCAS but not TCAR. These results are consistent with previously demonstrated superiority of flow reversal compared with distal embolic protection devices. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and confirm the durability of TCAR in heavily calcified lesions., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Controversy has continued regarding the use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) vs open aneurysm repair (OAR) for infected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). In the present study, we investigated the comparative outcomes of EVAR and OAR for the treatment of infected AAAs., Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through May 2021. We included studies that had described both EVAR and OAR for the treatment of infected AAAs. The primary endpoints were the rates of recurrent infection and related rupture and/or death. Perioperative and 1-year mortality and readmissions and reinterventions were also analyzed., Results: Fourteen observational studies describing a total of 1203 patients (EVAR, 359 [29.8%]; OAR, 844 [70.2%]) were eligible for qualitative analysis. The baseline characteristics included diabetes mellitus (33.2%), fever at presentation (71.6%), rupture at diagnosis (26.1%), and positive blood cultures (52.5%). The mean follow-up period ranged from 12 to 40 months. The use of EVAR became more prevalent in recent years (2016-2020, 32.4%) compared with the former period (2010-2015, 13.8%; P < .0001). Fenestrated, branched, or concomitant visceral debranching EVAR was performed in 6.1% of cases. In OAR, surgical debridement was consistently performed, and in situ reconstruction was applied in 82.2% and an omental flap in 51.5%. In nine studies considered for quantitative analysis, the patients' background (EVAR, n = 264; OAR, n = 274) were statistically balanced. The crude rates of recurrent infection and related rupture or death were 13.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8%-18.5%) and 4.9% (95% CI 1.8%-8.0%), respectively. The pooled analyses depicted significantly higher rates of recurrent infection after EVAR than after OAR (relative risk [RR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.80-3.27; P < .0001; I 2  = 0%). Recurrent infection-related rupture or death (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.70-3.23; P = .29; I 2  = 0%), perioperative death (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.39-1.65; P = .55; I 2  = 35%), 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.97-1.28; P =.13; I 2  = 0%), and readmission or reintervention (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.74-1.82; P =.52; I 2  = 0%) were not significantly different statistically between the two groups. Funnel plots showed no evidence of publication bias. Sensitivity analyses of leave-one-out meta-analysis confirmed higher rates of recurrent infection after EVAR., Conclusions: EVAR has become more prevalent as the initial treatment of infected AAAs. Although operative and 1-year survival were similar between OAR and EVAR groups, recurrent infection was more frequent after EVAR. This limitation should be weighed in selecting patients for EVAR in infected AAAs. Postoperative graft and infection surveillance are critical, especially after EVAR., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A recent review of Vascular Study Group of New England data suggested that simultaneous endovascular treatment of tandem carotid lesions (TCAL: common carotid artery + internal carotid artery) is associated with a fourfold increase in perioperative neurologic events and death. However, given the small cohort, the effect of symptomatic status could not be evaluated. This study sought to determine the risk of simultaneous TCAL stenting in cohorts stratified by symptom status., Methods: Vascular Quality Initiative data (2005-2020) were queried for carotid stenting procedures (CAS). Emergent and bilateral procedures, patients with prior ipsilateral CAS, internal carotid artery lesions with stenosis <50%, and hybrid transcarotid procedures were excluded. The cohort was stratified by symptomatic status. The primary outcome was the composite of perioperative stroke and death. Predictors of stroke/death were determined with multivariable logistic regression for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with TCAL forced into the models., Results: There were 18,886 carotid arteries stented (18,441 patients): 18,077 (96%) with isolated carotid artery lesions and 809 (4%) with TCAL. Mean age was 70.0 ± 9.7. Symptomatic lesions were present in 58.9% of cases (isolated carotid artery lesions: 59.1% vs TCAL: 52.5%; P < .001). More TCAL arteries had a prior carotid endarterectomy (38.3% vs 23.8%; P < .001). TCAL had a higher perioperative stroke/death (3.4% vs 1.8%; P = .026) for asymptomatic lesions, but not symptomatic lesions (4.5% vs 3.7%; P = .41). TCAL were independently associated with stroke/death in asymptomatic patients (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.33; P = .039) but not symptomatic patients (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.97; P = .42)., Conclusions: The addition of endovascular treatment of common carotid artery lesions with CAS is associated with almost double the risk of perioperative stroke/death in asymptomatic patients and should be avoided if possible. Treatment of TCAL is not associated with an increased risk of stroke/death for symptomatic lesions., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: In the ever-advancing era of endovascular thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) repair, understanding long-term patency of renovisceral reconstructions after open TAAA repair provides important benchmarks., Methods: Institutional open TAAA repair patient data were queried. Patients dying during index admission or with incomplete operative detail were excluded. Visceral and renal reconstructions were categorized as bypass, incorporation into a proximal or distal beveled aortic anastomosis, inclusion button, Carrel patch, or hybrid stent along with endarterectomy/stent adjuncts. Axial imaging or angiography determined long-term patency. Vessel event was defined as new occlusion or reintervention after repair. Overall time-to-event analysis was performed as well as separate analyses for each vessel (celiac, superior mesenteric artery [SMA], right renal, left renal) by reconstruction type utilizing Kaplan-Meier methods. Log-rank testing was employed to compare reconstructive strategies., Results: Over 28 years, 604 repairs (type I, 106 [18%]; type II, 73 [12%]; type III, 195 [32%]; and type IV, 230 [38%]) were identified. Follow-up (median, 500 days) was available in 410/570 (72%) celiac, 406/573 (71%) SMA, 379/532 (71.2%) right renal, and 370/515 (72%) left renal reconstructions. There were five celiac, one SMA, eight right renal, and 10 left renal events. No type of reconstruction or adjunct was significantly associated with event. Overall 5-year patency of all renal/visceral reconstructions was 94% (95% confidence interval, 90%-96%). Estimated 5-year patency of the celiac, SMA, left renal, and right renal were similar, and were 99%, 100%, 97%, and 96%, respectively (P = .09)., Conclusions: Visceral and renal long-term patency after open TAAA repair is excellent regardless of reconstructive technique. No differences are appreciated even when target vessel disease is addressed at the time of reconstruction. These findings continue to substantiate the effective long-term durability of open TAAA repair and are particularly germane to the ongoing evolution of endovascular strategies., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Addition of ipsilateral proximal endovascular intervention (PEI, common carotid/innominate) increases the risk of perioperative stroke/death for both carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS). However, these approaches have not been directly compared and is the subject of this study., Methods: VQI (2005-2020) was queried for CEA and CAS with PEI, excluding emergent, bilateral, and repeat procedures, patients with prior ipsilateral CAS, ICA lesions with stenosis<50%, and transcarotid ICA stents. Primary outcome were the composite of perioperative stroke/death and long-term stroke/reintervention/death. Operative approach was evaluated with logistic regression, adjusted propensity scores, symptomatic status, and stenosis>70%. Long-term outcomes were compared with Kaplan-Meier Analysis., Results: There were 1,433 patients (795 endovascular;638 hybrid); mean age 69.8±9.4 years. Patients undergoing hybrid procedures were more likely to be female (49.4% vs. 37.5%; P < 0.001), less likely to have diabetes (29.5% vs. 38.2%; P P< 0.001), less likely to have a prior ipsilateral CEA (3.8% vs. 32.2%; P< 0.001), less likely to be symptomatic (34.6% vs. 52.8%; P < 0.001), and less likely to have >70% stenosis (77.3% vs. 95.6%%; P < 0.001). Perioperative stroke/death was 3.6% for hybrid and 3.9% for endovascular approaches (P = 0.77). In the multivariable model, hybrid operative approach (compared to the total endovascular approach) was not significantly associated with stroke/death (OR 1.29; 95%CI: 0.55-3.07; P = 0.56). For the 981 patients with long-term follow-up (556 endovascular; 425 hybrid), 1-year freedom from stroke/reintervention/death was 94.0% (95%CI: 90.9%-96.0%) for hybrid approach vs. 92.3% (95%CI: 89.5%-94.4%) for endovascular approach (P = 0.27)., Conclusion: Although simultaneous repair of tandem carotid lesions portends worse outcomes when compared to CEA or CAS alone, there was no difference in short or long-term stroke and death rates with a hybrid or totally endovascular approach.  Therefore, it is reasonable to use either approach in the select patients who require simultaneous repair of both lesions., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Tandem carotid artery lesions that involve simultaneous internal carotid artery (ICA) and common carotid artery (CCA) stenoses present a complex clinical problem. Some studies have shown that the addition of a retrograde proximal intervention to treat a CCA lesion during a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) increases the risk of stroke and death. However, the stroke and death risks associated with a totally endovascular approach to tandem lesions is unknown and is the subject of this study., Methods: Vascular Study Group of New England data for the years 2005 to 2020 were queried for carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures. Emergent and bilateral procedures, procedures for indications other than atherosclerosis, patients with prior ipsilateral CAS, ICA lesions with stenosis of less than 50%, and transcarotid procedures were excluded. The cohort was divided into tandem and isolated lesion groups. The primary outcome was the composite of stroke and death. Predictors of stroke or death were determined with multivariable logistic regression., Results: There were 2016 carotid arteries stented in 1950 patients-1881 (96%) with isolated lesions and 135 (4%) with tandem lesions. The mean patient age was 69.6 ± 9.0 years. Tandem lesions were more likely to be present in women (50.4% vs 33.0%; P < .001) and in patients with a prior carotid endarterectomy (45.9% vs 35.4%; P = .014). Other covariates were similar between the groups. Symptomatic lesions accounted for 42.3% of cases (isolated, 42.2% vs tandem, 43.0%; P = .86). Arteries in the tandem group more often required multiple stents to treat the ICA lesion (9.6% vs 5.2%; P = .027). ICA neuroprotection had similar outcomes in both groups (tandem: success 94.1%, failure 3.7%; isolated: success 96.3%, failure 1.8%; P = .29). The tandem group experienced a higher 30-day mortality (2.2% vs 0.6%; P = .039), more perioperative neurologic events (stroke or transient ischemic attack) (8.1% vs 2.0%; P < .001), and a higher incidence of stroke or death (5.9% vs 1.9%; P = .002). Predictors of the primary outcome in the multivariable model included treatment of tandem lesions (odds ratio [OR], 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-6.89; P = .006), symptomatic lesions (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.21-4.17; P = .010), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.17-3.92; P = .014), general anesthesia (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.35-8.26; P = .009), and advancing age (OR, 1.05 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09; P = .006)., Conclusions: The addition of endovascular treatment of tandem CCA lesions with CAS is associated with a three-fold increase in perioperative stroke and death and should be avoided if possible., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Despite advancements, aortofemoral bypass (AFB) remains the most durable option for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Although runoff has been shown to be associated with AFB patency, the association of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) thigh runoff scoring system with patency has not been assessed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the SVS runoff scoring system and limb-based primary patency after AFB., Methods: Institutional data for patients undergoing AFB with preoperative runoff imaging available from 2000 to 2017 were queried. Runoff