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Objective To assess the three year clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of a strategy of endovascular repair (if aortic morphology is suitable, open repair if not) versus open repair for patients with suspected ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.Design Randomised controlled trial.Setting 30 vascular centres (29 in UK, one in Canada), 2009-16.Participants 613 eligible patients (480 men) with a clinical diagnosis of ruptured aneurysm, of whom 502 underwent emergency repair for rupture.Interventions 316 patients were randomised to an endovascular strategy (275 with confirmed rupture) and 297 to open repair (261 with confirmed rupture).Main outcome measures Mortality, with reinterventions after aneurysm repair, quality of life, and hospital costs to three years as secondary measures.Results The maximum follow-up for mortality was 7.1 years, with two patients in each group lost to follow-up by three years. After similar mortality by 90 days, in the mid-term (three months to three years) there were fewer deaths in the endovascular than the open repair group (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 0.90), leading to lower mortality at three years (48% v 56%), but by seven years mortality was about 60% in each group (hazard ratio 0.92, 0.75 to 1.13). Results for the 502 patients with repaired ruptures were more pronounced: three year mortality was lower in the endovascular strategy group (42% v 54%; odds ratio 0.62, 0.43 to 0.88), but after seven years there was no clear difference between the groups (hazard ratio 0.86, 0.68 to 1.08). Reintervention rates up to three years were not significantly different between the randomised groups (hazard ratio 1.02, 0.79 to 1.32); the initial rapid rate of reinterventions was followed by a much slower mid-term reintervention rate in both groups. The early higher average quality of life in the endovascular strategy versus open repair group, coupled with the lower mortality at three years, led to a gain in average quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at three years of 0.17 (95% confidence interval 0.00 to 0.33). The endovascular strategy group spent fewer days in hospital and had lower average costs of −£2605 (95% confidence interval −£5966 to £702) (about €2813; $3439). The probability that the endovascular strategy is cost effective was >90% at all levels of willingness to pay for a QALY gain.Conclusions At three years, compared with open repair, an endovascular strategy for suspected ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm was associated with a survival advantage, a gain in QALYs, similar levels of reintervention, and reduced costs, and this strategy was cost effective. These findings support the increasing use of an endovascular strategy, with wider availability of emergency endovascular repair.Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN48334791; ClinicalTrials NCT00746122.

Remote-controlled vascular interventional robots (RVIRs) are being developed to increase the overall accuracy of surgical operations and reduce the occupational risks of intervening physicians, such as radiation exposure and chronic neck/back pain. Several RVIRs have been used to operate catheters or guidewires accurately. However, a lack of cooperation between the catheters and guidewires results in the surgeon being unable to complete complex surgery by propelling the catheter/guidewire to the target position. Furthermore, it is a significant challenge to operate the catheter/guidewire accurately and detect their proximal force without damaging their surfaces. In this study, we introduce a novel method that allows catheters and guidewires to be operated simultaneously in complex surgery. Our method accurately captures force measurements and enables precisely controlled catheter and guidewire operation. A prototype is validated through various experiments. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed RVIR to operate a catheter and guidewire accurately, detect the resistance forces, and complete complex surgical operations in a cooperative manner.

BackgroundTemporary clipping (TC) is an essential adjunct in cerebral aneurysm (CA) surgery. Despite appearing insignificant to the surgeon under the microscope, TC may cause parent vessel injury. Intraoperative diagnostic cerebral angiography (ioDCA) is crucial for assessing aneurysm occlusion and parent vessel integrity. We aimed to assess sequelae of TC evident on immediate ioDCA.MethodsElective CA clippings with ioDCA in a hybrid operating room from January 2020 to June 2023 were reviewed. Microsurgical and angiographic assessments were performed to identify post-TC parent vessel alterations. Outcomes were compared between TC and non-TC-groups.ResultsCollectively, 107 patients underwent 111 craniotomies for clipping of 127 CAs. TC was used in 59/111 cases (53.2%) for treatment of 66/127 CAs (51.9%). CA size and neck were significantly larger in the TC group than in the non-TC group (p<0.001). Parent vessel vasospasm at the site of the previous temporary clip location was evident on 3D rotational angiography in 12/59 (20.3%) TC cases. Clip adjustment rates after ioDCA were similar between groups (TC 13.6% vs non-TC 8.2%, p=0.328). In the TC group compared with the non-TC group, the rates of symptomatic radiographic ischemia and functional decline at discharge were significantly higher (p=0.022 and p=0.045, respectively). However, functional status at follow-up was comparable (p=0.620).ConclusionsTC during CA surgery can cause significant yet microsurgically occult vasospasm in the parent vessel, potentially contributing to symptomatic ischemia and early functional decline. Intraoperative angiography is crucial for detecting this issue, highlighting both its importance and the risks associated with TC.

PurposeAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition which, in the absence of increasing diameter or rupture, often remains asymptomatic, and a diameter greater than 5.5 cm requires elective surgical repair. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of endovascular repair (EVAR) versus open surgical repair (OSR) in patients with AAA through a systematic review of published health economics studies.MethodsUsing a systematic review method, an electronic search was conducted for cost-effectiveness studies published on AAA (both in English and Persian) on PubMed, Embase, ISI/Web of Science (WoS), SCOPUS, Global Health databases, and the national databases of Iran from 1990 to 2020 including the keywords “cost-effectiveness”, “endovascular”, “open surgical”, and “abdominal aortic aneurysms”. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) checklist.ResultsIn total, 958 studies were found, of which 16 were eligible for further study. All studies were conducted in developed countries, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and life years (LY) were used to measure the outcomes. According to the QHES checklist, most studies were of good quality. In European countries and Canada, EVAR has not been cost-effective, while most studies in the United States regard this technique as a cost-effective intervention. For example, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) values ranged from $14,252.12 to $34,446.37 per QALY in the USA, while ICER was €116,600.40 per QALY in Portugal.ConclusionAccording to the results, the EVAR technique has been more cost-effective than OSR for high-risk patients, but the need for continuous follow-up, increased costs, and re-intervention over the long term and for low-risk patients has reduced the cost-effectiveness of this method. As the health systems vary among different countries (i.e. quality of care, cost of devices, etc.), and due to the heterogeneity of studies in terms of the follow-up period, time horizon, and threshold, all of which are inherent features of economic evaluation, generalizing the results should be done with much caution, and policymaking must be based on national evidence.

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) require revascularization to improve limb perfusion and thereby limit the risk of amputation. It is uncertain whether an initial strategy of endovascular therapy or surgical revascularization for CLTI is superior for improving limb outcomes. In this international, randomized trial, we enrolled 1830 patients with CLTI and infrainguinal peripheral artery disease in two parallel-cohort trials. Patients who had a single segment of great saphenous vein that could be used for surgery were assigned to cohort 1. Patients who needed an alternative bypass conduit were assigned to cohort 2. The primary outcome was a composite of a major adverse limb event - which was defined as amputation above the ankle or a major limb reintervention (a new bypass graft or graft revision, thrombectomy, or thrombolysis) - or death from any cause. In cohort 1, after a median follow-up of 2.7 years, a primary-outcome event occurred in 302 of 709 patients (42.6%) in the surgical group and in 408 of 711 patients (57.4%) in the endovascular group (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.79; P<0.001). In cohort 2, a primary-outcome event occurred in 83 of 194 patients (42.8%) in the surgical group and in 95 of 199 patients (47.7%) in the endovascular group (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.06; P = 0.12) after a median follow-up of 1.6 years. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups in the two cohorts. Among patients with CLTI who had an adequate great saphenous vein for surgical revascularization (cohort 1), the incidence of a major adverse limb event or death was significantly lower in the surgical group than in the endovascular group. Among the patients who lacked an adequate saphenous vein conduit (cohort 2), the outcomes in the two groups were similar. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; BEST-CLI ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02060630.).

Phrenic nerve injury (PNI) is recognized as an important complication during atrial fibrillation ablation. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and outcome of PNI during superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) and circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) using radiofrequency (RF) energy and the factors associated with its occurrence. Five hundred sixty-seven consecutive patients who underwent SVCI after CPVI without substrate modification who completed a 12-month follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Point-by-point RF applications were applied with maximum energy settings of 35 W and 30 seconds for the SVCI. In the former 210 patients, sites where pacing captured the PN were avoided whenever possible; however, the maximum power was 35 W. In the latter 357 patients, RF energy was delivered regardless of PN capture; however, the power at PN capture sites was limited to 10 W during continuous diaphragmatic movement monitoring on fluoroscopy. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and SVCI were successfully achieved in all. Twelve patients (2.1%) had PNI during SVCI but not during CPVI. Phrenic nerve injury completely recovered in all patients a median of 8.0 months after the procedure. The prevalence was higher in the former period (3.8% vs 1.1%; P = .03). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the study period (odds ratio 3.546; 95% CI 1.051-11.965; P = .041) was the sole independent predictor for identifying patients with PNI during SVCI. Phrenic nerve injury occurred in 2.1% of the patients. All occurred during SVCI but not during contemporary CPVI. Energy titration and continuous diaphragmatic movement monitoring significantly decreased the incidence during SVCI.

