Endoscopic Vein Harvest Is Associated with Worse but Improving Outcomes in Infrainguinal Bypass.

Objective: The impact of great saphenous vein harvest technique on infrainguinal bypass outcomes remains a matter of debate, with no robust evidence favoring a specific technique over the other. This study aims to compare the outcomes of open vein harvest with endoscopic vein harvest in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent an infrainguinal bypass from a femoral origin using a single-segment great saphenous vein between 2011 and 2023 were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative infrainguinal bypass module.

Effect of Chronic Steroid Use on Postoperative Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Arterial Bypass Surgery for Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Background: While existing literature reports adverse effects of chronic steroid use on surgical wound outcomes, there remains lack of data exploring the effect of steroids on postoperative outcomes following lower extremity arterial bypass surgery. This study aims to explore the effect of chronic steroid use on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing open revascularization for lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) files between 2005 and 2020, all patients receiving aortoiliac or infrainguinal arterial bypass for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

Predicting outcomes following lower extremity open revascularization using machine learning.

Lower extremity open revascularization is a treatment option for peripheral artery disease that carries significant peri-operative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. Using machine learning (ML), we developed automated algorithms that predict 30-day outcomes following lower extremity open revascularization. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent lower extremity open revascularization for chronic atherosclerotic disease between 2011 and 2021.

Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Carotid Endarterectomy Using Machine Learning.

Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a major vascular operation for stroke prevention that carries significant perioperative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. The authors developed machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes following CEA. Methods and Results The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent CEA between 2011 and 2021.

Predicting outcomes following open revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease using machine learning.

Objective: Open surgical treatment options for aortoiliac occlusive disease carry significant perioperative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. Using machine learning (ML), we developed automated algorithms that predict 30-day outcomes following open aortoiliac revascularization.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent open aortoiliac revascularization for atherosclerotic disease between 2011 and 2021.

Predicting Outcomes Following Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Machine Learning.

Objective: To develop machine learning (ML) models that predict outcomes following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Background: EVAR carries non-negligible perioperative risks; however, there are no widely used outcome prediction tools.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted database was used to identify patients who underwent EVAR for infrarenal AAA between 2011 and 2021.

General Versus Locoregional Anesthesia in TEVAR: An NSQIP Analysis.

Background: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery for repairing thoracic aneurysms and dissections. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes of TEVAR performed under general versus locoregional anesthesia.

Methods: Utilizing the 2008-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, patients older than the age of 18 years who received TEVAR, were identified using the following current procedural terminology codes: 33,880, 33,881, 33,883, 33,884, or 33,886.

Outcomes and Cost-Analysis of Open Versus Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Developing Country: A 15-year Experience at a Tertiary Medical Center.

Background: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the most common procedure for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms based on multiple studies conducted in the western world. The implication of such findings in developing countries is not well demonstrated. The objective of this study was to compare medical outcomes and costs of EVAR and open surgical repair (OSR) in a developing country.

Face-to-face versus distance learning of basic suturing skills in novice learners: a quantitative prospective randomized trial.

Background And Aim: Traditionally, practical skills are taught on face-to-face (F-F) basis. COVID-19 pandemic brought distance learning (DL) to the spotlight because of the social distancing mandates. We sought to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of DL of basic suturing in novice learners.

Incidence and Predictors of Surgical Site Infection Complications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Amputation.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) following lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study are to investigate the annual incidence of SSI and risk factors associated with SSI after LEA in diabetic patients.

Methods: LEAs performed on diabetic patients between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Lower limb amputation following venous cannulation for VA-ECMO: a case report.

Lower limb amputation following arterial cannulation for VA-ECMO has been described in the literature. Limb ischemia however following venous cannulation is very rare and not quite understood. We present a case of limb ischemia following venous cannulation.

Position Paper on Young Vascular Surgeons Training of the Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS): State of the Art and Perspectives.

The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded in 2018, with the aim to promote cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic peripheral artery was selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation. In this second paper, different experiences from delegates of participating countries were shared to define common strategies to harmonize, standardize, and optimize education and training in the Vascular Surgery specialty.