scores were assigned according to the presence of occlusive disease in the superficial femoral artery and profunda femoris artery (minimum, 1; maximum, 10) as described by the 1997 SVS reporting standards for lower extremity ischemia. Limb-based patency was the primary endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the long-term limb-based patency and freedom from reintervention between limbs with runoff scores ≥6 and those with runoff scores <6. Propensity score-weighted Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association between a runoff score of ≥6 and primary patency loss, controlling for other factors associated with primary patency., Results: In 161 patients, 316 limbs had undergone revascularization. The mean patient age was 66.7 ± 11.3 years, and 51.6% were women. Most limbs had undergone revascularization for claudication (56.5%). Most (89.4%) had TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus class D lesions, 27.3% had required suprarenal or higher clamping, and 11.2% had undergone concomitant mesenteric intervention. A femoral outflow adjunct and concurrent lower extremity bypass was required in 41.8% and 2.9% of limbs, respectively. Those with a runoff score of ≥6 had experienced greater rates of 30-day myocardial infarction (11% vs 1%; P = .005), respiratory failure (11% vs 1%; P = .005), and mortality (8% vs 0%; P ≤ .006). The median follow-up period was 4.0 years (interquartile range, 6.5 years). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary patency was 94.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.9%-97.3%), 89.2% (95% CI, 85.4%-93.2%), and 81.4% (95% CI, 76.0%-87.1%), respectively. The 5-year primary-assisted patency, secondary patency, and freedom from reintervention were 84.9% (95% CI, 79.7%-90.5%), 91.7% (95% CI, 87.3%-96.3%), and 83.3% (95% CI, 78.3%-88.7%), respectively. Patients with a runoff score of ≥6 had lower primary (log-rank P < .01), primary-assisted (P < .01), and secondary patency (P = .01). The factors associated with the loss of primary patency included a high runoff score (runoff score of ≥6: hazard ratio [HR], 4.1; 95% CI, 2.1-8.0; P < .01), simultaneous mesenteric endarterectomy (HR, 13.5; 95% CI, 1.9-97.8; P = .01), and chronic kidney disease (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.5-14.6; P = .01). Increasing age (HR, 0.94 per year; 95% CI, 0.91-0.97; P < .01) and hyperlipidemia (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.85; P = .01) were protective., Conclusions: The SVS femoral runoff score is an important factor associated with long-term AFB limb patency. Scores of ≥6 portend for worse limb outcomes and a greater incidence of operative complications. The SVS score can be determined from preoperative axial imaging studies and serve as a guide in decision-making and operative planning., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition associated with dismal outcomes. This study sought to evaluate the evolution of presentation, treatment, and outcomes of AMI over the past two decades., Methods: AMI patients presenting at a single institution were reviewed (1993-2016). Venous thrombosis patients were excluded. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Patients were stratified by etiology and diagnosis date (before 2004 versus 2004 and later). Ordered logistic regression was performed for longitudinal temporal analysis., Results: 303 patients were identified. AMI mechanisms included: embolic (49%), thrombotic (29%), and non-occlusive (NOMI) (22%). The majority were women (55%), 50% had atrial fibrillation, and 23% were on anticoagulation (AC) therapy. Mean age was 72±13 years. 345 procedures were performed in 242 patients: 321 open and 24 hybrid/endovascular. Among the 189 embolic/thrombotic patients who were managed operatively, 45% (n=85) underwent mesenteric revascularization while 39 (21%) had findings of non-survivable bowel necrosis (NSBN). Among the 104 patients who did not undergo revascularization, 64 (62%) died within 30-days compared to 36 out of 85 (42%) patients who were revascularized (P=0.01). 30-day mortality was 61% and stable over time (P=0.91); when stratified by AMI etiology, the thrombotic cohort had worse survival than embolic and NOMI patients (P=0.04). Since 2000, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of embolic AMI events (P=0.04). The percentage of patients who underwent operative management decreased also over time (P=0.01, 81% → 61%), which was correlated with an increasing number of patients being made comfort measures only (CMO) prior to surgical intervention (50% → 70%, P=0.02). The majority of patients (55%) were ultimately made CMO during their hospitalization. Predictors of 30-day mortality included a preoperative white blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 25 K/ µL. (OR 3.0, P=0.002) and lactate ≥ 2.3 mmol/L (OR 2.8, P=0.045). NSBN predictors included WBC ≥ 24 K/ µL. (OR 3.4 P=0.03) and lactate ≥ 3.8 mmol/L (OR 3.6, P=0.04)., Conclusions: Despite advances in critical care over the past 25 years, AMI continues to be associated with poor prognosis. The survival benefit observed in patients who undergo revascularization supports an aggressive approach towards early vascular intervention, although this requires further study. The importance of early diagnosis, prognostication and advanced directives is highlighted given the high morbidity, mortality and use of comfort measures associated with AMI., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

For decades, the mainstay of management for acute, uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) has been anti-impulse medical therapy, focusing on close control of blood pressure, and heart rate. However, the natural history of this entity has remained one of aortic degeneration over time and significant morbidity and mortality. More recently, the advent of endovascular therapy has driven a revolution in the management of TBAD. While thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was rapidly adopted for the treatment of complicated type B aortic dissection due to significantly improved morbidity and mortality when compared with tradition open surgical techniques, its role in the management of uncomplicated dissection remained controversial. However, the accumulation of favorable data on aortic remodeling and survival following early TEVAR for uncomplicated dissection is driving a shift in paradigm and practice. This is particularly true of patients exhibiting certain features at the time of presentation that are associated with increased risk of failure of optimal medical therapy. This article reviews the current evidence in the