Coral reef aorta (CRA) has been defined as calcified, often eccentric abdominal aortic plaques that frequently extend into the lumina of the visceral and renal arteries and cause chronic mesenteric, renal, and lower limb ischemia. We report a case of chronic mesenteric and limb-threatening ischemia secondary to a perivisceral and juxtarenal CRA lesion crossing the anastomosis of a remotely constructed aortobifemoral graft. The patient was treated with balloon-expandable aortic, mesenteric, and renal parallel/snorkel stent grafts, which have exhibited a 3-year primary patency rate of 100%. We believe our case supports consideration of endovascular treatment for symptomatic CRA-related lesions, especially those diagnosed after remote open aortic surgery.

Findings from many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in cardiovascular surgery have not been reproduced or are small, statistically fragile, and potentially-influenced by funding source. They also demonstrate variable endpoint selection and protocol adherence, all of which may influence reproducibility of their reported results. To assess the reproducibility of RCTs conducted in the most commonly-studied disease states in cardiovascular surgery that compared at least one open surgical procedure to an alternative open, interventional catheter-based, or sham procedure or medical therapy. We will conduct a meta-epidemiological study of the reproducibility of RCTs using umbrella review methodology. We designed the study protocol using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis-Protocols statement and published recommendations on conducting umbrella reviews. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Systematic Reviews from their inception for systemic reviews published in the English-language that included data from phase-three RCTs (if defined in this manner by authors) or those with a clinically-important primary outcome (instead of a surrogate or feasibility outcome) and compared an open cardiovascular surgery (performed in the most commonly-studied disease states across these specialities, including coronary artery disease, valvular or electrical heart disease, aortic root pathologies/dissections, carotid artery stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and peripheral artery disease) to either an alternative open, catheter-based, or sham procedure or medical therapy. Two investigators will independently review the individual RCTs from these systematic reviews and extract data and assess risk of bias (using the Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool), the fragility or reverse fragility index (which provides a measurement of the statistical robustness of the trials), and the authors’ interpretation of the results (also referred to as spin). RCTs will be classified as the original study if it was the first chronological study (based on participant enrollment date) to evaluate the compared interventions and as reproduction attempts if they re-evaluate the compared interventions in a different set of participants. The interpretation of a study’s results will be based on the findings of its primary endpoint and be used to assess reproducibility. We will also create multivariable regression models to determine whether the adjusted odds of reproducibility is independently predicted by 12 different variables. We registered the study protocol, but have not yet conducted the search. We aim to complete the study by the end of 2026 and submit for peer-review in early 2027. Study results will help guide which cardiovascular surgery procedures should be considered for adoption or de-adoption and which are in need of reproduction studies. They will also identify characteristics of an original RCT in this field that predicts future study reproducibility before reproducibility studies are published. The protocol for our study was submitted for registration on PROSPERO on February 7, 2026.

