Primary Graft Patency Research Articles

Cervical Debranching in the Endovascular Era: A Single Centre Experience

Debranching of the supra-aortic arteries is a common practice either as part of a hybrid treatment of aortic arch pathology or owing to arterial occlusive disease. Results of the debranching techniques have not been reported frequently. This was a retrospective single centre study of all consecutive patients with cervical debranching procedures as part of hybrid aortic arch repair. Between 2010 and 2017, 201 patients underwent 211 cervical debranching procedures in a tertiary centre. Mean ± SD patient age was 67.7 ± 10.7 years (70.6% males; n= 142/201) and mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.3 ± 5. In 78.7% of the cases carotid-subclavian bypass was performed alone (n= 166/211) followed by transposition of the subclavian artery to the ipsilateral carotid (n= 17/211; 8.1%) and in 28 cases (13.3%) a combination of procedures was performed. Twenty-four cases (11.4%) were complicated with local bleeding and 21 cases required re-intervention (10.4%). Nineteen patients (9.5%) developed local peripheral neurological damage post-operatively. Eight patients (3.8%) developed a chylous fistula and five (2.4%) presented with a local wound infection. One patient (0.5%) developed a bypass graft infection. The thirty day mortality was 7.6% (n= 16/211): one death occurred after isolated debranching without thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR; 0.5%). Whether the hybrid procedures were undertaken in a single stage (simultaneous TEVAR and cervical debranching) or two stage fashion appeared to have a significant impact on 30 day mortality (single stage n= 9/60 [15%] vs. debranching alone or two stage hybrid procedures n= 7/144 [4.9%]; p= .018). The major stroke incidence was 4.3% (n= 9/211); no strokes occurred after isolated debranching. Stroke was correlated with longer operating times (odds ratio [OR] 1.006; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.011; p= .045) and higher BMI (OR 1.195; 95% CI 1.009-1.415; p= .039). Mean ± SD follow up was 15 ± 17 months (range 0-89 months). Primary cumulative graft patency during follow up was 98.1% (n= 207/211) and secondary patency was 100%. The results of cervical debranching procedures showed not only excellent patency rates, but also a significant rate of local complications. Carotid-subclavian bypass appeared to be safer with significantly fewer post-operative complications. Staged hybrid procedures also seemed to be safer.

Preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels and increased risk of adverse limb events in diabetic patients undergoing infrainguinal lower extremity bypass surgery in the Vascular Quality Initiative

BackgroundThe impact of preoperative glycemic control on the risk of adverse perioperative outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing lower extremity bypass (LEB) surgery is not well-understood. We determined whether higher preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are associated with an increased risk of major adverse limb events, major adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality in diabetic patients undergoing infrainguinal LEB. MethodsA retrospective review of all infrainguinal LEB surgeries in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry from January 2012 to February 2017 was performed. Only surgeries performed on diabetic patients with complete demographic and clinical data, including HbA1c value at the time of LEB, were included for analysis (n = 7727). Entries were stratified according to the following HbA1c levels: 6 or less (n = 1087), greater than 6 to 7 or less (n = 2137), greater than 7 to 8 or less (n = 1657), and greater than 8 (n = 2846). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of preoperative HbA1c levels on the risk of in-hospital major adverse limb events (above ankle amputation, loss of primary graft patency), major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia), and mortality. ResultsThe number of surgeries complicated by adverse limb and cardiovascular events were 356 (4.6%) and 1314 (17.0%), respectively. There were 72 in-hospital deaths (0.9%). After adjustment for clinical and demographic variables, patients with high HbA1c values (≥8%) were at an increased risk of adverse limb events (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.86) compared with those with a normal HbA1c (>6% to ≤7%). High HbA1c values were not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.81-1.43) or mortality (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.83-3.03). Patients with low HbA1c values (≤6%) did not experience a significantly higher risk for any of the three outcomes. In a stratified analysis, the association of high HbA1c values with adverse limb events was only present in those presenting without critical limb ischemia (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.05-3.16). ConclusionsPoor preoperative glycemic control in diabetic individuals undergoing infrainguinal LEB, particularly in those without critical limb ischemia, is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital limb events. Further study should evaluate whether improved efforts to identify individuals with poorly controlled diabetes and subsequent interventions to better optimize glycemic control during the preoperative period improve limb outcomes after LEB.

