Patients Undergoing Carotid Revascularization Research Articles

Midterm results of coronary artery bypass graft surgery after synchronous or staged carotid revascularization

ObjectiveIn the absence of randomized trials, the optimal approach to managing coexisting severe carotid and coronary diseases remains controversial. The aim of this study was to present the midterm follow-up results of patients who received a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) after carotid revascularization and to compare the risk-adjusted outcomes of two approaches to carotid revascularization in the CABG population in a single center. MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2016, 245 patients underwent carotid revascularization within 90 days before CABG in Fuwai Hospital, including 32 who received combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and CABG (CEA-CABG), 208 who received staged carotid artery stenting (CAS) before CABG (CAS before CABG), and 5 who underwent a hybrid procedure of carotid stenting and coronary surgery (combined CAS-CABG). The primary composite end points were all-cause death, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, the multivariable logistic regression analyses and propensity score-adjusted multiphase hazard function model were used to analyze the association between the types of revascularization, complications, and risk-adjusted mortality. ResultsOne patient (3.13%) died 6 months after the CABG surgery in the combined CEA-CABG group. In the staged CAS group, 9 patients (4.33%) died after CABG surgery, including 3, 2, and 4 patients who died within 30 days, 1 year, and after 1 year (mean time after CABG surgery, 39 months; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.188; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.251-19.093; P = .479), respectively. Stroke was observed in three patients (9.38%) in the combined CEA group and in 12 patients (5.77%) in the staged CAS group (OR, 0.625; 95% CI, 0.133-2.935; P = .552). The rates of MI were 6.25% and 7.21% for the combined and staged groups, respectively (adjusted OR, 1.249; 95% CI, 0.250-6.324; P = .787). In addition, composite events occurred in five (15.63%) and 33 patients (15.87%) in the combined and staged groups, respectively (adjusted OR, 1.362, 95% CI, 0.455-4.077; P = .581). No statistically significant differences were observed in the overall midterm incidences of mortality, stroke, MI, and composite events. ConclusionsCarotid revascularization is a safe and effective treatment for patients with concomitant carotid and cardiac disease. Combined CEA-CABG and staged CAS-CABG are associated with similar risks of mortality, stroke, or MI in the midterm outcomes.

Long-Term Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy and Stenting

For patients undergoing carotid revascularization procedures, a common quality benchmark is the rate of major complications (stroke, death) within 30

Abstract WMP39: Laser Angioscopy in Carotid Artery Disease: Imaging Findings and Histopathological Correlation

Our understanding and management of carotid artery disease has largely relied on angiography, US and MR. However, existing modalities cannot accurately identify the spectrum of thrombogenic lesions on the vascular surface or reliably detect structural markers of instability. Thus, the natural history of the different histopathological hallmarks of advanced or complicated plaques is unknown, and many patients with culprit substenotic plaques are misdiagnosed with cryptogenic stroke. An intraluminal approach to directly inspect the endovascular surfaces at unprecedented resolutions would enable detailed structural analysis of carotid plaques and the identification of the root cause of carotid-related strokes. A scanning fiber angioscope (SFA), a high-definition 1.2-mm forward-viewing camera that generates videos by spirally scanning low-power laser beams, was developed for clinical use and employed to analyze the endovascular surfaces of ex vivo human carotid arteries (n=95) and endarterectomized plaques (n=20). Specimens were then imaged with US and micro-CT, and all vascular diagnostic tests obtained in the patients undergoing carotid revascularization were accessed. Imaging findings in the vascular surfaces were then validated by histomorphological analysis of >300 lesions, and an angioscopic classifier for atherosclerosis was generated. Full-color videos at 30Hz and at a resolution >200,000 pixels were generated from the entire endovascular circumference in all specimens with depth-of-focus larger than 5cm in saline solution. The ability to analyze the surface anatomy with unparalleled detail allowed the identification of early, intermediate, advanced and complex atherosclerotic lesions, including ulceration of fibrotic cap, excavation of the necrotic core leading to pseudolumens, intimal flaps, exposed necrotic core to the lumen, erosions, recent and remote intimal hemorrhages, luminal thrombus, eruptive calcified nodules and calcified intimal sheaths and plates. SFA offers a direct view of the endoluminal surfaces with unparalleled resolution and has the potential to revolutionize research, diagnosis, prognosis and image-guided therapy in carotid atherosclerosis.

