Reintervention Rate Research Articles

Peripheral Arterial Disease Management: Insights From the SerbVasc Registry.

This report contributes to VASCUNET data on treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Serbia, addressing sex differences, revascularization types, procedure characteristics, and morbidity and mortality. SerbVasc, part of the VASCUNET collaboration, includes vascular procedures from 27 Serbian hospitals. Data from 1681 PAD patients were analyzed, focusing on sex disparities, diabetes prevalence, previous procedures, infection and tissue loss, and morbidity and mortality rates. Males formed the majority, comprising 1169 (69.5%) of the patients. Men were significantly more often treated open surgically compared to women (77.6% vs 68.0%; p=0.000). Diabetes stood at 40.2% prevalence. Smoking history was noted in 61.9% of patients, predominantly males. Complication rates stood at 7.5%, with diabetic patients more prone to reinterventions and graft restenosis. The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6%, with significant predictors of mortality including urgent procedures and recent myocardial infarction. The severity of the infection was correlated with diabetes (r=0.250, p=0.000) and previous amputations (r=0.186, p=0.000). Patients undergoing revascularization followed by minor amputations had a significantly lower incidence of major amputation (0.1% vs 2.9%, p=0.000). SerbVasc data provides a comprehensive overview of PAD management, highlighting the significant impact of diabetes and smoking on disease progression and outcomes. This study highlights critical aspects of PAD management in developing countries, emphasizing sex differences, risk factors, and outcomes. Males predominated and are more likely to undergo open surgery. Diabetes and smoking significantly influenc disease progression, with diabetic patients experiencing higher rates of graft restenosis and reinterventions. Urgent procedures and recent myocardial infarctions are key predictors of in-hospital mortality. Combining revascularization with minor amputations reduced major amputation rates. These findings provide valuable data for tailoring treatment strategies, optimizing resource allocation, and improving outcomes for PAD patients, with implications extending beyond Serbia to similar healthcare systems.

Drug-Eluting Stent versus Interwoven Bare-Metal Stent in Clinically Significant Vein-Graft Anastomotic Stenosis of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Graft.

To date, no direct comparison has been made between the patency rates of drug-eluting stents (DESs) and interwoven stents (IWSs) in addressing hemodialysis access dysfunction. This study aims to directly compare the primary patency rates of DES and IWS in clinically significant vein-graft anastomotic stenosis of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Between January 2015 and October 2022, we enrolled all hemodialysis patients with clinically significant vein-graft anastomotic stenosis of AVGs who presented at our institution. Patient demographics, AVG details, lesion characteristics, and primary patency data for each stent group were systemically recorded. Following this, a Kaplan-Meier analysis of the primary stent patency was performed, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. A total of 51 patients (19 men and 32 women; mean age=64 years; range=49-79 years) were enrolled. Among them, 16 were treated with DES and 35 were treated with IWS. Notably, the most common stent placement location in each group was the vein-graft anastomosis of the brachioaxillary grafts, and the primary patency rate was monitored over a follow-up period of 24 months. At 6, 12, and 24 months, the primary patency rates for DES vs IWS were 100% vs 62.7%, 91.7% vs 38.8%, and 62.9% vs 21.4%, respectively (p<0.001). Our findings suggest that DES may be a more effective treatment choice for clinically significant vein-graft anastomotic stenosis in AVGs for hemodialysis access than nondrug-coated IWS. Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been widely recognized for their efficacy in reducing reintervention rates in coronary and femoropopliteal pathologies. However, their application in managing failing hemodialysis access remains inadequately explored. This study highlights the promising potential of DES in addressing clinically significant vein-graft anastomotic stenosis in hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVG). DES may represent a viable alternative for mitigating substantial immediate recoil stenosis following balloon angioplasty and for preventing early restenosis at the vein-graft anastomosis of AVG, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for future clinical practice.