Outcome of iliocaval resection and reconstruction for retroperitoneal sarcoma

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the oncologic and surgical outcomes of patients treated with inferior vena cava (IVC) or iliac vein (IV) resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Surgery is the only curative option for patients with primary RPS. The IVC or IV can be directly invaded by RPS or can be the organ of origin of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma. In both cases, resection of the IVC or IV is required to achieve a complete resection. MethodsPatients who underwent IVC or IV resection for primary or recurrent RPS between 2000 and 2016 at a single referral institution were included in this retrospective study. The oncologic outcome was explored in terms of overall survival and crude cumulative incidence (CCI) of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Surgical outcomes were explored in terms of complications, renal function, lower limb edema, and vascular graft patency. ResultsSixty-seven patients were included: 24 IV resections (IV group), 39 IVC resections, and 4 IVC and IV resections (IVC group). The most frequent histologic types were leiomyosarcoma (63%) and liposarcoma (27%). Five-year overall survival, CCI of local recurrence, and CCI of distant metastasis (95% confidence interval) were 56.2% (43.6-72.4), 12.4% (5.2-29.5), and 51.5% (39.3-67.5). IVC was circumferentially resected in 38 of 43 patients; 32 were treated with graft reconstruction (22 with interposition of banked venous homograft [BVH] and 10 with polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE] graft) and 6 with ligation only, mostly dependent on the presence of an adequate collateral vessel network. Patients with preoperative IVC obstruction treated with ligation only (n = 6) did not develop severe postoperative lower limb edema. IVC graft primary patency at 5 years was 100% in IVC PTFE grafts and 76.7% in IVC BVHs. Fifteen patients (22.4%) suffered a Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complication within 60 days of surgery. ConclusionsIVC or IV resection in the context of RPS surgery is of value in achieving long-term survival. A policy of vascular grafting in case of circumferential resection of a patent IVC or IV is rewarding. For IVC reconstruction, both BVHs and PTFE grafts offer good results in terms of high patency rate and low risk of infection.

Outcome Analysis Following Iliac Endarterectomy with Ileofemoral Bypass in Patients with TASC C and D Iliac Disease

Objective: Aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes following unilateral iliac revascularization by iliac endarterectomy followed by ileo-femoral bypass in patients with TASC C and TASC D Aorto-iliac lesion, with respect to patency and limb salvage. Method of study: Prospective study. Results: A total of 26 patients underwent unilateral iliac intervention during the period from August 2016 to January 2017. Mean age at presentation was 68 years (range 45-78). Primary graft patency rate was 92% at end of 1 year. Limb salvaged rate was 100%. No early graft failure was seen. Late graft failure was seen in one patient. Conclusion: Unilateral iliac revascularization is a viable option in patients with TASC C and D Aorto- iliac lesions, not amenable to endovascular therapy and severe comorbidities. Keywords: Iliac endarterectomy; CLI; TASC C and D iliac disease

Long-term clinical outcomes after endovascular management of ruptured pseudoaneurysm in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PurposeRecent studies have analyzed the short-term clinical outcomes of ndovascular management. However, the long-term outcomes are unknown. This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes after endovascular management for ruptured pseudoaneurysm in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).MethodsThe medical records of 2,783 patients who underwent PD were retrospectively reviewed at a single center. Of 62 patients who received intervention after pseudonaeurysm rupture, 57 patients (91.9%) experienced eventual success of hemostasis. The patients were composed as follows: (embolization only [EMB], n = 30), (stent-graft placement only [STENT], n = 19) and (both embolization and stent-graft placement simultaneously or different times [EMB + STENT], n = 8). Long-term complications were defined as events that occur more than 30 days after the last successful endovascular treatment.ResultsAmong 57 patients, short-term stent-graft related complications developed in 3 patients (5.3%) and clinical complication developed in 18 patients (31.5%). Nine (15.8%) had long-term stent-graft related complications, which involved partial thrombosis in 5 cases, occlusion in 3 cases and migration in 1 case. Except for 1 death, the remaining 8 cases did not experience clinical complications. The stent graft primary patency rate was 88.9% after 1 month, 84.2% after 1 year, and 63.2% after 2 years. Of 57 patients, 30 days mortality occurred in 8 patients (14.0%).ConclusionAfter recovery from initial complication, most of patients did not experience fatal clinical complication during long-term follow-up. Endovascular management is an effective and safe management of pseudoaneurysm rupture after PD in terms of long-term safety.

Arteriovenous graft patency outcomes and prognostic factors.

Arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis shows poorer outcomes than arteriovenous fistula, due to frequent stenosis and thrombosis. We investigated arteriovenous graft patency outcomes and prognostic factors for these outcomes. We included a single-center cohort of patients receiving arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis access from 2010 to 2014. Demographics, laboratory data, comorbidities, and medications were collected from medical records. Surgical factors related to graft operation including the type and diameter of connected vessels, graft location, and type of operation (elective or emergency) were also recorded. Outcomes included primary and secondary patency. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method; univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic factors. Data from 225 grafts were analyzed. During the follow-up period (mean: 583 days, range: 1-1717 days), 138 (61%) grafts required intervention and 46 (20%) permanently failed. Primary patency at one, two, and three years was 42%, 20%, and 16%, respectively. Secondary patency at one, two, and three years was 85%, 72%, and 64%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that primary patency was negatively associated with increasing age and location of vessel anastomosis (reference-brachiobrachial anastomosis; brachiobasilic - HR, 0.569; 95% CI, 0.376-0.860; p = 0.007; brachioaxillary anastomosis - HR 0.407; 95% CI, 0.263-0.631; p < 0.0001); secondary patency was positively associated with diastolic blood pressure, serum albumin level, and hemoglobin over 10 g/dL. Adverse events other than stenosis or thrombosis, such as infection/inflammation or pseudoaneurysm were observed in approximately 20% of grafts. Factors associated with diminished primary arteriovenous graft patency included increased patient age and location of vessel anastomosis (brachiobrachial type compared to brachiobasilic or brachioaxillary type); diminished secondary patency was associated with low diastolic blood pressure, low serum albumin, and hemoglobin level under 10 g/dL. Among these factors, diastolic blood pressure, serum albumin, and hemoglobin level may be modifiable and could improve arteriovenous graft patency outcomes.

