Summary: The treatment of non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL) remains debatable with many advocating conservative treatments, whilst others offering venous stenting. The objective of this review was to systematically assess the treatment options for symptomatic iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) in patients without evidence of thrombotic disease at the time of diagnosis. An online search of published literature looking for randomised controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated the treatment for symptomatic NIVL was performed. Nine studies were included with a total 953 patients of which 782 patients had NIVL. Patency rates ranged between 94.8%–100% in the first month, 88.2%–94.1% in six months and 73.4%–98% in 12 months, in patients with NIVL post stenting. Longer follow-up of up to 5 years shows promising patency rates of 94% in patients with IVCS. Patients with IVCS are likely to benefit from a combination of endovenous treatment at the time of diagnosis including stent placement to maintain lumen patency and prevent recurrent deep venpus thrombosis and/or postthrombotic syndrome.

Truly isolated aneurysms of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) are uncommon. The treatment options come from small case series and case reports. In the absence of definitive management guidelines, a revision of the available literature was carried out. True SFA aneurysms are more common in elderly male patients and tend to present late and can grow to significant sizes. Both open and endovascular options are available, which will depend on many factors highlighted in this review. Open repair should be offered to fit patients.

Introduction Routine utilization of multigene assays to inform operative decision-making in early breast cancer (EBC) treatment is yet to be established. In this pilot study, we sought to establish the potential benefits of surgical intervention in EBC based on recurrence risk quantification using the Oncotype DX (ODX) assay. Materials and Methods Consecutive ODX tests performed over a 9-year period from October 2007 to May 2016 were evaluated. Oncotype scores were classified into high (>= 31), medium (18-30), or low-risk (0-17) groups. The primary outcome was breast cancer recurrence. Subgroup analysis offered assessment of the recurrence effect of mode of surgical intervention for patient groups as defined by the oncotype score. Results In total 361 patients underwent ODX testing. The mean age and follow-up were 55.25 ( 10.58) years and 38.59 (+/- 29.1) months, respectively. The majority of patients underwent wide local excision (86.7%) with 8.9 and 4.4% patients having a mastectomy or wide local excision with completion mastectomy, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients fell into the low risk ODX category with a further 40.2 and 8.5% deemed to be of intermediate and high risk. Five patients (1.38%) had disease recurrence. Comparative analysis of operative groups in each oncotype group revealed no difference in recurrence scores in the low- (p=0.84) and high-risk groups (p=0.92) with a statistically significant difference identified in the intermediate risk group (p=0.002). Conclusion To date we have been unable to definitively identify a role for ODX in guiding surgical approach in EBC. There is, however, a need for larger studies to examine this hypothesis.

Objective This study evaluates the effect of transverse and longitudinal ultrasound transducer orientation on saphenous vein cannulation during endovenous ablation. Methods A single-blinded, multicentre, randomised controlled trial was performed in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided venous cannulation for saphenous ablation. The primary outcomes were overall cannulation success and time to successful cannulation. Results In total, 100 patients were assigned to parallel longitudinal orientation and transverse orientation groups. Cannulation success was 100%. There was no significant variation in time to cannulation detected between the transverse orientation and longitudinal orientation (85 s vs. 71 s, p = 0.314). Longitudinal orientation was associated with significantly fewer needle passes [median 3 (interquartile range 1–5) vs. 2 (interquartile range 1–3), p = 0.026] and less pain (median visual analogue scale score 1 vs. 2.5, p = 0.039) than those in the transverse orientation group. Conclusion This trial has shown that while longitudinal orientation is associated with less procedural pain it has no significant effect on time to target vein cannulation during endovenous ablation.

Background: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the best modality for hemodialysis access. The end-to-side (ETS) technique has been suggested in the literature to produce superior results to the side-to-side (STS) approach; however, in the absence of a systematic review, this practice remains debatable. Methods: Online search for randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared the ETS versus the STS anastomosis techniques in creating an upper limb AVF. Aims were to systematically assess the difference between both procedures in terms of access maturation, patency, and postoperative complications. Results: Seven studies were included with 463 patients in the ETS group and 523 in the STS group. The difference between the 2 techniques was not significant in relation to patency rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months (P values: 0.28, 0.82, 0.54, and 0.21, respectively). There were fewer cases of postoperative hematoma in the ETS group; however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.09). Arterial steal syndrome was found to be significantly associated with the STS configuration in pooled analysis (pooled risk ratio = 0.11 [ 0.01-0.88], 95% CI, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Similar maturation rates between ETS and STS fistula configuration, however, arterial steal syndrome was significantly associated with the STS technique. ETS will likely remain as the preferred AVF configuration as it is less technically demanding.

