Trends, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Selective Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in At-Risk Patients.

Objectives: For men ages 65-75 without a smoking history and for women ages 65-75 with a smoking history, the US Preventative Service Task Force recommends that primary care providers (PCP) use their clinical judgement when offering abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. This study describes the trends in screening for these cohorts, identify factors that may influence screening rates, and compare outcomes between screened and unscreened patients.

Methods: The TriNetX population database was queried for subjects with routine PCP visit between ages 65-75 from 2007-2023 to create cohorts of male smokers, male non-smokers, and female smokers.

Prior central venous catheter placement and age are associated with earlier intervention after permanent hemodialysis access creation.

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and grafts are essential for long-term hemodialysis access in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, complications and access failure often necessitate re-intervention. In this study, we aim to delineate the factors associated with earlier failure of permanent hemodialysis access warranting revision procedures.

Like Father like Daughter: Surgical Redo Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repairs in a Family With Loeys-Dietz Syndrome.

Loeys Dietz Syndrome (LDS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder resulting from a mutation in the transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFBR) family of genes. It is commonly associated with the development of aortic aneurysms and dissections. We report the successful open surgical management of thoracoabdominal aneurysms in a father and daughter with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome after failed endovascular repair.

Staged endovascular and open surgical approach for treatment of a giant left upper back arteriovenous malformation.

We present a case of a symptomatic, giant, left upper back arteriovenous malformation that was treated through a staged endovascular and open approach. Through a series of embolizations, followed by resection, we were able to preserve the limb and upper back neurovascular supply, demonstrating an approach to preserve sensation and function and improving quality of life.

Analysis of completion intraoperative venography during first rib resection for venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Background: We evaluated the impact of completion intraoperative venography on clinical outcomes for axillosubclavian vein (AxSCV) thrombosis owing to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS).

Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center review of all patients with vTOS treated with first rib resection (FRR) and intraoperative venography from 2011 to 2023. We reviewed intraoperative venographic films to classify findings and collected demographics, clinical and perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes.

A comprehensive analysis of leadership attributes, discrepancies, and implications for gender equity in vascular surgery.

Objective: Well-developed leadership skills have been associated with a better understanding of health care context, increased team performance, and improved patient outcomes. Surgeons, in particular, stand to benefit from leadership development. Although studies have focused on investigating knowledge gaps and needs of surgeons in leadership roles, there is a noticeable gap in the literature concerning leadership in vascular surgery.

Penumbra aspiration thrombectomy of the superior mesenteric artery for mesenteric ischemia.

Acute mesenteric ischemia from thromboembolic occlusion is a life-threatening emergency associated with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are vital to preserve viable bowel and prevent mortality. In the past decade, a shift has occurred toward minimally invasive alternatives such as endovascular therapies.

Treatment of Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: Optimal Medical Therapy vs TEVAR + Optimal Medical Therapy.

Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT) has been the accepted mode of treatment for uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection (uTBAD). There is growing evidence that despite the short-term benefits of OMT, patients suffer deleterious consequences in the long-term with OMT alone. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) along with OMT has emerged as an alternative option for patients with uTBAD.

External iliac vein aneurysm treated via balloon-assisted aneurysmorrhaphy with a contemporary review of the literature.

Isolated external iliac vein aneurysm is exceedingly rare, not well-described in the literature, and presents several potential surgical approaches. Herein, we describe the case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with incidentally found 4.3 cm × 3.

Coil embolization of ruptured distal renal artery pseudoaneurysm with gross hematuria and hemorrhagic shock.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysms have been infrequently reported in the literature. In the present report, we have described a case of a ruptured renal artery pseudoaneurysm requiring coil embolization. A 49-year-old man had presented to our institution with a hypertensive emergency.

Acute occlusion of aortic endovascular aneurysm repair stent graft with bilateral limb ischemia.

Endovascular aneurysm repair has dramatically changed the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms as an alternative to open repair. However, complications can occur, including stent graft migration, kinking, and occlusion, leading to compromise of the excluded aneurysm walls and acute limb ischemia. In the present report, we have described a case of migration and kinking of an abdominal aortic stent graft in the main body that led to occlusion of the abdominal aorta and bilateral acute limb ischemia.