Outcomes of carotid-subclavian bypass performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BackgroundSubclavian artery revascularization is frequently performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, there is little information on the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing carotid to subclavian artery bypass in this clinical setting. As such, this study sought to define the early and late outcomes associated with this procedure. MethodsPatients undergoing carotid-subclavian bypass in conjunction with TEVAR between June 2005 and September 2016 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained, single-center aortic surgery database. The 30-day outcomes specific to the carotid-subclavian bypass procedure were analyzed, including cervical plexus nerve injury, bleeding complications, and local vascular complications. All preoperative and postoperative chest radiographs were carefully analyzed to assess for hemidiaphragm elevation indicative of phrenic nerve palsy. Long-term outcomes included primary graft patency and anastomotic complications. ResultsOf 579 consecutive patients undergoing TEVAR during this time interval, 112 patients (19%) underwent concomitant carotid-subclavian bypass. The cohort was 38% female (n = 43), with a mean age of 65 ± 14 years. The majority of conduits were 8-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (n = 107 [95.5%]), with a minority being reversed saphenous vein (n = 4 [3.6%]) or Dacron (n = 1 [0.9%]) grafts. The bypass procedure was done concurrently at the time of TEVAR in 91% (n = 102) of cases. The short-term complication rate attributed specifically to the carotid-subclavian bypass was 29% (n = 33). These complications included phrenic nerve palsy in 25% (n = 27), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 5% (n = 6), axillary nerve palsy in 2% (n = 2), and neck hematoma requiring re-exploration in 1% (n = 1) of patients. The 30-day in-hospital all-cause mortality rate was 5% (n = 6), and the rate of permanent paraparesis or paraplegia was 0.9% (n = 1). Of the operative survivors (n = 106), follow-up imaging of the bypass graft was available in 87% (n = 92) of patients. Actuarial primary graft patency was 97% at 5 years. There were three patients (3%) with bypass graft occlusions, two of which were clinically silent and detected on follow-up imaging. The third was detected because of symptoms of subclavian steal and required repeated revascularization. Two patients (2%) developed a late anastomotic pseudoaneurysm requiring either endovascular (n = 1) or surgical (n = 1) intervention. ConclusionsCarotid-subclavian bypass for revascularization of the subclavian artery performed in the setting of TEVAR is durable, although the true complication rate is likely higher than is generally reported in the literature because of a not insignificant rate of phrenic nerve palsy. These data should serve well as “gold standard” comparison data for emerging branch graft devices.

Anti-phosphorylcholine IgM, an Anti-inflammatory Mediator, Predicts Peripheral Vein Graft Failure: A Prospective Observational Study

One third of infrainguinal vein bypasses may fail within the first 1.5 years. Pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms are thought to be involved in these graft stenoses and occlusions. In previous studies, low levels of anti-phosphorylcholine IgM (anti-PC IgM, an innate anti-inflammatory IgM) have been associated with increased cardiovascular events. In this study, the peri-operative dynamics of anti-PC IgM levels were established during leg bypass surgery, and associations assessed between anti-PC IgM levels and primary graft patency. This was a prospective, observational cohort study of infrainguinal autogenous vein bypass for peripheral arterial occlusive disease involving four university affiliated hospitals. Plasma cytokine and anti-PC IgM levels were measured pre- and post-operatively. The outcome of interest was loss of primary graft patency because of occlusion or intervention for graft stenosis. One hundred and forty-two consecutive patients were enrolled: mean age 66 (46-91); 91% white race and male; 72.5% critical limb ischaemia (Fontaine III or IV). Median pre-operative anti-PC IgM levels were 49 units/mL (IQR 32.3-107.7, mean 89.8+101 sd). During follow up of an average of 1.8 years (1 month-7.4 years), 50 (35.2%) grafts lost primary patency. Pre-operative levels of interleukin 6 or C-reactive protein did not predict graft failure. Patients with pre-operative anti-PC IgM values in the lowest quartile had a twofold increased risk of graft failure (multivariable Cox proportional hazard, p=.03, HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.09-4.07), even after accounting for the other significant factors of conduit diameter, distal anastomosis, smoking, and the severity of leg ischaemia. Low levels of anti-PC IgM are associated with vein bypass graft failure. This biological mediator may be a useful marker to identify patients at higher risk, and offers the potential for novel, directed therapies for vascular inflammation and its consequences.

Long-term outcomes of Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular graft in lower extremity arterial revascularization.

