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Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the association between post-implantation syndrome (PIS) and long term outcomes, with emphasis on cardiovascular prognosis. Methods One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients undergoing EVAR in a tertiary institution were previously included in a study investigating the risk factors and short term consequences of PIS (defined as tympanic temperature ≥ 38°C and CRP > 10 mg/L, after excluding complications with an effect on inflammatory markers). This study was based on a prospectively maintained database. Survival status was derived from inquiry of civil registry database information and causes of death from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints were overall and specific cause mortality (cardiovascular, ischaemic heart disease, AAA, and cancer related mortality). Aneurysm sac dynamics and occurrence of endoleaks were also analysed. Survival estimates were obtained using Kaplan–Meier plots and a multivariable model was constructed to correct for confounders. Results The PIS incidence was 39% (58/149). At the time of surgery, patients had a mean age of 73 ± 7 years and were predominantly male. There were no baseline differences between the PIS and non-PIS groups. The median follow up was 6.4 years (3.2 – 8.3), similar in both groups (p = .81). There was no difference in cardiovascular events for PIS and non-PIS patients (p = .63). However, Kaplan–Meier plots suggest a trend towards a higher rate of cardiovascular events in PIS patients during the first years: freedom from cardiovascular events at one year was 94% vs. 89% and at three years 90% vs. 82%. No differences were found in overall and specific cause mortality. There was a higher rate of type II endoleaks for non-PIS patients (28% vs. 9%, p = .005). Sac dynamics were similar in both groups. Conclusion The results suggest that PIS is not associated with a statistically significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events. PIS had no impact on mortality. Lastly, PIS patients had fewer type II endoleaks, but sac dynamics were analogous.

The Zenith Fenestrated Endovascular Graft (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) has expanded the anatomic eligibility of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Current data on ZFEN mainly consist of single-institution experiences and show conflicting results. Therefore, we compared perioperative outcomes after repair using ZFEN with open complex AAA repair and infrarenal EVAR in a nationwide multicenter registry.We identified all patients undergoing elective AAA repair using ZFEN, open complex AAA repair, and standard infrarenal EVAR between 2012 and 2016 within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular module. Open complex AAA repairs were defined as those with a juxtarenal or suprarenal proximal AAA extent in combination with an aortic cross-clamping position that was above at least one renal artery. The primary outcome was perioperative mortality, defined as death within 30 days or within the index hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included postoperative renal dysfunction (creatinine concentration increase of2 mg/dL from preoperative value or new dialysis), occurrence of any complication, procedure times, blood transfusion rates, and length of stay. To account for baseline differences, we calculated propensity scores and employed inverse probability-weighted logistic regression.We identified 6825 AAA repairs-220 ZFENs, 181 open complex AAA repairs, and 6424 infrarenal EVARs. Univariate analysis of ZFEN compared with open complex AAA repair demonstrated lower rates of perioperative mortality (1.8% vs 8.8%; P = .001), postoperative renal dysfunction (1.4% vs 7.7%; P = .002), and overall complications (11% vs 33%; P .001). In addition, fewer patients undergoing ZFEN received blood transfusions (22% vs 73%; P .001), and median length of stay was shorter (2 vs 7 days; P .001). After adjustment, open complex AAA repair was associated with higher odds of perioperative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-18), postoperative renal dysfunction (OR, 13; 95% CI, 3.6-49), and overall complication rates (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.3-7.5) compared with ZFEN. Compared with infrarenal EVAR, ZFEN presented comparable rates of perioperative mortality (1.8% vs 0.8%; P = .084), renal dysfunction (1.4% vs 0.7%; P = .19), and any complication (11% vs 7.7%; P = .09). Furthermore, after adjustment, there was no significant difference between the odds of perioperative mortality, postoperative renal dysfunction, or any complication between infrarenal EVAR and ZFEN.ZFEN is associated with lower perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with open complex AAA repair, and outcomes are comparable to those of infrarenal EVAR. Long-term durability of ZFEN compared with open complex AAA repair warrants future research.

Objective: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management involves a decision process that takes into account anatomic characteristics, surgical risks, patients' preferences, and expected survival. Whereas larger AAA diameter has been associated with increased mortality after both standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open repair, it is unclear whether survival after EVAR is influenced by other anatomic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of baseline anatomic features on survival after EVAR. Methods: All patients treated at a tertiary teaching center with EVAR for intact standard infrarenal AAA from 2000 to 2014 were included. The civil data registry was queried to determine survival status; causes of death were obtained from death certificates. The primary study end point was to determine the impact of baseline morphologic features on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after EVAR. Results: This study included 404 EVAR patients (12.1% women; mean age, 73 years) with a median follow-up of 5.8 years (interquartile range, 3.1-7.4 years). The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates for the entire population after EVAR were 70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66%-75%) and 43% (95% CI, 37%-50%), respectively. Only AAA diameter >70 mm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% CI, 1.20-3.56) was identified as an independent anatomic predictor of all-cause mortality. Death due to cardiovascular causes occurred in 60 (38.5%) patients. Aneurysm-related mortality was responsible for six of the cardiovascular-related deaths. In multivariable analysis, both neck diameter ≥30 mm (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.05-4.43) and AAA diameter >70 mm (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.34-4.46) were identified as independent morphologic risk factors for cardiovascular mortality, whereas >25% circumferential neck thrombus (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.77) was protective. Conclusions: This study suggests that patients with AAA diameters >70 mm are at increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In addition, patients with infrarenal neck diameters ≥30 mm have a greater risk of cardiovascular mortality, although AAA-related deaths were not more frequent in this group of patients. Consequently, a more aggressive management of cardiovascular medical comorbidities may be warranted to improve survival after standard EVAR in these patients. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: Literature remains inconclusive on the attractiveness and natural aspect of anatomical breast implants, and thus far, studies have failed to demonstrate the visible difference in implants that are in practice compared to those that are round. This study was undertaken to evaluate (1) whether lay and professional participants can distinguish between breasts augmented with either round or anatomical breast implants and (2) their opinion with regard to naturalness and attractiveness of these augmented breasts.Methods: Twenty breast augmentations (10 anatomical and 10 round implants), each depicted by two postoperative pictures, were scored by 100 lay participants and 15 plastic surgeons. Implant volume ranged from 275 to 400g. Ptotic or malformed breasts were excluded. Finally, they had to score the most natural, unnatural, attractive, and unattractive breast shapes on a schematic depiction of breast types with varying upper poles.Results: The rate of correct implant identifications was 74.0% (1480/2000 observations, p Conclusion: Participants were able to distinguish between the results achieved with either anatomical or round textured Allergan breast implants and found augmented breasts with the anatomical implants more natural and attractive. (C) 2018 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The authors aim to quantify the impact of hospital volume of craniosynostosis surgery on inpatient complications and resource utilization using national data. Children12 months with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis who underwent surgery in 2012 at academic hospitals in the United States were identified from the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) developed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). Hospital craniosynostosis surgery volume was stratified into tertiles based on total annual hospital cases: low volume (LV, 1-13), intermediate volume (IV, 14-34), and high volume (HV, ≥35). Outcomes of interest include major complications, blood transfusion, charges, and length of stay (LOS). In 2012, 154 hospitals performed 1617 total craniosynostosis surgeries. Of these 580 cases (35.8%) were LV, 549 cases (33.9%) were IV, and 488 cases (30.2%) were HV. There was no difference in major complications between hospital volume tertiles (4.3% LV; 3.8% IV; 3.1% HV; P = 0.487). The highest blood transfusion rates were seen at LV hospitals (47.8% LV; 33.9% IV; 26.2%; P 0.001). Hospital charges were lowest at HV hospitals ($55,839) compared with IV hospitals ($65,624; P 0.001) and LV hospitals ($62,325; P = 0.005). Mean LOS was shortest at HV hospitals (2.96 days) compared with LV hospitals (3.31 days; P = 0.001); however, there was no difference when compared with IV hospitals (3.07 days; P = 0.282). Hospital case volume may be an important associative factor of blood transfusion rates, LOS, and hospital charges; however, there is no difference in complication rates. These results may be used to guide quality improvement within the surgical management of craniosynostosis.