Abstract WP407: Cohort Study Examining the Association Between Timely Carotid Revascularization and Key Health System Strategies Among Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke

International guidelines recommend carotid revascularization within 14 days for symptomatic patients. However, significant delays in care persist, with only 9% of outpatients, and 36% of inpatients in Ontario meeting this target. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of health system factors on carotid revascularization timelines. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing carotid revascularization (endarterectomy or stenting) at The Ottawa Hospital for a symptomatic TIA/stroke event between 2015 and 2016. The primary outcome was time from TIA/stroke event to carotid revascularization. Health system variables of interest included location of patient presentation (outpatient vs emergency department), event onset to presentation time, event onset to vascular imaging time, and same-day collaboration between key services such as emergency providers, radiology, neurology and surgical teams. We used descriptive statistics and univariate analysis to determine statistically significant differences between groups. A total of 228 records were eligible for inclusion. The median time in days from TIA/stroke event to carotid revascularization was 10 days, with 58% of patients having their procedure within 14 days. Prompt patient presentation to an emergency department was associated with significantly shorter timelines to surgery (7 days, p<.001). Early vascular imaging was strongly correlated with early revascularization (4-5 days, p<.001). In addition, collaboration from two or more care services resulted in enhanced timelines to surgery ranging from 2 to 6.5 days (p<.001-.008). We identified several health system strategies that significantly improved achievement of the best practice recommendation of revascularization within 14 days. This included early patient recognition and presentation to emergency services, which emphasizes the need for public awareness. In addition early vascular imaging was strongly correlated with revascularization timelines, suggesting protocols for rapid investigation of these high risk patients is needed both in Emergency and outpatient settings. Direct, same-day communication between services also promoted expedited revascularization.

Invited commentary

In their article, “Variability in hospital costs for carotid artery revascularization,” Drs Mell and colleagues examined variations in hospital costs for patients undergoing carotid revascularization at a regional referral center in California. The found that costs were lower in asymptomatic patients by more than a third; that surgeon specialties who commonly perform carotid revascularization tended to have lower costs; and that operating room expenses, such as devices, supplies, and materials, made up more than three-quarters of the expenses surrounding the episode of care. They argue that the variations in cost are an opportunity for efficiency and cost reduction in the care of carotid disease, especially by improving structural aspects of care in the hospital system. This is an important paper that highlights an important problem in health care in America—prices in health care. This is a paper about cost. The word “cost” appears in the title, in fact. Yet not a single dollar amount appears in the results of the manuscript. All metrics of cost, although well analyzed, have been hidden in relative cost contributions. Why? The authors thought that sharing direct cost data “may have a negative impact on local insurance contract reimbursement.” Keeping cost data opaque, the authors argue, “is common and prudent business practice for hospitals.” Many, I suspect, will respectfully disagree. Whereas it may be “common and prudent” for hospitals to not disclose their prices, keeping cost data secret does little to help surgeons and their patients. Opaque prices prevent surgeons from collaborating to strengthen their position during negotiations. For example, when Stone and colleagues shared the costs of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm devices with hospitals, manufacturers, and surgeons, they achieved a 10% reduction in overall costs just by sharing data.1Stone D.H. Horvath A.J. Goodney P.P. Rzucidlo E.M. Nolan B.W. Walsh D.B. et al.The financial implications of endovascular aneurysm repair in the cost containment era.J Vasc Surg. 2014; 59: 283-290, 290.e1Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (55) Google Scholar, 2Warner C.J. Horvath A.J. Powell R.J. Columbo J.A. Walsh T.R. Goodney P.P. et al.Endovascular aneurysm repair delivery redesign leads to quality improvement and cost reduction.J Vasc Surg. 2015; 62: 285-289Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar Similarly, European vascular care regularly involves transparent pricing to keep implantable prices low and to aid in negotiations with device manufacturers.3Sorenson C. Drummond M. Burns L.R. Evolving reimbursement and pricing policies for devices in Europe and the United States should encourage greater value.Health Aff (Millwood). 2013; 32: 788-796Crossref PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar Vascular surgery is an expensive specialty. We provide largely palliative procedures to the sickest patients, many of whom are cared for by Medicare or Medicaid programs. It is our duty to be good stewards of the public funds that underwrite the very care we provide. Transparency can only aid in this effort, both for our specialty and for our patients. The opinions or views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the Journal of Vascular Surgery or the Society for Vascular Surgery. Variability in hospital costs for carotid artery revascularizationJournal of Vascular SurgeryVol. 69Issue 2PreviewThe objective of this study was to understand drivers of cost for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) and to compare variation in cost among cases performed by vascular surgery (VS) with other services (OSs). Full-Text PDF Open Archive

