Major Mechanical Complications Research Articles

Operator gender differences in major mechanical complications after central line insertions: a subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study

BackgroundA previous study on mechanical complications after central venous catheterisation demonstrated differences in complication rates between male and female operators. The objective of this subgroup analysis was to further investigate these differences. The hypothesis was that differences in distribution of predefined variables between operator genders could be identified.MethodsThis was a subgroup analysis of a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study conducted between March 2019 and December 2020 including 8 586 patients ≥ 16 years receiving central venous catheters at four emergency care hospitals. The main outcome measure was major mechanical complications defined as major bleeding, severe cardiac arrhythmia, pneumothorax, arterial catheterisation, and persistent nerve injury. Independent t-test and χ2 test were used to investigate differences in distribution of major mechanical complications and predefined variables between male and female operators. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between operator gender and major mechanical complications.ResultsFemale operators had a lower rate of major mechanical complications than male operators (0.4% vs 0.8%, P = .02), were less experienced (P < .001), had more patients with invasive positive pressure ventilation (P < .001), more often chose the internal jugular vein (P < .001) and more frequently used ultrasound guidance (P < .001). Male operators more often chose the subclavian vein (P < .001) and inserted more catheters with bore size ≥ 9 Fr (P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male operator gender was associated with major mechanical complication (OR 2.67 [95% CI: 1.26–5.64]) after correction for other relevant independent variables.ConclusionsThe hypothesis was confirmed as differences in distribution of predefined variables between operator genders were found. Despite being less experienced, female operators had a lower rate of major mechanical complications. Furthermore, male operator gender was independently associated with a higher risk of major mechanical complications. Future studies are needed to further investigate differences in risk behaviour between male and female operators.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03782324. Date of registration: 20/12/2018.

Are We Focused on the Wrong Early Postoperative Quality Metrics? Optimal Realignment Outweighs Perioperative Risk in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

While reimbursement is centered on 90-day outcomes, many patients may still achieve optimal, long-term outcomes following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery despite transient short-term complications. Compare long-term clinical success and cost-utility between patients achieving optimal realignment and suboptimally aligned peers. Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected multicenter database. ASD patients with two-year (2Y) data included. Groups were propensity score matched (PSM) for age, frailty, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and baseline deformity. Optimal radiographic criteria are defined as meeting low deformity in all three (Scoliosis Research Society) SRS-Schwab parameters or being proportioned in Global Alignment and Proportionality (GAP). Cost-per-QALY was calculated for each time point. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) adjusting for baseline disability and deformity (pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL)) were used to determine the significance of surgical details, complications, clinical outcomes, and cost-utility. A total of 930 patients were considered. Following PSM, 253 "optimal" (O) and 253 "not optimal" (NO) patients were assessed. The O group underwent more invasive procedures and had more levels fused. Analysis of complications by two years showed that the O group suffered less overall major (38% vs. 52%, p = 0.021) and major mechanical complications (12% vs. 22%, p = 0.002), and less reoperations (23% vs. 33%, p = 0.008). Adjusted analysis revealed O patients more often met MCID (minimal clinically important difference) in SF-36 PCS, SRS-22 Pain, and Appearance. Cost-utility-adjusted analysis determined that the O group generated better cost-utility by one year and maintained lower overall cost and costs per QALY (both p < 0.001) at two years. Fewer late complications (mechanical and reoperations) are seen in optimally aligned patients, leading to better long-term cost-utility overall. Therefore, the current focus on avoiding short-term complications may be counterproductive, as achieving optimal surgical correction is critical for long-term success.

Should realignment goals vary based on patient frailty status in adult spinal deformity?