Clinical Frailty Scale Predicts Outcomes After Elective Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), used to define frail patients, is significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The CFS can predict postoperative prognosis after cardiovascular procedures. However, no reports exist on the relationship between frailty defined by the CFS and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) outcomes. We analyzed data obtained from patients who underwent TEVAR between January 2011 and December 2021. Frailty was assessed using the 9-point CFS and was defined as a score of ≥5 points. The primary outcome was the 5-year overall survival rate. The secondary outcomes included the rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death at 5 years, postoperative complications, length of stay, rate of nonhome discharge, need for mobility assistance, 30-day mortality rate, and re-intervention rate. Of 331 patients who underwent TEVAR, 186 were included. The mean age of frail (n=36) and nonfrail (n=150) patients was 73.2 ± 7.3 years and 70.9 ± 9.0 years, respectively (p=0.15). The length of stay (17 [9-39] vs 11 [10-16] days; p=0.09) and re-intervention rate (8.3% vs 13.3%; p=0.58) were not significantly different, although frail patients had a higher rate of nonhome discharge (33.3% vs 4.7%; p<0.001), need for mobility assistance (38.9% vs 6.0%; p<0.001), and 30-day mortality (11.1% vs 0.7%; p=0.005) than nonfrail patients. The 5-year overall survival rate after TEVAR was 6.2 ± 5.5 and 84.5 ± 3.4% in frail and nonfrail patients (p<0.001). The median survival time was 22 (6-40) and 136 (87-138&x41; months, the number of recorded deaths in 5 years was 28 (77.8%) and 18 (12.0%; p<0.001), and the rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death at 5 years was 80.7%±11.2% and 96.9%±1.5% (p=0.01) in frail and nonfrail patients, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 53.3 ± 2.7 months. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the CFS (hazard ratio, 10.14; 95% confidence interval, 5.06-20.32) was significantly associated with overall survival. The CFS is a valuable prognosis predictor, and TEVAR for frail patients with a high surgical risk could not improve the overall survival. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in frail patients should be approached cautiously. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) could be a useful predictor of prognosis in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). A significant difference was observed between frail and nonfrail patients in the 5-year overall survival rate following TEVAR. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for frail patients (CFS was ≥5 points) could not improve overall survival because their death was attributed to their comorbidities. Thus, TEVAR in frail patients should be approached cautiously.

Innominate Artery Translocation with Hemiarch Replacement Strategy for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: a Single-Center Study.

Aggressive surgical methods for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD) can cause extended operating times and postoperative complications. less extensive techniques may increase the risk of needing further aortic reintervention. To prevent the need for extensive aortic arch surgery and subsequent re-sternotomy, hemiarch replacement (HAR) with innominate artery (a.) translocation is performed to create a suitable proximal landing zone for future endovascular repair. Retrospective study of 112 patients with ATAD who underwent aortic surgery from January 2009 to December 2020. Forty-one patients underwent HAR with innominate artery translocation, 16 underwent total arch replacement (TAR), and 55 underwent only HAR. Multivariable Cox regression and logistic regression analyses were used to study the outcomes and risk factors. The TAR group had a higher incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury. The overall mortality rate of the TAR group was 25%, compared with 20% in the HAR group and 14.6% in the translocation group. The 5-year overall survival rates for the groups were 81.9%, 75.0%, and 77.7%, respectively. False lumen thrombosis at the aortic arch and descending aorta level were factors associated with reduced mortality in both univariable and multivariable analyses. The translocation group had a significantly higher reintervention rate of 41.5% compared with the TAR and HAR groups, with rates of 31.3% and 16.4%, respectively. The median reintervention time for the translocation group was 4.72 years. Despite the innominate translocation technique having a higher reintervention rate, it had similar mortality outcomes to HAR and TAR. Thus, it could be a more convenient option for reintervention, including creating a proximal landing zone, which could benefit patients needing endovascular repair.

Predictive factors for long-term patency in duodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Background: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) occurs often late during disseminated disease needing palliation. Placement of duodenal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) is a common method relieving malignant GOO but recurrent obstruction is common warranting reintervention. The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors for stent patency at three months and survival. Also, stent patency rate and adverse events after duodenal stenting were analyzed. Methods: Retrospective observational single-center study including all patients with malignant GOO receiving duodenal SEMS for palliation (2008-2021). Logistic regression for stent patency (3 months) and Cox regression for survival were undertaken. Results: Overall, 198 patients were included. The most common malignancy was pancreatic adenocarcinoma (40%), gastric adenocarcinoma (18%) and cholangiocarcinoma (13%). Uncovered SEMS were used in 88%, and the reintervention rate was 44%. The stent patency rate was 63% in 188 patients with clinical success. Predictors for stent patency 3 months were jaundice, semi- or fully covered stents, and chemotherapy prior to stenting. Median survival was 81 days (IQR 40-241) after stenting. In Cox regression, predictors for overall survival at 6 months were absence of jaundice and stent patency at 3 months. Stent dysfunction was the most common cause of reintervention and was managed by repeated stent (76%) or dilation (11%). Discussion: Treatment of malignant GOO by duodenal SEMS is effective but the reintervention rate is high. Predictors for stent patency were jaundice, semi- or fully covered SEMS, and chemotherapy. Survival was impaired by jaundice and stent dysfunction.