Hypoalbuminemia is Associated with Mortality in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Amputation.

Background: Poor nutritional status is common among patients undergoing lower extremity amputation (LEA). In this study, the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia, a marker for malnutrition, and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing LEA was explored.

Methods: Data on patients undergoing LEA between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed from the prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Surgical Site Infection after Femoropopliteal Vein Bypass for Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Treated with a Graft Preserving Strategy.

A 69-year-old man underwent ligation and evacuation of a popliteal artery aneurysm with a femoral-to-popliteal vein bypass. He had a history of prostatitis two months prior to the surgery. One month postoperatively, he presented with extremity swelling, redness, and fluid collections around the graft.

Performance of the AUB-HAS2 Cardiovascular Risk Index in vascular surgery patients.

The American University of Beirut (AUB)-HAS2 risk index is a recently published tool for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation. It is based on six data elements: history of eart disease, symptoms of eart disease (angina or dyspnea), ge ⩾ 75 years, nemia (hemoglobin < 12 mg/dL), emergency urgery, and vascular urgery. This study analyzes the performance of a modified AUB-HAS2 index (excluding the vascular surgery element) in a broad spectrum of vascular surgery procedures.

Major lower extremity amputations in a developing country: 10-Year experience at a tertiary medical center.

Background: Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is a major surgical procedure with a high risk of significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe mortality and functionality outcomes following this procedure in a developing country.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients undergoing LEA for non-traumatic etiology between 2007 and 2017.

Microbiological profile and antimicrobial resistance among diabetic foot infections in Lebanon.

Diabetic Foot Infection (DFI) is a challenging complication of diabetes mellitus with a high burden in the Middle East where there is a marked increase in diabetes prevalence and complications. Early detection of DFI and the infectious organisms could result in the early initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy and improved outcomes. DFI microbiological profiles differ between countries.

Management of dual traumatic arterial-venous fistula from a single shotgun injury: a case report and literature review.

Background: Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF) is an uncommon vascular entity that arises in various locations, often from penetrating injuries, with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. This case report highlights the importance of suspecting multiple TAVFs after a single gunshot wound, especially if it involves pellets. It also sheds light on adapting treatment, whether endovascular or open repair, to the location and characteristics of each fistula.

Management of Vascular Infections in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Vascular infections are rare and challenging conditions with significant deaths and morbidity. Their management necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach and substantial human and financial resources. The management selected may be influenced by the available resources in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where such resources may be variable.

Bilateral Carotid Patch Infection Occurring 12 years Following Endarterectomy.

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the most commonly used invasive procedure for treatment of carotid stenosis. Different methods are used to close the arteriotomy including primary closure and patch repair with a graft. Prosthetic patch infection is a rare but serious complication of patch closure, and we will present a unique case of carotid patch infection (CPI) 12 years after implantation.

Managing Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients: A Questionnaire Survey from Vascular Centers of the Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS).

Background: The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded on October 1, 2018, to enhance cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic arteriopathy has been selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation.

Methods: MeFAVS members were asked to reply to a questionnaire on the management of diabetic ischemic foot.

A Nationwide, Systematic, and Comprehensive Assessment of Surgical Capacity in Lebanon: Results of the Surgical Capacity in Areas With Refugees (SCAR) Study.

Objective: We sought to perform a systematic, comprehensive, and nationwide cross-sectional analysis of surgical capacity in Lebanon.

Background: Providing surgical care in refugee areas is increasingly recognized as a global health priority. The surgical capacity of Lebanon where at least 1 in 6 inhabitants is currently a refugee remains unknown.

Refugee Access to Surgical Care in Lebanon: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SCAR Study.

Background: Lebanon hosts an estimated one million Syrian refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR contracts with select Lebanese hospitals to provide affordable primary and emergency care to refugees. We aimed to assess the surgical capabilities of UNHCR-affiliated hospitals in Lebanon.