Transfemoral Carotid Artery Stents Should Be Used with Caution in Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Significant national variation exists in defining the degree of stenosis that requires intervention in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS). We aimed to evaluate the risk of perioperative and 2-year stroke and death in ACAS patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) for severe versus very severe stenosis in a contemporary population. All patients undergoing CEA or transfemoral CAS for ACAS in the Vascular Quality Initiative (2005-2017) were included. Degree of stenosis was defined as the highest recorded on any imaging method. Univariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk of stroke, stroke/death, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days; and Cox proportional hazard, life tables, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were implemented to evaluate ipsilateral stroke and stroke/death at 2 years postoperatively in patients undergoing CEA versus CAS for severe (60-79%) and very severe (≥80%) stenosis adjusting for baseline characteristics. A total of 53,337 ACAS patients were examined (severe stenosis=17,586; 33.%), of which 11.5% (n=6,127) underwent CAS. The crude incidence of 30-day stroke/death was significantly higher for CAS versus CEA in the very severe stenosis group (2.0% vs. 1.2%, P<0.001), but not in the severe stenosis group (1.7% vs. 1.3%, P=0.17). MACE was not significantly different for CAS versus CEA in either group (P≥0.64). On multivariable analysis, CAS was associated with a persistently higher risk of 30-day stroke or death compared to CEAin patients with very severe stenosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-2.13). The 30-day composite stroke/death risk for patients undergoing CEA was similar for severe versus very severe stenosis (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.89-1.28), but there was a trend toward higher risk of perioperative stroke in the severe stenosis group (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.97-1.56). Two-year outcomes were similar; the crude annualized incidence rates of stroke and stroke/death were higher for CAS versus CEA in both the severe (stroke: incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.62, 95% CI 1.00-2.55; stroke/death: IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11-1.64) and very severe stenosis (stroke: IRR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44-2.65; stroke/death: IRR 1.51, 95% CI 1.34-1.68) groups (all, P≤0.04). On multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, CAS was associated with a higher risk of stroke or death compared to CEA in patients with both severe (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40, 95% CI 1.15-1.70) and very severe stenosis (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.37-1.90). More than one-third of patients undergoing carotid revascularization for ACAS had 60-79% stenosis. Having lower degree of stenosis is not protective against stroke and death for either CEA or CAS at either 30 days or 2 years postoperatively. We believe that optimal medical management should be the first line in stroke prevention for asymptomatic patients with severe (60-79%) carotid stenosis.

Actual impact of screening for myocardial ischemia with single-photon emission tomography among patients undergoing peripheral vascular interventions.

The present study provides actual data with regard to the prevalence of myocardial ischemia among patients under contemporary cardiovascular prevention strategies undergoing peripheral vascular interventions. We included a total of 200 consecutive patients who underwent gated single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion study between January 2012 and January 2014 as preoperative evaluation for peripheral vascular interventions at our institution. The baseline medical treatment comprised aspirin (81%), statins (79%), and β-blockers (54%). Thirty-two (16%) patients underwent carotid revascularization; 69 (34.5%) patients underwent lower limb revascularization, and 99 patients underwent aortic interventions. Twenty-six (13%) patients showed evidence of myocardial ischemia, with an extensive ischemic burden identified in seven (3.5%) patients. Within the group of patients with peripheral vasculopathy, those with lower limb arteriopathy had a higher prevalence of ischemia. According to the results of the myocardial perfusion study, the cardiology in charge indicated invasive coronary angiography in 11/26 (42%) patients with evidence of myocardial ischemia. Seven of the 11 (64%) patients who had coronary angiography were revascularized. After a mean follow-up of 24 months, no cardiovascular adverse events were detected.

Association Between Statin Use and Cardiovascular Events After Carotid Artery Revascularization.

BackgroundStatins are commonly used for the prevention of cardiovascular events; however, statins are underutilized in patients with noncoronary atherosclerosis. We sought to establish the rates of statin use in patients with carotid artery disease and to examine the association between statin therapy and outcomes after carotid revascularization.Methods and ResultsIn this population‐level retrospective cohort study, we identified all individuals aged ≥66 years who underwent carotid endarterectomy or stenting in Ontario, Canada (2002–2014). The primary outcome was a composite of 1‐year stroke, myocardial infarction, or death (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events). Five‐year risks were also examined. Adjusted hazard ratios were computed using inverse probability of treatment weighting based on propensity scores. A total of 7893 of 10 723 patients (73.6%) who underwent carotid revascularization were on preprocedural statin therapy; moderate‐ or high‐dose therapy was utilized by 7384 patients (68.9%). The composite rate of 1‐year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was lower among statin users (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.83). Patients who were on persistent long‐term statin therapy after the carotid procedure continued to experience significantly lower risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.75, 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.80). The beneficial associations with statin use were observed regardless of type of carotid revascularization procedure, carotid artery symptom status, or statin dose.ConclusionsContinuous statin therapy was associated with a 25% lower risk of long‐term adverse cardiovascular events in patients with significant carotid disease. Along with other supportive evidence, statins should be considered in patients undergoing carotid revascularization, and efforts are required to increase statin use in this undertreated population.