The objective of this study was to adjust the sagittal age-adjusted score (SAAS) to accommodate frailty in alignment considerations and thereby increase the predictability of clinical outcomes and junctional failure. Surgical adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with 2-year data were included. Frailty was assessed with the continuous ASD modified frailty index (ASD-mFI). Two-year outcomes were proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), proximal junctional failure (PJF), major mechanical complications, and best clinical outcome (BCO), defined as Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score < 15 and Scoliosis Research Society outcomes questionnaire total score > 4.5 by 2 years. Linear regression analysis established a 6-week score based on the component scores of SAAS, frailty, and US normal values for ODI score. Logistic regression analysis followed by conditional inference tree run forest analysis generated categorical thresholds. Multivariate analysis, controlling for age, baseline deformity, and history of revision, was used to compare outcome rates, and logistic regression generated odds ratios for the continuous score. Thirty percent of the cohort was used as a random sample for internal validation. In total, 412 patients were included (mean ± SD age 60.1 ± 14.2 years, 80% female, BMI 26.9 ± 5.4 kg/m2). Baseline frailty categories were as follows: 57% not frail, 30% frail, and 14% severely frail. Overall, by 2 years, 39% of patients had developed PJK, 8% PJF, and 21% mechanical complications; 22% had undergone a reoperation; and 15% met BCO. When the cohort as a whole was assessed, the 6-week SAAS had a correlation with the development of PJK and PJF, but not mechanical complications, reoperation, or BCO. Development of mechanical complications, PJF, reoperation, and BCO demonstrated correlations with ASD-mFI (all p < 0.05). Regression analysis modifying SAAS on the basis of ODI norms and frailty generated the following equation: frailty-adjusted SAAS (FAS) = 0.108 × T1 pelvic angle + 0.162 × pelvic tilt - 0.39 × pelvic incidence - lumbar lordosis - 0.03 × ASD-mFI - 1.6771. With conditional inference tree analysis, thresholds were derived for FAS: aligned < 1.7, offset 1.7-2.2, and severely offset > 2.2. Significance between FAS categories was found for PJK, PJF, mechanical complications, reoperation, and BCO by 2 years. Binary logistic regression, controlling for baseline deformity and revision status, demonstrated significance between FAS and all 5 outcome variables (all p < 0.01). Internal validation saw each outcome variable maintain significance between categories, with even greater odds for PJF (OR 13.4, 95% CI 4.7-38.3, p < 0.001). Consideration of physiological age, in addition to chronological age, may be beneficial in the management of operative goals to maximize clinical outcomes while minimizing junctional failure. This combination enables the spine surgeon to fortify a surgical plan for even the most challenging patients undergoing ASD corrective surgery.

Complication rates of peripherally inserted central catheters vs implanted ports in patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy: A retrospective cohort study.

While implanted port catheters ("PORTs") have historically been the standard device for intravenous systemic anticancer therapy, the use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased continuously and reliable catheter selection guidelines are lacking. We compare complication rates of PORTs and PICCs in cancer treatment in a retrospective study of 3365 patients with both solid organ (n = 2612) and hematologic (n = 753) malignancies, between 2001 and 2021. 26.4% (n = 890) of all patients were treated via PICCs and 73.6% (2475) via PORTs. 20.7% (578) experienced a major catheter-related complication with a higher rate in PICCs than in PORTs (23.5% vs 14.9%, P < .001). Among major complications, infections and mechanical complications were more common in PICCs than in PORTs (11.9% vs 6.4%, P = .001, 7.3% vs 4.2%, P = .002), whereas the rate of thrombosis was similar (3.4% vs 3.0%, P = .9). While PORTs had a higher rate of periprocedural complications (2.7% vs 1.1%, P < .05), PICCs overall complication rate exceeded PORTs within 3 days from implantation. Median follow-up was 49 (PICC) and 60 weeks (PORT). PORTs are safer and therefore should be preferred in this setting regardless of catheter dwell time.

Why are frailty indices not used systematically during preoperative spine consultations?

Frailty indices are highly predictive of major medical and mechanical complications, lengths of hospital stay, and mortality rates after spine procedures. However, several barriers limit the extent to which spine surgeons employ these indices. The main purposes of the current study were to assess the use of frailty indices by Latin-American spine surgeons and identify the main barriers perceived to restrict their clinical application. For this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire evaluating the demographic characteristics of participating surgeons and their utilization of frailty indices were created in Google form and sent by e-mail to every registered member of AO Spine Latin America between October and November 2020. Of the 1047 surgeons sent the survey, 293 responded (response rate=28%). Half of the surgeons (51.7%) said they were unfamiliar with the terms ¨frailty´ and ¨frailty index", while 70.3% claimed not to use any frailty scale during their pre-operative assessments. The most frequently utilized index was the modified Frailty Index (mFI) (18%). The most important perceived barrier was the excessive amount of time required to calculate each patient's frailty score. Ninety-two percent of the spine surgeons felt sure that these scores could influence their therapeutic decisions, while 91% desired an easier-to-use risk-prevention scale. The main perceived barriers restricting the use of frailty indices were the time required to complete them, lack of index validation, and need for specific instruments to calculate the index score.

Assessing the influence of modifiable patient-related factors on complication rates after adult spinal deformity surgery.

Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD. ASD patients with two-year data were included. Complications were categorized as follows: any complication, major, medical, surgical, major mechanical, major radiological, and reoperation. Modifiable risk factors included smoking, obesity, osteoporosis, alcohol use, depression, psychiatric diagnosis, and hypertension. Patients were stratified by the degree of baseline deformity (low degree of deformity (LowDef)/high degree of deformity (HighDef): below or above 20°) and age (Older/Younger: above or below 65 years). Complication rates were compared for modifiable risk factors in each age/deformity group, using multivariable logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounders. A total of 480 ASD patients met the inclusion criteria. By two years, complication rates were 72% ≥ one complication, 28% major, 21% medical, 27% surgical, 11% major radiological, 8% major mechanical, and 22% required reoperation. Younger LowDef patients with osteoporosis were more likely to suffer either a major mechanical (odds ratio (OR) 5.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 36.9); p = 0.048) or radiological complication (OR 7.0 (95% CI 1.9 to 25.9); p = 0.003). Younger HighDef patients were much more likely to develop complications if obese, especially major mechanical complications (OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 8.6); p = 0.044). Older HighDef patients developed more complications when diagnosed with depression, including major radiological complications (OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 10.6); p = 0.033). Overall, a diagnosis of depression proved to be a risk factor for the development of major radiological complications (OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.5); p = 0.005). Certain modifiable patient-related factors, especially osteoporosis, obesity, and mental health status, are associated with an increased risk of complications after surgery for spinal deformity. Surgeons should look for these conditions when assessing a patient for surgery, and optimize them to the fullest extent possible before proceeding to surgical correction so as to minimize the prospect of postoperative morbidity.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(11):1249-1255.

Mechanical complications after central venous catheterisation in the ultrasound-guided era: a prospective multicentre cohort study

BackgroundLimited data are available on the incidence of mechanical complications after ultrasound-guided central venous catheterisation. We aimed to determine the incidence of mechanical complications in hospitals where real-time ultrasound guidance is clinical practice for central venous access and to identify variables associated with mechanical complications. MethodsAll central venous catheter insertions in patients ≥16 yr at four emergency care hospitals in Sweden from March 2, 2019 to December 31, 2020 were eligible for inclusion. Every insertion was monitored for complete documentation and occurrence of mechanical complications within 24 h after catheterisation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between predefined variables and mechanical complications. ResultsIn total, 12 667 catheter insertions in 8586 patients were included. The incidence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of mechanical complications was 7.7% (7.3–8.2%), of which 0.4% (0.3–0.5%) were major complications. The multivariable analyses showed that patient BMI <20 kg m−2 (odds ratio 2.69 [95% CI: 1.17–5.62]), male operator gender (3.33 [1.60–7.38]), limited operator experience (3.11 [1.64–5.77]), and increasing number of skin punctures (2.18 [1.59–2.88]) were associated with major mechanical complication. Subclavian vein catheterisation was associated with pneumothorax (5.91 [2.13–17.26]). ConclusionsThe incidence of major mechanical complications is low in hospitals where real-time ultrasound guidance is the standard of care for central venous access. Several variables independently associated with mechanical complications can be used for risk stratification before catheterisation procedures, which might further reduce complication rates. Clinical trial registrationNCT03782324.

Should Global Realignment Be Tailored to Frailty Status for Patients Undergoing Surgical Intervention for Adult Spinal Deformity?

Retrospective cohort study. Assess whether modifying spinal alignment goals to accommodate frailty considerations will decrease mechanical complications and maximize clinical outcomes. The Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) score was developed to assist in reducing mechanical complications, but has had less success predicting such events in external validation. Higher frailty and many of its components have been linked to the development of implant failure. Therefore, modifying the GAP score with frailty may strengthen its ability to predict mechanical complications. We included 412 surgical ASD patients with two-year follow-up. Frailty was quantified using the modified Adult Spinal Deformity Frailty Index (mASD-FI). Outcomes: proximal junctional kyphosis and proximal junctional failure (PJF), major mechanical complications, and "Best Clinical Outcome" (BCO), defined as Oswestry Disability Index<15 and Scoliosis Research Society 22-item Questionnaire Total>4.5. Logistic regression analysis established a six-week score based on GAP score, frailty, and Oswestry Disability Index US Norms. Logistic regression followed by conditional inference tree analysis generated categorical thresholds. Multivariable logistic regression analysis controlling for confounders was used to assess the performance of the frailty-modified GAP score. Baseline frailty categories: 57% not frail, 30% frail, 14% severely frail. Overall, 39 of patients developed proximal junctional kyphosis, 8% PJF, 21% mechanical complications, 22% underwent reoperation, and 15% met BCO. The mASD-FI demonstrated a correlation with developing PJF, mechanical complications, undergoing reoperation, and meeting BCO at two years (all P <0.05). Regression analysis generated the following equation: Frailty-Adjusted Realignment Score (FAR Score)=0.49×mASD-FI+0.38×GAP Score. Thresholds for the FAR score (0-13): proportioned: <3.5, moderately disproportioned: 3.5-7.5, severely disproportioned: >7.5. Multivariable logistic regression assessing FAR score demonstrated associations with mechanical complications, reoperation, and meeting BCO by two years (all P <0.05), whereas the original GAP score was only significant for reoperation. This study demonstrated adjusting alignment goals in adult spinal deformity surgery for a patient's baseline frailty status and disability may be useful in minimizing the risk of complications and adverse events, outperforming the original GAP score in terms of prognostic capacity. III.

