Use of neuraxial anesthesia for hybrid lower extremity revascularization is associated with reduced perioperative morbidity

ObjectiveRecent advances in endovascular technology have allowed complex peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to be treated with less invasive hybrid procedures under neuraxial anesthesia. This study investigates the perioperative outcomes of hybrid lower extremity revascularization (LER) performed under neuraxial anesthesia (NAA) vs general anesthesia (GA). We hypothesize that the use of NAA is associated with improved outcomes.MethodsThe 2005-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset was used to identify patients who underwent hybrid LER for PAD. Based on the primary anesthetic technique, patients were divided into two groups: GA and NAA, which included spinal or epidural anesthesia. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared. A group of patients treated under GA were matched (2:1) to patients in the NAA group based on gender, age, race, functional status, transfer status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wound infection, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, emergent surgery, preoperative sepsis, indication, and type of hybrid procedure. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared.ResultsOf 9430 patients who underwent hybrid LER, only 452 (4.8%) received NAA. Patients who received NAA were older (mean age, 68 ± 8.4 vs 72.3 ± 9.2; P = .004) and were more likely to be white (70.9% vs 85.6%; P < .0001), have dependent functional status (7.6% vs 13.1%; P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24.3% vs 17.5%; P = .001), and a diagnosis of wound infection (15% vs 23.5%; P < .0001). After propensity matching, 904 patients in the GA group were compared with 452 patients in the NAA group with no difference in baseline characteristics. NAA was associated with reduced rate of more than 48 hours' ventilator requirement (2.4% vs 0.2%; P = .0014), bleeding requiring transfusion (17.5% vs 8%; P < .0001), and overall morbidity (29.3% vs 19%; P < .0001), as well as shorter length of hospital stay (6.8 ± 9.3 vs 5.3 ± 6.1 days; P = .0026) and total operating time (237.8 ± 109 vs 202.4 ± 113 minutes; P < .0001) compared with GA.ConclusionsNAA is an infrequently used anesthesia technique during hybrid LER and is primarily used for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NAA is associated with decreased perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay compared with GA and may be considered in this sicker patient population.     

General vs Neuraxial Anesthesia in Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: Effect on Length of Stay and Early Pain Control

BackgroundRecent literature has suggested some benefits for neuraxial anesthesia (NA) as an alternative for general anesthesia (GA) for primary total hip arthroplasty patients. We examined the impact of NA vs GA on outcomes for patients undergoing direct anterior (DA) approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an institution with established rapid recovery protocols.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted for 500 consecutive THA patients from a single institution. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were used to compare outcomes for THA patients receiving NA and GA.ResultsThere was a significant difference in length of stay with NA patients having a shorter length of stay (NA 32.7 hours vs GA 38.1 hours, P = .003). Patients receiving NA had significantly lower PACU morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (NA 10.2 MME vs GA 15.6 MME, P < .001) and reported a lower score on the PACU pain numeric rating scale (NA 2.1 vs GA 3.7, P < .001).ConclusionNeuraxial anesthesia is associated with decreased LOS, decreased PACU MME, and a lower PACU pain score for patients undergoing primary DA THA. These trends remained consistent when controlling for age, gender, BMI, and ASA.     

The Effect of Neuraxial Anesthesia on Postoperative Outcomes in Total Joint Arthroplasty With Rapid Recovery Protocols

BackgroundCompared to general anesthesia (GA), neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been associated with improved outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We examined the impact of NA on patient outcomes in an institution with an established rapid recovery protocol.MethodsThis is a single-institution retrospective analysis of 5914 consecutive primary TJA performed from July 2015 to June 2018. Univariate tests and multivariate regression compared length of stay (LOS), transfusion rates, hematocrit levels, discharge disposition, and emergency room returns between patients receiving GA and NA.ResultsPatients receiving NA had a significantly shorter LOS (total hip arthroplasty [THA]: GA 1.74 vs NA 1.36 days, P < .001; total knee arthroplasty [TKA]: GA 1.77 vs NA 1.64 days, P < .001). Both THA and TKA patients receiving NA were less likely to require transfusion (THA: GA 5.8% vs NA 1.6%, P < .001; TKA: GA 2.5% vs NA 0.5%, P < .001) and had a higher postoperative hematocrit (THA: GA 32.50% vs NA 33.22%, P < .001; TKA GA 33.57 vs NA 34.50%, P < .001). Patients receiving NA were more likely to discharge home (THA: GA 83.4% vs NA 92.3%, P < .001; TKA: GA 83.3% vs NA 86.3%, P = .010) (THA: NA adjusted OR [aOR] 2.04, P < .001; TKA: NA aOR 1.23, P = .048) and had significantly lower rates of 90-day emergency room visits (THA: NA aOR 0.61, P = .005; TKA: NA aOR 0.74, P = .034).ConclusionNA appears to contribute to decreased LOS, short-term complications, and transfusions while facilitating home discharge following TKA and THA. These trends are consistent when controlling for patient-specific risk factors, suggesting NA may enhance outcomes for patients with increased age, body mass index, and comorbidities.Level Of EvidenceLevel III Retrospective Cohort Study.     