Centralization of specialist services, including cleft service delivery, is occurring worldwide with the aim of improving the outcomes. This study examines the relationship between hospital surgical volume in cleft palate repair and outcomes.A retrospective analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database was undertaken. Children 3 years or younger undergoing cleft palate repair in 2012 were identified. Hospital volume was categorized by cases per year as low volume (LV; 0-14), intermediate volume (IV; 15-46), or high volume (HV; 47-99); differences in complications, hospital costs, and length of stay (LOS) were determined by hospital volume.Data for 2389 children were retrieved: 24.9% (n = 595) were LV, 50.1% (n = 1196) were IV, and 25.0% (n = 596) were HV. High-volume centers were more frequently located in the West (71.9%) compared with LV (19.9%) or IV (24.5%) centers (P0.001 for hospital region). Median household income was more commonly highest quartile in HV centers compared with IV or LV centers (32.3% vs 21.7% vs 18.1%, P0.001). There was no difference in complications between different volume centers (P = 0.74). Compared with HV centers, there was a significant decrease in mean costs for LV centers ($9682 vs $,378, P0.001) but no significant difference in cost for IV centers ($9260 vs $9682, P = 0.103). Both IV and LV centers had a significantly greater LOS when compared with HV centers (1.97 vs 2.10 vs 1.74, P0.001).Despite improvement in LOS in HV centers, we did not find a reduction in cost in HV centers. Further research is needed with analysis of outpatient, long-term outcomes to ensure widespread cost-efficiency.

Increased renal complications have been suggested with suprarenal stent grafts, but long-term analyses have been limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of endograft choice on perioperative and long-term outcomes.We compared Medicare beneficiaries undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysms repair from 2005 to 2008 with endografts with infrarenal fixation and a single docking limb (AneuRx, Excluder) to those with suprarenal fixation and 2 docking limbs (Zenith), or a unibody configuration (Powerlink). Propensity score weighting accounted for differences in patient characteristics among the different graft formations, and perioperative mortality, complications, and length of stay and 4-year rates of survival, rupture, and reintervention were compared.Forty-six thousand one hundred seventy-one Medicare beneficiaries were identified including 11,002 (24%) with suprarenal fixation, 32,909 (71%) with infrarenal fixation, and 2,260 (5%) with a unibody graft. After propensity score weighting, there were no significant differences in patients' baseline clinical and demographic characteristics. The suprarenal fixation patients had higher rates of perioperative mortality (1.7% vs. 1.3%, P 0.01), renal failure (6.0% vs. 4.7%, P 0.001), and mesenteric ischemia (0.7% vs. 0.4%, P 0.01) and longer length of stay (3.4 days vs. 3.0 days, P 0.001) compared with patients with infrarenal fixation. Unibody grafts had higher rates of renal failure (5.9% vs. 4.7%, P 0.001), mesenteric ischemia (1.0% vs. 0.4%, P 0.001), and conversion to open repair (0.7% vs. 0.1%, P 0.001) compared to those with infrarenal fixation and single docking limbs. At 4 years, mortality remained slightly higher with suprarenal compared to infrarenal fixation (30% vs. 29%, P = 0.047), although these patients had fewer conversions to open repair (0.6% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.03) and aneurysm-related reinterventions (10% vs. 12%, P 0.01). At 4 years, unibody grafts had more aneurysm-related interventions compared to infrarenal fixation grafts (15% vs. 12%, P 0.01) but fewer conversions to open repair (0.4% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.02). Late rupture did not differ among the groups.Compared to infrarenal fixation devices, patients who underwent EVAR with suprarenal fixation had higher perioperative mortality and renal complications but fewer reinterventions including conversion, while the unibody graft had more perioperative complications and aneurysm-related reinterventions, but fewer conversions to open repair. Although these differences could be explained by selection bias, these data suggest that further comparative effectiveness analyses should be performed to understand the outcomes following EVAR with suprarenal fixation and unibody grafts.

Rhytidectomy is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures by plastic surgeons. Increasing attention to the development of a high-value, low-cost healthcare system is a priority in the USA. This study aims to analyze specific patient and hospital factors affecting the cost of this procedure. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of self-pay patients over the age of 18 who underwent rhytidectomy using the Healthcare Utilization Cost Project National Inpatient Sample database between 2013 and 2014. Mean marginal cost increases patient characteristics, and outcomes were studied. Generalized linear modeling with gamma regression and a log-link function were performed along with estimated marginal means to provide cost estimates. A total of 1890 self-pay patients underwent rhytidectomy. Median cost was $11,767 with an interquartile range of $8907 [$6976–$15,883]. The largest marginal cost increases were associated with postoperative hematoma ($12,651; CI $8181–$17,120), West coast region ($7539; 95% CI $6412–$8666), and combined rhinoplasty ($7824; 95% CI $3808–$11,840). The two risk factors associated with the generation of highest marginal inpatient costs were smoking ($4147; 95% CI $2804–$5490) and diabetes mellitus ($5622; 95% CI $3233–8011). High-volume hospitals had a decreased cost of − $1331 (95% CI − $2032 to − $631). Cost variation for inpatient rhytidectomy procedures is dependent on preoperative risk factors (diabetes and smoking), postoperative complications (hematoma), and regional trends (West region). Rhytidectomy surgery is highly centralized and increasing hospital volume significantly decreases costs. Clinicians and hospitals can use this information to discuss the drivers of cost in patients undergoing rhytidectomy. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Long term survival after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in octogenarians remains unclear. This was evaluated by comparing octogenarians after EVAR with a matched group of octogenarians without an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from the Rotterdam Study (RS). The influence of complications after EVAR on survival was also studied with the aim of identifying risk factors for the development of complications in octogenarians.Using propensity score matching (PSM), 83 EVAR octogenarians were matched for comorbidities with 83 octogenarians from the RS, and survival was compared between these two groups using Cox proportional hazard analysis. Then, complications were studied, defined as cardiac or pulmonary, renal deterioration, access site bleeding, acute limb ischaemia or bowel ischaemia, within 30 days of surgery between 83 EVAR octogenarians and 475 EVAR non-octogenarians. Also, the difference in baseline characteristics between the octogenarians with and without complications after EVAR were studied, and survival was compared between the RS controls and the complicated and uncomplicated EVAR octogenarians separately.The total EVAR octogenarian population did not show an increased mortality risk compared with RS octogenarian controls (hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.97). Post-operative complications occurred in 22 octogenarians (27%) and 59 non-octogenarians (12.4%, p .001), mainly cardiac, pulmonary, and bleeding complications. All baseline characteristics were similar in the complicated EVAR octogenarians compared with the uncomplicated EVAR octogenarians. After uncomplicated EVAR, octogenarians had a similar survival compared with the RS controls (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68-1.77), but after complicated EVAR their mortality risk increased significantly (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.06-3.54).After standard EVAR, the life expectancy of octogenarians is the same as that of a matched group from the general population without an AAA, provided they do not develop early post-operative complications. Patient selection and meticulous peri-operative care are key.

