Lower Extremity Bypass In Patients Research Articles

Vascular Surgeons Have Improved Limb Salvage Compared to Nonvascular Surgeons in Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia Patients

Vascular Surgeons Have Improved Limb Salvage Compared to Nonvascular Surgeons in Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia Patients

Hemoglobin A1c monitoring practices before lower extremity bypass in patients with diabetes vary broadly and do not predict outcomes

ObjectiveHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is used as a marker of glycemic control, but the role of HbA1c before lower extremity bypass (LEB) in patients with diabetes remains unclear. We sought to characterize patients with diabetes undergoing LEB with and without HbA1c monitoring and to determine if HbA1c monitoring practices correlate with better outcomes. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for all LEB in patients with diabetes (2010-2020). Patients with diabetes were characterized based on therapy: diet-controlled, noninsulin medication use, or insulin use. Glycemic control was characterized by preoperative HbA1c within 6 months of surgery: unknown control (no HbA1c), well-controlled (HbA1c <7%), poorly-controlled (HbA1c 7%-10%), and uncontrolled (HbA1c >10%). Centers with >5 LEB/y were stratified into terciles according to rate of HbA1c monitoring. The unadjusted associations between glycemic control and in-hospital major adverse limb events, major adverse cardiac events, and mortality were assessed with univariate methods. The independent association of center-level HbA1c monitoring with 5-year survival and 3-year amputation-free survival (AFS) was determined with Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression modeling, adjusted for differences in patient characteristics and center volume. ResultsOf 16,092 patients with diabetes undergoing LEB, 4055 (25%) did not have a documented HbA1c. Insulin use was less common in no A1c (48%) and well-controlled diabetes (39%) compared with poorly controlled (67%) and uncontrolled diabetes (78%) (P < .01). In univariate analyses, glycemic control was not associated with differences for in-hospital major adverse limb events, major adverse cardiac events, or mortality. Of 162 centers, HbA1c monitoring practices varied widely (range: 12.5%-100% of LEB). The 3-year AFS and 5-year survival were worse in the highest monitoring tercile vs the lowest (73.6% vs 77.3%, P < .01, 72.1% vs 77.5%, P < .01, respectively). On multivariable analyses, centers in the highest tercile of monitoring had the greatest hazard of AFS (hazard ratio: 1.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.3, P < .001) and overall mortality (hazard ratio: 1.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.3, P < 0.001), compared with the centers in the lowest tercile of monitoring. ConclusionsPatients with diabetes and no preoperative HbA1c monitoring do not have worse LEB outcomes compared with those with HbA1c monitoring. Preoperative HbA1c monitoring varies widely, suggesting broad differences in practice and documentation. Centers with the highest rates of monitoring demonstrated inferior outcomes, likely due to other confounding unmeasured variables. These findings indicate that HbA1c monitoring before LEB, unto itself, should not be used as a measure of surgical quality.

Alternative Conduits Have Worse Outcomes Than Prosthetic Grafts for Infrainguinal Bypass

Single-segment great saphenous vein (ssGSV) is the preferred conduit for infrainguinal bypass. Alternative autologous conduits (AACs) and nonautologous biologic conduits (NABCs) are thought to be a better alternative to traditional prosthetic conduits (PCs) in the absence of the ssGSV. We analyzed the outcomes of these alternative conduits in lower extremity bypass (LEB) in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia. The Vascular Quality Initiative LEB database from 2003 to 2020 was queried to identify LEB in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia. The primary outcomes were graft patency, major adverse limb events (MALE), and MALE-free survival at 1 year. Standard statistical methods were used as appropriate. We identified 22,671 LEB procedures (12,810 ssGSVs, 6002 PCs, 1907 AACs, and 1952 NABCs). Compared with the ssGSV group, the other conduit patients were significantly older, had more comorbidities, had an increased rate of prior lower extremity interventions, had a higher rate of infrageniculate bypass targets, and had been less ambulatory at baseline. The PC, AAC, and NABC groups had significantly higher rates of postoperative morbidity compared with the ssGSV group. The PC group had higher 30-day mortality compared with the ssGSV, AAC, and NABC groups (3% PC vs 2% ssGSV, 2% AAC, and 2% NABC; P = .049). The PC and NABC groups had higher 1-year mortality compared with the ssGSV and AAC groups (13% PC and 13% NABC vs 10% ssGSV and 10% AAC; P = .02). In an adjusted Cox regression model (Fig; stratified by infrageniculate target and adjusted for age, comorbidities, and prior vascular interventions), AAC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.67; P < .001) and NABC (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.61-2.25; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of loss of primary patency compared with PC. A similar association with MALE was observed: both AAC (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.15-1.58; P < .001) and NABC (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.53-2.11; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of MALE compared with PC. However, PC was not significantly different from ssGSV. In the absence of ssGSV, alternative autologous or nonautologous biologic materials do not confer a benefit with regard to graft patency or MALE compared with PCs. The increased operating time or costs associated with the use of these conduits was not justified from the results from the present study.