General vs Spinal Anesthesia for Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Single-Institution Observational Review

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty (TJA) can be successfully carried out under general (GA) or spinal anesthesia (SA). The existing literature does not adequately illustrate which technique is optimal. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the effects of anesthesia technique on TJA outcomes.MethodsThis 2-year, prospective, observational study was conducted at a single institution where patients receiving primary TJA were consecutively enrolled. Patients were contacted postoperatively to assess for any 90-day complications. The primary outcome of the study was the overall complication rate.ResultsA total of 2242 patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (n = 656; 29.26%) or total knee arthroplasty (n = 1586; 70.74%) between 2015 and 2017. Of these procedures, 1325 (59.10%) were carried out under SA and 917 (40.90%) were carried out under GA. Patients in the GA cohort had higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (0.05 SA vs 0.09 GA; P < .05) and higher average body mass index (29.35 SA vs 30.24 GA; P < .05). On multivariate analysis, patients in the SA cohort had a significantly lower overall complication rate relative to their GA counterparts (7.02% vs 10.14%; odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.90; P < .05). In addition, length of stay in the GA cohort was significantly longer (2.43 [SD, 1.62] vs 2.18 [SD, 0.88] days; P < .01) and a larger percentage of GA patients were discharged to a nursing facility (32.28% vs 25.06%; odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.70; P < .05).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that SA for TJA is associated with a decrease in overall complications and healthcare resource utilization.     

Examination of the interaction between method of anesthesia and shunting with carotid endarterectomy

BackgroundAlthough the choice of anesthesia during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) does not seem to increase the risk of perioperative stroke, it might affect the outcomes of shunting during CEA. This study aims to evaluate whether the choice of anesthesia modifies the association between shunting and in-hospital stroke/death after CEA.MethodsWe retrospective reviewed all CEA cases performed between 2003 and 2017 in the Vascular Quality Initiative. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) no shunting during CEA (n = 29,227 [48.4%]), (2) routine shunting (n = 28,673 [47.5%]), and (3) selective shunting based on an intraoperative indication (n = 2499 [4.1%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to study the interaction between anesthesia (local anesthesia [LA]/regional anesthesia [RA] vs general anesthesia [GA]) and intraoperative shunting (no shunting vs routine and selective shunting) during CEA in predicting the risk of in-hospital stroke/death after CEA.ResultsThe final cohort included 60,399 patients. The majority of CEA cases (90.2%) were performed under GA. Of the study cohort, 29,227 (48.4%) underwent CEA without shunting, 28,673 patients (47.5%) had routine shunting, and the remaining (n = 2499 [4.1%]) were selectively shunted. The interaction between intraoperative shunting and anesthesia in predicting in-hospital stroke/death was statistically significant (P < .05). When CEA is performed under LA/GA, routine shunting was associated with 3.5 times the adjusted odds of in-hospital stroke/death after CEA (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-6.8; P < .001) compared with no shunting, whereas selective shunting was associated with 7.1 the odds (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 3.5-14.7; P < .001). In contrast, under GA, there was no significant association between routine shunting and in-hospital stroke/death (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = .12), whereas selective shunting was associated with 1.7 times the odds (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4; P < .01) compared with not performing shunting during CEA.ConclusionsThe use of LA/RA is associated with increased odds of stroke/death compared with GA when intraoperative shunting is performed. The effect of anesthesia is more pronounced in patients who develop clamp-related ischemia and undergo selective shunting. More controlled studies are needed to explain these findings and validate them.     