This study aims to evaluate the patency rates and long-term outcomes of femoro-popliteal bypass procedures with Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular grafts in patients with occlusive vascular disease. This retrospective, observational, clinical study included a total of 93 patients (61 males, 32 females; mean age 56.9±7.4 years; range, 43 to 83 years) who underwent femoro-popliteal bypass in which Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular grafts were used due to peripheral arterial disease. The patients were divided into two groups: 62 patients undergoing femoro-popliteal above-knee bypass and 31 patients undergoing the femoro-popliteal belowknee bypass. We evaluated preoperative clinical characteristics, postoperative graft patency rates, and other clinical results. The mean follow-up was 44.9±18.8 months in the femoropopliteal above-knee bypass group and 47.3±22.3 months in the femoro-popliteal below-knee bypass group (p=0.302). The cumulative primary graft patency rates of the femoro-popliteal above-knee bypass and femoro-popliteal below-knee bypass groups at three, four, and five years were 98%, 95% and 78% and 86%, 75% and 45%, respectively (log-rank; p=0.312). The cumulative assisted graft patency rates of the femoro-popliteal above-knee bypass and femoro-popliteal below-knee bypass groups at five years were 87.9% and 65.3%, respectively (log-rank; p=0.530). The Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular graft is suitable for above- and below-knee femoro-popliteal bypass procedures. These grafts may be prefered due to high patency rates, low incidence of aneursym formations, and infections.

Disease Activity in Takayasu Arteritis Affects Long-Term Graft-Related Outcomes

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare inflammatory large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology that occasionally requires surgical intervention. There is a paucity of published data on the long-term outcomes of surgical intervention in these patients, with or without active disease. A retrospective review was conducted of patients with TA who underwent open, noncardiac vascular surgery at our institution in three geographic locations between 1994 and 2017. Basic demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed. Active disease was defined by National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic criteria. Between 1994 and 2017, there were 51 patients with TA who underwent open, noncardiac vascular surgery. Forty-four patients (86%) were female, with a mean age of 38 years (range, 10-72 years). At the time of surgery, 36 patients (77%) were taking steroids, with 23 patients (49%) taking an additional immunosuppressant. Twenty patients (42%) had required prior vascular surgical intervention. Six patients (13%) had an additional autoimmune disorder diagnosis. The most common location for disease was the aorta (86%), with subclavian (80%), carotid (69%), innominate (41%), and renal (33%) arterial lesions also seen. Vascular reconstruction was performed on 82 arterial lesions. The most common location for reconstruction was the carotid artery (28%), followed by the subclavian (22%), aorta (15%), and renal artery (11%). Mean follow-up was 74 months (range, 1-265 months). Early complications (<30 days) occurred in 14 patients (31%). Late complications (>30 days) occurred in 22 patients (49%). There were two perioperative deaths (4%). Eighteen patients (40%) required endovascular and surgical reintervention. The primary and primary assisted graft patency rates were 72% and 89%, respectively. Seventeen patients (35%) had active disease at the time of surgery, and three (18%) of these patients developed graft occlusion and underwent revision. Six patients (35%) with active disease required eight additional graft-related reinterventions. Thirty-one patients (65%) had quiescent disease, with three (10%) patients occluding their reconstruction in follow-up. Four patients (13%) with quiescent disease required four additional graft-related reinterventions. Incidence of graft-related reinterventions was higher in patients with active disease (P = .0497). The outcome of the intervention appears be related to the presence of active disease. Patients with active disease had worse graft-related outcomes compared with patients with quiescent disease.

Long-term Outcomes of Carotid-Subclavian Bypass in the Setting of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Subclavian artery revascularization is frequently performed in the setting of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for a variety of indications ranging from prophylactic prevention of upper extremity and spinal cord ischemia to preservation of hemodialysis access or left internal mammary artery coronary artery bypass graft. Despite this, there is little information on the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing carotid to subclavian artery bypass. We sought to define the outcomes associated with this procedure. Patients undergoing carotid-subclavian bypass in conjunction with TEVAR between June 2005 and September 2016 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained, single-center aortic surgery database. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, respectively. The 30-day outcomes specific to the carotid-subclavian bypass procedure were analyzed, including nerve injury, bleeding complications, and local vascular complications. All preoperative and postoperative chest radiographs were carefully analyzed to assess for hemidiaphragm elevation indicative of phrenic nerve palsy. Long-term outcomes included primary graft patency and anastomotic complications. Of 579 patients undergoing TEVAR during this time interval, 114 patients (20%) underwent concomitant carotid-subclavian bypass. The cohort was 39% female (n = 44), with a mean age of 65 ± 14 years. The majority of conduits were 8-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (n = 107 [92.2%]), with a minority being reversed saphenous vein grafts (n = 4 [3.5%]). The bypass procedure was done concomitantly at the time of TEVAR in 90.4% (n = 103) of cases. The short-term complication rate attributed specifically to the carotid-subclavian bypass was 21% (n = 24). These complications included neck hematoma requiring re-exploration in 0.9% (n = 1), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 5.3% (n = 6), axillary nerve palsy in 1.8% (n = 2), and phrenic nerve palsy in 13.2% (n = 15) of patients. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 5.3% (n = 6), and the rate of permanent paraparesis or paraplegia was 0.9% (n = 1). Of the operative survivors (n = 108), follow-up imaging of the bypass graft was available in 84% (n = 96) of patients. Actuarial primary graft patency was 97% at 10 years (Fig). There were three patients (2.5%) with bypass graft occlusions, two of which were clinically silent and detected in follow-up imaging. The third was detected because of the symptoms of subclavian steal and required repeated revascularization. Two patients (1.8%) developed a late anastomotic pseudoaneurysm requiring either endovascular (n = 1) or surgical (n = 1) intervention. Carotid-subclavian bypass for revascularization of the subclavian artery performed in the setting of TEVAR is durable, although the true complication rate is likely to be higher than generally reported in the literature because of a not insignificant rate of phrenic nerve palsy. These data should serve well as “gold standard” comparison data for emerging branch graft devices.