BACKGROUND:We sought to synthesize and evaluate evidence for the overuse of vascular diagnostic imaging tests and procedures in high-income countries as they may be overused in asymptomatic, minimally symptomatic, and/or high-risk patients with limited life expectancy. METHODS:After protocol registration (CRD42021257490), we searched Medline, Embase, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (January 1, 2010-May 14, 2025) for English language studies that reported the incidence/prevalence of overuse of vascular diagnostic imaging tests and/or procedures in high-income countries; adjusted predictors of overuse; or adjusted associations between overuse and outcomes. Three investigators independently reviewed titles/abstracts and full-texts, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to assess estimate certainty. RESULTS:Among 11,748 citations, we included 14 studies (n = 16,706,904 patients) that examined two unique vascular diagnostic imaging tests and eight unique procedures. The most frequently overused vascular imaging tests included carotid (pooled cumulative incidence = 19%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10-30%; moderate certainty) and venous duplex (cumulative incidence = 46%; 95% CI = 43-48%; moderate certainty). The most frequently overused vascular procedures included renal artery angioplasty (pooled cumulative incidence = 92%; 95% CI = 85-97%; low certainty) and inferior vena cava filter placement (pooled cumulative incidence = 72%; 95% CI = 0-100%; low certainty). Adjusted risk factors for carotid duplex overuse included increasing age and higher median neighborhood income quartile. Adjusted risk factors for overuse of endovascular intervention for claudication included ever smoking and end-stage renal disease. Overuse was associated with increased health-care costs in all studies examining this outcome. CONCLUSION:Overuse of vascular diagnostic imaging tests and procedures may be common in high-income countries and associated with increased healthcare costs. However, because the included studies had important limitations, our findings that should be confirmed before methods to reduce the above overuse are developed.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Although carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) is recommended for symptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis of 50-99%, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted resources. CAS therefore offered potential advantages as access to the angiosuite was seemingly easier than access to operating rooms. The primary objective was to determine the frequency of serious and non-serious complications following CAS before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS:We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who received CAS at the Ottawa Hospital, Canada, from June 2019 to May 2021. We reviewed baseline demographics, imaging, as well as intraprocedural and postprocedural complications based on chart review. We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between clinical and safety outcomes. RESULTS:We included 47 patients in the pre-pandemic period and 93 patients in the pandemic period (mean age = 70.4 years; 54% female; P = 0.287 for age and P = 0.962 for sex, respectively). The combined rate of intraprocedural and postprocedural serious complications (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction or death) was 7.1%. Eight strokes occurred, and one patient with a postprocedural ischemic stroke died 11 days after stenting. Complication rates were similar before and during the pandemic (aOR 1.040, 95% CI 0.466-2.321). The number of referrals for CEA during the pandemic period decreased by 50%. CONCLUSION:In this cohort of consecutive patients undergoing CAS at a Canadian comprehensive stroke center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of stroke and death were similar to pre-pandemic conditions and were generally consistent with the published literature.

BackgroundIn patients with atherosclerotic occlusive diseases, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) report that antiplatelets, statins, and antihypertensives reduce the risk of major adverse cardiac events, need for revascularization procedures, mortality, and health care resource use. However, evidence suggests that these patients are not prescribed these medications adequately or do not adhere to them once prescribed. ObjectiveWe aim to systematically review and meta-analyze RCTs examining the effectiveness of implementation or adherence-supporting strategies for improving health care provider prescription of, or patient adherence to, guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications in patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease. MethodsWe designed and reported the protocol according to the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Protocols) statement. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from their inception. RCTs examining implementation or adherence-supporting strategies for improving prescription of, or adherence to, guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications in adults with cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or polyvascular disease (>1 of these diseases) will be included. Two investigators will independently review identified titles/abstracts and full-text studies, extract data, assess the risk of bias (using the Cochrane tool), and classify implementation or adherence-supporting strategies using the refined Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) taxonomy (for strategies aimed at improving prescription) and Behavior Change Wheel (BCW; for adherence-supporting strategies). We will narratively synthesize data describing which implementation or adherence-supporting strategies have been evaluated across RCTs, and their reported effectiveness at improving prescription of, or adherence to, guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications (primary outcomes) and patient-important outcomes and health care resource use (secondary outcomes) within refined EPOC taxonomy levels and BCW interventions and policies. Where limited clinical heterogeneity exists between RCTs, estimates describing the effectiveness of implementation or adherence-supporting strategies within different refined EPOC taxonomy levels and BCW interventions and policies will be pooled using random-effects models. Stratified meta-analyses and meta-regressions will assess if strategy effectiveness varies by recruited patient populations, prescriber types, clinical practice settings, and study design characteristics. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) will be used to communicate evidence certainty. ResultsThe search was completed on June 6, 2023. Database searches and the PubMed “related articles” feature identified 4319 unique citations for title/abstract screening. We are currently screening titles/abstracts. ConclusionsThese studies will identify which implementation and adherence-supporting strategies are being used (and in which combinations) across RCTs for improving the prescription of, or adherence to, guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications in adults with atherosclerotic occlusive diseases. They will also determine the effectiveness of currently trialed implementation and adherence-supporting strategies, and whether effectiveness varies by patient, prescriber, or clinical practice setting traits. Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42023461317; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=461317; PROSPERO CRD42023461299; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=461299