Comparison of 30-day readmission rates and risk factors between carotid artery stenting and endarterectomy

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the rates, reasons, and risk factors of 30-day readmission, both planned and unplanned, after carotid revascularization as well as to evaluate major outcomes associated with those readmissions. MethodsUsing the Premier Healthcare database, we retrospectively identified patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) between 2009 and 2015. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmission. Secondary outcomes included mortality and overall cost associated with readmissions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used and further validated using coarsened exact matching on baseline differences between CEA and CAS patients. ResultsA total of 95,687 patients underwent carotid revascularization, 13.5% of whom underwent CAS. Crude 30-day readmission rates were 6.5% after CEA vs 6.1% after CAS (P = .10). Stroke, bleeding, pneumonia, and respiratory failure were the most common reasons for readmission after both CEA and CAS (6.7% vs 8.3%, 6.9% vs 5.3%, 3.4% vs 2.4%, and 4.4% vs 3.9%; all P > .05). Myocardial infarction and wound complications were more likely to be an indication for readmission after CEA (4.1% vs 2.5% and 4.1% vs 1.5%, respectively; P < .05). On the other hand, readmissions due to vascular or stent-related complications were more likely after CAS compared with CEA (5.8% vs 3.8%; P = .003). On multivariate analysis, CEA was found to be associated with 41% higher odds of readmission than CAS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.54; P < .001). Age, female gender, emergency/urgent procedures, concomitant cardiac procedures, rural hospitals, and Midwest region were significantly associated with 30-day readmission. Other risk factors included major preoperative comorbidities (diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease, and history of cancer) as well as the occurrence of postoperative stroke and renal complications during the index admission and nonhome discharge. Coarsened exact matching between CEA and CAS patients also yielded higher adjusted rates of readmission after CEA (6.2% vs 4.9%; P < .001). On the other hand, patients readmitted after CAS had a longer length of hospital stay (5 days vs 4 days; P = .001), increased readmission mortality (6.2% vs 2.8%; P < .001), and higher rehospitalization costs ($8903 vs $7629; P = .01) compared with those readmitted after CEA. ConclusionsOur results show that CAS is associated with lower 30-day readmission rates compared with CEA. However, CAS readmissions are more complex and are associated with higher mortality and costs. We have also identified patients who are at high risk of readmissions, which can help focus attention on interventions that can improve the management of these patients and reduce readmission rates.

The association of Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial (CREST) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Carotid Guideline Publication on utilization and outcomes of carotid stenting among “high-risk” patients

ObjectiveSince the 2004 approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration of carotid artery stenting (CAS), there have been two seminal publications about CAS reimbursement (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines; 2008) and clinical outcomes (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial [CREST]; 2010). We explored the association between these publications and national trends in CAS use among high-risk symptomatic patients. MethodsThe most recent congruent data sets of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were queried for patients undergoing carotid revascularization. The sample was limited to include only patients who were defined as “high-risk” if they had a Charlson Comorbidity Score of ≥3.0. Subgroup analyses were performed of high-risk patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Utilization proportions of CAS were calculated quarterly from 2005 to 2011 for NIS. Three time intervals related to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines and CREST publication were selected: 2005 to 2008, 2008 to 2010, and after 2010. Logistic regression with piecewise linear trend for time was used to estimate different trends in CAS use for the overall high-risk sample and for neurologically asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare odds of postoperative mortality and stroke between these two procedures at different time intervals independent of confounding variables. ResultsDuring the study period, 20,079 carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) and 3447 CAS procedures were performed in high-risk patients in the NIS database. CAS utilization constituted 20.5% of carotid revascularization procedures among high-risk symptomatic patients, with a significant increase from 18.6% to 24.4% during the study period (P < .001). There was an initial increase during 2005 to 2008 in the rate of CAS compared with CEA, CAS utilization significantly decreased during 2008 to 2010 by a 3.3% decline in the odds ratio (OR) of CAS per quarter (OR, 0.967; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.943-0.993; P = .002), and after CREST (after 2010), CAS utilization continued to increase significantly from the prepublication to the postpublication time interval. The odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.17-5.62; P = .019) and postoperative in-hospital stroke (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.09-3.68; P = .024) were independently and significantly higher for CAS patients in the overall sample. ConclusionsThe use of CAS for carotid revascularization in a high-risk cohort of patients has significantly increased from 2005 to 2011. Compared with CEA, CAS independently increased the odds of perioperative in-hospital stroke in all high-risk patients and of in-hospital mortality in symptomatic high-risk patients.