Association between the choice of anesthesia and in-hospital outcomes after carotid artery stenting

ObjectiveSeveral prior studies have shown lower risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy. This is likely because the majority of endarterectomies are performed under general anesthesia (GA), whereas CAS is mainly performed under local anesthesia (LA). Performing CAS under GA may reverse its minimally invasive benefits. The aim of this study was to compare the safety profile of CAS-GA with that of CAS-LA.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the Vascular Quality Initiative database from 2005 to 2017 was performed. Primary outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of in-hospital death and MI, and postoperative neurologic events. Multivariable logistic models, and coarsened exact matching were used to evaluate the association between the primary outcomes and anesthesia technique.ResultsOf 12,919 CAS cases performed, 2024 (15.7%) were under GA. Comparing CAS-GA with CAS-LA in the overall cohort, CAS-GA had significantly higher crude rates of in-hospital mortality (2.1% vs 0.5%), MI (1.3% vs 0.7%), composite MACE (3.1% vs 1.2%), and ipsilateral stroke (2.3% vs 1.6%). Patients undergoing CAS-GA also had higher rates of dysrhythmia (3.0% vs 2.2%), acute congestive heart failure (1.6% vs 0.7%) and perioperative hypertension (13.2% vs 9.4%), and were more likely to have a length of hospital stay of more than 4 days (prolonged length of stay) (17.6% vs 8.5%) compared with those undergoing CAS-LA. On multivariable analysis, CAS-GA had a 2.3 times higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared with CAS-LA (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.26-5.03), a 1.9 times the odds of MACE (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.15-3.03), and a 2.3 times the odds of acute congestive heart failure (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.26-4.15; all P < .05). In addition, these patients had a 43% higher odds of developing perioperative hypertension (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09-1.87; P = .01) and almost 2 times the odds of a prolonged length of stay (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.41-2.35; P < .001). The adjusted odds of stroke, dysrhythmia and reperfusion syndrome were not significantly different between the two groups. Additional analysis using coarsened exact matching showed similar results.ConclusionsIn addition to the established increase risk of perioperative stroke/death with CAS compared with carotid endarterectomy, performing it under GA seems to be associated with increased cardiac complications, length of stay, and consequently hospitalization costs. Pending future data from prospective, randomized, controlled trials to validate our findings, there is evidence to suggest that it may be better to perform CAS under LA, especially in medically high-risk patients.     

The effects of paravertebral blockade usage on pulmonary complications,atrial fibrillation and length of hospital stay following thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery

Study objectiveAlthough combined thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB)-general anesthesia (GA) could improve pain control compared to GA alone after thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery, it has not been established whether this improvement in pain control could reduce associated adverse outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between TPVB usage and adverse outcomes after thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery.DesignRetrospective cohort study from a prospective database.SettingA high-volume thoracic center in China.Patients13966 consecutive patients who received thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery from January 2016 to December 2018 in Shanghai Chest Hospital were enrolled.MeasurementsWith a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, adverse outcomes between GA alone and GA-TPVB were investigated. Multivariate and multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify factors and calculate odds radio (OR) for adverse outcomes.ResultsThe rate of TPVB usage was 14.8% (2070 out of 13,966). TPVB combined with GA was associated with lower rates of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) (30.4% vs 33.5%, P = 0.005) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) (2.1% vs 2.9%, P = 0.041), and shorter length of hospital stay (LOS) (Median [IQR]; 5[4-5] vs 5[4-6]) days, P < 0.001) compared to GA alone. After a 1:1 PSM analysis, we investigated adverse outcomes in 2640 (1320 pairs) patients with or without TPVB usage, and this association remained existed, namely, the rates of PPCs (29.8% vs 34.2%, P = 0.014) and POAF (2.2% vs 3.6%, P = 0.028) were lower and LOS was shorter (5[4-5] vs 5[4-6] days, P < 0.001) in the GA-TPVB group. In multivariate analysis, the combination of GA plus TPVB was independent predictor for PPCs (OR = 0.879, 95%CI, 0.793–0.974, P = 0.014) and POAF (OR = 0.714, 95%CI, 0.516–0.988, P = 0.042), respectively. However, in multiple linear analysis, lower rates of PPCs and POAF associated with TPVB usage, rather than TPVB usage, were responsible for the reduced LOS.ConclusionsThe usage of TPVB may be a feasible and adjustable approach to reduce the rates of PPCs and POAF and associated LOS in thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery.     