Elevated serum phosphate levels have been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events and death in several patient populations. The effects of serum phosphate on outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) have not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed the effect of abnormal phosphate levels on mortality and major limb events after surgical intervention for CLI.A retrospective review was undertaken to identify all patients at a single institution who underwent a first-time open or endovascular intervention for CLI between 2005 and 2014. Patients without recorded postoperative phosphate levels were excluded. Postoperative phosphate levels ≤30 days of the initial operation were recorded, and the mean was calculated. Patients were stratified according to mean phosphate levels (low: 2.5 mg/dL, normal: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL, and high:4.5 mg/dL). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative details were compared in univariate analysis. Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to account for patient demographics and comorbid conditions.We identified 941 patients, including 42 (5%) with low phosphate, 768 (82%) with normal phosphate, and 131 (14%) with high phosphate. Patients with elevated phosphate were younger and had higher rates of congestive heart failure, diabetes, and dialysis dependence. Bypass was more common among patients with normal phosphate compared with high or low phosphate levels. There was no difference in the Wound, ischemia, and Foot infection (WiFi) classification or TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus classification among the cohorts. There were significant differences in 1-year mortality (low: 19%, normal: 17%, high: 33%; P .01) and 3-year mortality (low: 38%, normal: 34%, high: 56%; P .01) between phosphate cohorts. Major amputation (low: 12%, normal: 12%, high: 15%) and restenosis (low: 21%, normal: 24%, high: 28%) tended toward worse outcomes among patients with elevated phosphate levels but did not reach statistical significance. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, mortality was higher (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.2) and amputation-free survival was lower (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9) among patients with elevated compared with normal phosphate levels. A subgroup analysis was then performed to assess dialysis and nondialysis patients separately. Patients with elevated serum phosphate levels maintained a significantly higher risk of mortality in each group (dialysis: HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6; nondialysis: HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.04-2.10).Elevated phosphate levels are associated with increased mortality and decreased amputation-free survival after interventions for CLI. Future studies evaluating the effects of phosphate reduction in patients with CLI are warranted.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamics of the iliac attachment zone after EVAR, and the association with clinical events. METHODS: A tertiary institution's prospective EVAR database was searched to identify common iliac arteries at risk. Internally validated measurements were made, using centre lumen line reconstructions. Iliac dilatation and endograft limb retraction were the main endpoints. Associations between dilatation, retraction, oversizing, and distal seal length were investigated. Association with clinical events (sealing or occlusion) was also explored. RESULTS: Of 452 primary EVAR patients treated from 2004 to 2012, 341 were included (mean age 72 years, 12% female, 597 common iliac arteries). Median follow-up was 4.7 years. At 30 days, the mean iliac diameter increased from 14 mm to 15 mm (p < .001). Over follow-up, it increased to 18 mm (p < .001). Iliac dilatation ≥20% occurred in 295 cases (49.4%) and exceeded the implanted endograft diameter in 170 (28.7%). Limb retraction ≥5 mm was identified in 54 patients (9.1%) and was associated with iliac seal complications (p < 0.001). Iliac endograft extension diameter ≥24 mm (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7-6.4) and iliac artery dilatation beyond the endograft (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8) were independent risk factors. Overall, there were 34 (5.7%) iliac seal complications. Retraction of the iliac endograft (OR 1.17 per mm, 95% CI 1.10-1.24) and baseline AAA diameter (1.04 per mm, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) were independent risk factors for seal related complications. Greater initial post-operative iliac seal length was protective (OR 0.94 per mm, 95% CI 0.90-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Iliac dilatation and endograft retraction are common findings during follow-up, potentially leading to adverse clinical events. Optimisation of the iliac seal zone providing a long distal seal length and added attention to patients with large aneurysms or receiving ≥24 mm diameter iliac extensions are recommended. Also, long-term surveillance including CTA is advised to reveal and correct loss of seal at the iliac attachments before adverse clinical events occur. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Objective The targeted vascular module in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) consists of self-selected hospitals that choose to collect extra clinical details for better risk adjustment and improved procedure-specific outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare patient selection and outcomes between targeted and nontargeted hospitals in the NSQIP regarding the operative management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods We identified all patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or open AAA repair from 2011 to 2013 and compared cases by whether the operation took place in a targeted or nontargeted hospital. EVAR and open repair as well as intact and ruptured aneurysms were evaluated separately. Only variables contained in both modules were used to evaluate rupture status and operation type. All thoracoabdominal aneurysms were excluded. Univariate analysis was performed for intact and ruptured EVAR and open repair grouped by complexity, defined as visceral involvement in open repair and a compilation of concomitant procedures for EVAR. Multivariable models were developed to identify effect of hospital type on mortality. Results There were 17,651 AAA repairs identified. After exclusion of aneurysms involving the thoracic aorta (n = 352), there were 1600 open AAA repairs at targeted hospitals (21% ruptured) and 2725 at nontargeted hospitals (19% ruptured) and 4986 EVARs performed at targeted hospitals (6.7% ruptured) and 7988 at nontargeted hospitals (5.2% ruptured). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates between targeted and nontargeted hospitals for intact aneurysms (EVAR noncomplex, 1.8% vs 1.4% [ P = .07]; open repair noncomplex, 4.2% vs 4.5% [ P = .7]; EVAR complex, 5.0% vs 3.2% [ P = .3]; open repair complex, 8.0% vs 6.0% [ P = .2]). For ruptured aneurysms, again there was no difference in mortality between the targeted and nontargeted hospitals (EVAR noncomplex, 23% vs 25% [ P = .4]; open repair noncomplex, 38% vs 34% [ P = .2]; EVAR complex, 29% vs 33% [ P = 1.0]; open repair complex, 27% vs 41% [ P = .09]). Multivariable analysis further demonstrated that having an operation at a targeted vs nontargeted hospital had no impact on mortality for both intact and ruptured aneurysms (odds ratio, 1.1 [0.9-1.4] and 1.0 [0.8-1.3], respectively). Conclusions This analysis highlights the similarities between targeted and nontargeted hospitals within the NSQIP for AAA operative management and suggests that data from the targeted NSQIP, in terms of AAA management, are generalizable to all NSQIP hospitals.

Item does not contain fulltext PURPOSE: Rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) have increased over the last decade; it is important for surgeons and hospital systems to understand the economic drivers of increased costs in these patients. This study aims to identify factors affecting charges in those undergoing CPM and reconstruction. METHODS: Analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample was undertaken (2009-2012), identifying women aged >/=18 with unilateral breast cancer undergoing unilateral mastectomy with CPM and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) (CPM group), in addition to unilateral mastectomy and IBR alone (UM group). Generalized linear modeling with gamma regression and a log-link function provided mean marginal hospital charge (MMHC) estimates associated with the presence or absence of patient, hospital and operative characteristics, postoperative complications, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Overall, 70,695 women underwent mastectomy and reconstruction for unilateral breast cancer; 36,691 (51.9%) in the CPM group, incurring additional MMHCs of $20,775 compared to those in the UM group (p < 0.001). In the CPM group, MMHCs were reduced in those aged >60 years (p < 0.001), while African American or Hispanic origin increased MMHCs (p < 0.001). Diabetes, depression, and obesity increased MMHCs (p < 0.001). MMHCs increased with larger (p < 0.001) hospitals, Western location (p < 0.001), greater household income (p < 0.001), complications (p < 0.001), and increasing LOS (p < 0.001). MMHCs decreased in urban teaching hospitals and Midwest or Southern regions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There are many patient and hospital factors affecting charges; this study provides surgeons and hospital systems with transparent, quantitative charge data in patients undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.

Background As endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) continues to advance, eligibility of patients with anatomically complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) for EVAR is increasing. However, whether complex EVAR is associated with favorable outcome over conventional open repair and how outcomes compare with infrarenal EVAR remains unclear. This study examined perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing complex EVAR, focusing on differences with complex open repair and standard infrarenal EVAR. Methods We identified all patients undergoing nonruptured complex EVAR, complex open repair, and infrarenal EVAR in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Targeted Vascular Module. Aneurysms were considered complex if the proximal extent was juxtarenal or suprarenal or when the Zenith Fenestrated endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) was used. Independent risks were established using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Included were 4584 patients, with 411 (9.0%) undergoing complex EVAR, 395 (8.6%) undergoing complex open repair, and 3778 (82.4%) undergoing infrarenal EVAR. Perioperative mortality was 3.4% after complex EVAR, 6.6% after open repair ( P = .038), and 1.5% after infrarenal EVAR ( P = .005). Postoperative acute kidney injuries occurred in 2.3% of complex EVAR patients, in 9.5% of those undergoing complex open repair ( P P = .007). Compared with complex EVAR, complex open repair was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.4), renal function deterioration (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.2-10.5), and any complication (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.5-5.5). When complex vs infrarenal EVAR were compared, infrarenal EVAR was associated with favorable 30-day mortality (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9), and renal outcome (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). Conclusions In this study assessing the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing repair for anatomically complex AAAs, complex EVAR had fewer complications than complex open repair but carried a higher risk of adverse outcomes than infrarenal EVAR. Further research is warranted to determine whether the benefits of EVAR compared with open repair for complex AAA treatment are maintained during long-term follow-up.