While current evidence suggests that the clinical outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are worse among patients with cancer, it is unknown what role the quality of care received during admission plays. We aimed to evaluate the association between care quality and patient survival after discharge. A nationally-linked cohort of STEMI patients (January 2005-March 2019) were obtained from the UK Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP) and UK national Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC) registries. We used the composite opportunity-based quality indicator (OBQI) to measure overall care quality. Survival outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier and cumulative survival curves. In total, 6 787 STEMI indexed admissions with cancer were identified. Of those, 4 340 (63.9%) patients received optimum care, 1 320 (19.5%) intermediate care, and 1 127(25.2%) low care quality. Patients with low care quality were older (optimum quality median (IQR) = 72.8 (65.1, 79.6), intermediate quality 75.5 (67.9, 82.1), low quality 78.2 (69.2, 84.7)) and more frequently women (optimum quality 21.6%, intermediate quality 27.3%, low quality 35.5%). Compared to patients with optimum care, patients with low care quality had a higher risk of death at 30 days (HR 7.0, 95% CI 5.7-8.7), 1 year (HR 4.0, 95% CI 3.6-4.4), and 5 years (HR 2.6, 95% CI 2.4-2.8). Relative survival analysis revealed that the number of patients who would survive nationally if they received optimal care is 84 (95% CI 67-102), 508 (95% CI 468-548), and 1096 (95% CI 1034-1158) at 30 days, one year, and five years respectively. The association between care quality and survival was more profound in the Northwest and Northeast regions. Quality of care is closely associated with short- and long-term survival among STEMI patients with cancer. Improving quality of care may save hundreds to thousands of lives in the shorter and longer term.

Background:Guidelines recommend that adults with peripheral artery disease (PAD) take antiplatelets, statins, and antihypertensives. However, it is unclear how frequently clinicians do not prescribe these medications (ie, underprescription), how often patients fail to fill/refill their prescriptions (ie, nonadherence), which factors increase underprescription/nonadherence risk, and whether underprescription/nonadherence are associated with outcomes. Methods:We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (January 1, 2006-to-February 18th, 2025) for studies reporting cumulative incidences/point prevalences of clinician underprescription and/or patient nonadherence to antiplatelets, statins, and/or antihypertensives; adjusted-risk factors for underprescription/nonadherence; and adjusted-outcomes associated with underprescription/nonadherence among adults with PAD. Two investigators independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Estimate certainty was communicated using GRADE. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022362801). Findings:Among 4206 citations identified, 125 studies (n = 14,681,801 participants; 37% female) were included. The pooled cumulative incidence of antiplatelet, statin, and antihypertensive (among those with PAD and hypertension) underprescription was 28% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 21-36%; moderate-certainty), 34% (95% CI = 31-38%; high-certainty), and 43% (95% CI = 33-53%; moderate-certainty), respectively. The cumulative incidence of antiplatelet, statin, and antihypertensive nonadherence was 27% (95% CI = 20-35%; moderate-certainty), 28% (95% CI = 24-33%; high-certainty), and 23% (95% CI = 22-24%; low-certainty), respectively. Underprescription was more common in population-based studies and those enrolling more females and past/current smokers while nonadherence was more common in studies enrolling more patients with diabetes. Underprescription risk factors included female sex, advanced age, malignancy history, and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (all moderate-certainty). Nonadherence risk factors included advanced age, comorbidity burden, and receiving specialist mental health care (all moderate-certainty). Underprescription was associated with increased major adverse cardiac events, all-cause mortality, and decreased amputation-free time (all moderate-certainty). Interpretation:One-quarter-to-one-half of adults with PAD are not prescribed antiplatelets, statins, and antihypertensives. Further, approximately one-quarter of these patients do not adhere to these medications after prescription. Funding:This research was supported by a 2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (awarded to AMK and supervised by DJR), a Graham Farquharson Physician Services Incorporated Knowledge Translation Fellowship (awarded to DJR), and a Research Program Award, University of OttawaDepartment of Surgery Annual Competition (awarded to DJR).

