OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to compare technical success, patency rates and clinical outcomes of vein bypass (VBP) with angioplasty and nitinol stents (NS) in femoropopliteal Trans-Atlantic Intersociety Consensus (TASC) II C and D lesions.SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA:Guidelines widely recommend an endovas-cular-first strategy for long femoropopliteal lesions without sufficient data comparing it with vein bypass surgery.METHODS:A single-center prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed, after approval of the local ethics committee, with technical success, primary and secondary patency as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were limb salvage, survival, complications, and clinical improvement.RESULTS:Between 2016 and 2020, 218 limbs (109 per group) in 209 patients were included. Baseline and lesion characteristics were similar in both groups with a mean lesion length of 268 mm. The indication for treatment was chronic limb threatening ischemia in 53% of limbs in both groups. Technical success was feasible in 88% in the stent group. During a 4-year follow-up, primary patency, freedom from target lesion revascularizations, limb salvage, survival and complications showed no significant differences between the groups. At 48 months secondary patency for the bypass group was 73% versus 50% in the stent group ( P = 0.021). Clinical improvement was significantly superior in the bypass group with 52% versus 19% reaching a Rutherford 0 category ( P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:This is the largest RCT comparing angioplasty with NS and vein bypass in femoropopliteal TASC II C and D lesions and the first to report 4-year results. The data underline the feasibility of endovascular treatment in long lesions but also emphasize the advantages of VBP.

Background: Carotid bifurcation revascularization using interposition grafts is rare. While inter-nal carotid artery (ICA) revascularization is regarded as mandatory, the external carotid artery (ECA) is severed in most instances. Long-term results of an autologous bifurcated carotid artery reconstruction are discussed.Methods: Single-center, retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients treated at an academic vascular surgery center.Results: From December 2006 to November 2019, fifty-one patients underwent reconstruction of the carotid artery using an autologous bifurcated interposition graft (38 males, 75%; median age: 68.7 years; interquartile range [IQR]: 60.2-76.5). Thirty-eight patients were asymptomatic (74.5%). Indication for reconstruction was recurrent carotid stenosis unfavorable for endovascu-lar treatment/redo patch plasty (n = 32, symptomatic: n = 7), carotid aneurysm (n = 11, symp-tomatic: n = 5), neck tumor with vascular involvement (n = 7), trauma (n = 1). Nonreversed valve depleted saphenous vein y-graft from the groin was used in 49 (94.2%) and reversed cubi-tal vein bifurcation in 3 (5.8%) procedures. The median ICA cross-clamp time was 15 min (IQR: 13-20 min). In four procedures (7.7%), a shunt was inserted because of a significant decrease of cerebral perfusion. In one patient, additional intraoperative stent placement of a proximal com-mon carotid artery (CCA) stenosis was performed. Six patients suffered from ischemic neurolog-ical deficits (11.5%), all but 1 recovered with no or moderate symptoms. After a median follow-up of 5.2 years (IQR: 1.1-8.7 years), 7 significant asymptomatic stenoses (13.5%) and 2 occlu-sions (3.8%, one symptomatic) of the ICA, two significant asymptomatic CCA stenoses (3.8%), five significant stenoses (9.6%) and 7 asymptomatic occlusions (13.5%) of the ECA were observed. This prompted 7 re-redo-interventions in 5 patients. Twenty-eight patients (54.9%) died after a median follow-up of 3.3 years (IQR: 0.5-5.6 years). Two of these patients died due to conditions related to the performed carotid artery reconstruction.