literature addressing TEVAR for acute, uncomplicated TBAD. In addition, it presents the state of the art in FDA-approved thoracic endograft platforms, guidance regarding case planning, and step-by-step procedural description, including the management of common challenges, and complications., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Access issues are one of the most common complications of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, contemporary rates as well as risk factors for complications and the subsequent impact of access complications on mortality are poorly described., Methods: We studied all EVAR for intact abdominal aortic aneurysms without prior aortic surgery in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2011 and 2018. We studied factors associated with access complications (thrombosis, embolus, wound infection, hematoma, and conversion to cutdown), as well as the interaction with female sex and the impact on survival using multilevel logistic regression and propensity weighting. Multiple imputation was used for missing data., Results: There were 33,951 EVAR during the study period (91% elective, 9% symptomatic); most cases (70%) involved an attempt at percutaneous access on at least one side, with 30% bilateral cutdowns and 0.1% iliac conduits. There were 1553 patients (4.6%) who experienced at least one access complication. Access complications were almost twice as common in female patients (7.5% vs 3.9%; P < .001). The factors associated with access complications included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-3.6; P < .001), age (OR, 1.05 per 5 years; 95% CI, 1.02-1.1; P < .01), aortouni-iliac device (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3; P < .01), smoking (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7; P < .01), body mass index of less than 16 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5; P = .001), dual antiplatelet therapy (1.3; 95% CI, 1.02-1.6 P = .03), prior infrainguinal bypass (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7; P < .01), and beta blocker use (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.03-1.4; P = .02). Conversion from percutaneous access to open cutdown was associated with higher rates of complications than planned open cutdown (8.6% vs 2.9%; P < .001). In propensity-weighted analysis, percutaneous access was associated with significantly lower odds of access complications in women (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.96; P = .03). Patients who experienced an access complication had more than four times the odds of perioperative death (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.5-7.1; P < .001), and a 60% higher risk of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1; P = .001). In addition to death, patients with access site complications had higher rates of other major complications, including reoperation during the index hospitalization (19% vs 1.2%; P < .001), myocardial infarction (3.5% vs 0.7%; P < .001), stroke (0.8% vs 0.2%; P < .001), acute kidney injury (12% vs 3%; P < .001), and reintubation (5.7% vs 0.8%)., Conclusions: Although access complications are infrequent in the current era, they are associated with both perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. Female patients in particular are at high risk of access complications, but may benefit from percutaneous access., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Additive risks of combining supra-aortic trunk surgical reconstruction (SAT) with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for associated carotid bifurcation and great vessel disease management are not well defined. This study sought to define risk of combining SAT with CEA., Study Design: Isolated CEA (ICEA) and CEA+SAT (from 2005 to 2015) were identified from NSQIP, excluding nonocclusive indications. CEA+SAT were compared with ICEA as well as a propensity-matched ICEA cohort. Primary outcomes included 30-day stroke, death, and composite (SD). Outcomes were then weighted by symptomatic status. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: Patients included 79,477 ICEA and 270 CEA+SAT. SAT reconstructions included 19 (7%) aorto-carotid bypasses, 21 (8%) carotid-subclavian transpositions, 85 (31%) carotid-carotid bypasses, and 145 (54%) carotid-subclavian bypasses. There was no difference in 30-day mortality (vs CEA+SAT 1.5% vs ICEA 0.7% p = 0.12). CEA+SAT had higher rates of stroke (3.7% vs 1.6%, p = 0.005) and stroke and death (SD) (4.8% vs 2.1%, p = 0.001). Predictors of SD included CEA+SAT (odds ratio [OR] 5.2, 95% CI 1.03-26.3, p = 0.046) and symptomatic status (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2, p = 0.02). After propensity matching, CEA+SAT continued to have higher rates of stroke (3.4% vs 0.4%, p = 0.01) and SD (4.5% vs 1.5%, p = 0.04), with similar mortality (1.5% vs 1.1%, p = 0.70). No differences were noted in primary endpoints in asymptomatic patients. In symptomatic patients, CEA+SAT carried significantly higher stroke (5.6% vs 2.1%, p = 0.04) and SD risk (7.0% vs 2.8%, p = 0.03)., Conclusions: CEA+SAT confers increased risk of stroke and SD over ICEA. Symptomatic status and concomitant procedure contribute to this risk. Management should be considered within the context of lesion characteristics, patient longevity, and individual operative risk profile., (Copyright © 2020 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The optimal approach for the treatment of tandem carotid bifurcation and supra-aortic trunk (SAT) disease remains controversial. The hybrid technique of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with ipsilateral proximal endovascular intervention (IPE) has provided an attractive alternative to CEA with open SAT reconstruction (SATr). However, no studies have compared cohorts treated by these two approaches., Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2017), patients who underwent CEA + IPE and CEA + SATr were identified. Non-occlusive indications were excluded. Primary outcomes included 30 day stroke, death, and their composite (stroke and/or death [SD]). Univariable and logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: In total, 372 patients were identified: 319 CEA + SATr and 53 CEA + IPE. SATr included 19 (5.9%) aorta to carotid bypasses, 22 (6.9%) carotid subclavian transpositions, 96 (30.1%) carotid carotid bypasses, 179 (56.1%) carotid subclavian bypasses, and three (0.9%) SAT endarterectomies. The mean age was 69 ± 10 years. The majority were men (53%), white (85%), and had a history of hypertension (84%). There were no demographic differences between the operative cohorts except