Don’t mix it up! Long-term outcomes of different proximal aortic cuffs with the AFX endograft

The AFX unibody endograft offers advantages in treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with narrow aortic bifurcations due to its unique design, where the flow divider sits at the native aortic bifurcation. However, its limited length options may limit complete proximal neck utilization. As per device instruction for use, the implant should be completed with an aortic cuff. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients treated with an all-Endologix implant versus a combination of Endologix and Medtronic devices. This retrospective, single-center study included 134 consecutive AAA patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the AFX unibody endograft paired with suprarenal aortic cuffs from Endologix (n=86) or Medtronic (n=48) between November 2011 and November 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of aortic cuff used. The primary outcome was the occurrence of type 3A endoleaks at the longest available follow-up. Secondary outcomes included any endoleak, reintervention rates, all-cause mortality, and aneurysm-related death. Median follow-up was 41 months, type 3A endoleaks occurred after a mean 34,8 months in 6 patients (4.5%), significantly more frequent in the mixed-device group (12.8%) (p<0.001). Type 3A endoleak occurred regardless of overlap and developed over time. Endoleaks of any type were reported in 17 patients. Reinterventions were needed in 12 patients. The use of an Endurant cuff was associated with a significantly increased risk of type 3A endoleaks (Hazard Ratio [HR] 16.5; 95% [CI] 1.9-143; p=0.011) and reinterventions (HR 9.67; 95% CI 1.9-49.6; p=0.006). Combining endografts from different manufacturers, especially those with differing materials and sealing mechanisms, may compromise the long-term integrity of certain EVAR repairs. Clinicians should exercise caution when considering mixed-device configurations and ensure rigorous follow-up for patients with such implants.

Evaluating safety and efficacy of plastic versus metal stenting in malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Stenting malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) is challenging due to its complex structure, and it is less effective than blockages in the distal bile duct area. Plastic stents (PSs) and metal stents (MSs) are commonly used for stenting MHBO. This study aims to compare the outcomes of PSs and MSs in MHBO patients. We conducted a search of medical databases up to March 2024. Using a fixed-effect model, we analyzed the risk ratios (RRs) of the outcomes between the PS and MS groups. We calculated the RR for clinical and technical success, reinterventions, and adverse events, as well as the hazard ratio (HR) for survival and stent patency. This analysis includes five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 322 patients (156 in the PS group and 166 in the MS group). Significant differences (P < .05) in favor of the MS group were found in the reinterventions (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07-3.04), and stent patency (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.90). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the PS and MS groups regarding technical success (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94-1.09), clinical success (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.69-1.07), overall survival (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47-1.05), stent migration (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.08-6.02), stent occlusion (RR1.32, 95% CI 0.97-1.81), and adverse events (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.53-1.20). Both PS and MS are effective for managing MHBO, while MS offers greater efficacy in increased stent patency and lower reintervention rates. Key message What is already known on this topic Metal stents (MSs) and plastic stents (PSs) are used for palliative treatment of malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). MSs significantly reduced the need for reinterventions compared to PSs in patients with MHBO. What this study adds There were no significant differences between MSs and PSs in terms of technical success, clinical success, overall survival, stent migration, stent occlusion, or adverse events. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The study's findings may prompt researchers to design more targeted studies to further investigate these specific outcomes in MHBO patients. The results encourage endoscopists to consider patient-specific factors, such as life expectancy and preference for minimizing recurrent procedures, when choosing between MSs and PSs for MHBO.

Early Outcomes for Management of Atrioventricular Septal Defect-Tetralogy of Fallot in the Last Decade: A Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society Study.