Background: Guidelines for the treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions are not based on a high level of evidence and recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) challenge vein bypass (VBP) as the recommended therapy. This study compared prosthetic (PTFE) bypass, VBP and angioplasty with nitinol stents in long femoropopliteal lesions. Methods: Pooled data from a RCT and a retrospective database with the same inclusion criteria were analyzed with primary and secondary patency as well as freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) as primary endpoints. Results: Between 2016 and 2018 a total of 172 lesions were treated in three groups (PTFE: n = 62, VBP: n = 55, stent: n = 55). Clinical and lesion characteristics were similar with mean lesion lengths between 260 and 279mm. Technical success rate in the stent group was 87%. There were no significant differences between the groups in patency rates, freedom from TLR, limb salvage and survival during 2-year follow-up. The primary patency rates for the PTFE, VBP and stent groups were 50%, 56% and 60% at 2 years. The PTFE group had significantly less complications compared to the other groups and a shorter hospital-stay compared to the VBP group. Clinical improvement was significantly better in the PTFE and VBP group compared to the stent group. Conclusions: The 2-year results indicate that the role of VBP as the recommended therapy for long femoropopliteal lesions may not be unchallenged due to the similar results in all three groups. Further RCTs are needed to determine the best revascularization modality for long femoropopliteal lesions.

Background and Objectives: The feasibility of endovascular treatment (EVT) for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II C and D femoropopliteal artery lesions has been described, but no prospective study has performed a long-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of nitinol stents (NS) for the treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions. Materials and Methods: A single-center prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing EVT with NS and vein bypass surgery was previously performed. The EVT group’s follow-up was extended and separately analyzed with primary patency as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were technical success, secondary patency, reinterventions, limb salvage, survival, complications, and clinical improvement. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, 109 limbs in 103 patients were included. A total of 48 TASC II C and 61 TASC II D lesions with a mean lesion length of 264 mm were reported. In 53% of limbs, the indication for treatment was chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The median follow-up was 45 months. Technical success was achieved in 88% of cases, despite 23% of the lesions being longer than 30 cm (retrograde popliteal access in 22%). At four-year follow-up, primary patency, secondary patency, and freedom from target lesion revascularizations were 35%, 48%, and 58%, respectively. Limb salvage and survival were 90% and 80% at 4 years. Clinical improvement of at least one Rutherford category at the end of follow-up was achieved in 83% of limbs. Conclusions: This study reports the longest follow-up of endovascular treatment with nitinol stents in femoropopliteal TASC II C and D lesions. The results emphasize the feasibility of an endovascular-first strategy, even in lesions beyond 30 cm in length, and clarify its acceptable long-term durability and good clinical outcomes. Large multicenter RCTs with mid- and long-term follow-up are needed to investigate the role of different endovascular techniques in long femoropopliteal lesions.

BACKGROUND:Psychological factors like anxiety and depression are recognised to play a causal role in the development of cardiovascular disease and they may also influence outcome after vascular surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of anxiety and depression with postoperative outcome following elective carotid surgery.METHODS:Single centre prospective observational study of patients treated for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis at an academic vascular surgery centre. Preoperative anxiety and depression were evaluated using self-reporting questionnaires: Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/-T) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A/-D). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed with the primary composite endpoint of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Standard reporting guidelines for carotid disease were applied.RESULTS:From June 2012 to November 2015, 393 carotid endarterectomies (CEA) were performed at our institution. Out of those, 98 asymptomatic patients were available for analysis (78% male; median age, 71.1 years). Median scores of self-reporting questionnaires did not differ from published data of the general population (STAI-T, trait component, median, 36; IQR, 31-42.75; STAI-S, state component, median, 38; IQR, 32-43; HADS-A median, 6; IQR, 3-8; HADS-D median, 4; IQR, 2-7). Cardiovascular risk factors were similar in anxious and non-anxious patients. The composite endpoint of stroke, MI and death occurred significantly more often in patients presenting with a preoperative HADS-A score higher than 6 (10.5%, 95% CI, 3-25; p =.020).CONCLUSIONS:The present study indicates that preoperative anxiety is associated with the occurrence of intra- and postoperative neurological events in patients undergoing CEA. Patients who had a preoperative HADS-A score of 6 or less had a very low probability of experiencing these complications.