that those having CEA + SATr were more likely to have hypertension (86% vs. 74%; p = .031). CEA + SATr had longer operative times and longer hospital length of stay. There were no differences in outcomes between the cohorts: stroke (CEA + SATr 4.1% vs. CEA + IPE 3.8%; p = .92), death (1.6% vs. 0%; p = .36), or SD (5.3% vs. 3.8%; p = .63). After risk adjustment, predictors of SD included symptomatic status (odds ratio [OR] 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-13.5; p = .034), congestive heart failure (OR 16.5, 95% CI 2.0-136; p = .011), and return to the operating room (OR 8.5, 95% CI 2.3-30.8; p = .001). Operative method was not predictive (p = .63)., Conclusion: Outcomes following CEA + SATr and CEA + IPE are similar. Although proposed as a safer, less invasive alternative, the hybrid approach did not reduce the risk of operative stroke or death relative to open reconstruction for the treatment of occlusive, tandem carotid/SAT disease. Based upon lesion and patient factors, both may be considered management options in select patients., (Copyright © 2020 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) results from the inability to achieve adequate postprandial intestinal blood flow, usually from atherosclerotic occlusive disease at the origins of the mesenteric vessels. Patients typically present with postprandial pain, food fear, and weight loss, although they can present with acute mesenteric ischemia and bowel infarction. The diagnosis requires a combination of the appropriate clinical symptoms and significant mesenteric artery occlusive disease, although it is often delayed given the spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders associated with abdominal pain and weight loss. The treatment goals include relieving the presenting symptoms, preventing progression to acute mesenteric ischemia, and improving overall quality of life. These practice guidelines were developed to provide the best possible evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CMI from atherosclerosis., Methods: The Society for Vascular Surgery established a committee composed of vascular surgeons and individuals experienced with evidence-based reviews. The committee focused on six specific areas, including the diagnostic evaluation, indications for treatment, choice of treatment, perioperative evaluation, endovascular/open revascularization, and surveillance/remediation. A formal systematic review was performed by the evidence team to identify the optimal technique for revascularization. Specific practice recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system based on review of literature, the strength of the data, and consensus., Results: Patients with symptoms consistent with CMI should undergo an expedited workup, including a computed tomography arteriogram, to exclude other potential causes. The diagnosis is supported by significant arterial occlusive disease in the mesenteric vessels, particularly the superior mesenteric artery. Treatment requires revascularization with the primary target being the superior mesenteric artery. Endovascular revascularization with a balloon-expandable covered intraluminal stent is the recommended initial treatment with open repair reserved for select younger patients and those who are not endovascular candidates. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are recommended after revascularization and for asymptomatic patients with severe mesenteric occlusive disease. Patient with recurrent symptoms after revascularization owing to recurrent stenoses should be treated with an endovascular-first approach, similar to the de novo lesion., Conclusions: These practice guidelines were developed based on the best available evidence. They should help to optimize the care of patients with CMI. Multiple areas for future research were identified., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although prior endovascular intervention is a risk factor for inferior outcomes after infrainguinal bypass, there are few studies evaluating the effect of prior aortoiliac endovascular intervention (AIEI) on outcomes after aortofemoral bypass (AFB). We sought to determine if prior AIEI was predictive of adverse events after AFB., Methods: The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for all patients who underwent AFB form 2009 to 2019. Urgent/emergent cases and repeat procedures were excluded. Primary outcomes were major perioperative complications, major adverse limb event (MALE)-free survival, and long-term survival. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of major complications. Predictors of MALE-free survival were identified with Cox proportional hazards modeling., Results: There were 3,056 patients who underwent AFB; 618 had a prior AIEI. Mean age was 60.3 ± 8.7 years, and 58.7% of patients were men. There was no difference in major complications between the 2 groups (AIEI: 23.8%, no AIEI: 24.5%; P-value = 0.70). Factors associated with major complications were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.54; P = 0.008), simultaneous lower extremity intervention (endarterectomy, bypass, or transluminal intervention, OR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69; P < 0.001), congestive heart failure (CHF) (OR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15-2.16; P = 0.004), increased age (OR 1.03 per year, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04; P < 0.001), increasing operative blood loss (OR 1.35 per liter, 95% CI: 1.21-1.50; P < 0.001), increasing operative time (OR 1.07 per hour, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13; P = 0.008), and end-to-side proximal anastomosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03-1.46; P = 0.022). One-year MALE-Free survival was 88.2% (95% CI: 85.2-90.7%) for the prior AIEI group and 89.7% (95% CI: 88.3-90.7%) for the group without prior AIEI (logrank P-value = 0.201). Predictors of MALEs/death were history of a bypass (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% CI: 1.16-1.96; P = 0.002), increasing degree of ischemia on presentation (HR 1.28 per increasing level of ischemia, 95% CI: 1.16-1.41; P < 0.001), diabetes (HR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05-1.59; P = 0.014), simultaneous peripheral vascular intervention (HR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02-4.15; P = 0.044), CHF (HR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.18-2.18; P = 0.002), end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (HR 5.07, 95% CI: 2.45-10.48; P < 0.001), and presenting hemoglobin<9 g/dl (HR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.02-3.02; P = 0.041). One-year