The association of estimated glomerular filtration rate with outcomes following infrainguinal bypass for peripheral arterial disease

ObjectiveChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a recognized predictor of long-term survival, frequently coexisting with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a more accurate marker of renal function than creatinine. This study sought to determine the graded impact of CKD, defined by eGFR, on infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB) outcomes. MethodsThis retrospective study examined 44,332 patients from the Vascular Quality Initiative database who underwent LEB between January 2003 and November 2019. The GFR was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study perioperative mortality and Kaplan-Meier survival estimation and multivariable Cox regression were used to evaluate 5-year mortality, 1-year major amputation, and major amputation/death. ResultsThe 30-day mortality odds was increased for CKD 3 (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-1.91; P < .001) and CKD 5 (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.45-3.87; P < .001) relative to CKD 1 to 2. Comparing CKD stages 3, 4, and 5 with CKD 1 and 2, there was a stepwise increase in the adjusted hazard of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.27; P < .001), (HR, 1.73; 95% CI; 1.47-2.03; P < .001) and (HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.33-3.84; P < .001), respectively. Although the risk of 1-year death or major amputation did not differ for CKD 3 compared with CKD 1, this was 50% higher for CKD 4 (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.26-1.78; P < .001) and doubled for CKD 5 (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.87-2.29; P < .001) compared with CKD 1 and 2. The adjusted HR for major amputation in 1 year was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71-0.92; P = .002), 1.14 (95% CI, 0.84-1.54; P = .396) and 1.56 (95% CI,1.31-1.84; P < .001) for CKD 3, 4, and 5, respectively, compared with CKD 1 and 2. ConclusionsThe estimated GFR is a useful predictor of postoperative mortality, overall survival, and/or amputation after LEB in patients with PAD. It should be considered in the preoperative risk-benefit analysis process to guide patient selection in the population with concomitant PAD and CKD being considered for LEB.

Quantifying the risk-adjusted hospital costs of postoperative complications after lower extremity bypass in patients with claudication

ObjectiveIncreasing evidence has shown that the risks associated with surgical revascularization for intermittent claudication outweigh the benefits. The aim of our study was to quantify the cost of care associated with perioperative complications after elective lower extremity bypass (LEB) in patients presenting with intermittent claudication. MethodsAll patients undergoing first-time LEB for claudication in the Healthcare Database (2009-2015) were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital postoperative complications, including major adverse limb events (MALE), major adverse cardiac events (MACE), acute kidney injury, and wound complications. The overall crude hospital costs are reported, and a generalized linear model with log link and inverse Gaussian distribution was used to calculate the predicted hospital costs for specific complications. ResultsOverall, 7154 patients had undergone elective LEB for claudication during the study period. The median age was 66 years (interquartile range, 59-73 years), 67.5% were male, and 75.3% were white. Two thirds of patients (61.2%) had Medicare insurance, followed by private insurance (26.9%), Medicaid (7.7%), and other insurance (4.2%). In-hospital complications occurred in 8.5% of patients, including acute kidney injury in 3.0%, MALE in 2.8%, wound complications in 2.3%, and MACE in 1.0%. The overall median crude hospital cost was $11,783 (interquartile range, $8911-$15,767) per patient. The incremental increase in cost associated with a postoperative complication was significant, ranging from $6183 (95% confidence interval, $4604-$7762) for MALE to $10,485 (95% confidence interval, $6529-$14,441) for MACE after risk adjustment. ConclusionsPostoperative complications after elective LEB for claudication are not uncommon and increase the in-hospital costs by 46% to 78% depending on the complication. Surgical revascularization for claudication should be used sparingly in carefully selected patients.