Results from a multicenter registry of heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft for above-the-knee femoropopliteal bypass

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze early and follow-up results of above-the-knee femoropopliteal bypasses (AKb) performed with a bioactive heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (HB-ePTFE) graft in patients with peripheral arterial obstructive disease in a multicentric retrospective registry involving seven Italian vascular centers. MethodsDuring a 14-year period ending in March 2016, an HB-ePTFE graft was used in 1401 interventions performed for peripheral arterial obstructive disease. Comorbidities, risk factors, and follow-up outcomes were collected in a multicenter registry with a dedicated database. A post hoc analysis of the database was performed to identify 364 (25.9%) patients who underwent AKb. Early (intraoperative and <30 days) results were analyzed in terms of death, thrombosis, amputations, reinterventions, and the occurrence of major local and systemic complications. Follow-up results were analyzed by life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier test) in terms of primary and secondary graft patency, assisted primary patency, limb preservation, and amputation-free survival. The analysis of follow-up results was stopped in December 2016. ResultsIn 61 (16.7%) patients, AKb was performed after the failure of a previous ipsilateral revascularization. Critical limb ischemia was present in 164 (45%) cases; the remaining patients had life-limiting intermittent claudication. Perioperative mortality occurred in three (0.8%) patients: in the hospital (n = 2) due to acute myocardial infarction and after discharge (n = 1) due to fatal arrhythmia. Early thromboses occurred in six (1.6%) patients; all these patients had primary AKb for critical limb ischemia. The cumulative rate of perioperative amputations was 0.5% (2 cases), whereas the cumulative rate of early reinterventions was 3% (11 cases). Median duration of follow-up was 28 months (range, 1-168 months); the median cumulative follow-up index for survival was 0.75 (range, 0.05-1). Estimated survival at 5 years was 75.3% (standard error [SE], 0.03). Estimated 5-year primary patency was 64% (SE, 0.04); the corresponding figure in terms of assisted primary patency was 65% (SE, 0.035). Secondary patency rate at 5 years was 74.5% (SE, 0.03). The rate of limb preservation at 5 years was 95% (SE, 0.02); the corresponding figure in terms of amputation-free survival was 74% (SE, 0.04). ConclusionsIn an era of endovascular enthusiasm, with conflicting results for the treatment of long or complex lesions of the superficial femoral artery, AKb with the use of HB-ePTFE graft remains an effective option, with low rate of perioperative complications and satisfactory long-term results.

Arterial reconstructions for chronic lower extremity ischemia in preadolescent and adolescent children

ObjectiveChronic lower extremity ischemia in pediatric patients is uncommon. The intent of this study was to better define the arterial reconstructive options and their long-term durability in preadolescent and adolescent children having clinically relevant arterial occlusions affecting the lower extremity. MethodsThe medical records of 33 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent lower extremity revascularization for chronic ischemia at the University of Michigan from 1974 to 2016 were reviewed. Patients were categorized by age, clinical manifestation, surgical intervention undertaken, and outcomes. ResultsOperative treatments involved 26 preadolescent children (mean age, 6.1 years; range, 3-9 years) and 7 adolescent children (mean age, 13.9 years; range, 10-17 years). Occlusions were due to earlier injury related to catheter (14), cannula (2), or both catheter and cannula (14); penetrating trauma (2); and vasculitis (1). Preoperative manifestations included symptomatic extremity ischemia (25), growth retardation manifested by documented limb length discrepancies (21), and scoliosis (5). Primary arterial reconstructions were delayed after the precipitating vascular event an average of 5.3 and 11.2 years in the preadolescent and adolescent children, respectively. Primary procedures involved revascularizations of 36 extremities (in preadolescents and adolescents) including autologous vein (26/5), polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron; 1/0), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (0/3) bypasses and vein patch angioplasty (0/1). Vein grafts traversing the abdominal cavity (15) were wrapped with a synthetic mesh. Excluding one early graft occlusion, there were no major early postoperative complications after the primary procedures. Secondary operations followed 31% of the primary operations, being performed an average of 8.8 and 6.7 years later (in 8 preadolescent and 3 adolescent children, respectively) for late graft occlusions (6), graft stenoses (3), aneurysmal vein grafts (2), and anastomotic pseudoaneurysm (1). The unassisted primary graft patency rate was 69%, and the assisted secondary graft patency rate was 94%. Symptomatic ischemia resolved in all but two children. Mean postoperative ankle-brachial indices improved to 1.08 from 0.76 preoperatively. Among children having postoperative documentation of limb lengths, the limb length discrepancies became less (11), were unchanged (1), or progressed (3). Follow-up averaged 8.0 years. There was no operative mortality in this experience. ConclusionsPrimary lower extremity arterial reconstructions in children with chronic lower extremity ischemia can be successfully undertaken with excellent results. Nevertheless, the potential for late primary graft failures, evident in nearly a third of this experience, mandates careful long-term follow-up and may necessitate secondary interventions to maintain satisfactory outcomes.