BACKGROUND:Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common and potentially preventable complication of lower limb revascularization surgery associated with increased healthcare resource utilization and patient morbidity. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate multivariable prediction models designed to forecast risk of SSI development after these procedures.METHODS:After protocol registration (CRD42022331292), we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (inception to April 4th, 2023) for studies describing multivariable prediction models designed to forecast risk of SSI in adults after lower limb revascularization surgery. Two investigators independently screened abstracts and full-text articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. A narrative synthesis was performed to summarize predictors included in the models and their calibration and discrimination, validation status, and clinical applicability.RESULTS:Among the 6,671 citations identified, we included 5 studies (n = 23,063 patients). The included studies described 5 unique multivariable prediction models generated through forward selection, backward selection, or Akaike Information Criterion-based methods. Two models were designed to predict any SSI and 3 Szyilagyi grade II (extending into subcutaneous tissue) SSI. Across the 5 models, 18 adjusted predictors (10 of which were preoperative, 3 intraoperative, and 5 postoperative) significantly predicted any SSI and 14 adjusted predictors significantly predict Szilagyi grade II SSI. Female sex, obesity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease significantly predicted SSI in more than one model. All models had a "good fit" according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P > 0.05). Model discrimination was quantified using the area under the curve, which ranged from 0.66 to 0.75 across models. Two models were internally validated using non-exhaustive twofold cross-validation and bootstrap resampling. No model was externally validated. Three studies had a high overall risk of bias according to the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST).CONCLUSIONS:Five multivariable prediction models with moderate discrimination have been developed to forecast risk of SSI development after lower limb revascularization surgery. Given the frequency and consequences of SSI after these procedures, development and external validation of novel prediction models and comparison of these models to the existing models evaluated in this systematic review is warranted.

Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) aneurysms account for approximately 1% of visceral artery aneurysms and can occur secondary to high flow because of occlusive disease in other mesenteric arteries. We describe the case of a 79-year-old man who presented with a 3.3-cm IMA aneurysm and chronic total occlusions of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). After an unsuccessful attempt at endovascular SMA recanalization, he underwent an uncomplicated retrograde aorta to SMA bypass and antegrade aorta to IMA bypass. We propose that an aorta to IMA bypass after SMA revascularization is safe and effective to treat suspected high-flow IMA aneurysms.

IntroductionInternational guidelines recommend that adults with peripheral artery disease (PAD) be prescribed antiplatelet, statin and antihypertensive medications. However, it is unclear how often people with PAD are underprescribed these drugs, which characteristics predict clinician underprescription of and patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications, and whether underprescription and non-adherence are associated with adverse health and health system outcomes.Methods and analysisWe will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews from 2006 onwards. Two investigators will independently review abstracts and full-text studies. We will include studies that enrolled adults and reported the incidence and/or prevalence of clinician underprescription of or patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications among people with PAD; adjusted risk factors for underprescription of/non-adherence to these medications; and adjusted associations between underprescription/non-adherence to these medications and outcomes. Outcomes will include mortality, major adverse cardiac and limb events (including revascularisation procedures and amputations), other reported morbidities, healthcare resource use and costs. Two investigators will independently extract data and evaluate study risk of bias. We will calculate summary estimates of the incidence and prevalence of clinician underprescription/patient non-adherence across studies. We will also conduct subgroup meta-analyses and meta-regression to determine if estimates vary by country, characteristics of the patients and treating clinicians, population-based versus non-population-based design, and study risks of bias. Finally, we will calculate pooled adjusted risk factors for underprescription/non-adherence and adjusted associations between underprescription/non-adherence and outcomes. We will use Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to determine estimate certainty.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as we are studying published data. This systematic review will synthesise existing evidence regarding clinician underprescription of and patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications in adults with PAD. Results will be used to identify evidence-care gaps and inform where interventions may be required to improve clinician prescribing and patient adherence to prescribed medications.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022362801.