Perioperative outcomes after lower extremity bypass and peripheral vascular interventions in patients with morbid obesity and superobesity

ObjectiveAlthough the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the treatment of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease has been reported, outcomes of patients on the upper end of the obesity spectrum, including morbid obesity (MO) and superobesity (SO), are unclear. Our goal was to analyze perioperative outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) and peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) in this population of patients. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative was reviewed for all infrainguinal peripheral artery disease interventions from 2010 to 2017. All patients were categorized into four groups: nonobese (BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2), obese (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m2), morbidly obese (BMI 40-49.9 kg/m2), and superobese (BMI ≥50 kg/m2). Patient and case details were recorded. Multivariable analysis was used to analyze outcomes. For statistical analysis, MO and SO groups were combined. ResultsWe identified 29,138 LEB cases (68.5% nonobese, 28.3% obese, 2.9% morbidly obese, 0.3% superobese) and 81,405 PVI cases (66.6% nonobese, 29.2% obese, 3.6% morbidly obese, 0.5% superobese). For both LEB and PVI, patients with MO and SO were more likely to be younger, female, nonsmokers, and ambulatory (P < .05). They also more often had diabetes, end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, and fewer previous inflow procedures (P < .05). LEB and PVI interventions in patients with MO and SO were less often elective and more often performed for tissue loss. Multivariable analysis showed that LEB in patients with MO and SO was not significantly associated with increased perioperative cardiac complications, return to the operating room, or mortality. Patients with MO and SO were significantly associated with increased surgical site infection (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.98; P = .03) and increased respiratory complications (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.31; P = .01). Multivariable analysis showed that MO and SO were not significantly associated with periprocedural access site hematoma, access site stenosis or occlusion, or mortality after PVI. ConclusionsMO and SO were significantly associated with increased incidence of wound infections and respiratory complications after LEB but were not significantly associated with increased incidence after PVI. Overall, patients with MO and SO have more comorbidities and more advanced presentation of vascular disease at the time of intervention, but MO and SO alone should not deter necessary and appropriate revascularization.

Elective infrainguinal lower extremity bypass for claudication is associated with high postoperative intensive care utilization

BackgroundThe overall use of intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States has been steadily increasing and is associated with tremendous health care costs. We suspect that the burden of ICU utilization after elective infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB) procedures is high, despite relatively low risks of complications in the immediate postoperative period. We sought to identify the burden of ICU utilization after elective LEB in patients with claudication. MethodsWe queried the Premier Healthcare Database for all adult patients undergoing first recorded elective infrainguinal LEB for claudication from 2009 to 2015. Baseline characteristics and ICU utilization on postoperative day 0 (POD 0) were identified for each patient using Premier room and board chargemaster codes. A bivariate logistic regression was performed and postestimation concordance statistics were calculated to identify predictors of postoperative ICU vs regular surgical floor admission immediately after surgery. ResultsThere were 6010 patients who met the selection criteria, of whom 2772 (46.1%) were admitted to the ICU and 3238 (53.9%) to the regular surgical floor on POD 0. Whereas patient-level factors were responsible for minor differences found in postoperative admission to the ICU after elective LEB, hospital characteristics made up the majority of variation in admission practices. Specifically, patients undergoing elective infrainguinal LEB in rural, nonteaching, small hospitals and those in certain geographic regions were more likely to be admitted to the ICU than to the floor (all, P < .001). Patient-level factors were poorly predictive of admission to the ICU immediately postoperatively, with C statistics ranging from 0.50 to 0.53. In contrast, hospital-level factors had higher C statistics ranging from 0.51 to 0.66, with geographic location being the strongest predictor of post-LEB ICU admission. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative wound complications, major adverse limb events, major adverse cardiac events, or in-hospital mortality between groups (all, P ≥ .32). The median total hospital cost was $2340 higher for ICU compared with floor admission ($13,273 [interquartile range, $10,136-$17,883] vs $10,927 [interquartile range, $8342-$14,523]; P < .001). ConclusionsNearly half of patients are admitted to an ICU directly after elective infrainguinal LEB for claudication. This practice is associated with significantly higher hospital cost and is predominantly influenced by hospital-level rather than by patient-level factors. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were similar regardless of postoperative disposition. To minimize ICU utilization, postoperative care intensity should be determined by clinical severity of the patient rather than by hospital routine.