P100. Are we focused on the wrong early postoperative quality metrics? Optimal realignment outweighs perioperative risk in adult spinal deformity surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT While reimbursement is centered on 90-day outcomes, some patients persevere through these short-term, transient complications and manage to still achieve optimal, long-term outcomes. PURPOSE Assess whether achieving optimal alignment suffering similar perioperative complications compared to suboptimally-aligned peers are inhibited from reaching long-term clinical success and better cost-utility. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study of a prospective adult spinal deformity (ASD) database. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 1,541 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES Cost-per-QALY, radiographic realignment, clinical outcomes. METHODS Operative ASD pts with 2Y data were included. Optimal radiographic outcome was defined by SRS-Schwab low deformity in PI-LL, matched in T1PA and being aligned in PI-based PT at 6 weeks. After stratifying pts based on meeting optimal outcome, multivariate analysis controlling for baseline demographics was used to determine significance for complications and hospital-acquired conditions (HACs; DVT/PE, UTI, deep/superficial infection). Calculated Cost per QALY for each time point by 2Y. RESULTS There were 917 ASD pts included. Regarding approach, 69% posterior approach, 31% combined. Groups: 131 were "optimal" (O) and 786 were "not optimal" (NO). Means comparison tests revealed significant differences in age, BMI, but not gender or frailty. The NO group had fewer osteotomies and a lower Invasiveness Index. Analysis of perioperative complications showed that the O group suffered equivocal perioperative complications (58.0% vs 52.2% in the NO group; p=.173) and rates of HACs (9.0% vs. 8.9%, p=.810). Analysis of long-term complications showed that patients in the NO group suffered more major neurological (p=.015) and major mechanical complications (p=.025), and more reoperations (28.7% vs 19.9%; p=.037). When controlling for baseline deformity, age, BMI and frailty, Optimal Outcome patients more often met Best Clinical Outcome (21.5% vs. 11.7%, p=.002). Cost-utility adjusted analysis with determined no difference in the two groups by 6 weeks and 6 months. However, the O group generated significantly better cost-utility by one year, which maintained lower Costs per QALY (p=.005) at two years in favor of the O group. CONCLUSIONS Despite incurring equivocal perioperative complications, patients who met our optimal outcome criteria experienced significantly less mechanical complications and reoperations by 2 years, leading to a better long-term cost-utility overall. Accordingly, a higher, transient perioperative complication profile should not preclude surgical correction and future policy efforts should place more consideration on the long-term for outcome measures in adult spinal deformity surgery. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. While reimbursement is centered on 90-day outcomes, some patients persevere through these short-term, transient complications and manage to still achieve optimal, long-term outcomes. Assess whether achieving optimal alignment suffering similar perioperative complications compared to suboptimally-aligned peers are inhibited from reaching long-term clinical success and better cost-utility. Retrospective cohort study of a prospective adult spinal deformity (ASD) database. A total of 1,541 patients. Cost-per-QALY, radiographic realignment, clinical outcomes. Operative ASD pts with 2Y data were included. Optimal radiographic outcome was defined by SRS-Schwab low deformity in PI-LL, matched in T1PA and being aligned in PI-based PT at 6 weeks. After stratifying pts based on meeting optimal outcome, multivariate analysis controlling for baseline demographics was used to determine significance for complications and hospital-acquired conditions (HACs; DVT/PE, UTI, deep/superficial infection). Calculated Cost per QALY for each time point by 2Y. There were 917 ASD pts included. Regarding approach, 69% posterior approach, 31% combined. Groups: 131 were "optimal" (O) and 786 were "not optimal" (NO). Means comparison tests revealed significant differences in age, BMI, but not gender or frailty. The NO group had fewer osteotomies and a lower Invasiveness Index. Analysis of perioperative complications showed that the O group suffered equivocal perioperative complications (58.0% vs 52.2% in the NO group; p=.173) and rates of HACs (9.0% vs. 8.9%, p=.810). Analysis of long-term complications showed that patients in the NO group suffered more major neurological (p=.015) and major mechanical complications (p=.025), and more reoperations (28.7% vs 19.9%; p=.037). When controlling for baseline deformity, age, BMI and frailty, Optimal Outcome patients more often met Best Clinical Outcome (21.5% vs. 11.7%, p=.002). Cost-utility adjusted analysis with determined no difference in the two groups by 6 weeks and 6 months. However, the O group generated significantly better cost-utility by one year, which maintained lower Costs per QALY (p=.005) at two years in favor of the O group. Despite incurring equivocal perioperative complications, patients who met our optimal outcome criteria experienced significantly less mechanical complications and reoperations by 2 years, leading to a better long-term cost-utility overall. Accordingly, a higher, transient perioperative complication profile should not preclude surgical correction and future policy efforts should place more consideration on the long-term for outcome measures in adult spinal deformity surgery.