Evaluation of paramalleolar and inframalleolar bypasses in dialysis- and nondialysis-dependent patients with critical limb ischemia

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy of paramalleolar or inframalleolar bypass (PIMB) in hemodialysis-dependent (HD) patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and nonhemodialysis-dependent (NHD) patients in terms of clinical outcomes. MethodsBetween January 2000 and December 2013, there were 333 consecutive arteriosclerosis obliterans patients with CLI who underwent 401 PIMB procedures for limb salvage (LS). Of the 333 patients, 188 (56.5%) were HD patients. Vein grafts were exclusively used, and 172 paramalleolar and 229 inframalleolar bypasses were performed. Five-year primary and secondary cumulative graft patency, LS, and amputation-free survival (AFS) rates were compared between the two groups, and the independent determinants of these outcomes were identified in each group. ResultsThe 5-year primary and secondary cumulative graft patency rates were 53% and 82% in HD patients and 69% and 92% in NHD patients (primary cumulative graft patency, P < .05; secondary cumulative graft patency, nonsignificant), respectively. The LS rates were 87% and 99% (P < .01) in HD patients and NHD patients, respectively. Overall, 48% and 70% of HD and NHD patients were ambulatory before PIMB (P < .01), and 73% and 85% of HD and NHD patients were ambulatory 12 months after PIMB (including 1-year survivors; nonsignificant), respectively, demonstrating drastic post-PIMB improvement in HD patients. The 5-year AFS rates in the HD and NHD groups were 27% and 69% (P < .01), respectively, demonstrating very poor AFS rates in HD patients. In HD patients, factors negatively associated with AFS were female gender (hazard ratio [HR], 2.102; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.254-3.524), history of congestive heart failure (HR, 2.075; 95% CI, 1.395-3.085), and preoperative nonambulatory status (HR, 1.974; 95% CI, 1.305-2.986), whereas older age (HR, 2.601; 95% CI, 1.372-4.931) and history of congestive heart failure (HR, 2.928; 95% CI, 1.496-5.731) were identified as independent factors negatively associated with AFS in NHD patients. ConclusionsThe use of PIMB for CLI was associated with excellent LS rates in both HD and NHD patients with low operative mortality and complications. However, the AFS rate observed in HD patients was significantly lower than that observed in NHD patients, indicating the necessity of a specific management program to improve AFS after LS in HD patients.

Treatment of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Parallel Graft-Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. Retrospective Analysis of a Single Center Experience and Midterm Results

We sought to evaluate the midterm results of parallel-graft-endovascular aneurysm repair (pg-EVAR) for complex aortic anatomy in high-risk candidates for open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA). Clinical and radiographic information on 35 patients treated by pg-EVAR between March 2010 and December 2015 was retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. All patients presented with symptomatic aneurysms and were treated within 3days of clinical presentation. Primary end points included primary chimney graft patency, overall survival, and freedom from all reintervention. Overall, 55 chimney grafts were placed into 47 renal arteries and 8 superior mesenteric arteries in 35 patients. An endurant stent graft was used as the main body component in all cases. At 36months, primary chimney graft patency was 88%, overall survival of patients was 71%, and the rate of freedom from all reintervention was 78%. Considering our midterm results, pg-EVAR seems to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with complex anatomies and at poor risk for open repair.

Metabolic Syndrome but not Obesity Adversely Affects Outcomes after Open Aortoiliac Bypass Surgery

Although the incident risk of peripheral artery disease increases in patients with metabolic syndrome, several authors report favorable outcomes in obese patients after arterial bypass surgery. We examine the effect of the so-called "obesity paradox" and metabolic syndrome on outcomes after open aortoiliac bypass surgery. We identified patients between 2004 and 2015 who had open surgical bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease. We excluded patients with endovascular repair and those treated primarily for aneurysmal disease. Variables that were analyzed included preoperative medical history, Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease II classification, Rutherford classification, intra-operative, and postoperative outcomes. Metabolic syndrome was defined by World Health Organization criteria: diabetes and 2 or more of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (body mass index > 30kg/m2). Data were analyzed by stratified Kaplan-Meier and multiple Cox regression for outcomes including long-term mortality and reintervention rate. There were 154 open bypass surgery patients during the study period with a median age of 60years (interquartile range [IQR] 53-68), median glomerular filtration rate 76.1mL/min (IQR 54-102), and 58% female prevalence. In all, 53 patients had metabolic syndrome (4%), and 14 patients (9%) were obese but did not have metabolic syndrome. Primary bypass graft patency was 89.0±2.7% at 1 year and 77.4±4.1% at 5 years and was not significantly different between metabolic syndrome, obese, and nonmetabolic syndrome patients. Reintervention rate for the entire cohort was 25.3±3.7% at 1 year and 40.6±4.7% at 5 years. In those with and without metabolic syndrome, reintervention rate at 1 and 5 years was 33.0±6.8% vs. 21.1±4.2% and 56.1±7.9% vs. 30.7±5.4%, respectively (log-rank P=0.003). In multivariable analyses, metabolic syndrome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8, P=0.036) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) (HR: 3.2, P=0.001) were the only independent predictors of reintervention. Neither obesity nor the individual components comprising metabolic syndrome was a risk for reintervention. Multivariate analysis demonstrated age, female gender, CLI, and nonobesity as the independent risk factors for long-term mortality. Our study supports the "obesity paradox" that obesity by itself is not a risk factor for reintervention and was a protective factor for mortality after open aortoiliac bypass surgery. Bypass graft patency and major amputation rates were not affected. Although the individual components do not predispose to worse outcome, metabolic syndrome is a constellation of factors that, together, are associated with adverse events.