Objectives Although surgical site infection (SSI) is a commonly used quality metric after lower-limb revascularization surgery, outcomes associated with development of this complication are poorly characterized. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting associations between development of an SSI after these procedures and clinical outcomes and healthcare resource use. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (inception to April 4th, 2023) for studies examining adjusted associations between development of an SSI after lower-limb revascularization surgery and clinical outcomes and healthcare resource use. Two investigators independently screened abstracts and full-text citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. GRADE was used to assess estimate certainty. Results Among 6671 citations identified, we included 11 studies (n = 61,628 total patients) that reported adjusted-associations between development of an SSI and 13 different outcomes. Developing an SSI was associated with an increased adjusted-risk of hospital readmission (pooled adjusted-risk ratio (aRR) = 3.55; 95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.40-8.97; n = 4 studies; n = 13,532 patients; I-2 = 99.0%; moderate certainty), bypass graft thrombosis within 30-days (pooled aRR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.41-3.09; n = 2 studies; n = 23,240 patients; I-2 = 51.1%; low certainty), reoperation (pooled aRR = 2.69; 95% CI = 2.67-2.72; n = 2 studies; n = 23,240 patients; I-2 = 0.0%; moderate certainty), bleeding requiring a transfusion or secondary procedure (aRR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.26-1.55; n = 1 study; n = 10,910 patients; low certainty), myocardial infarction or stroke (aRR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.02-1.43; n = 1 study; n = 10,910 patients; low certainty), and major (i.e., above-ankle) amputation (pooled aRR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.26-2.95; n = 4 studies; n = 32,859 patients; I-2 = 83.0; low certainty). Development of an SSI >30-days after the index operation (aRR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.16-4.17; n = 3 studies; n = 21,949 patients; low certainty) and prosthetic graft infection (aRR = 6.72; 95% CI = 3.21-12.70; n = 1 study; n = 272 patients; low certainty) were both associated with an increased adjusted-risk of major amputation. Prosthetic graft infection was also associated with an increased adjusted-risk of mortality >30-days after the index procedure (aRR = 6.40; 95% CI = 3.32-12.36; n = 1 study; n = 272 patients; low certainty). Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that development of an SSI after lower-limb revascularization surgery significantly increases patient morbidity and healthcare resource use. SSI is therefore a valuable quality metric after these surgeries. However, current estimates are based on heterogenous, low-to-moderate certainty evidence and should be confirmed by large, multicenter, cohort studies.

Abstract Background The Abdominal Compartment Society (WSACS) established consensus definitions and recommendations for the management of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in 2006, and they were last updated in 2013. The WSACS conducted an international survey between 2022 and 2023 to seek the agreement of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) worldwide on current and new candidate statements that may be used for future guidelines. Methods A self-administered, online cross-sectional survey was conducted under the auspices of the WSACS to assess the level of agreement among HCPs over current and new candidate statements. The survey, distributed electronically worldwide, collected agreement or disagreement with statements on the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), pathophysiology, definitions, and management of IAH/ACS. Statistical analysis assessed agreement levels, expressed in percentages, on statements among respondents, and comparisons between groups were performed according to the respondent’s education status, base specialty, duration of work experience, role (intensivist vs non-intensivist) and involvement in previous guidelines. Agreement was considered to be reached when 80% or more of the respondents agreed with a particular statement. Results A total of 1042 respondents from 102 countries, predominantly physicians (73%), of whom 48% were intensivists, participated. Only 59% of HCPs were aware of the 2013 WSACS guidelines, and 41% incorporated them into practice. Despite agreement in most statements, significant variability existed. Notably, agreement was not reached on four new candidate statements: “normal intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is 10 mmHg in critically ill adults” (77%), “clinical assessment and estimation of IAP is inaccurate” (65.2%), “intragastric can be an alternative to the intravesical route for IAP measurement” (70.4%), and “measurement of IAP should be repeated in the resting position after measurement in a supine position” (71.9%). The survey elucidated nuances in clinical practice and highlighted areas for further education and standardization. Conclusion More than ten years after the last published guidelines, this worldwide cross-sectional survey collected feedback and evaluated the level of agreement with current recommendations and new candidate statements. This will inform the consensus process for future guideline development.

Background The open abdomen is an innovation that greatly improved surgical understanding of damage control, temporary abdominal closure, staged abdominal reconstruction, viscera and enteric fistula care, and abdominal wall reconstruction. This article provides an evidence-informed, expert, comprehensive narrative review of the open abdomen in trauma, acute care, and vascular and endovascular surgery.Methods A group of 12 international trauma, acute care, and vascular and endovascular surgery experts were invited to review current literature and important concepts surrounding the open abdomen.Results The open abdomen may be classified using validated systems developed by a working group in 2009 and modified by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome-The Abdominal Compartment Society in 2013. It may be indicated in major trauma, intra-abdominal sepsis, vascular surgical emergencies, and severe acute pancreatitis; to facilitate second look laparotomy or avoid or treat abdominal compartment syndrome; and when the abdominal wall cannot be safely closed. Temporary abdominal closure and staged abdominal reconstruction methods include a mesh/sheet, transabdominal wall dynamic fascial traction, negative pressure wound therapy, and hybrid negative pressure wound therapy and dynamic fascial traction. This last method likely has the highest primary fascial closure rates. Direct peritoneal resuscitation is currently an experimental strategy developed to improve primary fascial closure rates and reduce complications in those with an open abdomen. Primary fascial closure rates may be improved by early return to the operating room; limiting use of crystalloid fluids during the surgical interval; and preventing and/or treating intra-abdominal hypertension, enteric fistulae, and intra-abdominal collections after surgery. The majority of failures of primary fascial closure and enteroatmospheric fistula formation may be prevented using effective temporary abdominal closure techniques, providing appropriate resuscitation fluids and nutritional support, and closing the abdomen as early as possible.Conclusion Subsequent stages of the innovation of the open abdomen will likely involve the design and conduct of prospective studies to evaluate appropriate indications for its use and effectiveness and safety of the above components of open abdomen management. The open abdomen is an innovation that greatly improved surgical understanding of temporary abdominal closure indications, techniques, and outcomes. We provide an evidence-informed, expert, comprehensive narrative review of the open abdomen. Subsequent stages of the innovation of the open abdomen will likely involve the design and conduct of prospective studies to evaluate appropriate indications for its use and effectiveness and safety of the above components of open abdomen management.

