Comparative effectiveness of non-compounded polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam (Varithena) ablation versus endovenous thermal ablation utilizing a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: We compared the effectiveness and safety of polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam ablation vs endovenous thermal ablation with radiofrequency or laser energy for treatment of venous insufficiency caused by lower extremity truncal vein incompetence via network meta-analysis of published comparative evidence.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review following best practices, including a prospective protocol. We screened studies published in English from 2000 to 2023 for randomized and nonrandomized studies reporting direct or indirect comparisons between polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam and endovenous thermal ablation.

Association between cardiac conditions with venous leg ulcers in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Introduction: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the final stage of chronic venous insufficiency. This study aims to characterize the association between cardiovascular diseases and VLU.

Methods: A multicentric case-control study analyzed 17,788 patients between 2015 and 2020.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vascular Surgery Trainees in the United States.

Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic on health care workers has been substantial. However, the impact on vascular surgery (VS) trainees has not yet been determined. The goals of our study were to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on VS trainees' personal and professional life and to assess stressors, coping, and support structures involved in these trainees' response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brazilian vascular surgeons experience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact on all spheres of society. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the practices, finances, and social aspects of Brazilian vascular surgeons' lives.

Methods: This is a descriptive analysis of the responses from Brazilian vascular surgeons to the cross-sectional anonymous Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Task Force Pandemic Practice, Anxiety, Coping, and Support Survey for Vascular Surgeons disseminated 14-24 April 2020.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vascular surgery practice in the United States.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to widespread postponement and cancelation of elective surgeries in the United States. We designed and administered a global survey to examine the impact of COVID-19 on vascular surgeons. We describe the impact of the pandemic on the practices of vascular surgeons in the United States.

Global vascular surgeons' experience, stressors, and coping during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges for health care systems globally. We designed and administered a global survey to examine the effects of COVID-19 on vascular surgeons and explore the COVID-19-related stressors faced, coping strategies used, and support structures available.

Methods: The Pandemic Practice, Anxiety, Coping, and Support Survey for Vascular Surgeons was an anonymous cross-sectional survey sponsored by the Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Task Force.

The Impact of Geniculate Artery Collateral Circulation on Lower Limb Salvage Rates in Injured Patients.

Background: This study aimed to determine the association between geniculate artery flow on admission computed tomography (CT) angiography and limb salvage outcomes in patients with lower extremity arterial injury.

Methods: All injured patients at a level I trauma center with CT angiogram (CTA) confirmed limited or no flow to the tibial vessels were included. Demographics, injury severity score (ISS), mechanism of injury, physiological parameters, the presence of geniculate artery collateral circulation (superior medial, superior lateral, medial, inferior medial, inferior lateral), and 30-day limb salvage outcome were recorded.

Practical application of bedside diagnostics in determining limb viability.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the practical application of vascular lab studies in determining limb salvage outcomes in injured patients with concerning clinical examinations.

Methods: A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level I center was conducted from January 2009 to June 2013. All patients >16 years of age who sustained a lower limb arterial injury had a concerning clinical exam (mottled skin, decreased skin warmth, diminished pulses) and had vascular lab studies to determine management were included.

Comparison of military and civilian popliteal artery trauma outcomes.

Objective: Popliteal artery injury has historically led to high amputation rates in both the military and civilian setting. Military and civilian popliteal injury patterns differ in mechanism and severity of injury, prompting us to compare modern management and report differences in outcomes between these two patient groups. We hypothesized that whereas amputation rates may be higher in the military, this would correlate with worse overall injury severity.

Outcomes of endovascular repair for patients with blunt traumatic aortic injury.

Background: Traumatic aortic injury (TAI) remains a leading cause of death after blunt force. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been widely adopted as an alternative to open repair for the treatment of TAI. Although significant short-term benefits have been demonstrated for patients undergoing TEVAR, longer-term follow-up data are lacking.

Outcome predictors of limb salvage in traumatic popliteal artery injury.

Background: Significantly reduced amputation rates for traumatic popliteal artery injuries have been achieved with improved revascularization and resuscitative techniques. Predictive scores have failed to accurately predict outcomes in patients who sustain popliteal artery damage. This study aimed to identify predictors of limb salvage in a civilian cohort after popliteal artery trauma.

Endovascular management of pulmonary artery stenosis due to tumor compression.