163. Assessing the influence of modifiable patient-related factors on complication rates following adult spinal deformity surgery

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Surgical correction of adult spinal deformity (ASD) has been associated with superior alignment and functional outcomes. However, postoperative complication rates remain relatively high. The extent to which potentially modifiable patient-related factors can influence complication rates in adult spinal deformity patients has not been effectively evaluated. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> Evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors on complications following ASD corrective surgery. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> A total of 689 ASD patients. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Complication and reoperation rates. <h3>METHODS</h3> ASD patients with 2-year (2Y) data were included. Complication groups were defined as follows: 1) any complication; 2) major; 3) medical (cardiac event, ileus, etc.); surgical (site infection, wound dehiscence, etc.); 5) major mechanical (implant failure, rod fracture); 6) major radiographic (PJF [proximal junctional failure], pseudarthrosis, adjacent segment disease); and 7) reoperation. Modifiable risk factors included current smoker, obesity (BMI >30kg/m²), osteoporosis, alcohol use, depression (BL SF-36 MCS <35, perMatcham), psychiatric diagnosis and hypertension. Patients were stratified by BL deformity severity in T1PA (LowDef/HighDef) and age above or below 65 (Young/Older). Means comparison tests assessed prevalence of modifiable risk factors present in those developing specified complications. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 480 ASD patients met inclusion criteria (age 59±15 yrs, 77%F, BMI 27±5 kg/m², CCI: 1.7±1.7). By 2Y, comp rates: 72% one complication, 28% major, 21% medical, 27% surgical, 11% major radiographic, and 8% had a major mechanical complication. A total of 106 patients (22%) required reoperation. Overall, 318 patients (66%) had at least one of the preoperative risk factors. Age-Deformity Groups: 32% Young LowDef, 19% Young HighDef, 18% Older LowDef, 31% Older HighDef. Within Young LowDef, patients with osteoporosis were more likely to suffer either a major mechanical or radiographic comp (both OR >6, p<.05), although this trend was not seen in the overall cohort. Young HighDef patients were much more likely to develop complications if obese, especially major mechanical complications (OR: 2.8, [1.04-8.6]; p=.045), while patients with depression or a psychiatric diagnosis suffered major radiographic comps and underwent reoperation more often. Older patients with HighDef developed significantly more complications when diagnosed with depression, including major radiographic comps (23% vs 8%, OR: 3.5, [1.1-10.6]; p=.03). Overall, when controlling for baseline deformity, frailty, and osteoporosis, a diagnosis of depression proved to be a significant risk factor for development of major radiographic complications (OR: 2.4, [1.3-4.5]; p=.005). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Certain modifiable patient-related factors, especially mental health status, are associated with increased risk for complications following spinal deformity surgery. Therefore, with consideration to clinical presentation, elaborate on the utility in medical intervention prior to undergoing spinal deformity corrective surgery. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

P110. Should age adjusted realignment goals vary based on patient frailty status in adult spinal deformity?

