Taylor D. Hicks

“In situ” endografting in the treatment of arterial and graft infections

Objective: Endografts (eg, aortic aneurysm device or covered stent) are increasingly being used to temporize or treat arterial and graft infections in inaccessible areas, in patients with compromised anatomy, or in the presence of active bleeding or rupture. This summary examines the evidence for “in situ” endografting in the treatment these conditions. Methods: A two‐level search strategy of the literature (MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library) was performed for relevant articles listed between January 2000 and December 2015. The review was confined to patients with primary and secondary bacterial or viral arterial infections, with or without fistulization and infection of bypass grafts and arteriovenous accesses. For the purposes of this summary, endografts can be considered to be an aortic aneurysm device or a covered stent. Results: There are no societal guidelines. Endografts have been successfully applied to mycotic arterial aneurysms, aortoenteric, aortobronchial, and arterioureteric fistulae, and to anastomotic bleeds secondary to infection. Multiple reports indicate success at the control of hemorrhage in all locations. Short‐term outcomes are good, but fatal infection‐related complications, especially if antibiotic therapy is halted, are well reported and necessitate a more definitive plan for the long term. Conclusions: Stent grafts remain an important and viable option for the treatment of mycotic aneurysms, aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistulae, and infected pseudoaneurysms in anatomically or technically inaccessible locations. In patients with a short life span (<6 months), no further intervention is generally required. In patients with a predicted life span >6 months, careful consideration should be given to a more definitive procedure. Life‐long appropriate antibiotic therapy is strongly recommended for any patient receiving an endograft in an infected field.

Treatment options and outcomes for caval thrombectomy and resection for renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a significant predisposition to vascular invasion. Tumor vascular invasion and thrombus are found in the renal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC) in up to 10% to 25% of patients. This study reviewed the current status of radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy for advanced RCC. METHODS A two-level search strategy of the literature (MEDLINE, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) for relevant articles listed between January 2000 and December 2015 was performed. The review was confined to patients with primary RCC associated with vascular invasion. RESULTS Untreated RCC with intravascular thrombus has a median survival of 5 months. Surgical exposure and intervention are tailored to the level of tumor thrombus. The 30-day mortality for radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy is low (1.5%-10%), and the complication rates have been reported to be 18%, 20%, 26%, and 47% for IVC tumor thrombus level I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively. Disease-specific survival ranges from 40% to 60% at 5 years after nephrectomy and removal of the intravascular tumor. CONCLUSIONS Radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy is an effective cancer control operation that can be safely performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity. Preoperative imaging coupled with perioperative surgical management of the IVC is critical to procedural success and patient outcomes.

An evaluation of the availability, accessibility, and quality of online content of vascular surgery training program websites for residency and fellowship applicants

Background: Vascular surgery residency and fellowship applicants commonly seek information about programs from the Internet. Lack of an effective web presence curtails the ability of programs to attract applicants, and in turn applicants may be unable to ascertain which programs are the best fit for their career aspirations. This study was designed to evaluate the presence, accessibility, comprehensiveness, and quality of vascular surgery training websites (VSTW). Methods: A list of accredited vascular surgery training programs (integrated residencies and fellowships) was obtained from four databases for vascular surgery education: the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Electronic Residency Application Service, Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database, and Society for Vascular Surgery. Programs participating in the 2016 National Resident Matching Program were eligible for study inclusion. Accessibility of VSTW was determined by surveying the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Electronic Residency Application Service, and Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database for the total number of programs listed and for the presence or absence of website links. VSTW were analyzed for the availability of recruitment and education content items. The quality of VSTW was determined as a composite of four dimensions: content, design, organization, and user friendliness. Percent agreements and kappa statistics were calculated for inter‐rater reliability. Results: Eighty‐nine of the 94 fellowship (95%) and 45 of the 48 integrated residencies (94%) programs participating in the 2016 Match had a VSTW. For program recruitment, evaluators found an average of 12 of 32 content items (35.0%) for fellowship programs and an average of 12 of 32 (37%) for integrated residencies. Only 47.1% of fellowship programs (53% integrated residencies) specified the number of positions available for the 2016 Match, 20% (13% integrated residencies) indicated alumni career placement, 34% (38% integrated residencies) supplied interview dates, and merely 17% (18% integrated residencies) detailed the selection process. For program education, fellowship websites provided an average of 5.1 of 15 content items (34.0%), and integrated residency websites provided 5 of 14 items (34%). Of the fellowship programs, 66% (84.4% integrated residencies) provided a rotation schedule, 65% (56% integrated residencies) detailed operative experiences, 38% (38% integrated residencies) posted conference schedules, and just 16% (28.9% integrated residencies) included simulation training. Conclusions: The web presence of vascular surgery training programs lacks sufficient accessibility, content, organization, design, and user friendliness to allow applicants to access information that informs them sufficiently. There are opportunities to more effectively use VSTW for the benefit of training programs and prospective applicants.