Objective: Vein is regarded superior to artificial graft in peripheral arterial bypass surgery. However, this option is often limited owing to previous use or removal of the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein (iGSV). In this case, the contralateral great saphenous vein (cGSV), the small saphenous vein (SSV), or arm veins (AV) are possible alternatives. Experience with all three grafts for below knee vein bypass is reported. Methods: Consecutive patients treated at an academic tertiary referral centre between January 1998 and July 2018 using the cGSV, SSV, or AV as the main peripheral bypass graft were analysed. Study end points were primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival. Results: Over the observed time period, 2642 bypass operations for treatment of peripheral artery disease with below knee target arteries were performed at the authors' institution: 1937 procedures using the iGSV; 644 bypass procedures using the cGSV (n = 186; 28.9%), SSV (n = 101; 15.7%), or AV (n = 357; 55.4%); and 61 procedures using a prosthetic graft. The median follow up period was 2.3 years (range 9 days-18.5 years). Thirty day mortality was 1.9% for the whole group and similar between the three groups. After five years, primary and secondary patency rates were comparable between the three groups. Secondary patency was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66-83) in the cGSV and SSV groups, and 65% (95% CI 57-73) in the AV group (p = .47). Limb salvage and survival after five years were, respectively, 73% (95% CI 65-81) and 89% (95% CI 82-95) in the cGSV group, 79% (95% CI 69-89) and 87% (95% CI 79-95) in the SSV group, and 74% (95% CI 68-80) and 83% (77-89) in the AV group (p = .46). Conclusion: All three types of alternative autologous vein graft are equal regarding outcome parameters. Vascular surgeons should consider all autologous options if their preferred choice is not available.

OBJECTIVES:Groin complications following vascular reconstruction, extensive trauma, or severe radiation induced scarring may complicate future revascularisation procedures of the lower limb. Although several techniques have been described, only few cases of trans-iliac bypass grafting have been published. The aim of this study was to perform a review of the literature on trans-ilac bypass grafting and add the authors' experience.METHODS:A single centre retrospective data analysis and a literature review of all trans-iliac bypass procedures was performed. Data on indication, patency, limb salvage, and survival were collected. Study endpoints were patency, limb salvage, and patient survival.RESULTS:Eight trans-iliac wing bypass grafting procedures were performed in our institution between 2003 and 2018, which represents the largest single centre series. Twenty-three procedures were reported in the literature between 1989 and 2018. Prior to the bypass procedure in the eight patients, six had local infection and two irradiation of the groin. The indication for operation was ischaemia in six cases, bleeding in one case, and infection in another case. The external iliac artery was most often used for the proximal (6 cases) and the superficial femoral artery for distal anastomosis (6 cases). Great saphenous vein was the most commonly used graft material (6 cases). The median follow up was five years with three bypass occlusions after 1, 2, and 8 months, followed by two successful thrombectomy procedures. There were no major amputations and only one death after five months, which was not procedure related.CONCLUSIONS:Trans-iliac bypass grafting is a viable alternative extra-anatomic bypass technique in patients with vascular groin complications. Patency as well as limb salvage and survival are good and may be comparable to those reported for autologous in situ repair and obturator canal bypass grafting.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare technical success, patency rates and clinical outcomes of vein bypass (VBP) with angioplasty and nitinol stents (NS) in femoropopliteal Trans-Atlantic Intersociety Consensus (TASC) II C and D lesions. Summary Background Data: Guidelines widely recommend an endovas-cular-first strategy for long femoropopliteal lesions without sufficient data comparing it with vein bypass surgery. Methods: A single-center prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed, after approval of the local ethics committee, with technical success, primary and secondary patency as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were limb salvage, survival, complications, and clinical improvement. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, 218 limbs (109 per group) in 209 patients were included. Baseline and lesion characteristics were similar in both groups with a mean lesion length of 268 mm. The indication for treatment was chronic limb threatening ischemia in 53% of limbs in both groups. Technical success was feasible in 88% in the stent group. During a 4-year follow-up, primary patency, freedom from target lesion revascularizations, limb salvage, survival and complications showed no significant differences between the groups. At 48 months secondary patency for the bypass group was 73% versus 50% in the stent group (P = 0.021). Clinical improvement was significantly superior in the bypass group with 52% versus 19% reaching a Rutherford 0 category (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the largest RCT comparing angioplasty with NS and vein bypass in femoropopliteal TASC II C and D lesions and the first to report 4-year results. The data underline the feasibility of endovascular treatment in long lesions but also emphasize the advantages of VBP.