National trends in carotid endarterectomy and stenting in Korea from 2004 to 2013.

Stroke imposes a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) are proven procedures in stroke prevention for the lesions of extracranial carotid disease. Although several studies have addressed national trends regarding carotid revascularization in Western countries, limited data is available with respect to the Korean population. The aim of the present study was to identify the national trend in carotid revascularization in Korea over the previous decade. A serial, cross-sectional study was conducted with the use of time trends to analyze patients undergoing carotid revascularization using CEA and CAS between 2004 and 2013. Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data was used. The present study endeavored to analyze trends in the number of CEA and CAS procedures for the treatment of extracranial carotid disease in Medicare beneficiaries. A linear-by-linear association was performed to determine the changes of carotid revascularization for the aforementioned period. A total of 23,142 patients received carotid revascularization between 2004 and 2013. CEA was performed in 4,012 and CAS in 19,130 patients. The rate of total carotid revascularization per 1,000,000 Medicare beneficiaries substantially increased during the study period from 22 procedures in 2004 to 57 in 2013 (risk ratio (RR), 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58-4.24; P=0.001). CAS increased from 18 procedures in 2004, to 45 in 2013 (RR, 2.50; 95% CI; 1.45-4.32; P=0.001). In addition, the number of CEA procedures performed per 1,000,000 Medicare beneficiaries increased from four procedures in 2004, to 11 in 2013 (RR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.88-8.64; P=0.08). In conclusion, total carotid revascularization increased by 255% during the previous 10 years in Korea. This increase predominantly resulted from the 249% increase of CAS. The number and population-based rates of carotid revascularization remained low, as compared with Western countries.

Predictors of perioperative outcomes after carotid revascularization

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to compare and identify possible predictors of perioperative outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with carotid artery stenting (CAS) using the procedure-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. MethodsPatients who underwent CEA or CAS were identified in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2011-2013). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of perioperative outcomes (any stroke or death, myocardial infarction [MI], 30-d readmission and reoperation). Final models were constructed based on the lowest Akaike Information Criterion. ResultsA total of 10,169 patients underwent carotid revascularization (CEA: 9817 [96.5%] versus CAS: 352 [3.5%]). Most patients were male (61%). Patients who had CAS were younger (mean age [±standard deviation]: 69.1 [±9.7] versus 71.3 [±9.4] y, P < 0.001); however, they showed a greater prevalence of diabetes (38.4% versus 29.2%), congestive heart failure (4.8% versus 1.4%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.3% versus 10.2%) (all P < 0.001). The risk of postoperative stroke and/or death was nearly doubled with CAS (adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.18, P = 0.028). The odds of reoperation were higher in nonwhite patients compared with white patients (adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.97-1.84, P = 0.078). Perioperative MI and readmission were mostly related to patient's age and comorbidities. ConclusionsIn a national data set representing real-world outcome, CAS is associated with higher odds of postoperative mortality and stroke in comparison to CEA. Carotid revascularization procedure type is not a predictor of postoperative MI or readmission, suggesting that these outcomes are a function of other patient factors. Nonwhite race is a predictor of reoperation.

Use of Protamine for Anticoagulation During Carotid Endarterectomy: A Meta-analysis.

Protamine sulfate can be administered at the conclusion of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin and to limit the risk for postoperative bleeding. Protamine use remains controversial owing to concern for increased thrombotic complications with its use. To review the evidence for and against protamine use, both in its association with increased thrombotic complications and with decreased bleeding. We searched Medline (1946-2014), EMBASE (1966-2014), Cochrane Library (1972-2014), clinical trial registries (World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry and clinicaltrials.gov), and abstracts from conferences of the Society of Vascular Surgery (2002-2014) and American Heart Association Scientific Sessions (1980-2014) in November 2014. No language restrictions were applied. We included clinical trials and observational studies comparing reversal of heparin with protamine sulfate vs no reversal in patients undergoing carotid revascularization and reporting stroke during hospitalization. Of 360 records screened, 12 studies (3%) of CEA were eligible for data pooling. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed quality. Random-effects models were used to summarize relative risks (RRs). Stroke after CEA. We included 12 observational studies involving 10,621 patients in the meta-analysis. Event rates did not differ significantly between patients who received protamine vs those who did not for the following outcomes: stroke (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.55-1.29; I(2) = 15%; 9 studies), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.53-1.51; I(2) = 0%; 3 studies), or mortality (RR, 0.9, 95% CI, 0.62-1.29; I(2) = 0%; 7 studies). The use of protamine was associated with a significant decrease in major bleeding complications requiring reoperation (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39-0.84; I(2) = 32%; 10 studies). Based on available evidence, the use of protamine following CEA is associated with a reduction in bleeding complications, without increasing major thrombotic outcomes, including stroke, myocardial infarction, or death.