BACKGROUND:The reported incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after lower limb revascularization surgery varies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies reporting the incidence of SSI in adults who underwent these surgeries in high-income countries to derive SSI quality benchmarks. METHODS:We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (inception-to-April 28th, 2022) for population-based studies estimating the cumulative incidence of SSI among adults who underwent lower limb revascularization surgery for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in high-income countries. Two investigators independently screened abstracts and full-text articles, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias. We used random-effects models to pool data and GRADE to assess certainty. RESULTS:Among 6,258 citations, we included 53 studies (n = 757,726 patients); 8 of which (n = 435,769 patients) reported nonoverlapping data that were meta-analyzed. The pooled cumulative incidence of any SSI was 6.0 in 100 patients [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.3-8.0 in 100 patients; n = 8 studies; n = 435,769 patients; moderate certainty]. The cumulative incidence of Szilagyi grade I (cellulitis), grade II (subcutaneous tissue), and grade III (prosthetic graft) SSI was 6.5 in 100 patients (95% CI = 4.3-8.6 in 100 patients; n = 2 studies; n = 39,645 patients; low certainty), 2.1 in 100 patients (95% CI = 2.0-2.3 in 100 patients; n = 2 studies; low certainty), and 0.4 in 100 patients (95% CI = 0.4-0.4 in 100 patients; n = 1 study; n = 333,275 patients; low certainty), respectively. The pooled cumulative incidence of any early (in-hospital/≤30-days) and late (>30-days) SSI was 6.2 in 100 patients (95% CI = 4.4-8.0 in 100 patients; n = 7 studies; n = 431,273 patients; moderate certainty) and 3.7 in 100 patients (95% CI = 2.2-5.2 in 100 patients; n = 2 studies; n = 10,565 patients; low certainty), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:This systematic review derived population-based benchmarks of the incidence of any SSI; Szilagyi I, II, and III SSI; and early and late SSI after lower limb revascularization surgery. These may be used by practicing surgeons and healthcare leaders/administrators to guide quality improvement efforts in the United States and perhaps other countries.

In the middle of all of this has emerged the world of PBM, plantbased meat, meat analogs grown from plants, made into products which are advertised as tasty as beef.What before were simply nonmeat analogs of meat, without the taste and certainly without the marketing pizzaz, has given way to visibility, competition, venture capital funding, and the appearance of stories about adoption, success, and financial performance [3], although during these early days of 2023 the 'bloom may be off the rose, ' with some issues in the ongoing consumption of plant-based proteins [4].It is to this world of emotion in the mind of people, and specifically emotion tied to agriculture, food, environment, and human welfare that we turn.

Acute care surgery (ACS) is an area of surgical specialization within general surgery and a model for clinical care delivery that has proliferated over the last 2 decades. Models of ACS in Canada exist in both academic and community settings and are used to manage patients in need of emergency general surgery (EGS) care, with or without the provision of trauma care. The implementation of the ACS model has changed the landscape of patient care, surgical education and the workforce, providing an option for some general surgeons to exclude EGS care from their regular practice. The rise of ACS as a concentration of surgical skill and content expertise has resulted in the establishment of dedicated ACS fellowship training programs. This is a landmark in the evolution of general surgery, as well as a stepping stone on the path to improving patient care, surgical education and scholarly endeavour in this field.