Outcomes of intervention for cephalic arch stenosis in brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas

Background Development of recalcitrant stenotic lesions of the cephalic arch is a significant cause of dysfunction of brachiocephalic access arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Endovascular and surgical therapy can be used to treat cephalic arch stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular and surgical interventions for cephalic arch stenosis. Methods A retrospective review of all patients during a 16‐year period with a compromised but not occluded brachiocephalic AVF due to cephalic arch stenosis was undertaken. Patency, reintervention, infection, and functional dialysis rates were examined. Results From January 2000 to December 2015, 219 patients (67% female; mean age, 58 ± 20 years) with a failing brachiocephalic AVF underwent intervention at the cephalic arch. These interventions included angioplasty, primary stent placement, transposition, and bypass. The average time to intervention for cephalic arch stenosis was 1.7 years after primary access placement. The average number of percutaneous interventions before the decision to intervene surgically on the cephalic arch was three (range, two to six). Technical success was superior in the surgical groups (70% and 80% compared with 96% and 100% for balloon angioplasty, stenting, transposition, and bypass, respectively; P = .02). Major adverse cardiovascular events were overall low but significantly higher in the surgical groups (1%, 1%, 0.3%, and 0.3% for transposition, bypass, balloon angioplasty, and stenting, respectively; P = .02). Both surgical options carried significantly superior patency rates at 2 years for transposition, bypass, balloon angioplasty, and stenting, respectively (63%, 59%, 90%, and 92%; P = .04). There was a lower rate of interventions per person‐year of follow‐up in the surgical groups compared with the endovascular groups (1.9, 1.4, 3.5, and 3.1 for transposition, bypass, balloon angioplasty, and stenting, respectively; P = .04). Functional dialysis durations were significantly superior in the surgical groups compared with the endovascular group (P = .03). Conclusions Cephalic arch stenosis is a significant cause of brachiocephalic AVF malfunction. Surgical options offer superior long‐term patency and functional results and should be considered earlier in the treatment of this disease.

Outcomes of Isolated Tibial Endovascular Interventions for Rest Pain in Patients on Dialysis