Background: Previous studies have found conflicting results regarding the operative risks associated with conversion to open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair after failed endovascular treatment (endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of patients undergoing a conversion, and compare outcomes with standard open AAA repair and EVAR. In addition, we sought out to identify factors associated with conversion. Methods: All patients undergoing a conversion to open repair, and those undergoing standard EVAR and open repair between 2005 and 2013 were included from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with conversion, and to assess independent perioperative risks associated with conversion compared with standard AAA repair. Subanalysis for factors associated with conversion was performed among patients additionally included in the more detailed targeted vascular module of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Results: A total of 32,164 patients were included, with 300 conversions, 7188 standard open repairs, and 24,676 EVARs. Conversion to open repair was associated with a significantly higher 30-day mortality than standard open repair (10.0% vs 4.2%; odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-3.6; P30 was negatively associated with (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9). Among anatomic characteristics captured in the targeted vascular data set (n=4555), large aneurysm diameter demonstrated to be strongly associated with conversion (OR, 1.1 per 1 cm increase; 95% CI, 1.03-1.1). Conclusions: Conversion to open repair after failed EVAR is associated with substantially increased perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with standard AAA repair. Factors associated with conversion are large diameter of the aneurysm, young age, female gender, and nonwhite race, whereas obesity is inversely related to conversion surgery.

Perioperative complications in elderly patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) occur frequently. Although perioperative mortality has been well-described in the elderly patient population, factors associated with in-hospital complications and their impact on long-term survival remain poorly characterized.We identified all patients undergoing elective EVAR for infrarenal AAA within the Vascular Quality Initiative registry (2003-2018) and compared in-hospital complication rates between elderly (age ≥75) and nonelderly patients (75). We used logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with in-hospital complications, whereas Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine associations between complications and long-term survival. To assess the effect of complications on early and late survival, we stratified survival periods into the first 30 days after discharge, and between 1 and 6 months, 7 and 12 months, and 1 and 8 years after the index procedure. To investigate the implications of in-hospital morbidity on long-term outcomes, we estimated the adjusted population-attributable fractions of individual complications on both perioperative and long-term survival.We identified 17,156 elderly patients and 19,922 nonelderly patients. Elderly patients experienced higher complication rates compared with nonelderly patients (17% vs 10%; P .001). The factors with the strongest associations with morbidity in elderly patients were anemia (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-2.6), female gender (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.7-2.1), and large AAA diameter (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.6-1.9). Patients with any in-hospital complication had lower unadjusted survival estimates than patients without complications at 1 year (83% vs 95%; P .001), 5 years (66% vs 80%; P .001), and 8 years (60% vs 72%; P .001). After risk adjustment, in-hospital complications were independently associated with higher mortality, although the association attenuated over time (first month after discharge: hazard ratio [HR], 5.9; 95% CI, 3.9-9.1; 1-6 months after the procedure: HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7-2.7; P .001; 7-12 months after the procedure: HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9; 1-8 years after the procedure: HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.01-1.3). Of all deaths occurring within 8 years after procedure, 9.5% were independently associated with in-hospital complications. Complications with the greatest impact on long-term mortality were renal dysfunction (2.4%), blood transfusion (3.4%), and reintubations (2.4%).Elderly patients are at higher risk for in-hospital complications after EVAR. These in-hospital complications have a significant impact on both short- and long-term survival. To further improve the delivery of EVAR care nationally, quality improvement efforts should be focused on preventing postoperative morbidity in elderly patients, as well as refining out of hospital surveillance strategies for subjects who experience in-hospital complications to improve overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease is a major health concern in the Western world, often treated with endovascular revascularization (EVR) or supervised exercise therapy (SET). In this systematic review and meta-Analysis, we assessed the outcomes after combination treatment of EVRand SET, compared with EVR or SET alone. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a systematic search of Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central and Google Scholar. Only randomized controlled trials comparing combination treatment with EVR or SET only, for patients with intermittent claudication due to femoropopliteal or aortoiliac peripheral artery disease, were included. Primary outcome was maximum walking distance (MWD) at 6 and 12 months' follow-up. Secondary outcomes included pain-free walking distance (PFWD), quality of life and adverse events. Pooled estimates of difference in walking distance between EVR plus SET, EVR only and SET only were calculated using random effects models. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Our search yielded 812 articles, of which 7 were finally included in the systematic review. Three studies reported the outcomes of combination treatment versus SET and three more reported the outcomes of combination versus EVR. Follow-up ranged between 6 and 24 months. Combination treatment was associated with a greater MWDat 6 months compared to EVRonly or SET only, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.15, 1.57) and 0.41 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.66), respectively. At twelve months no significant difference in maximum walking distance was observed between combination treatment compared to EVR(SMD0.96 [95% CI: -0.44, 2.37]) or SET (SMD0.52 [95% CI: -0.17, 1.20]). Compared to EVRonly, the combination treatment was associated with a greater PFWDwalking distance at 12 months (SMD0.73 [95% CI0.01, 1.45]). Most studies reported only minor differences in quality of life in favor of the combination treatment, or no difference at all. CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment of endovascular revascularization followed by SET shows a greater improvement in maximum walking distance at 6 months' follow-up compared to EVRonly or SET only, while this difference was no longer present after 12 months. (Cite this article as: Klaphake S, Buettner S, Ultee KH, van Rijn MJ, Hoeks SE, Verhagen HJ. Combination of endovascular revascularization and supervised exercise therapy for intermittent claudication: A systematic review and meta-Analysis.

Bowel ischemia is a rare but devastating complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Its rarity has prohibited extensive risk-factor analysis, particularly since the widespread adoption of endovascular AAA repair (EVAR); therefore, this study assessed the incidence of postoperative bowel ischemia after AAA repair in the endovascular era and identified risk factors for its occurrence.All patients undergoing intact or ruptured AAA repair in the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) between January 2003 and November 2014 were included. Patients with and without postoperative bowel ischemia were compared and stratified by indication (intact and ruptured) and treatment approach (open repair and EVAR). Criteria for diagnosis were endoscopic or clinical evidence of ischemia, including bloody stools, in patients who died before diagnostic procedures were performed. Independent predictors of postoperative bowel ischemia were established using multivariable logistic regression analysis.Included were 7312 patients, with 6668 intact (67.0% EVAR) and 644 ruptured AAA repairs (31.5% EVAR). The incidence of bowel ischemia after intact repair was 1.6% (open repair, 3.6%; EVAR, 0.6%) and 15.2% after ruptured repair (open repair, 19.3%; EVAR, 6.4%). Ruptured AAA was the most important determinant of postoperative bowel ischemia (odds ratio [OR], 6.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5-9.0), followed by open repair (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.7). Additional predictive patient factors were advanced age (OR, 1.4 per 10 years; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), female gender (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), hypertension (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0), heart failure (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8), and current smoking (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1). Other risk factors included unilateral interruption of the hypogastric artery (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8), prolonged operative time (OR, 1.2 per 60-minute increase; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3), blood loss1 L (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0), and a distal anastomosis to the femoral artery (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7). Bowel ischemia patients had a significantly higher perioperative mortality after intact (open repair: 20.5% vs 1.9%; P .001; EVAR: 34.6% vs 0.9%; P .001) as well as after ruptured AAA repair (open repair: 48.2% vs 25.6%; P .001; EVAR: 30.8% vs 21.1%; P .001).This study underlines that although bowel ischemia after AAA repair is rare, the associated outcomes are very poor. The cause of postoperative bowel ischemia is multifactorial and can be attributed to patient factors and operative characteristics. These data should be considered during preoperative risk assessment and for optimization of both the patient and the procedure in an effort to reduce the risk of postoperative bowel ischemia.