A well-functioning Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) has been shown to be the best modality for vascular access in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) that require haemodialysis (HD).A mature AVF has lower incidence of thrombosis and stenosis compared to the other two modalities; Arteriovenous Grafts (AVGs) and Central Venous Catheters (CVCs).That translates into prolonged patency rates and lower risk for infection.However, it has been reported that around 20% -50% of fistulae fail to mature into a useable access for haemodialysis.Non-maturation remains a major concern with as many as one third of first time created fistulae expected to fail.Intimal hyperplasia induced by altered biomechanical forces plays an integral role in stenosis within an AVF.The aim of this review is to give an analysis of the factors implicated in the process of AVF maturation.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to carry out an up-to-date evaluation on the use of compression devices as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis methods in orthopedic and neurological patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:There is an increased risk of DVT with surgery, particularly in patients who are not expected to mobilize soon after their procedures, such as orthopedic and neurosurgical patients. Compression devices are often employed for DVT prophylaxis in these patients. However, the true efficacy of these devices and the standardization of use with these devices are yet to be established. METHODS:Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting on the use of compression devices for DVT prevention. RESULTS:Nine studies were included for review and meta-analysis. Use of an intermittent pneumatic compression device alone is neither superior nor inferior to chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS:In the absence of large randomized multicenter trials comparing the use of intermittent pneumatic compression or chemoprophylaxis alone to a combination of both treatments, the current evidence supports the use of a combined approach in high-risk surgical patients.

Background: Peripheral arterial bypass is an effective procedure for the management of patients with critical limb ischaemia. However, it is commonly associated with high rates of graft occlusion and subsequent limb loss. This is particularly apparent when the distal anastomosis is to the below-knee arterial segment. A number of studies have suggested that an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) sited at the distal anastomosis may reduce afterload, improve graft patency, and boost subsequent limb salvage. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of adjuvant AVF on the outcomes of peripheral arterial bypass.Methods: The following databases were searched up to May 2015: Medline through Pubmed; the Cochrane Library; EMBASE; and reference lists of articles.Study eligibility: All randomised controlled and observational studies that assessed the role of AVF as an adjunct to peripheral arterial bypass were included. Studies were required to include at least one pre-defined outcome. Data were extracted and assessed by two reviewers with any disagreements adjudicated on by the senior author. Pooled risk ratios were calculated using a random effects model. Additional subgroup analyses were performed.Results: Two randomised controlled trials and seven retrospective cohort studies comprising 966 participants were included. Pooled standardized data showed no difference in primary graft patency (pooled RR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.73-2.16), secondary patency (pooled RR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.82-1.66), or limb salvage at 12-months (pooled RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.80-1.60) for the peripheral bypass with AVF group compared with peripheral bypass alone. Subgroup analysis indicated a reduction in reintervention rates associated with AVF when performed in conjunction with a synthetic graft (pooled RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.98).Conclusion: Although adjuvant AVF is not associated with additional operative complication there is little evidence to support its use. The evidence assessing its merits is weakened by small, retrospective studies with heterogeneous cohorts. (C) 2016 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the main causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Appendectomy for acute appendicitis is one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions worldwide. The use of ring retractors to protect the wound edge from contaminated intra-abdominal contents may be an effective method to reduce SSI.Aim The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether the use of wound ring retractors reduces SSI rates after open appendectomy.Methods A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis of ring retractors was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane RCTs Central Register, CINAHL, and ISRCTN registry were searched for eligible studies. Only studies in which open appendectomy was undertaken were included. The Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.3 was used for analysis. A subgroup analysis by degree of appendiceal inflammation was performed.Results Four RCTs inclusive of 939 patients met eligibility requirements. One trial used single ring while three used double ring protectors. Differences in the definition of SSI, skin preparation, and type and duration of prophylactic antibiotic were found between the 4 studies. The use of ring retractors show some evidence of SSI reduction risk ratio 0.44 [95 % CI (0.21, 0.90)]. On sub-analysis, ring retractor was more effective in more severe degrees of appendiceal inflammation i.e., the contaminated group.Conclusion Our review suggests some benefit in using ring retractors to reduce SSI post appendectomy; however the small number and variable quality of the studies suggest the need for more RCTs to confirm these results.