Validation of a modified Frailty Index to predict mortality in vascular surgery patients

Patient frailty has been implicated as a predictor of poor patient outcomes; however, there is no consensus on how to define or quantify frailty to assess perioperative risk. A previously described modified Frailty Index (mFI) has been shown to predict adverse outcomes after selected vascular surgical procedures, but no studies to date have compared its utility against other recognized risk indices in specific populations of vascular surgery patients. National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data were reviewed for all patients undergoing carotid revascularization, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, and lower extremity revascularization for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) from 2006 to 2012. Patients were then further stratified into "open" and "endovascular" cohorts. The mFI was compared with the Lee Cardiac Risk Index (LCRI) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification using a receiver operating characteristic area under curve (AUC). The primary end point was 30-day mortality, with a secondary end point of Clavien-Dindo class IV complications. A total of 72,106 patients were identified in the study period, with 40,931 (56.8%), 20,975 (29.1%), and 10,200 (14.1%) in the carotid, AAA, and PAD populations, respectively. For carotid endarterectomy, mFI demonstrated better discrimination regarding mortality than LCRI and ASA, with an AUC of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.70; P< .01 vs P= .65 and P= .60, respectively). The open AAA cohort had similar findings, with an AUC of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.59-0.67; P= .02 vs P= .58, and P= .58, respectively). In open PAD patients, mFI was comparable to ASA (AUC, 0.64 [95% CI 0.60-0.69] vs 0.65), with a trend toward better discrimination compared with the 0.60 AUC of LCRI (P= .08). The mFI was a better discriminator of class IV complications than LCRI and ASA after open AAA (AUC for mFI, 0.59 vs 0.56 and 0.55; 95% CI, 0.57-0.61; P< .01) andendovascular AAA repair (AUC for mFI, 0.60 vs 0.59 and 0.57; 95% CI, 0.58-0.62; P= .01). There were no significant differences in discrimination of class IV complications after open or endovascular PAD or carotid endarterectomy. The mFI was a better discriminator of mortality than other risk indices; however this was only significant for the open cohort. The mFI was also a better discriminator of class IV complications for the open and endovascular AAA repair groups. These data suggest that mFI should be used in place of previously recognized risk indices to define perioperative mortality after open vascular surgery and risk of major complications after aneurysm repair.

The Association of Publication of Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Guidelines for Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting (CAS) and CREST Results on the Utilization of CAS in Carotid Revascularization

Since the 2004 approval of carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS), there have been 2 seminal publications about CAS reimbursement (Center for Medicaid and Medicare Several guidelines [CMSG]; 2008) and clinical outcomes (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial [CREST]; 2010). We explored trends in CAS utilization after these publications nationally. The most recent datasets of the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) was queried for patients undergoing carotid revascularization. Utilization proportions of CAS were calculated quarterly from 2005 to 2011 for NIS. Three-time intervals related to CMSG and CREST publication were selected 2005-2008, 2008-2010, and after 2010. Logistic regression with piecewise linear trend for time was used to estimate different trends in CAS utilization for overall samples and for neurologically asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. The majority (95%) of the carotid revascularizations were performed on asymptomatic patients. Overall, CAS utilization constituted 12.5% of carotid revascularization procedures with a significant period increase of CAS; from 9.4% to 14%; P < 0.001. There was a small but significant decrease in the rate of CAS utilization after CMSG were published corresponding to a 2% decline in the odds ratio (OR) of CAS per quarter (OR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.99; P = 0.001). After CREST, CAS utilization continued to increase in both NIS but the rate of increase did not change significantly from the prepublication to the postpublication time interval. The odds of in-hospital mortality and postoperative stroke were independently and significantly higher for CAS patients in both overall and within the symptomatic cohorts. In all 3 periods of the study, and compared to carotid endarterectomy, the odds of mortality and postoperative stroke were significantly higher among patients who underwent CAS. Although overall utilization of CAS increased since 2005, it was not uniformly associated by the publication of CMSG or CREST. Despite increased utilization, the odds of adverse outcomes were independently higher among CAS patients.