Background Juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) comprises 15–20% of all AAAs and often requires open surgical repair (OSR) due to anatomical limitations associated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), particularly in the case of hostile proximal necks. This study aimed to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of suprarenal clamping during OSR of juxtarenal AAAs and compare the outcomes of this technique with those of infrarenal clamping for AAAs. Methods Between January 1 2014, and December 31 2016, 289 consecutive patients aged ≥40 years underwent primary repair for infrarenal AAAs, including 141 OSRs and 148 EVARs. Of the 141 patients, 20 were excluded and totally, 121 patients were included. Results All patients had fusiform-type AAAs and were divided into infrarenal ( N  = 98) or suprarenal ( N =23) clamp groups. The mean follow-up period was 51.4 months (95% CI: 48.6–54.2). Mean survival time was 51.4 months (95% CI: 48.6–54.2). Thirty-day mortality was 0.8%, and there was no significant difference between two groups ( P  > .999). Renal complication in infrarenal clamp group was 4.1% and suprarenal clamp group was 4.3% ( P  > .999). Old age (HR: 1.084; 95% CI: 1.025–1.147; P =.005) and high ASA score (HR: 2.361; 95% CI: 1.225–4.553; P  = .010) were substantially associated with in-hospital complications. Conclusions Although endovascular procedures for repairing juxtarenal AAAs, such as fenestrated EVAR, have been developed, surgical repair is the standard treatment for juxtarenal AAAs. Morbidity and mortality due to open surgery were not higher in the juxtarenal AAA group than in the infrarenal AAA group. Therefore, need for suprarenal clamp should not preclude OSR and also there is continued need for training in surgical exposure of juxtarenal AAA and OSR.

Perioperative inefficiency can increase cost. We describe a process improvement initiative that addressed preoperative delays on an academic vascular surgery service. First case vascular surgeries from July 2019–January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for delays, defined as late arrival to the operating room (OR). A stakeholder group spearheaded by a surgeon-informaticist analyzed this process and implemented a novel electronic medical records (EMR) preoperative tool with improved preoperative workflow and role delegation; results were reviewed for 3 months after implementation. 57% of cases had first case on-time starts with average delay of 19 min. Inappropriate preoperative orders were identified as a dominant delay source (average delay = 38 min). Three months post-implementation, 53% of first cases had on-time starts with average delay of 11 min (P < 0.05). No delays were due to missing orders. Inconsistent preoperative workflows led to inappropriate orders and delays, increasing cost and decreasing quality. A novel EMR tool subsequently reduced delays with projected savings of $1,200/case. Workflow standardization utilizing informatics can increase efficiency, raising the value of surgical care. •Standardization of workflows is a critical quality improvement tool.•Inconsistent results can decrease the quality and value of patient care.•Informatics can be utilized to study issues and implement change in healthcare.•Perioperative inefficiency is a major source of waste in healthcare.

Vascular anastomosis is the highlight of cardiovascular, transplant, and reconstructive surgery, which has long been performed by hand using a needle and suture. However, anastomotic thrombosis occurs in approximately 0.5-10% of cases, which can cause serious complications. To improve the surgical outcomes, attempts to develop devices for vascular anastomosis have been made, but they have had limitations in handling, cost, patency rate, and strength at the anastomotic site. Recently, indwelling metal stents have been greatly improved with precise laser metalwork through programming technology. In the present study, we designed a bare metal stent, Microstent, that was constructed by laser machining of a shape-memory alloy, NiTi. An end-to-end microvascular anastomosis was performed in SD rats by placing the Microstent at the anastomotic site and gluing the junction. The operation time for the anastomosis was significantly shortened using Microstent. Thrombus formation, patency rate, and blood vessel strength in the Microstent anastomosis were superior or comparable to hand-sewn anastomosis. The results demonstrated the safety and effectiveness, as well as the operability, of the new method, suggesting its great benefit for surgeons by simplifying the technique for microvascular anastomosis.

Background Massive transfusion is associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet existing reports of massive transfusion are limited. Our primary aim was to determine the incidence of complications and 30-day mortality among patients who received massive transfusions and to explore risk factors associated with 30-day mortality. Methods We evaluated 971,455 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We assessed the associations between 30-day mortality and baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative factors among 5,143 patients who received massive transfusions and for whom complete data were available. Results The crude 30-day postoperative mortality of the non-transfused, low transfusion (1-4 units), and massive transfusion (≥ 5 units) patients in the NSQIP was 1.2%, 8.9%, and 21.5%, respectively. Of the 5,143 massive transfusion patients with non-missing covariable data, 17% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16% to 18%) died within 30 days of surgery, while 54% (95% CI 53% to 56%) had at least one non-fatal major complication. The following baseline and intraoperative variables were independently associated with 30-day mortality after adjusting for multiple testing: age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, emergency case, surgical types, coma > 24 hr before surgery, systemic sepsis, preoperative international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, the number of intraoperative transfusions, and requirement of postoperative transfusion. Conclusion Massive transfusion is associated with substantial risk for respiratory and infectious complications and for mortality. Patients who died within 30 days of a massive perioperative transfusion were generally older, more likely to have vascular surgical procedure and abnormal international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, higher ASA physical status, preoperative coma and sepsis, and higher postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion, and they were likely given more intraoperative red cell units.