Prosthetic outcomes after amputation and the impact of mobility level on survival.

Objective: Lower extremity amputation continues to be necessary in a significant number of patients with peripheral vascular disease. The 5-year survival following lower limb loss is markedly reduced. Many of these patients are never fitted with a prosthesis, and there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the barriers to prosthetic attainment.

Real-world comparative claims analysis of a novel single-branched aortic stent graft device versus thoracic endograft placement with extra-anatomic debranching/revascularization in zone 2 aortic disease.

Background: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) involving landing zone 2 can require extra-anatomic debranching (SR-TEVAR) to ensure left subclavian artery perfusion, resulting in increased costs. A single-branch device (Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis [TBE], WL Gore, Flagstaff, AZ) provides a total endovascular solution. Comparative cost analysis of patients undergoing zone 2 TEVAR requiring left subclavian artery preservation with TBE versus SR-TEVAR is presented.

In-situ bypass is associated with superior infection-free survival compared with extra-anatomic bypass for the management of secondary aortic graft infections without enteric involvement.

Objective: The optimal revascularization modality following complete resection of aortic graft infection (AGI) without enteric involvement remains unclear. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the revascularization approach associated with the lowest morbidity and mortality using real-world data in patients undergoing complete excision of AGI.

Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of AGI from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standardized database.

Systematic Review of the Influence of Anatomy and Aneurysm Type on Treatment Choice and Outcomes in Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms.

Background: Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are rare. Open surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice, and endovascular management has recently been increasingly described. However, operative guidelines have not been defined.

Heart team approach for comprehensive management of aortic coarctation in the adult.

Background: Aortic coarctation in the adult is usually associated with chronic systemic hypertension, which leads to the sequelae of congestive heart failure, vascular dysfunction and decreased lifespan. Open and endovascular treatment modalities both provide excellent procedural outcomes with minimal mortality and morbidity, but a structured algorithm for workup and periprocedural decision making is not well established. We outline our heart team decision making approach along with our institution's experience treating this condition.

Surgical debranching versus branched endografting in zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Background: Left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization has been recommended for patients undergoing elective thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with a proximal zone 2 landing requiring coverage of the LSA. The clinical standard of care remains surgical LSA revascularization. However, recently, the feasibility of using branched endografts has been demonstrated.

Evaluating the optimal training paradigm for transcarotid artery revascularization based on worldwide experience.

Background: Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a new hybrid approach to carotid artery revascularization. Proctored training on live cases is an effort-, time-, and resource-intensive approach to learning new procedures. We analyzed the worldwide experience with TCAR to develop objective performance metrics for the procedure and compared the effectiveness of training physicians using cadavers or synthetic models to that of traditional in-person training on live cases.

Contemporary Outcomes After Partial Resection of Infected Aortic Grafts.

Introduction: Aortic graft infection remains a considerable clinical challenge, and it is unclear which variables are associated with adverse outcomes among patients undergoing partial resection.

Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of patients who underwent partial resection of infected aortic grafts from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standard database. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, operative, and postoperative variables were recorded.

A prospective randomized feasibility trial comparing angiography and angiography with intravascular ultrasound for treatment of hemodialysis access failures.

Objective: Hemodialysis accesses suffer from limited primary patency requiring frequent interventions, revisions, or even abandonment. Prolongation of access life and usability with minimization of these adverse events is paramount. Endovascular methods are established first-line interventions for failing arteriovenous access and treatment of venous outflow stenoses.

Sex, age, and other barriers for prosthetic referral following amputation and the impact on survival.

Background: Despite advances in peripheral vascular disease treatment, lower extremity amputation continues to be necessary in a significant number of patients. Up to 80% of amputees are not referred for prosthetic fitting. The factors contributing to referral decisions have not been adequately investigated, nor has the impact of prosthetic referral on survival.

Repair of renal artery aneurysm with stent angiography and coil embolization.

Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare and are frequently discovered incidentally during the workup for other renal issues. Open surgery has been a popular approach to managing RAAs; however, endovascular techniques have recently emerged as a less invasive option. Endovascular therapy involves stent angiography and coil embolization of the aneurysm.

Rare Etiology of Ischemic Steal Syndrome in the Left Peroneal Artery.

Ischemic steal syndrome (ISS) secondary to an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the lower extremity (LE) is a rare occurrence. Herein, we report a case of symptomatic ISS in an adult male due to an iatrogenic AVF in the left LE, which was surgically repaired by placing an arterial stent across the acquired AVF of the peroneal artery to the peroneal vein.

The Society for Vascular Surgery Alternative Payment Model Task Force report on opportunities for value-based reimbursement in care for patients with peripheral artery disease.

The Society for Vascular Surgery Alternative Payment Model (APM) Taskforce document explores the drivers and implications for developing objective value-based reimbursement plans for the care of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The APM is a payment approach that highlights high-quality and cost-efficient care and is a financially incentivized pathway for participation in the Quality Payment Program, which aims to replace the traditional fee-for-service payment method. At present, the participation of vascular specialists in APMs is hampered owing to the absence of dedicated models.

Defining the 90-day cost structure of lower extremity revascularization for alternative payment model assessment.

Background: The U.S. healthcare system is undergoing a broad transformation from the traditional fee-for-service model to value-based payments.

Telemedicine platforms and their use in the coronavirus disease-19 era to deliver comprehensive vascular care.

Implementation of telemedicine for patient encounters optimizes personal safety and allows for continuity of patient care. Embracing telehealth reduces the use of personal protective equipment and other resources consumed during in-person visits. The use of telehealth has increased to historic levels in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Outcomes of Open Versus Percutaneous Access for Patients Enrolled in the GREAT Registry.

Background: Arterial access and device delivery in endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have evolved from open femoral or iliac artery exposure to selective percutaneous arterial access. Although regional application of percutaneous access for these 2 procedures varies widely, the use of this technique continues to increase. Currently, differences in the use of percutaneous access between EVAR and TEVAR have not been well explored.

The value of the modern vascular surgeon to the health care system: A report from the Society for Vascular Surgery Valuation Work Group.

Vascular surgeons provide an important service to the health care system. They are capable of treating a wide range of disease processes that affect both the venous and arterial systems. Their presence broadens the complexity and diversity of services that a health care system can offer both in the outpatient setting and in the inpatient setting.

In situ bypass and extra-anatomic bypass procedures result in similar survival in patients with secondary aortoenteric fistulas.

Objective: The optimal revascularization modality in secondary aortoenteric fistula (SAEF) remains unclear in the literature. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the revascularization approach associated with the lowest morbidity and mortality using real-world data in patients with SAEF.

Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of SAEF from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standardized database.