The wire loop technique for IVC filter removal.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are effective therapy to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation. However, IVC wall penetration by the filter struts is a common complication that can lead to symptoms specially when adjacent organs are impacted. This case report and video describe the wire loop technique for successful endovascular IVC filter retrieval in a patient with lower back pain caused by a spinal strut penetration.

The State of Vascular Surgery Interest Groups in North America.

Background: Vascular surgery interest groups (VSIGs) raise awareness and attract medical students to the specialty. There has been a plateauing of applicants interested in integrated programs. The goal of this survey was to assess the activities of VSIGs and identify factors associated with matriculation into vascular surgery residency.

Discrepancy in Outcomes after Revascularization for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Warrants Separate Reporting of Rest Pain and Tissue Loss.

Background: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) manifests as rest pain (RP) and tissue loss (TL). Outcomes of lower extremity revascularization (LER) for CLTI have traditionally been evaluated as a single entity and compared with claudication. We hypothesize that patients presenting with TL have worse short-term outcomes after LER, compared to patients with RP.

The Reintervention Index: A New Outcome Measure for Comparative Effectiveness of Lower Extremity Revascularization.

Background: Reinterventions after lower extremity revascularization (LER) are common. Current outcome measures assessing durability of revascularization rely on freedom from reintervention but do not account for the frequency of repeated LER. The aim of this study is to compare the reintervention index, defined as the mean number of repeat LER, after open and endovascular revascularization.

Variations in the Management of Claudication in a Tertiary Care Center.

Background: Multiple societal guidelines recommend medical optimization and exercise therapy for patients with claudication prior to lower extremity revascularization (LER). However, the application of those guidelines in practice remains unknown. Our hypothesis is that vascular surgeons (VS) are more adherent to guidelines compared to non-VS treating claudication.

One-Year Readmission after Open and Endovascular Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia.

Background: Lower extremity revascularization for critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains a subject of clinical equipoise. Readmissions and repeat lower extremity revascularization increase the cost of care and decrease the value of initial treatment. This study examines readmissions and repeat inpatient revascularization and major amputation up to 1 year after initial open and endovascular lower extremity revascularization.

Treatment of superior vena cava syndrome with kissing brachiocephalic stents and exchange of pacemaker leads.

Superior vena cava syndrome is an uncommon but challenging complication of patients undergoing hemodialysis through upper extremity access as well as of patients with indwelling pacemakers. This case report and Video demonstrate the multidisciplinary management of a complex patient with hemodialysis access and indwelling pacemaker for whom multiple attempts at balloon angioplasty for superior vena cava syndrome failed. A joint procedure between vascular surgery and cardiac electrophysiology teams was performed to exchange the pacemaker leads and to place bilateral kissing stents in the brachiocephalic veins.