Study design: Single-center review between September 2013 and April 2015. Key findings: There were 30 patients who underwent preoperative computed tomograqphy angiography (CTA) and noncontrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (NC-MRI) at a maximum interval of 60 days prior to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Two expert readers (vascular radiologist and vascular surgeon) reviewed CTA images and chose the proper endograft for each patient. A vascular radiologist and a resident radiologist reviewed CTA and NCMRI examinations in a double-blind fashion. MRI sensitivity and specificity compared with CTA were 94% and 100%, respectively. CTA and NC-MRI angiographic measurements showed strong correlation, except for external iliac artery diameters. The choice of stent size was always the same between the two observers. Conclusion: Although CTA remains the gold standard, NC-MRI is a good alternative for EVAR planning such as for patients with renal impairment. Commentary: The paper suggests that NC-MRI is a suitable alternative for CTA when planning EVAR. This imaging alternative most readily applies to patients with chronic renal failure where contrast would be contraindicated. Although gadolinium-enhanced MRA has been (rarely) associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with renal failure, omission of contrast when performing MRI, as in this report, would avoid this complication. The biggest concern for the vascular surgeon who is not experienced interpreting MRIs is relying on a radiologist to provide accurate measurements for EVAR planning based on NC-MRI. Nonetheless, NC-MRI may prove to be a valuable alternative when planning EVAR in patients with renal impairment by avoiding the use of contrast with CTA. However, we have successfully used noncontrast-enhanced CT scans to plan EVAR in patients with renal insufficiency. My question is which study is more accurate and reliable in patients requiring complicated endovascular repairs who have underlying renal insufficiency: CT scan without contrast or MRI without contrast?

Outcomes of reintervention for recurrent symptomatic disease after tibial endovascular intervention

Objective Tibial interventions for critical limb ischemia are now commonplace. Restenosis and occlusion remain barriers to durability after intervention. The aim of this study was to examine the patient‐centered outcomes of open and endovascular reintervention for symptomatic recurrent disease after a primary isolated tibial endovascular intervention. Methods A database of patients undergoing isolated primary lower extremity tibial endovascular interventions between 2006 and 2016 was retrospectively queried. Patients with recurrent critical ischemia (Rutherford 4 and 5) were identified. Outcomes in this cohort were analyzed, and three groups were defined: endovascular reintervention (ie, a repeated tibial or pedal endovascular intervention), bypass (bypass to a tibial or pedal vessel), and primary amputation (ie, above‐ or below‐knee amputation) on the ipsilateral leg. Patient‐oriented outcomes of clinical efficacy (absence of recurrent signs or symptoms of critical ischemia, maintenance of ambulation, and absence of major amputation), amputation‐free survival (survival without major amputation), and freedom from major adverse limb events (above‐ankle amputation of the index limb or major reintervention, such as new bypass graft or jump or interposition graft revision) were evaluated after the reintervention. Results There were 1134 patients (56% male; average age, 59 years) who underwent primary tibial intervention for critical ischemia, and 54% presented with symptomatic restenosis and occlusion. Of the 513 patients with recurrent disease, 58% presented with rest pain and the remainder with ulceration. A repeated tibial endovascular intervention was performed in 64%, open bypass in 19%, and below‐knee amputation in 17%. Bypass was employed in patients with a good target vessel, venous conduit, and good pedal runoff. Patient‐centered outcomes were better in the bypass group compared with the reintervention group (amputation‐free survival, 45% ± 9% vs 27% ± 9% [P < .01]; major adverse limb events, 50% ± 9% vs 31% ± 9% [P < .05]; clinical efficacy, 60% ± 7% vs 30% ± 9% [P < .01], mean ± standard error of the mean at 5 years). Conclusions Tibial interventions for critical ischemia are associated with a high rate of reintervention. In patients with good target vessel, venous conduit, and good pedal runoff, bypass appears more durable than repeated tibial endovascular intervention.

Contemporary surgical outcomes of venous tumour thrombectomy managed with intraoperative Doppler ultrasound for kidney cancer