Background: Endovascular repair of traumatic thoracic aortic injuries (TTAI) is an alternative to conventional open surgical repair. Single-institution studies have shown a survival benefit with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), but whether this is being realized nationally is not clear. The purpose of our study was to document trends in the increase in use of TEVAR and its effect on outcomes of TTAI nationally. Methods: Patients admitted with a TTAI between 2005 and 2011 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample. Patients were grouped by treatment into TEVAR, open repair, or nonoperative management. Primary outcomes were relative use over time and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and length of stay. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results: Included were 8384 patients, with 2492 (29.7%) undergoing TEVAR, 848 (10.1%) open repair, and 5044 (60.2%) managed nonoperatively. TEVAR became the dominant treatment option for TTAI during the study period, starting at 6.5% of interventions in 2005 and accounting for 86.5% of interventions in 2011 (P < .001). Nonoperative management declined concurrently with the widespread of adoption TEVAR (79.8% to 53.7%; P < .001). In-hospital mortality after TEVAR decreased during the study period from 33.3% in 2005 to 4.9% in 2011 (P < .001), and an increase in mortality was observed for open repair from 13.9% to 19.2% (P < .001). Procedural mortality (TEVAR or open repair) decreased from 14.9% to 6.7% (P < .001), and mortality after any TTAI admission declined from 24.5% to 13.3% during the study period (P < .001). In addition to lower mortality, TEVAR was followed by fewer cardiac complications (4.1% vs 8.5%; P < .001), respiratory complications (47.5% vs 54.8%; P < .001), and shorter length of stay (18.4 vs 20.2 days; P = .012) compared with open repair. In adjusted mortality analyses, open repair proved to be associated with twice the mortality risk compared with TEVAR (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-2.7), and nonoperative management was associated with more than a fourfold increase in mortality (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 3.8-5.3). Conclusions: TEVAR is now the dominant surgical approach in TTAI, with substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality benefits over open aortic repair. Overall mortality after admission for TTAI has declined, which is most likely the result of the replacement of open repair by TEVAR as well as the broadened eligibility for operative repair.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS In this study the influence of low socioeconomic status (SES) on severity of disease at presentation and survival following vascular surgery was assessed. The present data underline the importance of socioeconomic deprivation as a risk factor for delayed presentation and the prognosis of vascular surgical patients independent of healthcare disparities. Therefore, increasing focus on low SES as a risk factor may improve outcome of socioeconomically deprived patients undergoing vascular surgery. Objective/Background: The association between socioeconomic status (SES), presentation, and outcome after vascular surgery is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the influence of SES on post-operative survival and severity of disease at presentation among vascular surgery patients in the Dutch setting of equal access to and provision of care. Methods: Patients undergoing surgical treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or carotid artery stenosis between January 2003 and December 2011 were retrospectively included. The association between SES, quantified by household income, disease severity at presentation, and survival was studied using logistic and Cox regression analysis adjusted for demographics, and medical and behavioral risk factors. Results: A total of 1,178 patients were included. Low income was associated with worse post-operative survival in the PAD cohort (n ¼ 324, hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00e1.10, per 5,000 Euro decrease) and the AAA cohort (n ¼ 440, quadratic relation, p ¼ .01). AAA patients in the lowest income quartile were more likely to present with a ruptured aneurysm (odds ratio [OR] 2.12, 95% CI 1.08e4.17). Lowest income quartile PAD patients presented more frequently with symptoms of critical limb ischemia, although no significant association could be established (OR 2.02, 95% CI 0.96e4.26). Conclusions: The increased health hazards observed in this study are caused by patient related factors rather than differences in medical care, considering the equality of care provided by the study setting. Although the exact mechanism driving the association between SES and worse outcome remains elusive, consideration of SES as a risk factor in pre-operative decision making and focus on treatment of known SES related behavioral and psychosocial risk factors may improve the outcome of patients with vascular disease.

Objective: Prior studies suggest that percutaneous access for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (pEVAR) offers significant operative and postoperative benefits compared with femoral cutdown (cEVAR). National data on this topic, however, are limited. We compared patient selection and outcomes for elective pEVAR and cEVAR. Methods: We identified all patients undergoing either pEVAR (bilateral percutaneous access, whether successful or not) or cEVAR (at least one planned groin cutdown) for abdominal aortic aneurysms from January 2011 to December 2013 in the Targeted Vascular data set from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Emergent cases, ruptures, cases with an iliac conduit, and cases with a preoperative wound infection were excluded. Groups were compared by c2 test or t-test or the Mann-Whitney test where appropriate. Results: We identified 4112 patients undergoing elective EVAR, 3004 cEVAR patients (73%) and 1108 pEVAR patients (27%). Of all EVAR patients, 26% had bilateral percutaneous access; 1.0% had attempted percutaneous access converted to cutdown (4% of pEVARs); and the remainder had a planned cutdown, 63.9% bilateral and 9.1% unilateral. There were no significant differences in age, gender, aneurysm diameter, or prior open abdominal surgery. Patients undergoing cEVAR were less likely to have congestive heart failure (1.5% vs 2.4%; P [ .04) but more likely to undergo any concomitant procedure during surgery (32% vs 26%; P < .01) than patients undergoing pEVAR. Postoperatively, pEVAR patients had shorter operative time (mean, 135 vs 152 minutes; P < .01), shorter length of stay (median, 1 day vs 2 days; P < .01), and fewer wound complications (2.1% vs 1.0%; P [ .02). On multivariable analysis, the only predictor of percutaneous access failure was performance of any concomitant procedure (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.0; P [ .04). Conclusions: Currently, one in four patients treated at Targeted Vascular National Surgical Quality Improvement Program centers are getting pEVAR, which is associated with a high success rate, shorter operation time, shorter length of stay, and fewer wound complications compared with cEVAR.

Objective: Standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the most common treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). EVAR has been increasingly used in patients with hostile neck features. This study investigated the outcomes of EVAR in patients with neck diameters ≥30 mm in the prospectively maintained Endurant Stent Graft Natural Selection Global Postmarket Registry (ENGAGE). Methods: This is a retrospective study comparing patients with neck diameters ≥30 mm with patients with neck diameters