We sought to determine the management and early outcomes of complete atrioventricular septal defect-tetralogy of Fallot (AVSD-TOF) for a contemporary multicenter cohort. Of 739 participants in the Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society AVSD cohort (January 2012-May 2021), 40 had AVSD-TOF. We first compared survival differences for patients with AVSD-TOF versus those with isolated AVSD using propensity matching. Secondly, for patients with AVSD-TOF, we compared staged (n = 16) versus primary (n = 24) repair by assessing the following: patient characteristics, progression of atrioventricular valve (AVV) regurgitation, and time-related reoperation and survival. Five-year survival was similar between matched AVSD-TOF and isolated AVSD groups (80% vs 81%, P = .9). Compared with primary repair patients, staged patients had smaller pulmonary valve annulus Z-score measured at first presentation (-2.2 vs -2.9, P = .006). All staged patients (12 Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunts, 3 right-ventricular-outflow-tract stents, 1 ductal stent) survived to complete repair. Freedom from AVSD-related reoperation five years post-AVSD-TOF repair was 57% after staged versus 90% after primary repair (P < .05) and left AVV reoperations were the most frequent reintervention. Survival five years after AVSD-TOF repair was 80% (63% after staged vs 90% after primary repair; P = .08). Patients undergoing AVSD-TOF repair have similar survival compared with matched isolated AVSD patients. Although approximately half of AVSD-TOF patients had initial palliation and all survived to complete repair, staged repair patients had lower survival and a higher reintervention rate compared with primary repair patients. The decision to pursue staged versus primary repair for future babies with AVSD-TOF remains challenging and should be chosen based on individual circumstances.

The Process of Single Surgeon Through Structural and Dorsal Preservation in Primary Rhinoplasty: A 594 Case Series with One-Year Follow-Up.

Dorsal management is a challenging step in rhinosurgery. In the last decade, an old philosophy of preserving the dorsum has gained popularity alongside the traditional hump resection proposed by Joseph. This study aims to investigate the journey of a rhinosurgeon transitioning from structural to dorsal preservation techniques in primary rhinoplasty. A retrospective study was conducted on 594 consecutive patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty by the main surgeon (R.T.) with at least 12 months of follow-up. All surgeries were categorized based on the dorsal approach into Structural Dorsal Rhinoplasty (SDR), Partial Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty (PDPR), and Total Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty (TDPR). The three groups were compared based on the following variables: operative time, long-term complication rate, and re-intervention rate. The study included 67 males and 527 females, with an average age of 31.43 years. The average anesthesia operative times were 231.30 minutes for SDR, 241.74 minutes for PDP, and 230.32 minutes for TDP, with no statistically significant differences observed. The complication and revision rates were as follows: SDR had 12.74% complications and 7.32% revisions, PDPR had 13.37% complications and 3.82% revisions, and TDPR had 10.57% complications and 3.25% revisions. Hump recurrence rates were 2.54% in SDR, 7.64% in PDPR, and 6.50% in TDPR. Contour irregularities occurred in 9.55% of SDR, 5.09% of PDPR, and 2.44% of TDPR cases. Both hump recurrence and contour irregularities showed statistically significant differences among the three groups. This study analyzed how the aforementioned variables change during the transition from structural to dorsal preservation techniques, considering the latter as the natural evolution in rhinoplasty. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis

With technological advances in endoscopic ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage (EUS‐GBD) was introduced as a treatment option for acute cholecystitis. Recently, new studies have emerged, suggesting that EUS‐GBD has a lower adverse event rate and reintervention rate, when compared to percutaneous drainage and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage. There is growing interest in the different technical aspects of EUS‐GBD, such as the puncture approach, choice of stents, and long‐term management. There are also cohorts on performing EUS‐GBD in potential surgical candidates. This review article gathers the latest evidence on EUS‐GBD, including its indications, procedural techniques, choice of equipment, outcomes, postprocedural care, and the controversial extended indications.