survival for the prior AIEI group was 94.5% (95% CI: 92.2-96.1%) and 94.0% (95% CI: 92.9-94.9%) for the group with no prior AIEI (logrank P = 0.486). Prior AIEI did not predict any of the primary outcomes in multivariable analysis., Conclusions: An endovascular-first approach for aortoiliac occlusive disease appears to be safe and does not portend to inferior results after AFB., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Despite endovascular advancements, aortofemoral bypass (AFB; aortounifemoral and aortobifemoral bypass) remains the most durable option for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Whereas AFB reduces vascular aortoiliac reintervention, the impact of laparotomy-associated and groin wound complications on morbidity and reintervention is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of nonvascular complications after AFB and to determine their effect on reintervention., Methods: Institutional data for AFB (2000-2017) were queried. Primary end points included laparotomy-associated and groin wound complications. Total reintervention was defined as the composite outcome of reinterventions for laparotomy and groin wound complications and graft patency. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated freedom from reintervention. Fine-Gray method for competing long-term risk determined predictors of laparotomy complications. Logistic regression, adjusting variability for patient-level clustering, determined predictors of wound complications., Results: There were 553 limbs in 281 patients (272 aortobifemoral and 9 aortounifemoral bypasses; age, 67.6 ± 11.0 years; 50.5% female). Ninety (32%) patients had prior abdominal surgery, 3.2% had prior ventral hernia (VH) repair, 2.9% had untreated VH, and 0.7% had history of small bowel obstruction. The majority of patients underwent AFB for claudication (66.2%); 87.2% had TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) D lesions, 31.4% required a suprarenal clamp or higher, 16.4% had concomitant renovisceral revascularization, and 6.4% were receiving anticoagulation. Sixty-seven (12.1%) limbs had redo femoral artery exposures, 32.4% required femoral outflow adjunct, and 1.8% had simultaneous lower extremity bypass. The 30-day mortality was 2.9%. During median follow-up of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 7.3 years), 21% had laparotomy complications (VH, 15.3%; small bowel obstruction, 7.5%; other, 2.1%), including 10.0% requiring operative intervention. Sixty-seven (12%) groins had a wound complication; 4.9% required intervention. Unadjusted 1-, 3-, and 5-year freedom from graft reintervention was 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.1%-96.5%), 85.3% (80.7%-90.2%), and 79.6% (74.1%-85.5%), respectively. Freedom from total reintervention at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years was 82.1% (95% CI, 77.4%-87.1%), 73.6% (68.0%-79.6%), and 65.1% (58.7%-72.2%). Predictors of laparotomy complications were untreated VH (P = .01) and hypertension (P = .01). Protective factors were thoracoabdominal approach (P < .01) and aortounifemoral bypass (P < .01). Predictors of wound complications included body mass index (per kg, 1.07; CI, 1.01-1.15; P = .018), anticoagulation (2.59; CI, 1.01-8.37; P = .049), and previous iliac stents (2.60; CI, 1.36-4.94; P = .004)., Conclusions: Whereas AFB is a durable reconstruction with infrequent need for graft reintervention, laparotomy- and groin wound-associated complications contribute significantly to morbidity and reintervention after AFB. Predictive factors for laparotomy and groin wound complications should be considered in preoperative planning and selection of patients for AFB and in the discussion of outcomes., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Up to 20% of patients requiring open supra-aortic trunk (SAT) reconstruction have significant carotid artery stenosis. The addition of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to SAT has been described. Yet, additive risks are not well defined and controversy remains as to whether concomitant CEA increases stroke risk. This study assessed the perioperative effects of adding CEA to SAT., Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), patients who underwent SAT from 2005 to 2015 were evaluated. SAT + CEA were identified. An isolated SAT (ISAT) cohort was created by removing patients who underwent concurrent secondary procedures. Nonocclusive indications were excluded. SAT + CEA were compared with ISAT as well as a propensity-matched ISAT cohort. Primary outcomes were 30-day stroke, death, and composite stroke/death/myocardial infarction (SDM). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: After review, 1,515 patients were identified: 1,245 ISAT (82%) and 270 SAT + CEA (18%). Most were women (56%), 86% were Caucasian, and 24% were symptomatic. Average age was 65 ± 12 years and SAT + CEA were older (69 vs. 64 years, P < 0.001). CEA + SAT were more likely to be men (53% vs. 42%, P < 0.001), have hypertension (86% vs. 75%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (26% vs. 20%, P = 0.04). SAT procedures included the following: carotid-subclavian bypass (68%), carotid-carotid bypass (16%), aorta-great vessel bypass (9%), and carotid-subclavian transposition (7%). ISAT were more likely to undergo carotid-subclavian bypass than SAT + CEA (71% vs. 54%, P < 0.001). Overall stroke was 2.3%, death 1.4%, and SDM 4.6%. There were no differences in 30-day stroke (ISAT 2.0% vs. SAT + CEA 3.7%, P = 0.09) or mortality (1.4% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.88). SAT + CEA had higher rates of SDM (7% vs. 4%, P = 0.03). On logistic regression, urgency was a predictor of SDM (operating room [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-8.4, P = 0.003); addition of CEA was not predictive of stroke (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.5-4.2, P = 0.52) or SDM (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.6-3.6, P = 0.40). After propensity matching, there were no longer differences in demographics or primary end points between the 2 cohorts., Conclusions: Addition of CEA does not confer increased perioperative stroke or SDM risk over ISAT. Perioperative outcomes appear to be more affected by disseminated disease risk factors than the addition of CEA. In patients undergoing SAT, it is reasonable to consider performing combined CEA in populations with tandem carotid bifurcation disease and appropriate operative risk profile., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in men after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to identify preventable risk factors for the development