BACKGROUND Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the main causes of morbidity and death after surgical intervention. The use of physical barriers, including gloves, drapes, and gowns to reduce SSI after abdominal surgery is long-standing practice. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of ring incision retractors in reducing the risk of SSI in abdominal surgery. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane randomized controlled trials (RCTs) Central Register, and the ISRCTN registry were searched for RCTs in which ring retractors were utilized to reduce SSI in abdominal surgery. The PRISMA guidelines and RevMan 5.3 were used for study selection and analysis. Additional subgroup analyses were performed, including trials using incision class (clean, clean-contaminated contaminated, and dirty) and trials that used the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's SSI definition in their protocol. RESULTS A total of 19 RCTs inclusive of 4,229 patients were included. The utility of ring retractors in reducing SSI was suggested by an overall risk ratio of 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.48-0.81). However, study heterogeneity caused by differences in effect size between individual RCTs, the non-standardized utilization of concomitant measures to reduce SSI, and an overall lack of high-quality trials was found. CONCLUSION A reduction in SSI incidence with the use of ring retractors is suggested by the findings. However, this result must be treated with caution because in addition to some old trials poor quality and the large number of factors affecting SSI, there were substantial differences between trials in effect sizes in statistical heterogeneity. Further RCTs are needed to confirm this provisional finding.

Increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the demand for on haemodialysis (HD) is rising. Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) remain the best conduit for adequate HD, with fewer complications associated with long-term use compared to bypass grafts and central venous catheters. However, it is known that many newly formed fistulae do not mature to provide useful HD access. The paper provides a narrative overview of factors influencing the process of AVF maturation failure.

Background: To evaluate the association between inflammatory markers expressed as neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and process of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation.Methods: A retrospective review of patients with end-stage renal disease referred for formation of a new AVF in one center. Patients referred to the vascular service in the University Hospital of Limerick for creation of vascular access between 2009 and 2013. The association between NLR, calculated from preoperative blood tests, and functional fistula maturation, as determined by successful use of the AVF for 6 consecutive hemodialysis sessions, was investigated using univariate and logistic regression analyses. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess potential influence from other factors related to AVF maturation. Stepwise regression test was performed including the NLR.Results: Overall AVF functional maturation rate in our study was 53.7% (66/123). Patients with matured AVFs had an NLR of 4.850 (1.8-15.7) compared with 3.554 (1.7-15.0); this difference was found to be significant (P = 0.024). Female gender (P = 0.008) and a history of kidney transplant (P = 0.004) were the only independent factors of fistula maturation outcome in a logistic regression model.Conclusion: Increased level of NLR was found to be associated with fistula maturation; however, more studies are needed to validate this finding.

INTRODUCTION:Non-maturation and post-maturation venous stenosis are the primary causes of failure within arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs). Although the exact mechanisms triggering failure remain unclear, abnormal hemodynamic profiles are thought to mediate vascular remodelling and can adversely impact on fistula patency. AIM:The review aims to clarify the role of shear stress on outward remodelling during maturation and evaluate the evidence supporting theories related to the localisation and development of intimal hyperplasia within AVFs. METHODS:A systematic review of studies comparing remodelling data with hemodynamic data obtained from computational fluid dynamics of AVFs during and after maturation was conducted. RESULTS:Outward remodelling occurred to reduce or normalise the level of shear stress over time in fistulae with a large radius of curvature (curved) whereas shear stress was found to augment over time in fistulae with a small radius of curvature (straight) coinciding with minimal to no increases in lumen area. Although this review highlighted that there is a growing body of evidence suggesting low and oscillating shear stress may stimulate the initiation and development of intimal medial thickening within AVFs. Further lines of evidence are needed to support the disturbed flow theory and outward remodelling findings before surgical configurations and treatment strategies are optimised to conform to them. This review highlighted that variation between the time of analysis, classification of IH, resolution of simulations, data processing techniques and omission of various shear stress metrics prevented forming pooling of data amongst studies. CONCLUSION:Standardised measurements and data processing techniques are needed to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between shear stress and intimal medial thickening. Advances in image acquisition and flow quantifications coupled with the increasing prevalence of longitudinal studies commencing from fistula creation offer viable techniques and strategies to robustly evaluate the relationship between shear stress and remodelling during maturation and thereafter.