RR27. Validation of a Modified Frailty Index to Predict Mortality in Vascular Surgery Patients

Patient frailty has been implicated as a predictor of poor patient outcomes; however, there is no consensus on how to define or quantify frailty to assess perioperative risk. Although a previously described modified Frailty Index (mFI) was shown to predict adverse outcomes after selected vascular surgical procedures, no studies to date have compared its utility against other recognized risk indices in vascular surgery patient populations. National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data were reviewed for all patients undergoing carotid revascularization, aortic aneurysm repair (AAA), and lower extremity revascularization from 2006 to 2013. Patients were then further stratified into open and endovascular cohorts. The mFI was compared with the Lee Cardiac Risk Index (LCRI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification using an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The primary end point was 30-day mortality, with a secondary end point of Clavien-Dindo class IV complications. A total of 72,106 patients were identified in the study period, with 40,931 (56.8%), 20,975 (29.1%), and 10,200 (14.1%) in the carotid, AAA, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) populations, respectively. For carotid endarterectomy, mFI demonstrated better discrimination regarding mortality compared with LCRI and ASA with an AUC of 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-0.70; P < .01 vs 0.65 and 0.61, respectively). The open AAA cohort had similar findings with an AUC of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.59-0.67; P = .02 vs 0.58 and 0.58, respectively). In open PVD patients, mFI was comparable to ASA, with an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.69) vs 0.65 with a trend toward better discrimination compared with the 0.60 AUC of LCRI (P = .08). The mFI was a better discriminator of class IV complications than LCRI and ASA after open AAA (AUC, 0.59 vs 0.56 and 0.55 mFI; 95% CI, 0.57-0.61; P < .01) and EVAR (AUC 0.60 vs 0.59 and 0.57, mFI; 95% CI, 0.58-0.62; P = .01). There were no significant differences in discrimination among any of the other groups. The mFI was a better discriminator of mortality than other risk indices; however, this was only significant for the open cohort. The mFI was also a better discriminator of class IV complications for both the open AAA and endovascular groups. These data suggest that mFI should be utilized to define perioperative risk in an effort to improve both resource utilization and patient outcomes.

Abstract 301: Resistin is an Independent Indicator of Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Carotid Interventions

Objective: Resistin has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular complications. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether resistin modulated plasma cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in patients undergoing carotid revascularization procedures. Methods: Patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) at a single institution were recruited to participate. Blood plasma collection was performed within 48 hours following intervention using an established protocol, and demographics were recorded. Samples were stored at -80 °C and analyzed with a Luminex magnetic beads-based assay. Patients were divided into tertiles based on plasma resistin concentration (mean pg/mL): low (2237.6, n=30), medium (4252.3, n=31), and high (7467.5, n=30). Levels of cytokines were compared using ANOVA. Results: 91 male patients with a mean age of 69 years were included (50 CAS, 41 CEA). Most patients had a history of smoking (84%). Medical comorbidities included hypertension (93%), diabetes (45%), CAD (49%), and obesity (44%). The distribution of comorbidities was similar within each tertile. The levels of resistin were not significantly different in CAS vs CEA patients. There was also no significant difference in various growth factors (VEGF-A, M-CSF, and GM-CSF), neurotrophic factors (BDNF and β-NGF), or adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1). However, significantly higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were observed in the high resistin tertile compared to the low tertile: TNF-α (p &lt; 0.001), IL-6 (p &lt; 0.05), IL-12p40 (p &lt; 0.01), IL-12p70 (p &lt; 0.05), MIP-1α (p &lt; 0.05), MIP-1β (p &lt; 0.05), and MCP-3 (p &lt; 0.01). Similarly, significantly higher levels of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory cytokines (except MCP-3) were observed in the high compared to the medium tertile. Conclusions: Patients with higher resistin levels exhibit higher levels of inflammatory profiles post-intervention independent of procedure type or comorbidities, implicating that resistin-induced inflammation may be a mechanism for resistin-related vascular complications.

Readmissions After Carotid Artery Revascularization in the Medicare Population

BackgroundIn appropriately selected patients with severe carotid stenosis, carotid revascularization reduces ischemic stroke. Prior clinical research has focused on the efficacy and safety of carotid revascularization, but few investigators have considered readmission as a clinically important outcome. ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to examine frequency, timing, and diagnoses of 30-day readmission following carotid revascularization; to assess differences in 30-day readmission between patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS); to describe hospital variation in risk-standardized readmission rates (RSRR); and to examine whether hospital variation in the choice of procedure (CEA vs. CAS) is associated with differences in RSRRs. MethodsWe used Medicare fee-for-service administrative claims data to identify acute care hospitalizations for CEA and CAS from 2009 to 2011. We calculated crude 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions following carotid revascularization. To assess differences in readmission after CAS compared with CEA, we used Kaplan-Meier survival curves and fitted mixed-effects logistic regression. We estimated hospital RSRRs using hierarchical generalized logistic regression. We stratified hospitals into 5 groups by their proportional CAS use and compared hospital group median RSRRs. ResultsOf 180,059 revascularizations from 2,287 hospitals, CEA and CAS were performed in 81.5% and 18.5% of cases, respectively. The unadjusted 30-day readmission rate following carotid revascularization was 9.6%. Readmission risk after CAS was greater than that after CEA. There was modest hospital-level variation in 30-day RSRRs (median: 9.5%; range 7.5% to 12.5%). Variation in proportional use of CAS was not associated with differences in hospital RSRR (range of median RSRR across hospital groups 9.49% to 9.55%; p = 0.771). ConclusionsAlmost 10% of Medicare patients undergoing carotid revascularization were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Compared with CEA, CAS was associated with a greater readmission risk. However, hospitals' RSRR did not differ by their proportional CAS use.