Better survival for African and Hispanic/Latino Americans after infrainguinal revascularization in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative

ObjectiveInferior survival outcomes have historically been reported for African Americans with cardiovascular disease, and poorer outcomes have been presumed for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as well. The current study evaluates the effect of race and ethnicity on survival of patients undergoing open or endovascular interventions for lower extremity PAD.MethodsData of patients from the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database were obtained for patients undergoing open infrainguinal (INFRA) or suprainguinal (SUPRA) bypass, peripheral vascular intervention (PVI), and amputation (AMP). Patients were further stratified as suprainguinal (SupraPVI) if any of the first three interventions listed included the aorta or iliac vessels or infrainguinal (InfraPVI) if not. The primary outcome was the patient's death (overall mortality) as recorded in the database or determined by cross-reference with the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). The secondary outcome consisted of perioperative mortality during the index hospitalization. Generalized linear modeling provided multivariate analysis, with entry of variables dependent on results of univariate analysis.ResultsFrom January 2003 through September 2015, a total of 24,241 INFRA bypass, 8028 SUPRA bypass, 48,048 InfraPVI, 21,196 SupraPVI, and 3423 AMP patients met criteria for analysis, with a median follow-up of 18 (interquartile range, 8-33) months. Combining all procedures, overall mortality was lower among African Americans than among white Americans (12.4% vs 14.2%; P < .0001) but not death in the periprocedural period (1.1% vs 1.2%; P = .26). To account for differences in length of follow-up, Cox proportional hazards analysis confirmed that the African American race was independently associated with a significantly lower occurrence of overall mortality after INFRA bypass (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.88; P < .0009), InfraPVI (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.78; P < .0001), and SupraPVI (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66-0.90; P = .0009) interventions but not after SUPRA bypass or AMP. Similarly, by Cox proportional hazards, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was also independently associated with lower overall mortality after INFRA bypass (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.91; P = .0030), InfraPVI (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.62-0.78; P < .0001), and SupraPVI (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.89; P = .0045) but not after SUPRA bypass or AMP.ConclusionsContrary to the published data for other forms of cardiovascular disease, African American patients as well as patients identified with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity with PAD included in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative undergoing INFRA revascularization for lower extremity PAD experienced better overall survival compared with white Americans.     

Negative pressure wound therapy reduces surgical site infections

ObjectiveSurgical site infection (SSI) with lower extremity incisions represents a modifiable source of major morbidity. Our institutional bundled care protocol to decrease SSI includes optimization of perioperative risk factors, dedicated wound closure tray, and voluntary use of a closed surface negative pressure wound therapy (cNPWT) device applied over closed incisions in the operating room. This study examined the individual effect of cNPWT on SSI reduction and other perioperative outcomes.MethodsAll patients with lower extremity or infrainguinal incisions between January 2016 and December 2017 were prospectively identified and tracked for infectious complications. All patients were treated with the same perioperative care bundle to reduce SSI. cNPWT was applied over closed incisions at the discretion of the surgeon. The 90-day outcomes regarding SSI, return to operating room, death, and readmission were tracked. Univariate and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression for factors associated with SSI was performed for patients with and without cNPWT devices, with P < .05 determined to be significant.ResultsThere were 504 patients included, 225 with cNPWT and 279 with standard dressings. Between the groups, there were no major differences in mean age, mean body mass index, perioperative transfusions, use of prosthetic, reoperative field, dialysis status, and presence of diabetes. There were significantly more women (39.6% vs 27.2% female; P < .01) and active smokers (47.1% vs 30.2%; P < .01) in the cNPWT group along with increased mean operative times (238.3 vs 189.0 minutes; P < .01). Univariate analysis revealed significantly fewer SSIs with cNPWT (9.8% vs 19.0% in standard dressings; P < .01) along with decreased perioperative mortality (5.8% vs 11.2%; P = .04). There were no differences in return to operating room (27.6% cNPWT vs 27.7% standard; P = .97) or readmissions (29.8% cNPWT vs 26.5%; P = .43), but more returns to the operating room were for wound-related problems in the standard dressings group (48.3% vs 26.2%; P < .01). Binary logistic regression using an SSI end point demonstrated that female sex increases SSI (odds ratio, 2.43; confidence interval, 1.37-4.30; P < .01), whereas cNPWT reduces SSI (odds ratio, 0.32; confidence interval, 0.17-0.63; P < .01).ConclusionsThe use of negative pressure wound therapy devices decreases the incidence of infrainguinal wound infections. This occurs as an independent factor as part of a patient care bundle targeting modifiable variables in perioperative care.     