Quantifying the Risk-Adjusted Hospital Costs of Postoperative Complications after Lower Extremity Bypass in Patients with Claudication

Hicks, Caitlin W. MD; Alshaikh, Husain N. MD; Abularrage, Christopher J. MD; Black, James H. MD, FACS; Malas, Mahmoud B. MD, MHS Author Information

Long-term outcomes after autogenous versus synthetic lower extremity bypass in patients on hemodialysis

Hemodialysis dependence confers unique physiologic conditions. Prior reports of outcomes after infrainguinal open bypass operations in patients on hemodialysis have been based on relatively small sample institutional series. In this study, we evaluate long-term outcomes after open bypass operations in a large contemporary population-based cohort of hemodialysis patients. We studied all hemodialysis patients who underwent infrainguinal open operation using autogenous versus prosthetic conduits in the United States Renal Data System between January 2007 and December2011. Univariate methods (χ2, analysis of variance) were used to compare the characteristics of the patient and type of bypass. Kaplan-Meier, univariate and multivariate logistic, and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate 30-day postoperative outcomes as well as patency, limb salvage, and mortality in the long term. There were 9,739 (autogenous: 59%, prosthetic: 49%) infrainguinal open bypass operations performed in this cohort. Of these, 4,717 (48%) were femoral-popliteal, 3,321 (34%) were femoral-tibial, and 1,701 (18%) were popliteal-tibial bypasses. Bypass operations were performed most commonly for critical limb ischemia (72%). Primary patency was 18% for both types of conduits at 5years (P=.16). Comparing autogenous versus prosthetic conduits, primary-assisted patency was 23% vs 20% at 5years (P=.98), while secondary patency was 30% for both conduits at 5years (P=.05). Limb salvage was 35% vs 41% at 5years (P<.001). Multivariable analyses demonstrated greater patency (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.28; P=.003) and limb salvage (aHR: 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.24; P=.03) for autogenous compared to prosthetic bypasses. The advantage conferred by autogenous conduits was most clinically relevant for femoral-tibial (aHR: 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.55; P<.001) and popliteal-tibial (aHR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.21; P=.014) configurations. This large study evaluated the long-term outcomes of open bypass operations in patients on hemodialysis. The data confirm the long-term benefits of autogenous conduits compared with prosthetic conduits in this high-risk population of patients, especially for the treatment of distal lesions. Individual patient life expectancy, availability of adequate autogenous conduit options, indication for operation, level of disease, as well as potential need for future options for additional access for dialysis should be taken into consideration when deciding to construct an open bypass in a hemodialysis patient.

The Role of Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score in Predicting Outcomes for Lower Extremity Bypass in Patients with Liver Disease

The Role of Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score in Predicting Outcomes for Lower Extremity Bypass in Patients with Liver Disease

8:24 AM Abstract No. 15 - Limb salvage after endovascular recanalization of native arterial occlusions in patients with failed lower extremity bypass grafts

Purpose Failed lower extremity bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia carries a high rate of amputation. Percutaneous revascularization of the native arterial occlusion can be performed as an alternative to redo bypass in patients who are poor surgical candidates. We set forth to investigate the feasibility, safety, and outcome of endovascular recanalization of chronic native occlusions in patients with failed bypass grafts. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review of 15 patients with failed lower extremity bypass who underwent recanalization of their native arterial occlusions between February 2009 and August 2012. Demographic, clinical, procedural and follow-up data were collected. Technical success was defined as the ability to recanalize the occlusion and restore flow with Results Fifteen lower extremities were treated in 15 patients (7 male) with a mean age of 68 years. The mean patency of the failed bypass grafts (53% venous, 47% prosthetic) was 23.4 months. All patients had TASC C or D lesions of the native circulation. Technical success of the endovascular procedure was achieved in all but one patient (93%) with the majority undergoing subintimal recanalization. Retrograde recanalization was required in 3 patients using a transpedal or transgraft approach. Stents were placed in all patients. The mean ABIs before and after treatment were 0.34 and 0.73, respectively. There were no major complications or emergency amputations. Mean patient follow-up was 13.8 months. The mean time to PTA failure was 6.1 months. Primary patency at 3, 6 and 12 months was 78%, 47%, and 16%. Successful secondary procedures were performed in 5 patients to recanalize restenotic or reoccluded lesions with secondary patency at 3, 6 and 12 months of 85%, 46%, and 17%. Limb salvage at 6, 12 and 24 months was 93%, 93%, and 62%. Amputation-free survival at 6, 12 and 24 months was 85%, 85% and 57%. Conclusion Endovascular recanalization of native arterial occlusions in patients with failed lower extremity bypass grafts is technically feasible, safe and results in acceptable limb salvage.