Unpredictable Aortic Behavior in Identifying Risk Factors for Reintervention: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Although advancements in the management of thoracic aortic disease have led to a reduction in acute mortality, individuals requiring postoperative reintervention experience substantially worse long-term clinical outcomes and increased mortality. We aimed to identify the risk factors for postoperative reintervention in this high-risk population. This prospective observational cohort study included patients who survived endovascular or open surgical treatment for thoracic aortic disease between January 2009 and June 2020. We excluded those with inflammatory or traumatic thoracic aortic diseases. The risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models. The study included 95 genetically tested patients aged 54.13 ± 12.13 years, comprising 67 men (70.53%) and 28 women (29.47%). Primary open surgery was performed in 74.7% and endovascular repair in 25.3% of the patients. Of these, 35.8% required one or more reinterventions at the time of follow-up (3 ± 2.5 years, mean ± standard deviation). The reintervention rate was higher in the endovascular repair group than in the open repair group. Among the potential risk factors, only residual aortic dissection emerged as an independent predictor of reintervention (odds ratio: 3.29, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-8.64). Reintervention after primary thoracic aortic repair remains a significant clinical issue, even in high-volume tertiary centers. Close follow-up and personalized care at aortic centers are imperative. In our cohort of patients with thoracic aortic disease undergoing open or endovascular surgery, postoperative residual dissection was independently associated with the necessity of reintervention, emphasizing the importance of intensified clinical monitoring in these patients.

Predictive factors for early mortality after EUS-guided gastroenterostomy in malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Background and study aim: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has recently emerged as a potential treatment option for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO), with a relatively long duration of patency and low rate of reintervention. Its intrinsic risk for serious adverse events and high procedure cost mandates careful patient selection beyond the common safety profiles. This study aimed to assess for predictors of early post-EUS-GE mortality. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with unresectable mGOO who underwent EUS-GE. Predictive factors for postoperative 30-day mortality with crude and adjusted hazard ratios were examined using univariate and multivariate penalized likelihood Firth logistic regression analyses. Results: Technical and clinical success was achieved in 96.7% and 93.1% of the patients, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate after the procedure was 11.7%, and no procedural complications were observed. The 30-day mortality group had a significantly low rate of initial clinical success (66.7% vs. 96.2%, p=0.007). Univariate analysis identified significantly higher postoperative 30-day mortality in patients with poor baseline ECOG performance status scale (≥2) and ascites. The presence of grade 2 ascites was confirmed as an independent predictive factor in the multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 52.41, 95% confidence interval 1.55 to 1775.64, p=0.024). Conclusion: EUS-GE should be carefully considered for patients with ascites which was an independent predictor for early mortality after procedure in mGOO, especially those with grade 2 or higher level of ascites.

Long-term results of endovascular versus open retroperitoneal repair associated with ERAS protocol for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Although the endovascular management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is widely performed, many studies have shown better long-term results with open graft repairing, mostly focusing on the classical open repair with midline access. This study aims to evaluate long-term results comparing EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) and surgical open repair with retroperitoneal access associated with ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. A retrospective analysis of 156 patients treated for AAA between 2015 and 2018 was conducted. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the two groups were homogeneous except for age, which was significantly higher in patients belonging to the EVAR one, and for previous laparotomies. A total of 100 patients (58.7%) underwent open retroperitoneal repair (ORR group), and 56 (42.3%) underwent EVAR. A mean of 51 ± 28months of follow-up was conducted. This study aims to evaluate long-term survival by comparing EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) and surgical open repair with retroperitoneal access associated with ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. Secondary aims evaluate differences between the two techniques regarding late complications, need for re-interventions, and perioperative results. Freedom from all-cause mortality, calculated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves equalizing the two population with a Covariate Propensity Score, showed significant better survival rates at 1, 3, and 5years in ORRs then in EVARs. Late complications (>30days) and need for late re-intervention rates were greater in the EVAR group (6 late re-interventions needed vs 0 in the ORR group).Perioperative results show longer mean length of hospital stay in patients belonging to the ORR group (5days vs 2) and significantly higher in-hospital-complication rate. The long-term comparison between EVAR and open retroperitoneal repair shows significantly better late outcomes in the ORR group. The perioperative course appears significantly better in EVARs but anyway good in ORRs when a perioperative protocol as ERAS is applied.In a selected population of young patients fit for surgery, the retroperitoneal surgical approach should be highly taken into account in the therapeutical choice.