A 75-year-old man with invasive thymoma encasing the aortic arch and pulmonary arteries was referred to our institution with a 1-year history of dyspnea and worsening right heart failure. Pulmonary angiogram demonstrated greater than 90% stenosis of the right pulmonary artery. Balloon angioplasty and stent placement were performed with immediate improvement in his shortness of breath and peripheral edema.

Update on blunt thoracic aortic injury: fifteen-year single-institution experience.

Objectives: Despite improvements in the management of blunt thoracic aortic injury, mortality remains high. We report our experience with blunt thoracic aortic injury at a level 1 trauma center over the past 15 years.

Methods: Between January 1, 1997, and January 1, 2012, data on 338 patients who presented with suspected blunt thoracic aortic injury were entered into the University of Texas Medical School at Houston Trauma Center Registry.

An outcome analysis of endovascular versus open repair of blunt traumatic aortic injuries.

Background: Aortic injury is the second most common cause of death after blunt trauma. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been rapidly adopted as an alternative to the traditional open repair (OR) for treatment of traumatic aortic injury (TAI). This paradigm shift has improved the outcomes in these patients.

Endovascular treatment of hemodialysis access pseudoaneurysms.

Objective: Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation is a complication of hemodialysis access. Open repair requires PSA resection, interposition graft placement, and insertion of a catheter as a bridge. Endovascular stent graft repair is an alternative that permits immediate use of the access site.

Outcomes of arteriovenous fistulae compared with heparin-bonded and conventional grafts for hemodialysis access.

Purpose: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis patients. However, patients who do not have suitable veins require prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG) placement. We analyzed the patency and complication rates of upper extremity brachiocephalic AVF compared to brachioaxillary tapered heparin-bonded AVG and conventional AVG.

In-vivo imaging of femoral artery nitinol stents for deformation analysis.

Purpose: The authors have developed a direct method to study femoral artery stent deformations in vivo. A previously described imaging and analysis approach based on a calibrated phantom was used to examine stents in human volunteers treated for atherosclerotic disease. In this pilot study, forces on stents were evaluated under different in-vivo flexion conditions.

The utility of intravascular ultrasound compared to angiography in the diagnosis of blunt traumatic aortic injury.

Background: Blunt traumatic aortic injury (TAI) refers to a spectrum of pathology that ranges from intimal tears to aortic rupture. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been widely used as a diagnostic tool in this setting. Additional imaging is required when CTA studies are equivocal.

Progress in the treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury: 12-year single-institution experience.

Background: Recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of blunt thoracic aortic injury have improved outcomes after operative repair. With consideration of these advancements, we analyzed our level 1 trauma experience with blunt traumatic aortic injury.

Methods: Between January 1997 and March 2009, 255 patients with blunt traumatic aortic injury were entered into the Utah Trauma Registry-Trauma Center Registry.

Blunt traumatic aortic injury: initial experience with endovascular repair.

Objectives: Endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic injury (TAI) is an alternative to open repair (OR) in patients with blunt trauma. We report our initial experience after integration of endovascular repair using thoracic devices.

Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected institutional trauma registry was performed.

Effect of patient transfer on outcomes after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) benefit from treatment in high-volume facilities. This study explored the effect of patient transfer on outcomes and the relationship between hemodynamic status and mortality. We performed a retrospective review of 83 consecutive patients who had open repair for RAAA at a single tertiary facility.

Reduction of postprocedure microemboli following retrospective quality assessment and practice improvement measures for carotid angioplasty and stenting.

Objective: We have previously demonstrated a 70% incidence of microemboli on diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) following carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of microemboli in two distinct time periods when procedural modifications were implemented into a CAS program.

Methods: Following a retrospective quality review of our CAS cohort (n = 27) from November 2004 through April 2006 (period 1), we enrolled patients (n = 20) from May 2006 through February 2008 (period 2) undergoing CAS into a prospective cohort that included obtaining pre- and postprocedure DW-MRI exams.

Endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: systematic literature review.

Endovascular repair is increasingly used for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). This study estimated the mortality rate for this approach. A review of 307 publications in English was performed.

Intraoperative skeletal muscle ischemia contributes to risk of renal dysfunction following thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

Objective: Renal dysfunction is among the most commonly occurring morbidities following descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair. We hypothesized that myoglobin nephrotoxicity might arise from leg ischemia caused by femoral artery cannulation, which is required for distal aortic perfusion. Lacking complete historical laboratory data on myoglobinemia, we studied somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) changes in the leg (a functional marker of leg ischemia), as a surrogate predictor of acute postoperative renal failure.