Invited commentary

Optimal antithrombotic management after lower extremity revascularization (both open and endovascular) remains an important area in need of better evidence. Whereas existing data support single antiplatelet therapy (generally aspirin) after lower extremity bypass, the role of oral anticoagulants (OACs) or combination therapies remains unclear. As a result, current guidelines from both the Society for Vascular Surgery1Conte M.S. Pomposelli F.B. Clair D.G. Geraghty P.J. McKinsey J.F. et al.Society for Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Guidelines Writing GroupSociety for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines for atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities: management of asymptomatic disease and claudication.J Vasc Surg. 2015; 61: 2S-41SAbstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (238) Google Scholar and the American Heart Association2Gerhard-Herman M.D. Gornik H.L. Barett C. Barshes N.R. Corriere M.A. Drachman D.E. et al.2016 AHA/ACC guideline on the management of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation. 2017; 135: e726-e779Crossref PubMed Scopus (523) Google Scholar recommend antiplatelet use and regard the role of OACs as uncertain. The authors undertook a propensity-adjusted analysis of Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry data to examine the relationship between OAC use and patency of bypass grafts to infrapopliteal targets. As expected, OACs were more commonly used in higher risk cases. Overall, they found no significant differences in primary graft patency with OAC use, either alone or in combination with aspirin. Subset analysis suggested an association of OAC use with improved secondary patency for prosthetic grafts to tibial targets, at a cost of increased perioperative wound complications. I believe these findings generally confirm the common practice patterns of most U.S. vascular surgeons and suggest the need for further studies. With the growing array of new anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies, a series of modest-scale prospective studies, perhaps nested within registries like the VQI, is sorely needed to define the best approach. An equally important question is how we are to go about obtaining high-quality evidence, given the costs and complexities of the “gold standard” randomized clinical trial. Why is it even important to accurately measure and compare patency of lower extremity revascularizations? There are two critical reasons. First, it is important to know if the operations we perform and devices we implant function as intended and for how long so that we can have informed risk-benefit discussions with patients across a range of complexity. This information also drives further innovation and improvement. Second, the linkage between vessel patency and patient-oriented end points in peripheral arterial disease is fundamentally important and inadequately understood. The VQI provides a critical tool for vascular research with an infrastructure of data collection across hundreds of institutions. However, it must be further improved to address important questions about procedural durability. Poor compliance with long-term follow-up (eg, one-third of VQI subjects missing 1-year data), lack of consistent protocols for interval graft surveillance across VQI sites, and softer definitions of patency (pulse examination in VQI vs imaging gold standard) raise questions about the accuracy of patency data derived from the VQI at present. Investment in this area would be worthwhile for our specialty and may provide a much needed, cheaper alternative to randomized clinical trials with appropriate study designs. Comparative effectiveness of anticoagulation on midterm infrainguinal bypass graft patencyJournal of Vascular SurgeryVol. 66Issue 2PreviewTherapeutic anticoagulation (AC) is used clinically for prolongation of infrainguinal bypass patency, but evidence for the efficacy of this practice is conflicting. The objective of our study was to determine the association of AC with bypass graft primary patency. Full-Text PDF Open Archive

IP079. Outcome Comparison Between Open and Endovascular Management of TASC II D Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