of this complication., Methods: All male patients who underwent CEA from 2014 to June 2018 were identified. Exclusions included CEA with concomitant cardiac surgery, baseline dialysis, and indwelling or straight catheterization. POUR was the primary end point, defined as inability to void requiring catheterization within 24 hours postoperatively or after removal of a preoperatively placed Foley catheter. POUR was further classified as mild (single catheterization), moderate (multiple catheterizations), or severe (catheterization prolonging discharge or discharge with catheter). Logistic regression assessed for POUR risk factors., Results: There were 294 male patients who underwent CEA during the study period; 82 (28.2%) developed POUR. Of these, 48 (57.8%) were mild, 15 (18.1%) were moderate, and 20 (24.1%) were severe. At baseline, POUR was associated with older age, peripheral artery disease (PAD), chronic kidney disease, diabetes, ambulation deficit, prior urinary retention, and statin and chronic tamsulosin use. Overall, 31.6% (93) of the cohort had a Foley catheter placed before the procedure, and this was protective against POUR (no Foley vs Foley, 31.8% vs 20.4%; P = .043). Independent risk factors for POUR included prior urinary retention (odds ratio [OR], 3.4 [1.6-7.3]; P = .002), diabetes (OR, 2.1 [1.1-3.7]; P = .016), PAD (OR, 2.3 [1.1-5.2]; P = .036), and age (per year: OR, 1.1 [1.02-1.10]; P < .001). Preoperative Foley catheter placement remained protective (OR, 0.4 [0.2-0.7]; P = .003). Preoperative Foley catheter placement was not associated with urinary tract infection (preoperative Foley catheter: 0% vs 1%; P = .54). However, POUR was associated with an increased risk for urinary tract infections (10% vs 1%; P = .001), which was highest in severe POUR (20% vs 1%; P = .001). POUR was also associated with a discharge to rehabilitation (16% vs 4%; P = .002), with highest rates in the moderate and severe POUR cohorts (20% each)., Conclusions: POUR is common in men undergoing CEA, and almost a quarter of those with POUR have a discharge delay or are discharged with a Foley catheter. Preoperative Foley catheterization is protective against POUR and should be considered in older patients, diabetics, patients with PAD, and those with a history of urinary retention., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) often present with acute catastrophic aortic events at a young age and have a shortened life span. This study examines the impact of presentation and demographics on late survival in patients with MFS., Methods: Adults with confirmed MFS in our thoracic aortic center dataset were identified and statistical analysis performed to identify the incidence and predictors of aortic interventions and late mortality., Results: We identified 301 patients with a MFS initial diagnosis at age 17 years (interquartile range, 4-30 years) with presentation into our thoracic aortic center at 21 years (interquartile range, 8-34 years). The average follow-up in our center was 10 ± 10 years. Clinical features were 41% male, 86% white race, coronary artery disease 28%, hypertension 40%, peripheral vascular disease 19%, and anti-impulse agent in 51% (β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker). Distribution of operative aortic pathology was isolated to the ascending aorta (70%) and descending aorta (8%). One hundred seventy-eight patients (59%) required primary aortic surgery (36% emergent). Primary procedures were cardiac (aortic valve/root) in nature in 94%. Seventy-four patients (42%) required multiple aortic procedures at a mean of 9.2 ± 6.9 years, involving the thoracoabdominal aorta in 65%, thoracic aorta in 37%, and abdominal aorta in 21%. Patients who required multiple aortic procedures were more likely (P < .05) to have coronary artery disease (50% vs 30%), and peripheral vascular disease (43% vs 18%). Multiple aortic procedures were also more likely (P < .05) in patients who developed de novo distal dissection (14% vs 0%), had prior dissection (47% vs 18%), or unknown MFS at the time of the initial procedure (27% vs 63%). Multivariable analysis identified prior dissection as an independent predictor of need for emergent surgery (odds ratio, 13.20; 95% confidence interval, 4.64-37.30; P < .05), as well as additional aortic surgery (odds ratio, 4.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-10.50; P < .05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed similar 10-year survival with or without aortic interventions (82% with vs 89% without; P = .08). Late survival was decreased in patients undergoing emergent initial procedures (66% vs 89%; P < .01), as well as those undergoing multiple operations (74% vs 86%; P = .03)., Conclusions: These data indicate that, in the modern era, the mode of presentation and need for multiple procedures have a detrimental impact on late survival. Additionally, the presence of acute or chronic dissection predicts the need for additional aortic procedures during follow-up., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: The few randomized trials comparing endovascular with open surgical repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) were poorly designed and heavily criticized. The short-term and midterm survival advantages of endovascular repair remain unclear. We sought to compare the two treatment modalities using a propensity-matched analysis in a real-world setting., Methods: All ruptured cases of open surgical repair (rOSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (rEVAR) in the Vascular Quality Initiative were analyzed (2003-2018). Raw and propensity-matched rEVAR and rOSR cohorts were compared. Primary and secondary outcomes included postoperative major adverse events (cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, bowel or limb ischemia, reoperation) and 30-day and 1-year mortality. Univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed., Results: There were 4929 rAAA repairs performed, 2749 rEVAR and 2180 rOSR. Compared with rEVAR patients, rOSR patients had higher rates of myocardial ischemic events (15% vs 10%; P < .001), major adverse events (67% vs 37%; P < .001), and 30-day death (34% vs 21%; P < .001). On adjusted analysis, rOSR was predictive of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.2). After 1:1 matching, the study cohort consisted of 724 pairs of rOSR and rEVAR. The rOSR patients had twice the length of stay (median, 10 days [interquartile range, 5-19 days] vs 5 days [interquartile range, 3-10 days]; P < .001). Univariate analysis demonstrated persistent increased 30-day mortality after rOSR (32% vs 18%; P < .001) and higher rates of myocardial infarction (14% rOSR vs 8% rEVAR; P = .002), respiratory complications (38% vs 20%; P < .001), and acute kidney injury (42% vs 26%; P < .001). Overall major adverse event rate was higher after rOSR (68% vs 35%; P < .001). Multivariable regression analysis of the propensity-matched pairs demonstrated that rOSR was associated with double the 30-day mortality compared with rEVAR (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-2.7). All-cause 1-year survival was 73% and 59% after rEVAR and rOSR in the propensity-matched cohort, respectively (P < .001)., Conclusions: This is one of the largest studies of rAAA demonstrating clear short-term and midterm survival benefits of rEVAR over rOSR that persisted after matching on all major demographic, comorbid, and anatomic variables. Furthermore, patients who survived rOSR had twice the length of stay with increased rates of complications compared with rEVAR patients. These data suggest a more aggressive endovascular approach for rAAA in patients with suitable anatomy., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Patients undergoing lower extremity bypass (LEB) for peripheral artery disease require intensive health care resource utilization including rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. However, few studies have evaluated factors that lead to nonhome discharge (NHD) in this population of patients. This study sought to predict NHD by preoperative risk factors in patients undergoing LEB for peripheral artery disease using a novel risk score., Methods: The Vascular Study Group of New England database was queried for elective LEB for peripheral artery disease including claudication and critical limb ischemia from 2003 to 2017. Patients were excluded if the procedure was not elective, if they were not admitted from home, if they were bedridden, or if they died during the index admission. Only preoperative factors were considered in the analysis. The primary end point was NHD including rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. Data were split two-thirds for model derivation and one-third for validation. In the derivation cohort, bivariate analysis assessed the association of preoperative factors with NHD. A parsimonious manual stepwise binary logistic regression for NHD aimed at maximizing the C statistic while maintaining model simplicity was performed. A risk score was developed using the β coefficients and applied to the validation data set. The risk score performance was assessed using a C statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow test for model fit., Results: There were 10,145 cases included with an overall NHD rate of 26.4% (n = 2676). Mean age was 66 years (range, 41-90 years). NHD patients were older (72 years vs 64 years; P < .01) and more frequently male (57.2% vs 42.8%; P < .01) and nonwhite (16.1% vs 9.9%; P < .01); they more frequently had tissue loss (54.2% vs 23.0%; P < .01), anemia (16.0% vs 5.3%; P < .01), severe cardiac comorbidity (21.8% vs 10.5%; P < .01), and insulin-dependent diabetes (33.3% vs 18.2%; P < .01). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with NHD included age, sex, nonwhite race, tissue loss, cardiac comorbidity, partial ambulatory deficit, and insulin-dependent diabetes. The C statistic was 0.78 in the derivation group and 0.79 in the validation group, with Hosmer-Lemeshow P > .999. The risk score ranged from 0 to 18, with a mean score of 4 (standard deviation ±3.5). The risk score was divided into low risk (0-4 points; n = 5272 [52%]; NHD = 10.1%]), moderate risk (5-9 points; n = 3663 [36.7%]; NHD = 36.7%), and high risk (≥10 points; n = 1210 [11.9%]; NHD = 66.1%)., Conclusions: This novel risk score was highly predictive for NHD after LEB for peripheral artery disease using only preoperative comorbidities. High-risk patients account for 12% of LEB but nearly a third of all patients requiring NHD. This risk score can be used preoperatively to determine high-risk patients for NHD, which may help improve preoperative counseling and hospital efficiency by allocating resources appropriately., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: For the open treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (JRAAs), some argue for the removal of all proximal aneurysmal aortic tissue to prevent future degeneration, whereas others deem it unnecessary. This study sought to compare perioperative and long-term outcomes of two different approaches to treatment of JRAAs., Methods: Patients who underwent open JRAA repair from 2007 to 2015 at our institution were reviewed and stratified by operative technique: plication of the aneurysm cuff with graft sewn up to the renal arteries (PLI) vs a beveled anastomosis with left renal artery bypass (LRB). Patients who underwent additional mesenteric bypasses were excluded. Primary outcomes included death, anastomotic degeneration, and decline in renal function. Univariate and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed., Results: There were 199 patients identified, 56% PLI (n = 112) and 44% LRB (n = 87). The majority were male (68%), white (89%), and smokers (58%). Mean age was 71.5 ± 8.5 years. LRB patients were more likely to have chronic kidney disease (29% vs 13%; P = .01) and larger juxtarenal diameters (median, 25 mm vs 28 mm; P = .001). LRB patients had longer postoperative length of stay (median, 8 days vs 7 days; P = .003) and longer operative times (median, 4.7 hours vs 3.7 hours; P < .001). Overall 30-day mortality was 2% (n = 4), with no difference between cohorts. There were no differences in perioperative complications except for the development of acute kidney injury, which was more common in LRB patients (47% vs 23%; P < .001). During 3-year follow-up, there was no difference in anastomotic aneurysmal degeneration or sac growth. In the long term, LRB patients were more likely to develop an occluded left renal artery (20% vs 0%; P = .004) and right renal artery stenosis (29% vs 3%; P = .002). However, neither group was more likely to have a decline in renal function (PLI, 23%; LRB, 25%; P = .84). There was no difference in 5-year mortality (P = .72)., Conclusions: The more complex technique involving LRB was not protective against long-term anastomotic degeneration, decline in renal function, or mortality. In addition, LRB led to longer length of stay and operative times, with increased risk of perioperative acute kidney injury. In an era when fewer open aortic repairs are being performed, it is reasonable to consider the PLI technique in the treatment of JRAAs, particularly in patients with baseline chronic kidney disease., (Copyright © 2019 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)