BACKGROUND: The impact of socioeconomic disparities on surgical outcome in the absence of healthcare inequality remains unclear. Therefore, we set out to determine the association between socioeconomic status (SES), reflected by household income, and overall survival after surgery in the Dutch setting of equal access and provision of care. Additionally, we aim to assess whether SES is associated with cause-specific survival and major 30-day complications. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery between March 2005 and December 2006 in a general teaching hospital in the Netherlands were prospectively included. Adjusted logistic and cox regression analyses were used to assess the independent association of SES-quantified by gross household income-with major 30-day complications and long-term postoperative survival. RESULTS: A total of 3929 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 6.3 years. Low household income was associated with worse survival in continuous analysis (HR: 1.05 per 10.000 euro decrease in income, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) and in income quartile analysis (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08-2.31, first [i.e. lowest] quartile relative to the fourth quartile). Similarly, low income patients were at higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR: 1.26 per 10.000 decrease in income, 95% CI: 1.07-1.48, first income quartile: HR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.04-9.22). Household income was not independently associated with cancer-related mortality and major 30-day complications. CONCLUSIONS: Low SES, quantified by gross household income, is associated with increased overall and cardiovascular mortality risks among surgical patients. Considering the equality of care provided by this study setting, the associated survival hazards can be attributed to patient and provider factors, rather than disparities in healthcare. Increased physician awareness of SES as a risk factor in preoperative decision-making and focus on improving established SES-related risk factors may improve surgical outcome of low SES patients. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Objective: Severe neck angulation is associated with complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Newer endografts may overcome this limitation, but the literature lacks long-term results. We studied the long-term outcomes of EVAR in patients with severe neck angulation. Methods: A retrospective case-control study of a prospective multicenter database was performed. All measurements were made with dedicated software with center lumen line reconstruction. A study group including patients with neck length >15 mm, infrarenal angle (β) >75 degrees or suprarenal angle (α) >60 degrees, and neck length 10 to 15 mm with β >60 degrees or α >45 degrees was compared with a control group matched for demographics and other morphologic neck features. The primary end point was type IA endoleak (EL1A). Secondary end points were freedom from neck-related secondary interventions, primary clinical success, and overall survival. Results: Forty-five patients were included in the angulated neck group and compared with 65 matched patients. Median follow-up was 7.4 years (interquartile range, 4.8-8.5 years). In the angulated neck group, mean α was 51.4 degrees (±21.1 degrees) and the mean β was 80.8 degrees (±15.6 degrees); in the nonangulated group, these were 17.9 degrees (±17.0 degrees) and 35.4 degrees (±20.0 degrees), respectively. At 7 years, five patients in the angulated neck group and two nonangulated patients developed EL1A, yielding a freedom from EL1A of 86.1% (n = 14; standard error [SE], 0.069) and 96.6% (n = 34; SE, 0.023), respectively (P = .056). After exclusion of a patient who developed an EL1A secondary to an endograft infection, this difference was significant: 86.1% (n = 14; SE, 0.069) in the angulated neck group and 98.2% (n = 34; SE, 0.018) in the nonangulated group (P = .016). At 7 years, freedom from neck-related secondary interventions was 91.7% (n = 14; SE, 0.059) and 91.6% (n = 29; SE, 0.029), respectively. The 7-year primary clinical success estimates were 41.2% (n = 11; SE, 0.085) and 56.6% (n = 20; SE, 0.072) for the angulated neck and nonangulated groups, respectively (P = .12). The 7-year survival rates were 44.3% (n = 18; SE, 0.076) vs 66.7% (n = 42; SE, 0.059) for the angulated neck and nonangulated groups, respectively (P = .25). Device integrity failure was not observed. Conclusions: Despite satisfactory results early and in the midterm, a higher rate of EL1A was identified among patients with severely angulated necks in the long term. However, mortality was not affected by this difference. These findings suggest that EVAR should be used judiciously in patients with extreme angulation of the proximal neck and highlight the need for close follow-up of EVAR, especially in the long term and in patients treated outside instructions for use. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Objectives The efficacy and need for secondary interventions for type II endoleaks following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain controversial. This systematic review aimed at investigating the clinical outcomes of different type II endoleak treatments in patients with a persistent type II endoleak after EVAR. Data sources Embase, Medline via Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, the Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. Review methods This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Outcomes of interest were technical and clinical success, change in sac diameter, complications, need for additional interventions, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture, and (AAA related) mortality. Meta-analyses were performed with random effects models. Results A total of 59 studies were included, with a cumulative cohort of 1073 patients with persistent type II endoleak. Peri-operative complications following treatment of type II endoleaks occurred in 3.8% of patients (95% CI 2.7–5.2%), and AAA related mortality was 1.8% (95% CI 1.1–2.7%). Overall technical success was 87.9% (95% CI 83.1–92.1%), while clinical success was 68.4% (95% CI 61.2–75.1%). Among studies detailing sac dynamics, decrease or stable sac, with or without resolution, was achieved in 78.4% (95% CI 70.2–85.6%). Changes in sac diameter following type II endoleak treatment were documented in 157 patients to at least 24 months. Within this group an actual decrease in sac diameter was reported in only 27 of 40 patients. Conclusion There is little evidence supporting the efficacy of secondary intervention for type II endoleaks after EVAR. Although generally safe, the lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of type II endoleak treatment leads to difficulty in assessing its merits.

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

It is unknown whether increased endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia has led to decreases in open surgery, acute mesenteric ischemia, or overall mortality. The present study evaluates the trends in endovascular and open treatment over time for chronic and acute mesenteric ischemia.We identified patients with chronic or acute mesenteric ischemia in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Center for Disease Control and Prevention database from 2000 to 2012. Trends in revascularization, mortality, and total deaths were evaluated over time. Data were adjusted to account for population growth.There were 14,810 revascularizations for chronic mesenteric ischemia (10,453 endovascular and 4,358 open) and 11,294 revascularizations for acute mesenteric ischemia (4,983 endovascular and 6,311 open). Endovascular treatment increased for both chronic (0.6-4.5/million, P 0.01) and acute mesenteric ischemia (0.6-1.8/million, P 0.01). However, concurrent declines in open surgery did not occur (chronic: 1-1.1/million, acute: 1.8-1.7/million). Among patients with acute mesenteric ischemia, the proportion with atrial fibrillation (18%) and frequency of embolectomy (1/million per year) remained stable. In-hospital mortality rates decreased for both endovascular (chronic: 8-3%, P 0.01; acute: 28-17%, P 0.01) and open treatment (chronic: 21-9%, P 0.01; acute: 40-25%, P 0.01). Annual population-based mortality remained stable for chronic mesenteric ischemia (0.7-0.6 deaths per million/year), but decreased for acute mesenteric ischemia (12.9-5.3 deaths per million/year, P 0.01).Population mortality from acute mesenteric ischemia declined from 2000 to 2012, correlated with dramatic increases in endovascular intervention for chronic mesenteric ischemia, and in spite of a stable rate of embolization. However, open surgery for both chronic and acute ischemia remained stable.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become an alternative to open repair for the treatment of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms (rTAAs). The aim of this study was to assess national trends in the use of TEVAR for the treatment of rTAA and to determine its impact on perioperative outcomes.Patients admitted with an rTAA between 1993 and 2012 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. Patients were grouped in accordance with their treatment: TEVAR, open repair, or nonoperative treatment. The primary outcomes were treatment trends over time and in-hospital death. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications and length of stay. Trend analyses were performed using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and adjusted mortality risks were established using multivariable logistic regression analysis.A total of 12,399 patients were included, with 1622 (13%) undergoing TEVAR, 2808 (23%) undergoing open repair, and 7969 (64%) not undergoing surgical treatment. TEVAR has been increasingly used from 2% of total admissions in 2003-2004 to 43% in 2011-2012 (P .001). Concurrently, there was a decline in the proportion of patients undergoing open repair (29% to 12%; P .001) and nonoperative treatment (69% to 45%; P .001). The proportion of patients undergoing surgical repair has increased for all age groups since 1993-1994 (P .001 for all) but was most pronounced among those aged 80 years with a 7.5-fold increase. After TEVAR was introduced, procedural mortality decreased from 36% in 2003-2004 to 27% in 2011-2012 (P .001); mortality among those undergoing nonoperative treatment remained stable between 63% and 60% (P = .167). Overall mortality after rTAA admission decreased from 55% to 42% (P .001). Since 2005, mortality for open repair was 33% and 22% for TEVAR (P .001). In adjusted analysis, open repair was associated with a twofold higher mortality than TEVAR (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-2.5).TEVAR has replaced open repair as primary surgical treatment for rTAA. The introduction of endovascular treatment appears to have broadened the eligibility of patients for surgical treatment, particularly among the elderly. Mortality after rTAA admission has declined since the introduction of TEVAR, which is the result of improved operative mortality as well as the increased proportion of patients undergoing surgical repair.

Objective Unplanned hospital readmissions following surgical interventions are associated with adverse events and contribute to increasing health care costs. Despite numerous studies defining risk factors following lower extremity bypass surgery, evidence regarding readmission after endovascular interventions is limited. This study aimed to identify predictors of 30-day unplanned readmission following infrainguinal endovascular interventions. Methods We identified all patients undergoing an infrainguinal endovascular intervention in the targeted vascular module of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2012 and 2014. Perioperative outcomes were stratified by symptom status (chronic limb-threatening ischemia [CLI] vs claudication). Patients who died during index admission and those who remained in the hospital after 30 days were excluded. Indications for unplanned readmission related to the index procedure were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify preoperative and in-hospital (during index admission) risk factors of 30-day unplanned readmission. Results There were 4449 patients who underwent infrainguinal endovascular intervention, of whom 2802 (63%) had CLI (66% tissue loss) and 1647 (37%) had claudication. The unplanned readmission rates for CLI and claudication patients were 16% (n = 447) and 6.5% (n = 107), respectively. Mortality after index admission was higher for readmitted patients compared with those not readmitted (CLI, 3.4% vs 0.7% [P

Surgeons have multiple grafts options available for the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR), and some hypothesize that suprarenal fixation endografts may result in higher rates of renal complications than infrarenal endografts. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of contemporary suprarenal and infrarenal endografts.The Targeted Vascular Module of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project was utilised to identify patients undergoing EVAR for infrarenal aneurysm from 2011 to 2013. Pre-operative and operative variables and 30 day outcomes were compared among suprarenal (Zenith and Endurant) and infrarenal fixation devices (Excluder). Renal complications included creatinine increase2 mg/dL or new dialysis, as defined by NSQIP. Multivariate regression was completed to account for patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics.A total of 3587 patients were evaluated including 2273 (63%) with suprarenal grafts and 1314 (37%) with infrarenal grafts. Patients with suprarenal grafts were less commonly white (84% vs. 88%, p .01) and more commonly male (83% vs. 80%, p = .03). There were no differences in age or comorbidities. Renal complications (1.1% vs. 0.1%, p .01) and length of stay more than 2 days (34% vs. 25%, p .01) occurred more commonly after suprarenal fixation. After adjustment, suprarenal grafts had significantly higher rates of renal complications (OR, 12.0; 95% CI, 1.6-91) and length of stay more than 2 days (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7).Overall rates of renal complications following EVAR are low. Patients selected for suprarenal stent grafts are at increased risk of renal complications and prolonged length of stay, which may be due to selection bias, deployment techniques, or the presence of a bare stent overlying the renal arteries. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the mechanism and duration of renal dysfunction and important long-term outcomes of interest.

