Heparin-bonded versus standard polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts: A Bayesian perspective on a randomized controlled trial for comparative effectiveness.

Background: Heparin-bonded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were marketed to improve hemodialysis access outcomes but are twice the cost of standard polytetrafluoroethylene. We launched a randomized trial of heparin-bonded polytetrafluoroethylene versus standard polytetrafluoroethylene for hemodialysis access to compare patency. Since the trial began, additional studies were published with heterogeneous findings.

Impact of redo sternotomy on proximal aortic repair: Does previous aortic repair affect outcomes?

Purpose: Proximal aortic repair (AoR) in the setting of previous sternotomy may be associated with greater risk than primary repair. Our objective was to determine whether redo sternotomy increases the risk of adverse outcomes following proximal aortic surgery.

Methods: We reviewed all proximal AoRs from 1991 to 2014.

Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusion Reduces Aortofemoral Bypass Graft Patency.

Objectives: The effect of superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusion on long-term patency of aortofemoral bypasses (AFBs) for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) was examined.

Methods: The AIOD database was reviewed to identify risk factors for AFB failure. The status of the SFA at AFB procedure was categorised as patent; diseased treated (DT), if the SFA occlusion was intervened on concomitant to AFB; or diseased untreated (DU), if the SFA was occluded but not revascularised.

Risk of Mortality After Resolution of Spinal Malperfusion in Acute Dissection.

Background: Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) may develop in patients presenting with acute aortic dissection. We sought to determine how SCI and its recovery affect outcomes.

Methods: We reviewed patients with SCI in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) from September 1999 to May 2014.

Determinants and outcomes of nonoperative management for blunt traumatic aortic injuries.

Objective: The natural history and parameters for successful nonoperative management of blunt traumatic aortic injuries (BTAIs) involving the descending aorta are poorly understood. We examined our experience with nonoperative BTAI treatment (anti-impulse, blood pressure) and evaluated for determinants of successful outcomes.

Methods: We performed a review of our institutional prospective trauma registry database for all BTAI patients from 1999 to 2015.