Meta-analysis of longitudinal comparison of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients at low to intermediate surgical risk

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the commonly used approach for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic stenosis at low or intermediate surgical risk. However, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative to SAVR for AVR. This meta-analysis aims to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of TAVR versus SAVR in low-to-intermediate surgical risk patients by analyzing temporal trends in the outcomes of TAVR and SAVR at various follow-up intervals, providing a more detailed understanding. Methods: A thorough literature search was performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception up to May 2024 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a random-effects model to pool risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 17 studies reporting data at different follow-ups for 9 trials were included (n=9,092). No statistically significant difference was observed between TAVR and SAVR for reducing all-cause death at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years but significantly increased risk with TAVR at 5 years or longer follow-up (RR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.23). However, TAVR was associated with a significantly decreased risk for cardiac death at 1-year follow-up (RR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.96) and comparable risk for cardiac death at 30 days, 2 years, and 5 years or longer follow-up when compared with SAVR. No statistically significant difference was observed between TAVR and SAVR for reducing the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years or longer follow-up. TAVR was associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding events at 30 days (RR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.67); lower risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) at 30 days (RR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.54) and 1 year (RR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.82) and lower risk of new onset or worsening atrial fibrillation (AF) at 30 days (RR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.34), 1 year (RR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.41) and 2 years (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.49) when compared with SAVR. However, TAVR was associated with a significantly increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) at 30 days (RR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.40 to 4.91), at 1 year (RR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.24 to 3.87), at 2 years (RR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.31 to 5.71), and beyond 5 years (RR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.20 to 3.15). TAVR was also associated with a significantly increased risk of prosthetic valve thrombosis at 2 years (RR=2.70, 95% CI: 1.08 to 6.71), though no significant association was observed at 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in aortic-valve reintervention rates at 30 days, 2 years, or 5 years, but TAVR showed a significantly increased risk at 1 year (RR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.21 to 3.24). TAVR was associated with a significantly increased risk of major vascular complications at 30 days (RR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.38 to 4.04) and a significantly increased risk of TIA at 2 years (RR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.00, I2=0%). The risk of hospitalizations was comparable between the groups. Conclusion: TAVR and SAVR demonstrated comparable rates of all-cause death up to 2 years of follow-up. However, at 5 years or longer follow-up, TAVR was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death. While TAVR showed certain procedural advantages, such as a lower risk of major bleeding, AKI, and new-onset or worsening AF, the choice between TAVR and SAVR in patients with low or intermediate surgical risk should consider long-term outcomes, with SAVR potentially being more favorable due to better survival observed on longer follow-up durations.

Interwoven nitinol stent-assisted arteriovenous fistula maturation: 2 year-outcomes of a single center experience.

The aim of this study was to report 2-year outcomes of interwoven nitinol (SuperaTM) stent-assisted arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation in patients who presented with non-matured AVF. We reviewed the clinical data of 20 patients who presented with non-matured AVF (19 patients with brachiocephalic AVF and 1 patient with radiocephalic AVF) and underwent balloon angioplasty followed by SuperaTM stenting in the cephalic vein for long-term hemodialysis between January 2017 and January 2022. The outcomes were evaluated in these patients in terms of technical success, post-intervention complications, reintervention, and cumulative patency (6months, 1year, and 2years). The study included 20 patients who presented with non-matured AVF. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 40-85). The SuperaTM stents of size 6.5mm were used in 15 patients (75%), and those of 7.5mm and 5.5mm were used in 4 (20%) and 1 (5%) patient, respectively. The average stent length was 99.5mm (range, 80-120). Technical success was achieved in all patients. Early use within 1 week by needling at the SuperaTM stent segment (cannulation zone) was successful in all patients without any complications. The mean follow-up time was 24.5 months. During the follow-up period, reinterventions to maintain the function of AVF were performed in 8 patients (40%) (7 patients with juxta-anastomotic stenosis, 1 patient with in-stent restenosis). The reintervention rate was 0.39 procedures per patient per year. The primary patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 85.5%, 62.6%, and 54.2%, respectively. The assisted primary patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 95%, 84.5%, and 78.8%, respectively. The use of the SuperaTM stent to improve the AVF maturation rate was associated with acceptable outcomes at 2 years. Its benefit over other strategies was the early use of the access for hemodialysis.