The impact of diabetes on postoperative outcomes following lower-extremity bypass surgery

The effect of diabetes type (noninsulin dependent vs insulin dependent) on outcomes after lower-extremity bypass (LEB) has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we analyzed associations between diabetes type and outcomes after LEB in patients with critical limb ischemia. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1977 infrainguinal LEB operations done for critical limb ischemia between 2003 and 2010 within the Vascular Study Group of New England. Patients were categorized as nondiabetic (ND), noninsulin-dependent diabetic (NIDD), or insulin-dependent diabetic (IDD) based on their preoperative medication regimen. Our main outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and major adverse events (MAEs)--a composite outcome, including myocardial infarction, dysrhythmia, congestive heart failure, wound infection, renal insufficiency, and major amputation. We compared crude and adjusted rates of mortality and MAEs using logistic regression across diabetes categories. Overall, 41% of patients were ND, 28% were NIDD, and 31% were IDD. Crude rates of in-hospital mortality were similar across these groups (1.7% vs 3.1% vs 2.1%; P = .211). Adjusted analyses accounting for differences in patient characteristics showed that diabetes is not associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. However, type of diabetes was associated with a higher risk of MAEs in both crude (15.1% for ND; 21.1% for NIDD; and 25.2% for IDD; P < .001) and adjusted analyses (odds ratio for NIDD, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.7; odds ratio for IDD, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.8). Diabetes is a significant contributor to the risk of postoperative complications after LEB surgery, and insulin dependence is associated with higher risk. Quality measures aimed at limiting complications after LEB may have the most impact if these initiatives are focused on patients who are IDD.

A decade experience with infrainguinal revascularization in a dialysis-dependent patient population.

Although previous series have reported outcomes of lower extremity (LE) revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease, the issue of LE bypass for limb salvage in this group has not been resolved. We herein present the largest series to date of a 10-year single-institution experience with LE bypass in patients with dialysis dependence. With prospectively entered data from a university teaching hospital's vascular registry, we reviewed the records of all patients with dialysis dependence who underwent LE arterial bypass between January 1, 1990, and May 31, 1999. A total of 146 consecutive patients (177 limbs) underwent infrainguinal revascularization, of whom nearly all (92%) had diabetes and tissue loss (91%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 3% (five patients). The rates for perioperative congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and wound infection were 2%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. The actuarial graft primary and secondary patency rates at 1 and 3 years were 84% and 85%, and 64% and 68%, respectively. The limb salvage rates were 80% and 80% at 1 and 3 years. The 1-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 60% and 18%, respectively. At 5 years, survival was poor with only 5% of the entire cohort of 146 patients still alive. Multivariate logistic regression analysis at 6 months identified age (odds ratio, 0.96, 0.91) and number of years on dialysis (odds ratio, 0.79, 0.74) as significant (P <.05) negative predictors of both limb salvage and survival, respectively. Infrainguinal arterial reconstruction can be performed on patients with dialysis dependence with acceptable rates of limb salvage given the high incidence rate of perioperative complications and poor longevity of this patient group. Advanced age and number of years on dialysis seem to correlate with poorer outcome.

Contemporary Analysis of Outcomes following Lower Extremity Bypass in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease

This study was designed to compare outcomes following infrainguinal bypass between patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and patients with normal renal function (NRF). Sixty-three patients with ESRD undergoing 78 infrainguinal bypasses from 1990 to 1999 were compared with a concurrent group of 132 age-, race-, and gender-matched patients with NRF undergoing 148 bypasses. Limb salvage and survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Markov decision analysis was used to calculate expected quality-adjusted life years (QALY) with intervention. Mean follow-up was 25 months (range 1-116). The results of our study show that infrainguinal bypass in patients with ESRD and tissue necrosis appears to provide a measurable, but marginal, degree of improvement in quality of life.