OBJECTIVES This study sought to compare patency rates and clinical outcomes of nitinol stents and primary vein bypass in long femoropopliteal lesions. BACKGROUND An endovascular-first strategy for long femoropopliteal lesions is widely recommended without sufficient data comparing it with bypass surgery. Nitinol stents are widely used as the standard endovascular therapy. METHODS A single-center randomized controlled trial was performed with the primary endpoints of technical success, primary and secondary patency. Secondary endpoints were limb salvage, survival, complications, and clinical improvement. RESULTS A total of 110 limbs (55 per group) in 103 patients were treated. Baseline and lesion characteristics were similar, with a mean lesion length of 276 mm. Critical limb threatening ischemia was the indication for treatment in 49% of limbs in both groups. Technical success was achieved in 87% in the stent group. During a 2-year follow-up, patency rates, limb salvage, survival and complications showed no significant differences between both groups. At 24 months, primary and secondary patency rates for the stent group were 60% and 72% versus 56% and 73% in the bypass group, respectively. Clinical improvement was significantly better in the bypass group. CONCLUSIONS There were no significant differences regarding patency rates, limb salvage, survival, or complications after 2 years. Technical success and clinical improvement in the bypass group were significantly better, but the promising results of the stent group suggest that an endovascular-first strategy for femoropopliteal lesions up to 30 cm may be reasonable. Mid- as well as long-term results need to be awaited. (C) 2019 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

OBJECTIVES:The small saphenous vein (SSV) is a potential vein source for bypass if neither greater saphenous vein nor arm vein is available. This study reports experience using SSV as part of an all autologous vein bypass policy. METHODS:This study comprised single centre retrospective data analysis of all consecutive patients treated at an academic tertiary referral centre from January 1998 to February 2017 using the SSV as the main peripheral bypass graft. Study endpoints were primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival. RESULTS:One hundred and twenty operations were performed in 118 patients using SSV. Indications were peripheral arterial occlusive disease (n = 91; Rutherford classification 3: n = 11; 4: n = 21; 5,6: n = 59), acute ischaemia (n = 14), popliteal artery aneurysm (n = 12), and bypass revisions (n = 3). Median follow up was 30.5 months (10 months-13.7 years). Primary patency after one, three and five years was 68% (CI: 59-77%), 58% (49-68%), and 54% (45-64%). Secondary patency was 83% (76-89%) after one year and 77% (69-85%) after three and five years. Limb salvage after one year was 88% (82-94%) and 78% (70-86%) after five years. Survival was 96% (92-99%) after one year and 91% (85-97%) at five years. Multivariable analysis identified redo surgery as an independent risk factor. Patients receiving a primary (n = 59) vs. a redo bypass (n = 61) were compared. Primary patency and secondary patency were both significantly better in the primary bypass group than in the redo group (p = .0036 and p = .0003, respectively). Limb salvage was also significantly better in primary bypass patients than in the redo group (p = .0007), whereas overall survival did not differ significantly (p = .48). CONCLUSION:The SSV is a valuable alternative vein graft in peripheral bypass surgery. It achieves excellent long-term results, particularly in patients with primary procedures but also acceptable results in patients with redo surgery.