Objective Renal complications after repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, limited data have assessed risk factors for renal complications in the endovascular era. This study aimed to identify predictors of renal complications after endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) and open repair. Methods Patients who underwent EVAR or open repair of a nonruptured infrarenal AAA between 2011 and 2013 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Targeted Vascular module. Patients on hemodialysis preoperatively were excluded. Renal complications were defined as new postoperative dialysis or creatinine increase >2 mg/dL. Patient demographics, comorbidities, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), operative details, and outcomes were compared using univariate analysis between those with and without renal complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of renal complications. Results We identified 4503 patients who underwent elective repair of an infrarenal AAA (EVAR: 3869, open repair: 634). Renal complication occurred in 1% of patients after EVAR and in 5% of patients after open repair. There were no differences in comorbidities between patients with and without renal complications. A preoperative GFR 2 occurred more frequently among patients with renal complications (EVAR: 81% vs 37%, P P P P 2 (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 2.4-8.7), open repair (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.3), transfusion (OR, 6.1; 95% CI, 3.0-12.6), and prolonged operative time (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6-5.6). Conclusions Predictors of renal complications include elevated baseline GFR, open approach, transfusion, and prolonged operative time. Given the dramatic increase in mortality associated with renal complications, care should be taken to use renal protective strategies, achieve meticulous hemostasis to limit transfusions, and to use an endovascular approach when technically feasible.

Epidural analgesia (EA) is used as an adjunct procedure for postoperative pain control during elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery. In addition to analgesia, modulatory effects of EA on spinal sympathetic outflow result in improved organ perfusion with reduced complications. Reductions in postoperative complications lead to shorter convalescence and possibly improved 30-day survival. However, the effect of EA on long-term survival when used as an adjunct to general anesthesia (GA) during elective AAA surgery is unknown.To evaluate the association between combined EA-GA vs GA alone and long-term survival and postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective, open AAA repair.A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients undergoing elective AAA repair between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2011, were identified within the Vascular Society Group of New England (VSGNE) database. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival. Cox proportional hazards regression models and multivariable logistic regression models assessed the independent association of EA-GA use with postoperative mortality and morbidity, respectively. Data analysis was conducted from March 15, 2015, to September 2, 2015.Combined EA-GA.The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points included postoperative bowel ischemia, respiratory complications, myocardial infarction, dialysis requirement, wound complications, and need for surgical reintervention within 30 days of surgery.A total of 1540 patients underwent elective AAA repair during the study period. Of these, 410 patients (26.6%) were women and the median (interquartile range) age was 71 (64-76) years; 980 individuals (63.6%) received EA-GA. Patients in the 2 groups were comparable in terms of age, comorbidities, and suprarenal clamp location. At 5 years, the Kaplan-Meier-estimated overall survival rates were 74% (95% CI, 72%-76%) and 65% (95% CI, 62%-68%) in the EA-GA and GA-alone groups, respectively (P .01). In adjusted analyses, EA-GA use was associated with significantly lower hazards of mortality compared with GA alone (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.92; P = .01). Patients receiving EA-GA also had lower odds of 30-day surgical reintervention (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.94; P = .02) as well as postoperative bowel ischemia (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31-0.94; P = .03), pulmonary complications (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.95; P = .03), and dialysis requirements (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.88; P = .02). No significant differences were noted for the odds of wound (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.38-1.44; P = .51) and cardiac (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.59-1.78; P = .82) complications.Combined EA-GA was associated with improved survival and significantly lower HRs and ORs for mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing elective AAA repair. The survival benefit may be attributable to reduced immediate postoperative adverse events. Based on these findings, EA-GA should be strongly considered in suitable patients.

Objective: We sought to compare current practices in patient selection and 30-day outcomes for transperitoneal and retroperitoneal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs. Methods: All patients undergoing elective transperitoneal or retroperitoneal surgical repair for AAA between January 2011 and December 2013 were identified in the Targeted Vascular National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Emergency cases were excluded. Baseline characteristics, anatomic details, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were evaluated among those with infrarenal or juxtarenal AAA only. Results: We identified 1135 patients: 788 transperitoneal (69%) and 347 retroperitoneal (31%). When only infrarenal and juxtarenal AAAs were evaluated, the retroperitoneal patients were less likely to have an infrarenal clamp location (43% vs 68%) and had more renal revascularizations (15% vs 6%; P

Objective Isolated visceral artery dissections are rare entities with no current consensus guidelines for treatment and follow-up. This study aims to evaluate the presentation, management, outcomes, and follow-up practices for patients with isolated visceral artery dissections and to compare those with and without symptoms. Methods In this retrospective analysis, we identified all patients with isolated celiac artery and/or isolated superior mesenteric artery dissections at a single institution between September 2006 and December 2014. Patients with concomitant aortic dissections were excluded. Cases were stratified by symptom status. Presentation, anatomic findings, treatment, outcomes, and follow-up imaging were then compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Results We identified 25 patients including 15 with symptoms and 10 without. There were no differences in patient comorbidities; however, symptomatic patients more frequently presented with thrombus (n = 10; 67% vs n = 1; 10%; P = .01) and inflammation (n = 8; 53% vs n = 1; 10%; P = .04), and trended toward increased stenosis (n = 12; 80% vs n = 4; 40%; P = .09) compared with asymptomatic patients. All asymptomatic patients were treated with observation alone with vessel diameter enlargement noted in 33% (n = 2) of patients on follow-up imaging. Among symptomatic patients, standard treatment included a short course of anticoagulation (mean, 4.5 months) with lifelong antiplatelet therapy. Three patients underwent operative intervention for persistent or worsening symptoms, two during the index admission and one 10 months after presentation for chronic abdominal pain. Approximately 70% (n = 17) of patients in each group had follow-up imaging (computed tomography angiography: n = 14; 56%; magnetic resonance angiography: n = 4; 16%; ultrasound: n = 13; 52%). Among patients treated nonoperatively, no patients complained of symptoms at follow-up, and 50% of those with inflammation on initial imaging had resolution. Twenty-five percent (n = 4) of patients had an increase in vessel size; however, all vessels remained less than 2 cm in maximal diameter. There were no ruptures or related deaths in either group. Conclusions Among patients with visceral artery dissection, no ruptures occurred but diameter enlargement was documented. This disease progression suggests that routine surveillance may be appropriate; however, transitioning early to ultrasound imaging should be considered to decrease radiation, contrast, and associated costs.