Endovascular management of complex aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) has been described as a viable alternative to open surgical reconstruction. To date, few studies have directly compared the two techniques. We therefore, evaluated short- and midterm outcomes of open and endovascular therapy in TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II) D AIOD patients. TASC II D patients undergoing treatment between January 2009 and Dec 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, clinical data, and outcomes (technical and systemic complications and graft patency) were collected. The primary outcome of this study was primary graft patency. Patients were compared according to treatment group (open vs endo). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze follow-up results. The analysis included 75 patients (open: 30; endo: 45). In the endovascular group, 27 patients (60.0% of endo) were managed using a hybrid approach with 100% technical success. Critical limb ischemia was the indication for intervention in 37.3% of this cohort (open, 40.0% vs endo, 35.6%; P = .397). Overall, there were no significant differences in gender (male: open, 50.0% vs endo, 55.6%; P = .646) or age (open, 54.5 ± 6.0 years vs endo, 56.9 ± 8.7 years; P = .280). No in-hospital deaths occurred in this cohort. The overall complication rate was significantly higher in the open group (open, 43.3% vs endo, 17.8%; odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-10.1; P = .016) with perioperative systemic complications being more likely in the open cohort (open, 40.0% vs endo, 6.7%; OR, 9.4; 95% CI, 2.3-37.1; P < .001), while technical complications did not differ between the two groups (open, 6.7% vs endo, 11.1%; OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.1-3.1; P = .695). Follow-up data were available for 68 patients (90.7%), for a mean of 21.3 ± 17.1 months. Reintervention rates were significantly higher in the endo group (open, 3.3% vs endo, 20.0%; OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.1-14.3; P = .038). The overall primary patency was significantly higher in the open group (open, 96.7% vs endo, 80.0%; OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.1-60.5; P = .038). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed separation of the primary outcome for open therapy relative to endovascular repair (log-rank, P = .320; Fig). In this head-to-head comparison of open and endovascular therapy for complex AIOD, endovascular therapy was associated with high initial technical success and fewer in-hospital systemic complications but also high reintervention rates when compared to open repair. Further prospective studies aimed at reduction of complications, optimization of patency, and patient selection for such procedures is warranted.

Comparative effectiveness of anticoagulation on midterm infrainguinal bypass graft patency

ObjectiveTherapeutic anticoagulation (AC) is used clinically for prolongation of infrainguinal bypass patency, but evidence for the efficacy of this practice is conflicting. The objective of our study was to determine the association of AC with bypass graft primary patency. MethodsClinical and comorbid data of patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass grafts to a below-knee target with at least 1 year of follow-up performed from 2003 to 2015 were obtained from the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative. Inverse propensity of treatment-weighted Cox regression was used to assess the effect of AC on patency in the total cohort while adjusting for clinical, operative, and comorbid differences between treatment groups. Subgroup analyses of distal targets and conduit type were performed. Perioperative complications were analyzed using propensity-weighted logistic regression. ResultsWe identified 7612 bypass grafts with intact 1-year follow-up information from 2003 to 2015. The mean age was 67.5 ± 11.2 years; 30.5% (n = 2320) were female, and 28.6% (n = 2165) were discharged on therapeutic AC. The anticoagulated group had a higher rate of tibial, ankle, and pedal targets (52.1% [n = 1127] vs 47.6% [n = 2269]; P < .001), had a greater use of non-single-segment vein conduits (44.3% [n = 951] vs 26.5% [n = 1426]; P < .001), and was more likely to have had a previous ipsilateral bypass (27.2% [n = 589] vs 14.7% [n = 794]; P < .001) or stent (25.4% [n = 550] vs 20.9% [n = 1130]; P < .001). Estimated unadjusted primary patency was 70.8% ± 0.6% at 1 year and lower for anticoagulated bypasses (66.9% ± 1.2% vs 72.4% ± 0.7%; P < .001). Propensity-weighted analysis showed no significant association of AC with primary patency in the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-1.11; P = .8) but demonstrated a trend toward improvement of primary patency in those with a non-single-segment vein conduit to a below-knee popliteal target (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-1.02; P = .09). AC was associated with significantly improved secondary patency in those with prosthetic bypass grafts (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.96; P = .02) or prosthetic bypasses to an infrapopliteal target (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.97; P = .02). Odds of postoperative wound complications were significantly higher in those receiving AC (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11-1.61; P = .002). ConclusionsThis study does not demonstrate a significant impact of therapeutic AC on primary patency for infrainguinal bypass grafts. Treatment with AC may benefit secondary patency in those with a prosthetic bypass, especially to an infrapopliteal target, but at an increased risk of postoperative wound complications.

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction is Important for Improving Patient and Graft Survival After Ligation and Bypass Surgery for Popliteal Artery Aneurysm.

To report outcomes following ligation and bypass (LGB) surgery for popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) and study factors influencing patient and graft survival. A retrospective review of patients undergoing LGB surgery for PAA between September 1999 and August 2012 at a tertiary referral vascular unit was performed. Primary graft patency (PGP), primary-assisted graft patency (PAGP), and secondary graft patency (SGP) rates were calculated using survival analyses. Patient, graft aneurysm-free survival (GAFS), aneurysm reperfusion-free survival (ARFS), and amputation-free survival (AFS) rates were also calculated. Log-rank testing and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to perform univariate and multivariate analysis of influencing factors, respectively. Eighty-four LGB repairs in 69 patients (mean age 71.3 years, 68 males) were available for study. The 5-year PGP, PAGP, SGP, and patient survival rates were 58.1%, 84.4%, 85.2%, and 81.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the principal determinants of PGP were urgency of operation ( P = .009) and smoking status ( P = .019). The principal determinants of PAGP were hyperlipidemia status ( P = .048) and of SGP were hyperlipidemia ( P = .042) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) status ( P = .045). The principal determinants of patient survival were previous myocardial infarction ( P = .004) and CVD ( P = .001). The 5-year GAFS, ARFS, and AFS rates were 87.9%, 91.6%, and 96.1%, respectively. This study has shown that traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as a smoking and ischemic heart disease, are the most important predictors of early graft failure and patient death following LGB surgery for PAA.