Objective: Technical progress in angioplasty expanded its application to very distal arterial lesions of the lower extremity. In cases of unsuccessful angioplasty tibiodistal bypass surgery may be required for limb salvage. We investigated the long-term outcome of this technique in patients with critical limb ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether tibiodistal bypasses done after unsuccessful tibial angioplasty had inferior patency, limb salvage, or survival rates compared with primary tibiodistal bypasses. Methods: This single-center, retrospective data analysis included all distal bypass procedures originating from a tibial artery. Primary study end points were primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage. Secondary end points included survival, wound healing, and systemic and local complications. Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards were applied. Results: There were 61 tibiodistal vein bypasses for critical limb ischemia performed in 23 years. Indications for tibiodistal bypass was Rutherford category 5 in 41 cases (67%) and category 6 in 20 cases (33%). Procedures were allocated to group A (primary bypass; n = 28) and group B (bypass after unsuccessful tibial angioplasty; n = 33). Primary patency was 55% versus 53% at 1 year and 47% versus 44% at 3 years (P = .58). Secondary patency was 59% versus 64% at 1 year and 52% versus 55% at 3 years (P = .36). Limb salvage was 96% versus 90% at 1 year and 91% versus 85% at 3 years (P = .44). Overall survival rates were 91% versus 97% at 1 year and 85% versus 92% at 3 years (P = .76). The median follow-up was 4.0 years in group A and 4.9 years in group B. In multivariate analyses for loss of primary patency and limb loss, no significant predictors could be identified. Conclusions: This study showed that tibiodistal vein bypass is a feasible, efficient, and safe technique in patients with critical limb ischemia. It provides acceptable primary and secondary patency rates to prevent major amputation and ensure survival. Previous unsuccessful tibial angioplasty had no significant impact on tibiodistal vein bypass outcome. This technique should be part of the armamentarium of vascular surgeons.

Objective/Background: Carotid bifurcation resection with subsequent reconstruction is performed infrequently. While internal carotid artery (ICA) revascularisation is regarded as mandatory, the external carotid artery (ECA) is severed in most instances. Indications for and results of an autologous bifurcated carotid artery reconstruction are discussed. Methods: This was a single centre retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients treated at an academic vascular surgery centre. Results: From December 2006 to August 2015, 47 patients underwent reconstruction of the carotid artery using an autologous bifurcated interposition graft (36 men; median age 68.3 years [range 41-87 years]; 33 asymptomatic [70%]). The indication for reconstruction was recurrent carotid stenosis unfavorable for endovascular treatment/redo patch plasty (n = 29; symptomatic: n = 12), carotid aneurysm (n = 10), neck tumour with vascular involvement (n = 7), and trauma (n = 1). Groups were not different with regard to vascular risk factors. Non-reversed valve depleted saphenous/accessory saphenous vein from the groin was used in 44 (94%), and reversed valve depleted cubital vein bifurcation graft in three patients (6%). Median ICA cross clamp time was 17 min (range 8-30 min). Five patients suffered from intra-operative ischaemic neurological deficits (11%), of which all were temporary except one. One tumour patient died on post-operative day 1 due to bleeding. Median follow up was 28.3 months (range 0.1-97.4 months). Tumour erosion required graft ligation in one patient 7 months after reconstruction. Five significant stenoses of the ICA (11%), nine (19%) stenoses of the ECA, and two (4%) common carotid artery stenoses, with four (8%) re-redo interventions, were observed. Thirteen patients (28%) died after a median follow up of 6.7 months (range 1.7-56.7 months), all unrelated to the vascular procedure. Conclusion: Autologous bifurcated carotid artery interposition graft avoids the use of prosthetic graft material, the ECA remains patent in 80%, and it provides mid-term results comparable with other redo carotid artery procedures. Therefore, this procedure should be reserved for symptomatic patients with no other revascularisation option. (C) 2018 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treatment of patients with hemophilia starts at the age of about 7 months and consists of lifelong intravenous substitution of coagulation factor. Secure venous access is therefore of paramount importance for prevention of bleeding complications and survival. We report our experience with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in very young infants as vascular access. This was a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients treated in a tertiary academic referral center. There were 37 AVFs created from July 2005 to October 2017 in 32 male infants (median age, 1.69 years; range, 0.73-11.06 years). Seven patients had one or more Port-A-Cath insertions as a vascular access before AVF surgery. All patients underwent surgery after arterial and venous mapping of both arms. The nondominant hand was used for AVF establishment; 26 fistulas were performed in the forearm (diameter artery, 1.5 mm [range, 0.5-2 mm]; diameter vein, 2 mm [range, 1.8-3 mm]; anastomotic length, 10 mm [range, 5-15 mm]) and 11 in the cubitus (diameter artery, 1.7 mm [range, 1.5-2.5 mm]; diameter vein, 2 mm [range, 1.5-2 mm]; anastomotic length, 8 mm [range, 5-15 mm]). The anastomosis was performed using interrupted or running sutures with 8/0 polypropylene sutures. Warm saline and papaverine sponges were applied to minimize arterial spasm during vascular manipulation. Patients received heparin intravenously for 4 days postoperatively. There was no hematoma or other complication after surgery. No AVF occlusion occurred within 30 days. Puncture of the fistula was performed after 3 weeks (range, 1.7-10 weeks), with a frequency of 12 infusions/month. Home therapy with parents performing the puncture was initiated 4.9 weeks after surgery. Median follow-up is 44.8 months. Five AVFs occluded after 1.9 months (range, 6-51 months), always as a result of a failed puncture. In all cases, redo surgery was performed, with no reocclusion afterward. There was no difference in the patients receiving therapy for hemophilia or for acquired hemophilia. No patient switched back to a Port-A-Cath for venous access. Five AVFs were ligated after a median time of 100.1 months (range, 88.5-107.5 months) because of sufficient vein development for self-puncture. Establishment of a permanent venous access for hemophilia is an infrequent vascular surgery problem. A native AVF can be safely established even in very small children as a reliable venous access to treat hemophilia. Infections, catheter-associated subclavian vein stenoses, and growth-associated problems with indwelling catheters are avoided. Long-term complications seem to occur less frequently than with Port-A-Cath access. Parents’ education and training is important to avoid puncture problems.