Mepivacaine vs Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia in Total Hip Arthroplasty at an Ambulatory Surgery Center

BackgroundMepivacaine spinal anesthetic may facilitate more rapid postoperative recovery in joint arthroplasty than bupivacaine. This study compared recovery, pain, and complications between the 2 anesthetics in anterior-approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of 282 consecutive patients with mean age 55.7 ± 8.8 years and body mass index 30.6 ± 5.3 who underwent THA at an ASC from November 2018 to July 2020 compares mepivacaine (n = 141) vs bupivacaine (n = 141) spinal anesthesia, a transition made in March 2019. The main outcomes were length of stay in the postoperative unit (post acute care unit) prior to same-day discharge (SDD), time to controlled void, and ambulation. Secondarily, postoperative pain scores (0-10) with morphine equivalents were required and any postoperative complications were compared.ResultsMepivacaine decreased mean post acute care unit stay (4.0 vs 5.7 hours, P < .001), time to void (3.1 vs 4.9 hours, P < .001), and ambulation (3.2 vs 4.5 hours, P < .001). No patients needed urinary catheterization or overnight stay. Two patients in the bupivacaine group had transient neurologic symptoms, consisting of foot drop and spinal headache, compared to none with mepivacaine (P = .498). Mepivacaine patients had increased postoperative pain at 2 hours (1.7 vs 0.9, P < .001), at discharge (1.1 vs 0.5, P = .004), and morphine equivalent doses received (7.8 vs 3.7 mg, P < .001).ConclusionMepivacaine spinal anesthesia for anterior-approach THA safely facilitated more rapid SDD from the ASC through decreased times to controlled void and ambulation with only minor increase in pain when compared to bupivacaine.Level of EvidenceLevel III – Retrospective comparative cohort study.     

Outcomes for peripheral vascular intervention and lower extremity bypass in kidney transplant recipients are superior to outcomes of patients remaining on dialysis

BackgroundImproved survival is reported for patients with end-stage renal disease who are kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared with dialysis-dependent patients (DDPs). Whether amputation-free survival (AFS) and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALEs) after peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) or lower extremity bypass (LEB) are superior after renal transplantation remains incompletely defined.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken of KTRs and DDPs undergoing infrainguinal PVI or LEB for symptoms of limb-threatening ischemia recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2003 to 2017. Primary outcomes were AFS and freedom from MALEs along with their components of assisted primary patency, limb salvage, and patient survival. The χ² tests and independent samples t-tests were used to compare demographic variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to estimate outcomes, and Cox regression analyses were used to confirm independent predictors of outcome.ResultsThere were 2707 PVI (351 KTRs and 2356 DDPs) and 1444 LEB (198 KTRs and 1246 DDPs) procedures performed for limb-threatening ischemia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, female patients, and African Americans were more common among the DDP group, as were lower preoperative hemoglobin values and older age. After PVI, KTRs had better AFS than DDPs (42% vs 66% at 1 year, 15% vs 26% at 2 years; hazard ratio [HR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-2.64; P < .001) and fewer MALEs (53% vs 64% at 1 year, 35% vs 49% at 18 months; HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.25-2.34; P = .001). PVI outcomes, AFS, and freedom from MALEs were driven primarily by differences in limb salvage and patient survival but not assisted primary patency. After LEB, KTRs also displayed improved AFS compared with DDPs (44% vs 65% at 1 year, 10% vs 36% at 3 years; HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.41-3.81; P = .001), driven by patient survival but not limb salvage, whereas differences in freedom from MALEs did not attain statistical significance (67% vs 58%; P = .08).ConclusionsFor patients with end-stage renal disease, subsequent kidney transplantation was associated with better AFS and freedom from MALEs after PVI but only improved AFS after LEB. Open or endovascular revascularization can be advocated in patients with limb-threatening ischemia who have received kidney transplantation to a greater degree than in those who remain dialysis dependent.     