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Adaptation of age-adjusted alignment has gained popularity for its correlation with clinical improvement and lowering rates of proximal junctional kyphosis. Age-adjusted parameters correlate with outcomes. However, frailty may be a better predictor of each following ASD surgery. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To adjust the Sagittal Age-Adjusted Score (SAAS) to accommodate frailty in alignment considerations will increase the predictability of clinical outcomes and junctional failure. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> A total of 689 ASD Patients. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Mechanical complications, PJF, PJK and ODI. <h3>METHODS</h3> Included: surgical ASD pts with 2Y data. Frailty assessed by ASD modified Frailty Index (ASD-mFI). Outcomes: proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and failure (PJF), major mechanical complications, and Smith et al Best Clinical Outcome (BCO), defined as ODI 4.5. Linear regression analysis established a 6W score based on SAAS component scores, frailty and ODI US norms per published by Lafage et al. Logistic regression followed by conditional inference tree (CIT) analysis generated categorical thresholds. Logistic regression analysis controlling for age, baseline deformity and revision status generated odds ratios for the continuous score. Thirty percent of the cohort was used as a random sample for internal validation. <h3>RESULTS</h3> There were 412 pts included. BL frailty categories: 57% not frail, 30% frail and 14% severely frail. Overall, by 2Y, 39% of patients developed PJK, 8% PJF, 21% mechanical complications, 22% underwent reoperation and 15% met BCO. SAAS only correlated with development of PJF. The ASD-mFI demonstrated correlation with all outcomes except PJK (all p1.4, offset: 0.75-1.4, sseverely offset: .05). Internal validation saw these outcomes maintain significance between categories, with significant adjusted correlation to meeting BCO (OR: 3.8, 1.1-13.5; p=.037). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Consideration of physiologic age, in addition to chronological age, may be beneficial in management of operative goals to maximize clinical outcomes while minimizing junctional failure. This combination enables the spine surgeon to fortify a surgical plan for even the most challenging patients undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Complications after proximal abducting ulnar osteotomy and prognostic factors in 66 dogs.

ObjectiveTo report complications and prognostic factors in dogs undergoing proximal abducting ulnar osteotomy (PAUL). To evaluate the ability to predict complications on the basis of post‐operative radiographic examination.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.AnimalsSixty‐six dogs.MethodsMedical records of dogs treated with PAUL between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed for demographics, intraoperative findings, and post‐operative complications. Post‐operative radiographs were reviewed by two masked expert orthopedic surgeons, who were asked to predict the likelihood of major mechanical complications. The prognostic value of variables was tested with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Inter‐investigator agreement to predict complications was evaluated with two‐by‐two tables and kappa coefficient.ResultsSeventy‐four PAULs in 66 dogs were included. Duration of follow‐up ranged from 12 to 75 months (median: 53 months). Post‐operative complications were documented in 19/74 limbs (16 dogs), including major complications in 13 limbs. These complications consisted mainly of non‐union (six limbs), implant failure (two limbs), and infection (two limbs) requiring revision surgery in nine limbs. Body weight was the only variable associated with an increased risk of post‐operative complications (p = .04). Agreement between expert predictions was low (respectively k = −0.08 and k = 0.11).ConclusionMajor complications were reported in one fourth of limbs treated with PAUL and were more likely as body weight increased. Suboptimal plate and screw placement or osteotomy reduction on post‐operative radiographs were poorly predictive of complications.Clinical SignificanceComplications are fairly common after PAUL, particularly in heavier dogs, and post‐operative radiographic examination seems unreliable to predict those.

Comparison of external jugular vein-based surface landmark approach and ultrasound-guided approach for internal jugular venous cannulation: A randomised crossover clinical trial.

Historically, landmark techniques for central venous access through the internal jugular vein (IJV) have yielded a lesser success rate and higher complication rate than the ultrasound (US)-guided approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the success and safety of a novel external jugular vein (EJV)-based landmark (EJV-LM) approach compared with the real-time US-guided approach for central venous access through the IJV. This was a prospective, randomised, crossover trial performed in patients during elective cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Each resident randomly inserted a central venous catheter using EJV-LM approach and real-time US-guided approach. The primary outcome was first-attempt success. Secondary outcomes included overall success rate, number of puncture attempts, cannulation time, haematoma and mechanical complications. A total of 188 patients were randomly assigned to the EJV-LM and US groups. The demographic characteristics of the groups were comparable. The first-attempt success was not different between EJV-LM and US-guided techniques (79.8%; [95% CI: 70.2-87.4] vs 89.4% [95% CI 81.3-94.8]; P=.06). The overall success rate was 100% with both techniques. There were no differences in the number of puncture attempts with introducer needle (1[1-3] vs 1[1-2]; P=.07). Cannulation time was longer in the EJV-LM group compared with the US group (58.11±6.6 vs 44.27±5.28seconds; P=.0001). EJV-LM technique was associated with a higher occurrence of overall complications compared with the US technique (12.8% [95% CI: 6.7- 21.2] vs 4.2% [95% CI: 1.1-10.5]; P=.03). No major mechanical complications were observed with either techniques. In patients with non-distorted neck anatomy and a visible EJV, IJV catheterisation using the EJV-based LM approach and standard US-guided technique yielded similar first-attempt and overall success rates. Cannulation time was longer and complications occurred more frequently in the EJV-based LM compared with the standard US-guided technique.