Technical progress in angioplasty expanded its application to very distal arterial lesions of the lower extremity. In cases of failed angioplasty bypass surgery may be required for limb salvage. There are no reports in literature on tibio-distal bypass within the last 20 years. We investigated long term outcome of these very distal bypasses in patients with critical limb ischemia mainly performed because of failed angioplasty.

Distal upper extremity vein bypass (dUEVB) is an infrequent procedure mainly performed for trauma, hemodialysis-associated pathologies, or chronic ischemia. There is little knowledge about the natural history of chronic ischemic disease of the upper extremity and only minimal knowledge about outcome of distal revascularization and limb salvage. Guidelines for the management of chronic ischemia of the upper extremity are missing. We have investigated the outcome of dUEVB for chronic ischemia. This was a retrospective analysis of a consecutively collected case series in an academic tertiary referral setting. Standard statistical and reporting methods were used. A total of 209 bypass procedures in the upper extremity were collected from March 1996 to November 2016. Of these, 93 procedures in 78 patients (64 men [69.8%]) were performed for chronic ischemia and are the basis of this report. Median age was 55.5 (14.3-87.7) years. Vascular risk factors were nicotine use, 50 (53.8%); hypertension, 59 (64.5%); diabetes, 27 (29.0%); hyperlipidemia, 57 (61.3%); and renal failure, 23 (24.7%). Gangrene was present in 40 (43.0%). Underlying pathology: atherosclerotic, 42 (45.2%); chronic posttraumatic, 21 (22.6%); chronic postembolic, 13 (14.4%); thrombosed aneurysm/hypothenar hammer, 8 (8.9%); Horton disease, 4 (4.4%); Buerger disease, 3 (3.3%); and Takayasu, 2 (2.2%). Distal target artery: brachial artery, 26 (27.9%); forearm arteries, 24 (25.8%); and distal to the wrist, 43 (46.2%). Vein grafts source: arm vein, 47 (50.5%); great saphenous, 37 (39.8%); and small saphenous, 9 (9.7%). Antithrombotic therapy: antiaggregation, 49 (52.7%); anticoagulation, 13 (13.9%); and combination, 31 (33.3%). Five-year outcome: primary patency, 65%; limb salvage, 95%; and survival, 89%. Univariate analysis for adverse outcome: graft patency: female sex (P = .001), diabetes (P = .016), renal insufficiency (P = .022); limb salvage: location of arterial occlusion (P = .048); patient survival: diabetes (P = .001), hypertension (P = .029), and renal failure (P = .0003). In multivariate analysis only renal failure was identified as an independent risk factor for inferior survival: hazard ratio, 8.28 (P = .0023) Indication for dUEVB for chronic ischemia is rare. Patients present with a wide variety of diseases for revascularization. Indication for surgery, graft choice, antithrombotic therapy, and outflow artery do not influence outcome. The only independent factor influencing survival is renal failure. dUEVB for chronic ischemia can be performed safely, and with excellent long-term results.