Anesthetic type and hospital outcomes after carotid endarterectomy from the Vascular Quality Initiative database

Objective

Studies on the safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under different anesthetic techniques are sometimes contradictory. The aim of this study was to compare real-world outcomes of CEA under general anesthesia (GA) vs regional or local anesthesia (RA/LA).

Effects of endovascular first strategy on spliced vein bypass outcomes

ObjectiveAggressive endovascular interventions for patients without adequate full-length venous conduit have gained popularity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of spliced vein bypass (SVB) as primary treatment versus treatment after failed endovascular intervention (endovascular SVB [ESVB]) for infrainguinal revascularization.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a single vascular group's database of all SVBs was queried for demographics, indications, intraoperative details, and outcomes. Exclusion criteria included acute ischemia, aneurysm, dual outflow, bypass revisions, and patients lost to immediate follow-up. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.ResultsTwo hundred thirty-five infrainguinal SVBs were performed between January 2011 and March 2017. There were 182 SVB (77%) and 53 ESVB (23%) with a mean follow-up of 488 days (range, 1-2140). Demographics between the SVB and ESVB groups were similar in all categories recorded: diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, current smoker, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, and renal disease (P = .29). Indications for bypass were not statistically significant between SVB and ESVB (P = .48). The study included Rutherford class 3 (14 vs 2), class 4 (51 vs 20), class 5 (67 vs 18), and class 6 (50 vs 13). Inflow was grouped into iliac (2.6%), femoral (88%), and popliteal (9.8%). Outflow arteries were grouped into below knee popliteal (14.9%) and infrapopliteal (85.1%). Inflow and outflow arteries, as well as number of spliced pieces per bypass were not different between groups. Major amputation rates were not different between SVB and ESVB for the entire study period. There was no statistical difference with patency outcomes based on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P = .84).ConclusionsAn aggressive endovascular first strategy for treatment of patients without adequate autogenous conduit seems to offer benefit without negatively affecting future bypass options. SVB patency and major amputation rates in this series were not affected by a prior endovascular treatment.     

Transcarotid artery revascularization can safely be performed with regional anesthesia and no intensive care unit stay

ObjectiveHospital resource use is under constant review, and the extent and intensity of postoperative care requirements for vascular surgical procedures is particularly relevant in the setting of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and its impact on staffed intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of regional anesthesia (RA) and low-intensity postoperative care for patients undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) at our institution.MethodsAll patients undergoing TCAR at a single institution from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed. Perioperative management (anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, neurovascular examination, nursing instructions) was standardized by use of an institutional protocol. Anesthetic modality was at the surgeon’s preference. Patients were transferred to a postanesthesia care unit for 2 hours followed by the step-down unit, to a postanesthesia care unit for 4 hours followed by the floor, or alternatively transferred to the ICU. Intravenous (IV) blood pressure medications could be administered at all environments except the floor. Recovery location and length of stay were recorded.ResultsA total of 83 patients underwent TCAR during the study period. The mean age 72 ± 9 years and 59% were male. Thirty-six percent were symptomatic. RA was used for 84% with none converted to general anesthesia (GA) intraoperatively. Postoperatively, 7 of the 83 patients (8%) included in this study were monitored in an ICU overnight (decided perioperatively), mostly for patients with prior neurological symptoms, but in 1 case for postoperative neurological event and in another owing to pulseless electrical activity arrest. Six patients required IV antihypertensives and eight required IV vasoactive support postoperatively. The mean length of ICU stay was 3.7 ± 5.1 days. The mean length of hospital stay for all patients was 2.4 ± 3.3 days. The length of stay for patients undergoing TCAR with GA was higher than those undergoing TCAR with RA (4.2 ± 4.9 days vs 1.4 ± 1.2 days, respectively; P = .066). The incidence of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction was 2.4%. There was one postoperative stroke considered to be a recrudescence of prior stroke, and one respiratory arrest fatality in a frail patient with neck hematoma both of whom were treated under GA.ConclusionsUsing perioperative care protocols, TCAR can safely be performed while avoiding both GA and an ICU stay in most patients.     