Outcomes of nonagenarians with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Myocardial infarction (MI) in nonagenarians is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, this population has typically been underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of nonagenarian patients presenting with MI who underwent either conservative or invasive management. Methods We retrospectively included all consecutive patients equal to or older than 90yo admitted with non-ST segment elevation (NSTEMI) or ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) in four tertiary care centers between 2005 and 2018. Patients with type 2 myocardial infarction were excluded. We collected patients' baseline characteristic and procedural data. In-hospital and at 1-year follow-up all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events were assessed. Results 523 patients (mean age 92.6±2 years; 60% females) were analyzed. Overall, 184 patients (35.2%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), increasing over the years, mostly in STEMI group (from 16% of patients in 2005 to 75% in 2018). PCI was preferred in those subjects with less prevalence of disability for activities of daily living (p&amp;lt;0.01). The use of a radial access (76.6%) and bare metal stents (52.7%) was predominant. No significant differences were found in the incidence of major bleeding events or MI-related mechanical complications between both strategies. During index hospitalization, 99 (18.9%) patients died. Whereas no differences were found in the NSTEMI group (p=0.61), a significant lower in-hospital mortality was observed in STEMI group treated with PCI (p&amp;lt;0.01). At one-year follow up, 203 (38.8%) patients died, most of them due to a cardiovascular cause (60.6%). PCI was related to a lower all-cause mortality in either NSTEMI (p&amp;lt;0.01) or STEMI groups (p&amp;lt;0.01) however, lower cardiovascular mortality was only found in STEMI group (p=0.03). Conclusion An invasive approach was performed in over a third of nonagenarian patients, carrying prognostic implications and with a few numbers of complications. PCI seems to be the preferred strategy for STEMI in this high-risk population in spite of age. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

57 Making Central Lines SAFER: A Multidisciplinary Program to Improve Outcomes for Resident-Performed Central Venous Access

In 2016, a multidisciplinary team at a tertiary care hospital with a large GME training program began an educational quality improvement project to standardize the procedure, training and competency testing for resident performed Central Venous Access (CVA) to address an above-the-national-average complication rate. The purpose of this program is to decrease central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) and major mechanical complications associated with resident performed CVA.

Left ventricular free-wall rupture, a potentially lethal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction: an unusual and illustrative case report

BackgroundThere are three major mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction: left ventricular free-wall rupture, ventricular septum rupture and acute mitral valve regurgitation. The left ventricular free-wall rupture is a serious and often lethal complication following an ST elevation myocardial infarction. However, very rarely this rupture can be contained by the pericardium, forming a pseudoaneurysm.Case presentationWe report a case of a 66-year-old man with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and previous ST elevation myocardial infarction, complaining of atypical chest pain. His electrocardiogram was in normal sinus rhythm, with the presence of Q wave in inferior leads and T-wave inversion in lateral leads. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm. In the coronary angiography, multi-vessel disease was found. On-pump CABG was performed and a posterolateral left ventricular giant pseudoaneurysm were observed. Due its “petrous” consistency it was impossible to perform an aneurysmectomy.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm can be difficult, as patients often present either asymptomatic or with non-specific symptoms attributed to other causes. A multimodality imaging diagnostic approach can be necessary. Immediate surgery is considered the treatment of choice because untreated pseudoaneurysms have a high risk of rupture leading to cardiac tamponade, shock and death.

Unusual mechanical complications of central venous catheterization.

Objectives:To present an unusual major mechanical complication of central venous catheterization (CVC).Methods:Between January 2016 and January 2017, data of the patients who underwent CVC in Cumhuriyet University in Sivas, Turkey, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients who experienced an unusual mechanical catheter-related complication are included in this study. Other complications of central venous catheter placement, except mechanical catheter complications such as infection or thrombosis, were excluded from the study.Results:A total of 236 consecutive patients who had undergone CVC were found. Nine patients (3.8%) were found to have unusual major mechanical catheter complications. Most noteworthy complications occurred when the catheter was placed in the arcus aorta, ductus thoracicus, pleural cavity, and abdominal cavity. The most common observation in patients with major complications was that CVC had been carried out in the absence of ultrasonic or fluoroscopic guidance owing to emergency situations.Conclusion:The use of CVC is associated with potential major complications occurring particularly during emergency situations. We believe that the use of radiological guidance during CVC could reduce unusual major mechanical complication rates even during an emergency situation.

