Effectiveness of a native vein arteriovenous fistula tracking system.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a tracking program on the functional maturation rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF).

Methods: Two major clinical outcomes (commencement of cannulation and functional maturation) of created AVFs were compared between two cohorts. (i) Cohort 1: historical cohort; (ii) Cohort 2: AVFs created after implementation of the tracking project.

Haemodynamic changes in visceral hybrid repairs of type III and type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

The visceral hybrid procedure combining retrograde visceral bypass grafting and completion endovascular stent grafting is a feasible alternative to conventional open surgical or wholly endovascular repairs of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAA). However, the wide variability in visceral hybrid configurations means that a priori prediction of surgical outcome based on haemodynamic flow profiles such as velocity pattern and wall shear stress post repair remain challenging. We sought to appraise the clinical relevance of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses in the setting of visceral hybrid TAAA repairs.

Percutaneous decannulation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the Manta vascular closure device: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the techniques and outcomes associated with percutaneous decannulation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) using the Manta vascular closure device.

Background: Peripheral VA-ECMO can be used to treat critically ill patients with conditions such as refractory cardiogenic shock. After percutaneous implantation of VA-ECMO, VA-ECMO can also be decannulated completely percutaneously by using a vascular closure device.

The Effect of Obesity on Outcomes After Arteriovenous Fistulae Creation: A Systematic Review.

Background: Establishing reliable vascular access is critical for hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In recent years, the global health burden of ESRD has grown, matched by a rise in prevalence of obesity. Currently, more and more arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are being created for obese patients with ESRD.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of sirolimus-eluting stents for treatment of below-the-knee arterial disease.

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the efficacy and safety of sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) in the treatment of below-the-knee (BTK) arterial disease.

Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted from inception to July 24, 2021. Retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies that had used SESs to treat BTK arterial disease and had reported the primary patency, technical success, target lesion revascularization, and/or mortality were included.

Hybrid type II and frozen elephant trunk in acute Stanford type A aortic dissections.

. Composite frozen elephant trunk is an increasingly popular solution for complex aortic pathologies. This review aims to compare outcomes of zone 0 type II hybrid (hybrid II) with the composite frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique in managing acute Stanford type A aortic dissections.

A systematic review of right atrial bypass grafting in the management of central venous occlusive disease in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Introduction: Central venous occlusive disease (CVOD) is a complication that can occur in patients with end-stage renal disease who are receiving hemodialysis. When CVOD develops, patients often require multiple re-interventions to maintain their dialysis access. CVOD can be treated by various strategies such as balloon angioplasty, stenting, lower limb or extra-anatomical grafts, hybrid grafts or surgical bypasses such as right atrial (RA).

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of exertional rhabdomyolysis after indoor spinning: a systematic review.

Objectives: An increasing number of patients are diagnosed with exertional rhabdomyolysis secondary to indoor spinning. We performed a systematic review to characterize the clinical features of this new clinical entity.

Methods: We conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).

National Rates of Lower Extremity Amputation in People With and Without Diabetes in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population: a Ten Year Study in Singapore.

Objective: Population level data from Asia on amputation rates in people with and without diabetes are extremely limited. Hence it is unclear how the rising diabetes prevalence in Asia has affected the amputation burden. The present study examined national amputation rates in people with and without diabetes in Singapore from 2008 to 2017 in the context of increasing diabetes prevalence and health system changes.

A scoping review on the changes in vascular surgical practice during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound effect on the delivery of vascular surgery to patients around the world. In order to conserve resources and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, many institutions have postponed or cancelled surgical procedures. In this scoping review, we aim to review current literature and recapitulate the significant changes in elective and emergency vascular surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dataset of the vascular -earning during the -19 pandemic (EL-COVID) survey.

This dataset supports the findings of the vascular e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic survey (the EL-COVID survey). The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union was taken into consideration in all steps of data handling. The survey was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Primary Investigator and an online English survey consisting of 18 questions was developed ad-hoc.

Partial Versus Complete Thymectomy in Non-Myasthenic Patients With Thymoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

Objective: The optimal extent of surgical resection for non-myasthenic patients with thymoma is controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare complete to partial thymectomy in non-myasthenic patients for oncological and postoperative clinical outcomes.

Methods: We performed a PubMed and EMBASE search (from inception to January 2020) for English-language studies directly comparing partial thymectomy (thymomectomy) to complete thymectomy for thymoma resection.

Centrifugal and Roller Pumps in Neonatal and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invaluable means of supporting critically ill children with refractory respiratory or cardiac failure. Controversy remains; however, whether roller or centrifugal pumps are superior, particularly in infants. We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies comparing the use of centrifugal and roller pumps in the pediatric and neonatal population from 1973 until March 1, 2020.

Lobar versus Sublobar Resection in the Elderly for Early Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of lobectomy versus sublobar resection in elderly patients (≥65) with stage 1 nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods: We searched for relevant articles using a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analytic techniques were applied.

The association between fluoroquinolones and aortic dissection and aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies have drawn causal associations between fluoroquinolone use and collagen pathologies including tendon rupture and retinopathy. This meta-analysisattempted to assess the association between fluoroquinolone use and the risk of aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. A systematic search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library.

A scoping review of vascular surgery education in the medical school curriculum.

Objective: Despite the high burden of vascular disease that is assessed, investigated, and managed by generalists, no specific medical school curriculum is in use for vascular surgery (VS). In the present scoping review, we aimed to map the available evidence on the provision of VS education in the medical school curriculum worldwide.

Methods: The present review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) extension for scoping reviews.

Antifibrinolytics reduces blood loss in thoracic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of antifibrinolytics in non-cardiac thoracic surgery.

Methods: We searched for all randomized controlled trials on this topic. A set of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was developed.

Diabetes-related lower extremity complications in a multi-ethnic Asian population: a 10 year observational study in Singapore.

Aims/hypothesis: Diabetes progression and complication risk are different in Asian people compared with those of European ancestry. In this study, we sought to understand the epidemiology of diabetes-related lower extremity complications (DRLECs: symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, ulceration, infection, gangrene) and amputations in a multi-ethnic Asian population.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study using data obtained from one of three integrated public healthcare clusters in Singapore.

The incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a meta-analysis and meta-regression of observational studies.

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with a prothrombotic state. We performed a meta-analysis of proportions to estimate the weighted average incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: We searched various medical databases for relevant studies from 31 December 2019 till 30 September 2020.

A systematic review of brachial artery ligation as a safe and feasible option in the management of arteriovenous dialysis access infection.

Objective: Creation of good long-term arteriovenous access is essential in patients requiring hemodialysis for end-stage renal failure. However, arteriovenous grafts or fistulae can be complicated by infection that may require emergency surgery. For infections that involve the brachial artery anastomosis, or if total graft explantation is indicated, brachial artery repair or reconstruction is often required.

Automated Fastener vs Hand-tied Knots in Heart Valve Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Although several studies revealed that the Cor-knot automated fastener (LSI Solutions, Victor, NY) reduces aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, the influence of the device on postoperative morbidity and mortality still needs to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that the use of the Cor-knot device for heart valve surgery reduces aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, and this time saving translates into reduced morbidity and mortality.

Methods: Retrospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials reporting on the use of the automated fastener vs hand-tied knots were reviewed.