Axillary-bifemoral and axillary-unifemoral artery grafts have similar perioperative outcomes and patency

ObjectiveIt has been suggested that more bypass outflow targets for bypass grafts improve patency and outcomes. Our objective was to examine this in a multicenter contemporary series of axillary to femoral artery grafts.MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for all axillary-unifemoral (AxUF) and axillary-bifemoral (AxBF) bypass grafts performed between 2010 and 2017 for claudication, rest pain, and tissue loss. Patients with acute limb ischemia were excluded. Patients' demographics and comorbidities as well as operative details and outcomes were recorded. Univariable, multivariable, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess long-term outcomes.ResultsThere were 412 (32.9%) AxUF grafts and 839 (67.1%) AxBF grafts identified. Overall, the mean age of the patients was 68.3 years, 51.1% were male, and 84.7% were white. Compared with AxBF grafts, AxUF grafts were more often performed for urgent cases; in patients who were younger, male, nonambulatory, and diabetic; and in those with preoperative anticoagulation, critical limb ischemia, prior bypass, aneurysm repair, peripheral vascular intervention, and major amputation (P < .05 for all). There were no significant differences between AxUF and AxBF grafts in perioperative wound complications (4.2% vs 2.9%; P = .23), cardiac complications (7.3% vs 10.4%; P = .08), pulmonary complications (4.1% vs 6%, P = .18), early stenosis/occlusion (0.2% vs 0.8%; P = .22), perioperative mortality (2.9% vs 3.2%; P = .77), and length of stay (6.4 ± 5.6 days vs 6.7 ± 8 days; P = .29). The mean estimated blood loss (268.1 mL vs 348.6 mL; P < .001) and mean operative time (201 minutes vs 224.1 minutes; P < .001) were significantly lower for AxUF grafts. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that AxUF and AxBF grafts had similar freedom from graft occlusion (62.6% vs 71.8%; P = .074), major adverse limb event-free survival (57.1% vs 66.6%; P = .052), and survival (86% vs 86%; P = .897) at 1 year. Major amputation-free survival was lower for AxUF grafts (63.7% vs 73%; P = .028). Multivariable analysis also showed that the type of graft configuration did not independently predict occlusion/death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.46; P = .72), amputation/death (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.83-1.51; P = .45), major adverse limb event/death (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.73-1.3; P = .85), or mortality (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.65-1.26; P = .55). Three-year survival after placement of AxUF and AxBF grafts was similar (75.1% vs 78.2%; P = .414).ConclusionsAxUF and AxBF grafts have similar perioperative and 1-year outcomes. Graft patency was not significantly different between an AxBF graft and an AxUF graft at 1 year. Overall, patients treated with these reconstructions have many comorbidities and low long-term survival.     

Post-operative outcomes and anesthesia type in total hip arthroplasty in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A retrospective analysis of the State Inpatient Databases

Study objectivesTo investigate postoperative outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To evaluate trends in the use of regional anesthesia (RA) versus general anesthesia (GA) following the publication of practical guidelines. To compare postoperative outcomes according to anesthesia type.DesignRetrospective analysis.SettingOperating room.Patients349,008 patients who underwent elective THA in Florida, New York, Maryland, and Kentucky between 2007 and 2014 were extracted from the State Inpatient Databases (SID), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, including 18,063 patients with OSA (5.2%).InterventionsNo intervention.MeasurementsThe effect of OSA on postoperative outcomes was investigated using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models. Outcomes studied included in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and post-discharge readmissions. In a population from New York only, (n = 105,838 with 5306 patients with OSA [5.0%]), we investigated the outcomes in the OSA population according to the anesthesia type. Analysis was performed overall and for each individual year.Main resultsThe OSA prevalence increased from 1.7% in 2007 to 7.1% in 2014. In multivariable analysis, there was no effect of OSA on in-hospital mortality (aOR:0.57; 0.31–1.04). Postoperative complications, LOS, and readmission rates were all higher in patients with OSA. In patients with OSA receiving GA than those receiving RA, we found a higher rate of complications overall and pulmonary complications specifically in men and higher rate of 90-day readmission in women. Over the study period, the rate of GA use in patients with OSA increased.ConclusionsThe OSA prevalence in patients undergoing THA increased fourfold over the study period. OSA was associated with increased overall postoperative complications, LOS, and readmission, but not with in-hospital mortality. Despite the publication of guidelines favoring RA over GA, the use of GA increased over the study period.     