BACKGROUND:Although recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is frequent, guidelines do not routinely recommend surgery after first presentation. A CT-based lung dystrophy severity score (DSS) has recently been proposed to predict recurrence following conservative therapy. This study compares the DSS in surgically and conservatively treated patients.METHODS:This is a retrospective analysis of first episode PSP patients, comparing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS; group A) to conservative treatment with or without chest drainage (group B). CT scans were reviewed for blebs or bullae, and patients were assigned DSS values and stratified into risk groups (low and high-grade). Primary end point was ipsilateral or contralateral recurrence.RESULTS:Fifty-six patients were included, 33 received VATS and 23 conservative treatment. In total, 37.5 % experienced recurrence, with a 5-year estimated recurrence rate of 40.7 % (group A: 13.3 %; group B: 73.9 %; p < 0.001). In group B, detection of any dystrophic lesions resulted in significantly higher 5-year recurrence rates (86.7 vs. 50.0 %; p = 0.03), there was no significant difference in group A (17.7 vs. 7.7 %; p = 0.50). Greater DSS values correlated with higher 5-year recurrence rates in group B (p = 0.02), but not in group A (p = 0.90). Comparing low- and high-grade patients in group B resulted in a significant 5-year recurrence rate of 53.8 versus 100 % (p = 0.023).CONCLUSIONS:The DSS is useful to indicate VATS after the first episode. For routine application, assigning patients to low- and high-grade groups seems most practical. We recommend CT-evaluation for every PSP patient and early surgery for those with lesions exceeding one bleb. After VATS, the preoperative DSS is not beneficial in predicting recurrence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of patients suffering from benign or malignant superior vena cava (SVC), brachiocephalic (BCV), and subclavian (SV) vein lesions treated with nitinol stents.

Summary Background Uncertainty surrounding the indication for treatment of post carotid-endarterectomy restenosis (pCEAR) exists. Conventional patch angioplasty (rCEA), carotid interposition graft (CIG), and stent-assisted angioplasty (CAS) have been studied; comparisons of these techniques have not been performed. Methods A time to event analysis of consecutive patients undergoing treatment for pCEAR was performed. Primary end-point was any cerebrovascular or myocardial event or death. Long-term results were expressed in Kaplan–Meier estimates. Results From 02/1997 to 03/2013, 93 procedures for severe pCEAR were performed in 89 consecutive patients. Group 1 consisted of 37 rCEA (40 %), group 2 included 33 CIG (35 %), and group 3 contained 23 CAS (25 %). Median time from primary CEA was significantly longer in group 2 compared with group 3 (118 vs. 54 months; p = 0.02). Groups were comparable with regard to degree of stenosis and cardiovascular risk factors. Five patients (6 %) underwent initial angiography with intention of CAS, but the procedures could not be completed (insufficient access n = 3, neurological symptoms n = 2) and open surgery was performed (rCEA: n = 4; CIG: n = 1). One perioperative death related to major stroke occurred in group 3 (3.6 %). There were no differences in 4-year estimated survival and event-free survival, whereas patients in group 3 were more likely to undergo a tertiary intervention (13 % at 4 years 95 % CI: 11–45 % p = 0.014). Conclusions All three groups presented with similar long-term outcome with regard to the predefined endpoints. Although associated with less perioperative complications, CAS required significantly more tertiary interventions. Carotid interposition graft was not superior to redo patch plasty.