Background Early extubation after cardiac surgery is associated with decreased hospital stay and resource savings with similar mortality and has led to the widespread use of early extubation protocols. In the Vascular Quality Initiative, there is significant regional variation in the frequency of extubation in the operating room (endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR], 77%-97%; open repair, 30%-70%) after repair of intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, the effects of extubation practices on patient outcomes after repair of AAAs are unclear. Methods All patients undergoing repair of an intact AAA in the Vascular Study Group of New England from 2003 to 2015 were evaluated. Patients undergoing concomitant procedures or conversions were excluded. Timing of extubation was stratified for EVAR (operating room, 12 hours) and open repair (operating room, 24 hours). Prolonged hospital stay was defined as >2 days after EVAR and >7 days after open repair. Univariate and multivariable analyses were completed, and independent predictors of extubation outside of the operating room were identified. Results There were 5774 patients evaluated (EVAR, 4453; open repair, 1321). After both EVAR and open repair, respiratory complications, prolonged hospital stay, and discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) increased with intubation time. After adjustment, the odds of complications increased with each 12-hour delay in extubation: respiratory (EVAR: odds ratio [OR], 4.3 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.0-6.1]; open repair: OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.5-2.2]), prolonged hospital stay (EVAR: OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 2.0-3.8]; open repair: OR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1-1.4]), and discharge to SNF (EVAR: OR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.5-2.8]; open repair: OR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.1-1.6]). Predictors of extubation outside of the operating room after EVAR included increasing age (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-2.9), symptomatic aneurysm (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.3-5.7), and increasing diameter (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.01). After open repair, increasing age (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.01-3.3), dialysis (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.7-70), symptomatic aneurysm (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.3), and hospital practice patterns (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.01) were predictive of extubation outside of the operating room. Conclusions The benefits of early extubation in cardiac patients are also seen after AAA repair. Suitable patients should be extubated in the operating room to decrease respiratory complications, length of stay, and discharge to an SNF. Early extubation protocols should be considered to reduce regional variation in extubation practices and to improve patient outcomes.

Historically, symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) were found to have intermediate mortality compared with asymptomatic and ruptured AAAs; but with wider use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a more recent study suggested that mortality of symptomatic aneurysms was similar to that of asymptomatic AAAs. These prior studies were limited by small numbers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mortality and morbidity associated with symptomatic AAA repair in a large contemporary population.All patients undergoing infrarenal AAA repair were identified in the 2011 to 2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, vascular surgery targeted module. We excluded acute conversions to open repair and those for whom the surgical indication was embolization, dissection, thrombosis, or not documented. We compared 30-day mortality and major adverse events for asymptomatic, symptomatic, and ruptured AAA repair, stratified by EVAR and open repair, with univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression.There were 5502 infrarenal AAAs identified, 4495 asymptomatic aneurysms (830 open repair, 3665 [82%] EVAR), 455 symptomatic aneurysms (143 open repair, 312 [69%] EVAR), and 552 ruptured aneurysms (263 open repair, 289 [52%] EVAR). Aneurysm diameter was similar between asymptomatic and symptomatic AAAs when stratified by procedure type, but it was larger for ruptured aneurysms (EVAR: symptomatic 5.8 ± 1.6 cm vs ruptured 7.5 ± 2.0 cm [P .001]; open repair: symptomatic 6.4 ± 1.9 cm vs ruptured 8.0 ± 1.9 cm [P .001]). The proportion of women was similar in symptomatic and ruptured AAAs (27% vs 23%, respectively; P = .14) but lower in asymptomatic AAAs (20%; P .001). Symptomatic AAAs had intermediate 30-day mortality compared with asymptomatic and ruptured aneurysms after both EVAR (1.4% asymptomatic vs 3.8% symptomatic [P = .001]; symptomatic vs 22% ruptured [P .001]) and open repair (4.3% asymptomatic vs 7.7% symptomatic [P = .08]; symptomatic vs 34% ruptured [P .001]). After adjustment for age, gender, repair type, dialysis dependence, and history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients undergoing repair of symptomatic AAAs were twice as likely to die within 30 days compared with those with asymptomatic aneurysms (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.5). When stratified by repair type, the effect size and direction of the ORs were similar (EVAR: OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.2-4.7]; open repair: OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 0.86-3.9]) although not significant for open repair. Patients with ruptured aneurysms had a sevenfold increased risk of 30-day mortality compared with symptomatic patients (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 4.1-10.6).Patients with symptomatic AAAs had a twofold increased risk of perioperative mortality compared with patients with asymptomatic aneurysms undergoing repair. Furthermore, patients with ruptured aneurysms have a sevenfold increased risk of mortality compared with patients with symptomatic aneurysms.

Objectives: The efficacy and need for secondary interventions for type II endoleaks following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain controversial. This systematic review aimed at investigating the clinical outcomes of different type II endoleak treatments in patients with a persistent type II endoleak after EVAR. Data sources: Embase, Medline via Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, the Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. Review methods: This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Outcomes of interest were technical and clinical success, change in sac diameter, complications, need for additional interventions, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture, and (AAA related) mortality. Meta-analyses were performed with random effects models. Results: A total of 59 studies were included, with a cumulative cohort of 1073 patients with persistent type II endoleak. Peri-operative complications following treatment of type II endoleaks occurred in 3.8% of patients (95% CI 2.7–5.2%), and AAA related mortality was 1.8% (95% CI 1.1–2.7%). Overall technical success was 87.9% (95% CI 83.1–92.1%), while clinical success was 68.4% (95% CI 61.2–75.1%). Among studies detailing sac dynamics, decrease or stable sac, with or without resolution, was achieved in 78.4% (95% CI 70.2–85.6%). Changes in sac diameter following type II endoleak treatment were documented in 157 patients to at least 24 months. Within this group an actual decrease in sac diameter was reported in only 27 of 40 patients. Conclusion: There is little evidence supporting the efficacy of secondary intervention for type II endoleaks after EVAR. Although generally safe, the lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of type II endoleak treatment leads to difficulty in assessing its merits.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although it has become clear that aneurysmal and occlusive arterial disease represent two distinct etiologic entities, it is still unknown whether the two vascular pathologies are prognostically different. We aim to assess the long-term vital prognosis of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease (AAA) or peripheral artery disease (PAD), focusing on possible differences in survival, prognostic risk profiles and causes of death. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective surgery for isolated AAA or PAD between 2003 and 2011 were retrospectively included. Differences in postoperative survival were determined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Prognostic risk profiles were also established with Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: 429 and 338 patients were included in the AAA and PAD groups, respectively. AAA patients were older (71.7 vs. 63.3 years, p < 0.001), yet overall survival following surgery did not differ (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.87-1.54). Neither was type of vascular disease associated with postoperative cardiovascular nor cancer-related death. However, in comparison with age- and gender-matched general populations, cardiovascular mortality was higher in PAD than AAA patients (48.3% vs. 17.3%). Survival of AAA and PAD patients was negatively affected by age, history of cancer and renal insufficiency. Additional determinants in the PAD group were diabetes and ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival after surgery for PAD and AAA is similar. However, overall life expectancy is significantly worse among PAD patients. The contribution of cardiovascular disease towards mortality in PAD patients warrants more aggressive secondary prevention to reduce cardiovascular mortality and improve longevity.

Background Open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is occasionally performed in conjunction with additional procedures; however, how these concomitant procedures affect outcome is unclear. This study determined the frequency of additional procedures during elective open AAA repair and the effect on perioperative outcomes. Methods All elective infrarenal open AAA repairs between January 2003 and November 2014 in the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) were identified. Patients were grouped by concomitant procedures, which included no concomitant procedure, renal artery bypass, lower extremity bypass, other abdominal procedure, or thromboembolectomy. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression. Results Of 1314 patients who underwent elective AAA repair, 153 (11.6%) had a concomitant procedure, including renal bypass in 27 (2.1%), lower extremity bypass in 28 (2.1%), other abdominal procedures in 64 (4.9%), and thromboembolectomy in 48 (3.7%). Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality were renal bypass (odds ratio [OR], 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-27.7), other abdominal procedures (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.6-14.1), and thromboembolectomy (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 3.1-24.9). Deterioration of renal function was predicted by renal bypass (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.1-12.4) and thromboembolectomy (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.8-7.6). Lower extremity bypass and thromboembolectomy were predictive of postoperative leg ischemia (OR, 8.9; 95% CI, 2.7-29.0; OR, 11.2; 95% CI, 4.4-28.8, respectively), and thromboembolectomy was also predictive of postoperative bowel ischemia (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.6-12.0). Conclusions Performing additional procedures during infrarenal open AAA repair is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period. Careful deliberation of the operative risks and the necessity of the additional interventions are therefore advised during operative planning. This study also highlights the importance of avoiding perioperative thromboembolic events.