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect on catheterization table, challenging and unique occurrence at a community-based hospital.

Key Clinical MessageVentricular septal defect (VSD), one of the major mechanical complications of myocardial infarction, portends a severe threat to life and hence demands a high degree of suspicion, appropriate investigations, and emergent repair, particularly in cases of cardiogenic shock. Although the development of VSD in extensive or anterior infarction is not unexpected, its occurrence during cardiac catheterization frames a unique, challenging experience and creates a learning opportunity. We present a patient who developed postinfarction VSD during cardiac catheterization.

Antibacterial Envelope Is Associated WithLow Infection Rates After Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator andCardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device Replacement: Results of the Citadel and Centurion Studies.

This study sought to determine whether the nonabsorbable TYRX Antibacterial Envelope (TYRX) reduces major cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections 12 months after implant. TYRX is a monofilament polypropylene mesh impregnated with minocycline and rifampin specifically designed to hold a CIED in place and elute antimicrobials over time. There are limited data on its ability to reduce CIED infections. We prospectively enrolled patients who underwent generator replacement with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT), treated with TYRX. The primary endpoints were major CIED infection and CIED mechanical complications. Given the differences in infection rates among ICD and CRT patients, 3 different control populations were used: a published benchmark rate for ICD patients, and both site-matched and comorbidity-matched controls groups for CRT patients. Overall, a major CIED infection occurred in 5 of 1,129 patients treated with TYRX (0.4%; 95% confidence interval: 0.0% to 0.9%), significantly lower than the 12-month benchmark rate of 2.2% (p= 0.0023). Among the TYRX-treated CRT cohort, the major CIED infection rate was 0.7% compared with an infection rate of 1.0% and 1.3% (p=0.38 and p = 0.02) in site-matched and comorbidity-matched control groups, respectively. Among the ICD group, the 12-month infection rate was 0.2% compared with the published benchmark of 2.2% (p= 0.0052). The most common CIED mechanical complication in study patients was pocket hematoma, which occurred in 18 of the 1,129 patients (1.6%;95% confidence interval: 0.8 to 2.5), which is comparable with a published rate of 1.6%. Use of TYRX was associated with a lower major CIED infection rate. (TYRX™ Envelope for PreventionofInfection Following Replacement With a CRT or ICD; [Centurion]; NCT01043861/NCT01043705).

Mucosa Thickness and Peri-implant Crestal Bone Stability: A Clinical and Histologic Prospective Cohort Trial.

To correlate soft tissue thickness and peri-implant bone remodeling of platform-switching implants. This comparative prospective trial evaluated, for up to 3 years after implant loading, the influence of soft tissue thickness on changes in peri-implant marginal hard tissue levels. Any patient who was partially edentate in the mandible and required at least two adjacent implant-supported restorations was recruited at the University of Valencia in Spain. A 3-mm tissue punch biopsy, which corresponded to a diameter slightly smaller than the coronal diameter of the implants, was performed using a circular mucotome. Afterward, implants with a length of 10 to 13 mm and a diameter of 3.8 mm were inserted. Outcome measures were implant and prosthesis survival rates, marginal hard tissue changes, any complications, and results of morphologic and histomorphometric analyses. Correlation between mucosa width components (epithelium, connective tissue, and epithelium and connective tissue) and radiographic bone loss at 1 and 3 years after loading was performed at the patient level. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. A total of 26 samples in 26 patients with 68 implants were analyzed. The specimens were divided into two groups: group 1 (16 patients, 40 implants), with thin mucosa (≤ 2 mm), and group 2 (10 patients, 28 implants), with thick mucosa (> 2 mm). Two dropouts (two specimens) were recorded at the 3-year follow-up. None of the implants or definitive prostheses failed during the healing period, resulting in an overall implant and prosthesis cumulative survival rate of 100%. No major biologic or mechanical complications were recorded. The mean (standard deviation, SD) epithelium thickness was 430.33 (250.21) μm; the mean (SD) connective tissue thickness was 1,324.31 (653.46) μm, and the mean (SD) mucosa thickness was 1,751.29 (759.53) μm. Comparisons of radiographic bone loss between group 1 and group 2 failed to show any statistically significant differences at the 1-year (P = .290) or 3-year (P = .090) follow-up examinations. The initial mucosa thickness surrounding a bone-level platform-switching implant seems not to influence the pattern of physiologic marginal bone loss.