Predictive value of contrast-enhanced MRI for the regrowth of residual uterine fibroids after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment

ObjectivesTo investigate whether the signal intensity (SI) ratio of residual fibroid (RF) to myometrium using Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CE-MRI) could predict fibroid regrowth after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted among 164 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent HIFU. To predict the RF regrowth, the SI perfusion parameters were quantified using the RF-myometrium SI ratio on CE-MRI on day 1 post-HIFU and then compared with the fibroid-myometrium SI ratio on the T2-weighted image (T2WI) and Funaki classification 1 year later. Thirty cases from another center were used as an external validation set to evaluate the performance of RF-myometrium SI ratio.ResultsThe predictive performance of the RF-myometrium SI ratio on CE-MRI on day 1 post-HIFU (Area Under Curve, AUC: 0.869) was superior to that of the preoperative and postoperative fibroid-myometrium SI ratios on the T2WI (AUC: 0.724, 0.696) and Funaki classification (AUC: 0.663, 0.623). Multivariate analysis showed that the RF- myometrium SI ratio and RF thickness were independent factors. The RF-myometrium SI ratio reflects the long-term rate of re-intervention (r = 0.455, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe RF-myometrium SI ratio on CE-MRI exhibits greater accuracy in predicting RF regrowth compared to the SI classification and the SI ratio on T2WI.Critical relevance statementThe ratio of residual uterine fibroid to myometrial signal intensity on contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI can reflect residual blood supply, predict regrowth of fibroids, and thus reflect long-term re-intervention rate and recovery situation of clinical high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment.Key PointsContrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI can indicate the blood supply of residual uterine fibroids after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment.The predictive capability of CE-MRI ratio surpasses T2WI ratio and the Funaki.Residual fibroids can serve as a measure of the long-term efficacy of HIFU.Graphical

Twenty-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of unilateral thyroid lobectomy with or without postoperative levothyroxine treatment.

The aim of this study was to validate in 20-year follow-up (FU) the outcomes reported in World J Surg 2010; 34(6):1232-8 on recurrent nodular goiter in the contralateral thyroid lobe among patients after thyroid lobectomy (TL) for multinodular goiter (MNG) receiving versus not receiving postoperative prophylactic levothyroxine (LT4) treatment. Some 150 consenting patients underwent TL for MNG in 2000-2003. They were randomized to two groups, 75 patients each: (a) receiving prophylactic LT4 treatment postoperatively (dose range 75-125 microg/day to maintain thyroid-stimulating hormone values within 0.27-1.0mU/L), and (b) not receiving LT4. Sixty-month FU was extended to 240months for all the consenting patients. The primary outcome was prevalence of recurrent goiter. The secondary outcome was re-intervention rate for recurrent goiter. The outcomes were stratified according to individual iodine metabolism status assessed by urinary iodine excretion. During the 5-year FU (5 patients were lost) recurrent goiter was found in patients receiving versus not receiving LT4 in 1.4% versus 16.7% (p=0.001) whereas during 20-year FU (29 patients were lost) it was 3.3% versus 30.0% of patients, respectively (p=0.031). During 20-year FU 4.9% versus 30.0%, respectively, of patients receiving versus not receiving LT4 required contralateral thyroid lobe treatment/surgery (p=0.028). LT4 decreased recurrence rate among iodine-deficient patients (10.0% vs. 70.0%, respectively; p=0.037) but not among iodine-sufficient patients (0.0% vs. 10.0%, respectively; p=0.056). Twenty-year FU data confirmed that prophylactic LT4 treatment significantly decreased the recurrence of nodular goiter and the need for completion intervention/surgery, mostly among patients with iodine deficiency.