INTRODUCTION:With increasing numbers of patients diagnosed with ESRD, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation has become a major factor in improving both dialysis related outcomes and quality of life of those patients. Compared to other types of access it has been established that a functional AVF access is the least likely to be associated with thrombosis, infection, hospital admissions, secondary interventions to maintain patency and death.AIM:Study of demographic factors implicated in the functional maturation of arteriovenous fistulas. Also, to explore any possible association between preoperative haematological investigations and functional maturation.METHODS:We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with ESRD who were referred to the vascular service in the University Hospital of Limerick for creation of vascular access for HD. We included patients with primary AVFs; and excluded those who underwent secondary procedures.RESULTS:Overall AVF functional maturation rate in our study was 53.7% (52/97). Female gender showed significant association with nonmaturation (P = 0.004) and was the only predictor for non-maturation in a logistic regression model (P = 0.011). Patients who had history of renal transplant (P = 0.036), had relatively lower haemoglobin levels (P = 0.01) and were on calcium channel blockers (P = 0.001) showed better functional maturation rates.CONCLUSION:Female gender was found to be associated with functional non-maturation, while a history kidney transplant, calcium channel-blocker agents and low haemoglobin levels were all associated with successful functional maturation. In view of the conflicting evidence in the literature, large prospective multi-centre registry-based studies with well-defined outcomes are needed.

The creation of an arteriovenous fistula offers a unique example of vascular remodelling and adaption. Yet, the specific factors which elicit remodelling events which determine successful maturation or failure have not been unambiguously determined. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are increasingly been employed to investigate the interaction between local hemodynamics and remodelling and can potentially be used to assist in clinical risk assessment of maturation or failure. However, these simulations are inextricably linked to their prescribed boundary conditions and are reliant on in vivo measurements of flow and pressure to ensure their validity. The study compares in vivo measurements of the pressure distribution across arteriovenous fistulae against a representative numerical model. The results of the study indicate relative agreement (error ≈ 8–10%) between the in vivo and CFD prediction of the mean pressure drop across the AVFs. The large pressure drop across the AVFs coincided with a palpable thrill (perivascular vibration) in vivo and fluctuations were observed in the numerical pressure drop signal due to flow instabilities arising at the anastomosis. This study provides a benchmark of the pressure distribution within an AVF and validates that CFD solutions are capable of replicating the abnormal physiological flow conditions induced by fistula creation.

The care of venous leg ulcers (VLU) is associated with prolonged disability, important socioeconomic impact, and significant psychosocial morbidity and can consume a significant amount of resources. In addition, approximately 50% of VLUs may recur within 10 years and they are marked by a significant component of chronicity. Compression therapy remains the most popular and effective method in management of venous ulcer. Although surgical correction of superficial venous incompetence was found to reduce recurrence rate of ulceration, its role in ulcer healing is not confirmed. Our systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that the quality of the evidence available to support recommendations for operative management is mostly limited to level C evidence. Moreover, different modalities of treating varicose veins were intensively investigated in RCTs and they identified similar efficiency and quality of life of endovenous ablation and open surgery in treating varicose veins but less postoperative pain, complication rates and recovery in the endovenous group. Hence, we are proposing a multi-center randomized controlled trial to determine whether endovenous ablation of incompetent superficial veins in addition to best medical treatment has any superior effect compared to best medical treatment alone in regards to ulcer healing and ulcer recurrence rates. The secondary objectives are; to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the intervention for incompetent superficial veins in management of chronic venous ulcers and to compare the commonly used endovenous ablation procedures in management of lower limb varicose veins.