Dementia is associated with increased mortality and poor patient-centered outcomes after vascular surgery

ObjectiveDementia has been associated with increased complications and mortality in orthopedics and other surgical specialties, but has received limited attention in vascular surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the association of dementia with surgical outcomes for elderly patients with Medicare who underwent a variety of open and percutaneous vascular surgery procedures.MethodsWe reviewed claims data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part A fee-for-service insurance from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, who underwent inpatient vascular surgery. Only the first surgery during the first admission was considered for analysis. Traditional outcomes (30- and 90-day mortality, intensive care admission, complications, length of stay) and patient-centered outcomes (discharge to home, extended skilled nursing facility [SNF] stay, time at home) were adjusted for patient and procedure characteristics using multilevel linear or logistic regression as appropriate. All analyses were performed using SAS (v9.4, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC).ResultsOur study included 210,918 patients undergoing vascular surgery, of whom 27,920 carried a diagnosis of dementia. The average age of the entire cohort was 75.74 years, and 55.43% were male. Patients with dementia were older and had higher rates of comorbidities compared with patients without a dementia diagnosis. The three most common defined classes of intervention excluding miscellaneous ones were cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial, and aortic cases, which jointly accounted for 53.15% of cases. Among all cases, 56.62% were open. Emergent/urgent cases were more frequent amongst those with dementia (60.66% vs 37.93%; P < .001). After adjustment, patients with dementia had increased odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; P < .0001) and 90-day mortality (OR, 1.63; P < .0001), extended SNF stay (OR, 3.47; P < .0001), and longer hospital length of stay (8.29 days vs 5.41 days; P < .001). They were less likely to be discharged home (OR, 0.31; P < .0001) and spent a lower fraction of time at home after discharge (63.29% vs 86.91%; P < .001). Intensive care admission and inpatient complications were similar between the two groups.ConclusionsDementia is associated with poor traditional outcomes, including increased 30- and 90-day mortality and longer hospital lengths of stay in this large national patient sample. It is also associated with worse patient-centered outcomes, including substantially lower discharge rates to home, less time spent at home after discharge, and higher rates of extended stay in a SNF. These data should be used to counsel patients facing vascular surgery to provide goal-concordant care, particularly to patients with dementia.     

Effect of spinal versus general anesthesia on thirty-day outcomes following total hip arthroplasty: A matched-pair cohort analysis

Study objectiveIt has not yet been established whether total hip arthroplasty complications are associated with anesthetic technique (spinal versus general). This study assessed the effect of spinal versus general anesthesia on health care resource utilization and secondary endpoints following total hip arthroplasty.DesignPropensity-matched cohort analysis.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participating hospitals from 2015 to 2021.PatientsPatients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (n = 223,060).InterventionsNone.MeasurementsThe a priori study duration was 2015 to 2018 (n = 109,830). The primary endpoint was 30-day unplanned resource utilization, namely readmission and reoperation. Secondary endpoints included 30-day wound complications, systemic complications, bleeding events, and mortality. The impact of anesthetic technique was investigated with univariate analyses, multivariable analyses, and survival analyses.Main resultsThe 1:1 propensity-matched cohort included 96,880 total patients (48,440 in each anesthesia group) from 2015 to 2018. On univariate analysis, spinal anesthesia was associated with a lower incidence of unplanned resource utilization (3.1% [1486/48440] vs 3.7% [1770/48440]; odds ratio [OR], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90]; P < .001), systemic complications (1.1% [520/48440] vs 1.5% [723/48440]; OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.64 to 0.80]; P < .001), and bleeding events requiring transfusion (2.3% [1120/48440] vs 4.9% [2390/48440]; OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.49]; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, spinal anesthesia remained an independent predictor of unplanned resource utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90]; c = 0.646), systemic complications (AOR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.64 to 0.81]; c = 0.676), and bleeding events (AOR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.49]; c = 0.686). Hospital length of stay was also shorter in the spinal anesthesia cohort (2.15 vs 2.24 days; mean difference, −0.09 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.07]; P < .001). Similar findings were observed in the cohort from 2019 to 2021.ConclusionsTotal hip arthroplasty patients receiving spinal anesthesia experience favorable outcomes compared to propensity-matched general anesthesia patients.