Viscoelastic haemostatic assays to guide therapy in elective surgery: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients undergoing major surgery frequently experience major uncontrolled bleeding. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of using viscoelastic haemostatic assays to manage peri-operative bleeding in elective surgery. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases for randomised controlled trials according to pre-determined criteria. The primary outcomes were blood product requirements; duration of stay in the operating theatre or ICU; and surgical reintervention rate. We included 20 randomised controlled trials. The overall risk of bias was low to moderate. Twelve studies used thromboelastography-based transfusion algorithms, while eight used thromboelastometry. Viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided therapy was associated with a statistically significant reduction in transfusion of red blood cells (standardised mean difference (95%CI) 0.16 (-0.29 to 0.02)), platelets (standardised mean difference (95%CI) -0.33 (-0.56 to -0.10)) and fresh frozen plasma (standardised mean difference (95%CI) -0.64 (-1.01 to -0.28)). There was no evidence of an effect of viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided therapy on surgical reintervention (relative risk (95%CI) 1.09 (0.70-1.69)). Viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided therapy was associated with lower blood loss and shorter ICU duration of stay. There was no evidence of any effect on total duration of stay and all-cause mortality. Viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided therapy may reduce peri-operative blood product transfusion requirements and blood loss during major elective surgery, with no discernible effect on patient-centred outcomes. The overall quality of evidence was modest.

BN SO45 - Reported criteria and safety for day case management of acute appendicitis

Abstract Background Acute appendicitis has an incidence of 7-8%. About 45,000 appendicectomies are performed in UK/year. Whilst day case surgery (DCS) is standard for cholecystectomies, hernia repair and even gastric bypass, reluctance exists in application of day care pathway for acute appendicitis. We aimed to review published literature on patient selection criteria, rates of day case discharge, readmission and re-intervention rates and patient satisfaction. Method A literature search was conducted in Embase, Pubmed and Medline for day case appendicectomy, Patient safety, selection criteria. A total of 116 papers were found. Once duplicates were removed, 75 studies underwent abstract screening from which 41 were full text screened. 29 publications were included in this review study. Data was collected on criteria for patient selection, length of stay, rate of DCS, rates of re-admission and re-intervention and patient/ relative satisfaction. Results Studies assessed DCS in children and/or adults. All authors included patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, well managed pain without opioid analgesia and adequate social support. Other authors additionally, only included patients under 65yrs old. The rates of DCS varied between 36.9% - 87%. Factors affecting DCS were time of admission and operation, female patients, symptom control and social factors. Rates of readmission ranged between 0-2.5% with no difference between DCS and admitted patients. Rates of re-intervention were low (0-2.5%) with a high patient satisfaction (87-91%). Late evening finishing of operation led to patient admission (77%) with no complications occurring within 48hrs. Conclusion Day case surgery for appendicectomy is reported to be safe provided adequate patient education and clear criteria for patient selection. No significant difference was found between the rates of re-intervention and re-admission between day case and admitted patients. We suggest standardising care pathways and provision of adequate education to both patients and staff as a method of safe day care discharge.

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes of unibody and single/double docking limb endografts in Medicare beneficiaries between 2012 and 2018.

The evaluation of perioperative and long term outcomes for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using anatomic (unibody) and proximal neck fixated (docking limbs) endografts across consecutive time cohorts. This study compares the outcomes of EVAR in Medicare patients stratified by mode of fixation. All patients who underwent EVAR between 2012 and 2018 were identified in the Medicare database. Anatomic fixation (AF) and proximal fixation (PF) grafts were differentiated using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The AF population was divided into three-time cohorts based on iterative changes in graft design: Cohort 1: (01/01/2012-20/07/2014); Cohort 2: (21/07/2014-09/05/2016); and Cohort 3: (10/05/2016-31/12/2017). The PF cohort was similarly divided into these three periods. Outcomes were evaluated through 31/12/2020 and included all-cause mortality, aortic rupture, and aortic-related reintervention. 32,031 patients underwent EVAR during the study period; 4729 were AF and 27,302 were PF. There were more women (p < .001) and patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (p < .001) in the AF group. There were no group differences in perioperative outcomes. In Cohort 1, there was a higher rate of reintervention (11.9% vs 7.6%; p < .001) and aortic rupture (5.3% vs 4.0%; p = .019) in the AF group compared to the PF group. In Cohort 2, reintervention, aortic rupture, and reintervention rates were similar between the two groups (p = NS). In Cohort 3, the reintervention and aortic rupture rates were similar between the two groups (p = NS). The higher rates of aortic rupture and reintervention seen in the AF group in Cohort 1 when compared with the PF group did not persist in Cohorts 2 and 3. This suggests that improvements in graft design may have led to durability which is similar to that of PF grafts. However, late aneurysm related complications are inherent risks after EVAR and long-term surveillance remains necessary.