Complications of Peripheral Cannulation Site in Obese Patients on Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Placement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in obese patients has been challenging; however, cannulation risk in obese patients has not been clearly investigated. We therefore explored ECMO cannulation complications in this obese population. Data were reviewed from adult ECMO database from 2010 to 2019.

Giant abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Giant abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are defined as AAAs >10 to 13 cm in the maximum transverse diameter. We have described a case of a patient who had presented for open repair of an 18-cm AAA and a review of reported cases of giant AAAs >10 cm in the maximum transverse diameter. Forty cases were compiled.

Evaluation of Endovascular Intervention for Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula: A Systematic Review.

Background: While the standard of care for suspected tracheo-innominate artery fistula (TIF) necessitates sternotomy, perioperative mortality remains high. Endovascular interventions have been attempted, but reports have been anecdotal. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular management of TIF by pooling the existing evidence.

Update of Operative Log Data for Traditional versus Integrated Vascular Training Programs.

Background: In 2006, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved an integrated 5-year vascular surgery residency program creating a 2-tiered system of training for vascular surgeons. The question remains if the new paradigm is equivalent to the traditional training. The true test of this may be looking at data from fully trained surgeons in their first years of practice.

False lumen embolization as a rescue technique in the setting of acute and chronic dissecting aneurysms as adjunct to thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a life-threatening condition requiring surgical intervention. One such complication in the acute or chronic setting is aneurysmal degeneration. The dissected aortic wall is weakened, and the pressures in the false lumen are often high.

Endovascular management and the risk of late failure in the treatment of ureteroarterial fistulas.

Ureteroarterial fistula (UAF) is a rare and life-threatening source of hematuria. A high index of suspicion is warranted for early diagnosis and timely intervention. Because of high perioperative risk and comorbidities in UAF patients, the endovascular approach has become preferred for repair.

Incidence of stent graft failure from type IIIB endoleak in contemporary endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: Type IIIB endoleak from material failure can lead to aneurysmal sac enlargement and latent rupture after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Long-term durability of the endovascular stent graft is largely unknown, and the complication rate from device failure due to material fatigue may be underappreciated. In addition, even with advancement in imaging techniques, recognition of type IIIB endoleak can be challenging, which can lead to delay in intervention.

Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: A Review of Diagnosis and Management.

Background: Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (FPAES) results from hypertrophied gastrocnemius, soleus, and/or plantaris muscles, without an identifiable anatomic abnormality. Historically, FPAES has been managed with surgical myotomy or myomectomy. Herein, we review the literature to evaluate the results of surgery along with a newer treatment (botulinum toxin A injection) for this rare form of claudication.

A Quality Improvement Intervention to Improve the Efficiency of Arteriovenous Access Placement for Pre-Dialysis Inpatients.

The authors aimed to improve the rate of pre-dialysis arteriovenous (AV) access placement for hospitalized patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. The authors developed and implemented a protocol for hospitalized adult patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <20 mL/min to streamline the workflow for obtaining AV access. The protocol was piloted on 5 inpatient medical services over 3 months at 1 institution.

A randomized clinical trial evaluating negative pressure therapy to decrease vascular groin incision complications.

Objective: Vascular groin incision complications contribute significantly to patients' morbidity and rising health care costs. Negative pressure therapy over the closed incision decreases the infection rate in cardiac and orthopedic procedures. This study prospectively evaluated negative pressure therapy as a means to decrease wound complications and associated health care costs.

A rare case of aortitis with colon adenocarcinoma.

aortitis is a rare, highly morbid condition typically accompanied by malignant disease, such as hematologic cancer or colon adenocarcinoma. Presenting symptoms commonly described include acute onset of abdominal pain, nausea, and fevers. Prompt diagnosis of infectious aortitis is critical to prevent deadly complications, such as sepsis and vascular catastrophe.

Symptomatic compression of right iliac vein after right iliac artery stent placement.

Right lower extremity edema can be a presenting symptom of iliocaval compression syndrome, even in the absence of deep vein thrombosis. It has been reported in idiopathic and rarely, iatrogenic, cases secondary to variant anatomy, arterial stents, and bony hardware. Classically seen in the more confined left common iliac vein as May-Thurner syndrome, it is rare on the right side.