Revascularization of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is not appropriate in patients on dialysis

Outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for asymptomatic disease in patients on dialysis are not well characterized, with questionable stroke prevention and survival. This study reports outcomes of carotid revascularization in asymptomatic dialysis patients in the United States. Using United States Renal Data System (USRDS) databases, we identified all dialysis patients who underwent CEA or CAS for asymptomatic disease from 2005 to 2008. CEA and CAS were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (American Medical Association, Chicago, Ill) codes, and symptom status and comorbidities by International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Primary outcomes were stroke, cardiac complications, and death at 30 days and at 1 and 3 years. Predictors of death were identified using multivariate regression models. Of 738,561 dialysis patients, 2131 asymptomatic patients underwent carotid revascularization (1805 CEA, 326 CAS). The mortality rate was 4.7% at 30 days (4.6% CEA, 4.9% CAS; P = .807). Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival were 75.1% at 1 year (75.9% CEA, 70.7% CAS) and 43.4% at 3 years (43.7% CEA, 41.6% CAS). The stroke rate was 6.5% at 30 days (6.4% CEA, 6.9% CAS; P = .774) and 13.6% at 1 year (13.3% CEA, 15.0% CAS; P = .490). Cardiac complications occurred in 22.0% of patients (3.3% myocardial infarction) at 30 days (22.2% CEA, 20.6% CAS; P = .525). The combined stroke or death rate was 10.2% at 30 days (10.1% CEA, 10.9% CAS; P = .490) and 33.5% at 1 year (32.2% CEA, 39.6% CAS; P = .025). Age >70 years at the time of surgery and increased time on dialysis were predictive of death, whereas a history of renal transplant was a protective factor. Patients on dialysis have high perioperative and long-term stroke or death rates after CEA or CAS for asymptomatic stenosis, with a median survival that is less than recommended by current guidelines. As a result, carotid intervention in these patients appears to be inappropriate.

Abstract W P117: Risk of Carotid Revascularization During the Acute Period According to Neurological Instability

Background: Neurological instability may increase operative risks and decrease the benefit of early carotid revascularization in patients with carotid stenosis. This study aims to define the risks after carotid revascularization performed during the acute period stratified for the presenting neurological event. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing carotid revascularization in 2009-2014 during the acute period (within 15 days from the last neurological event) were reviewed. Thirty-day and 4-year stroke/death rates were analyzed in patients presenting with Transient Ischemic attack (TIA), recurrent TIA (more than one in the last 2 weeks before treatment) and stable stroke. Results: There were 227 patients (71% males; mean age 73.6y): 104 (45.8%) were treated after stable stroke. In 46 (20.3%) recurrent TIA were recorded before treatment. According to timing, 123 interventions were performed within the first 7 days and 36 within the first 48hours from index symptom. At 30-day there were 2 deaths, 1 fatal cerebral hemorrhage and 4 recurrent ischemic strokes. 30-day stroke/death rate was 1.6% in patients with TIA, 4.9% in patients with stroke, 4.5% in those with recurrent TIA. Multivariable analysis (backward stepwise) for 30-day stroke/death risk identified recurrent TIA presentation as the strongest independent predictor (Odds ratio,OR, 16.8; 95% Confidence Interval, CI, 1.47-191.7; P=.023), while stroke presentation was retained as a borderline statistical predictor (OR 14.8; 95%CI 0.96-228.6; P= 0.05). At 4-year, survival (86% vs. 94.9% P=.034) and freedom from stroke recurrence (90.4% vs. 97%; P=.055) rates were lower for patients with stroke presentation compared to other patients. Patients with recurrent TIA a showed comparable 4-year outcomes than other TIA patients (survival 94% vs 95% P=. 93; Stroke freedom rates 97% vs 97%; P=.86) Conclusions: For symptomatic patients undergoing carotid intervention during the acute period, presentation with recurrent TIA may expose to increased periprocedural 30-day stroke/death risk. Nevertheless, stroke remains a major marker of poorer late outcomes while recurrent TIA does not impact long-term survival and stroke recurrence.