INTRODUCTION Radical nephrectomy (RN) with venous tumour thrombectomy (VTT) carries a significant morbidity and mortality risk. Examination of a contemporary single-institution series permits the development of a management algorithm and an audit its results. We report outcomes following the use of intraoperative colour Doppler ultrasound and our surgical pathway. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent RN with VTT for kidney cancer between January 1, 2013 and October 1, 2016. Surgical complications, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥3), 90-day readmission rates, and outcomes are reported. Multivariate linear regression, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazard modelling were used to identify associations. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients underwent RN with VTT. Of these, 26 (45%) patients had Mayo Clinic level III or IV thrombus and nineteen required venovenous/cardiopulmonary bypass. Three patients required patch grafting. The median length of hospital stay was eight days and there were 20 major complications. The 30-day readmission rate was 21% and the 90-day mortality rate was 8.9%. In multivariate analysis, low serum albumin and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score predicted length of stay. Increased intraoperative blood loss was significantly associated with increasing body mass index, serum creatinine, tumour thrombus level, and a history of significant weight loss >9.1kg. Low serum hematocrit predicted 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative colour Doppler ultrasound is a useful tool and can facilitate caval preservation. Caval grafting can be avoided in most cases. Venovenous bypass can be avoided in many level III cases. Early therapeutic anticoagulation should be instituted with caution.

Outcomes of tibial endovascular intervention in patients with poor pedal runoff

Objective: Tibial interventions for critical limb ischemia are now commonplace. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of pedal runoff on patient‐centered outcomes after tibial endovascular intervention. Methods: A database of patients undergoing lower extremity endovascular interventions at a single urban academic medical center between 2006 and 2016 was retrospectively queried. Patients with critical ischemia (Rutherford 5 and 6) were identified. Preintervention angiograms were reviewed in all cases to assess pedal runoff. Each dorsalis pedis, lateral plantar, and medial plantar artery was assigned a score according to the reporting standards of the Society for Vascular Surgery (0, no stenosis >20%; 1, 21%‐49% stenosis; 2, 50%‐99% stenosis; 2.5, half or less of the vessel length occluded; 3, more than half the vessel length occluded). A foot score (dorsalis pedis + medial plantar + lateral plantar + 1) was calculated for each foot (1–10). Two runoff score groups were identified: good vs poor, <7 and ≥7, respectively. Patient‐oriented outcomes of clinical efficacy (absence of recurrent symptoms, maintenance of ambulation, and absence of major amputation), amputation‐free survival (survival without major amputation), and freedom from major adverse limb events (above‐ankle amputation of the index limb or major reintervention [new bypass graft, jump/interposition graft revision]) were evaluated. Results: There were 1134 patients (56% male; average age, 59 years) who underwent tibial intervention for critical ischemia, with a mean of two vessels treated per patient and a mean pedal runoff score of 6 (47% had a runoff score ≥7). Overall major adverse cardiac events were equivalent at 30 days after the procedure in both groups. At 5 years, vessels with compromised runoff (score ≥7) had significantly lower ulcer healing (25% ± 3% vs 73% ± 4%, mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]) and a lower 5‐year limb salvage rate (45% ± 6% vs 69% ± 4%, mean ± SEM) compared with those with good runoff (score <7). Patients with poor pedal runoff (score ≥7) had significantly lower clinical efficacy (23% ± 8% vs 38% ± 4%, mean ± SEM), amputation‐free survival (32% ± 6% vs 48% ± 5%, mean ± SEM), and freedom from major adverse limb events (23% ± 9% vs 41% ± 8%, mean ± SEM) at 5 years compared with patients with good runoff (score <7). Conclusions: Pedal runoff score can identify those patients who will not achieve ulcer healing and patient‐centered outcomes after tibial intervention. Defining such subgroups will allow stratification of the patients and appropriate application of interventions.

Rare Presentation of a Syphilitic Aneurysm of the Infrarenal Aorta with Contained Rupture

We report, to our knowledge, the first case of a rare syphilitic infrarenal aortouniiliac aneurysm with contained rupture that presented with midepigastric abdominal pain. Review of the patients medical history revealed untreated syphilis and poorly treated congestive heart failure. Given his comorbidities, the patient was treated with an emergent endovascular aneurysm repair. His 30-day postoperative recovery period was uneventful, and follow-up imaging revealed complete resolution of the aneurysms. Syphilitic infrarenal aortic aneurysm is currently considered a rare entity in this era of antibiotics. The present article provides a brief case report and short review of literature pertaining to syphilitic aortic aneurysms.