Outcome of elective treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm in elderly patients.

Introduction: Optimal management of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the elderly is not straightforward. We evaluated treatment results of elderly patients with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm that met the treatment criteria in our clinic.

Methods: Hospital charts between January 2005-December 2012 were reviewed of all patients 70 years and older diagnosed with AAA with a diameter that met the treatment criteria.

Adverse events after treatment of patients with acute limb ischemia.

Background: To assess the outcome and the occurrence and consequences of adverse events (AEs) after treatment of acute limb ischemia (ALI).

Methods: Retrospective analysis on intra-arterial thrombolysis (group I) and thromboembolectomy (group II). Outcome measures were primary patency and limb salvage rates.

Long-term outcome of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: impact of treatment and age.

Background: Despite advances in operative repair, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) remains associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, especially in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (eEVAR), conventional open repair (OPEN), and conservative treatment in elderly patients with rAAA.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all rAAA patients treated with OPEN or eEVAR between January 2005 and December 2011 in the vascular surgery department at Amphia Hospital, the Netherlands.

First experience of a novel femorocrural expanded polytetrafluoroethylene bypass graft.

Background: This study aims to evaluate early results of a precuffed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Distaflo® Mini-Cuff Bypass Graft versus autologous saphenous vein (ASV) grafting in patients with peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD).

Methods: This retrospective single-center study analyzed 42 patients who received a femorocrural bypass graft because of PAOD using an ASV graft (n = 28) or Distaflo Mini-Cuff graft (n = 14).

Results: Primary patency rates in the ASV and Distaflo Mini-Cuff groups were 81% and 69%, respectively, after 6 months.

Assessing the quality of surgical care in vascular surgery; moving from outcome towards structural and process measures.

Objectives: This study presents a review of studies reporting on quality of care in vascular surgery. The aim of this study was to provide insight in quality improvement initiatives in vascular surgery.

Design: Original data were collected from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.