Journal of vascular surgery
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The aim of this systematic review is to describe the literature and assessment tools evaluating vascular surgical operative performance that could potentially be used for the assessment of educational outcomes applicable to the Milestone Project and the Next Accreditation System. ⋯ The literature describing assessment tools pertinent to vascular surgery is diverse. Existing assessment tools may be relevant to individual technical skill acquisition assessment; however, an operative assessment tool relevant to vascular/endovascular surgery and generalizable to the wide spectrum of technical and nontechnical skills pertinent to vascular surgery needs to be developed, validated, and implemented to allow the practical assessment of resident readiness to operate in an unsupervised setting.
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Multicenter Study
Effect of antifibrinolytic therapy with tranexamic acid on abdominal aortic aneurysm shrinkage after endovascular repair.
The long-term outcomes of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain to be determined, but patients with aneurysm shrinkage after EVAR appear to have a good prognosis. We previously observed that antiplatelet therapy is a risk factor for lack of aneurysm shrinkage, a finding suggesting that coagulation and fibrinolysis play roles in shrinkage. We therefore studied the effect of antifibrinolytic therapy with tranexamic acid (TXA) on aneurysm shrinkage after EVAR. ⋯ Antifibrinolytic therapy with TXA was associated with aneurysm shrinkage after EVAR. Studies to identify the dosage of TXA that is optimally safe and effective in this application, as well as investigations of the best timing and route (parenteral vs oral) for TXA administration, are warranted.
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Comparative Study
National variation in the utilization of alternative imaging in peripheral arterial disease.
The value and cost-effectiveness of less invasive alternative imaging (AI) modalities (duplex ultrasound scanning, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography) in the care of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been reported; however, there is no consensus on their role. We hypothesized that AI utilization is low compared with angiography in the United States and that patient and hospital characteristics are both associated with AI utilization. ⋯ National utilization of AI for PAD is low and shows great variation among institutions in the United States. Patient and hospital factors are both associated with receiving AI in PAD care, and AI utilization is subject to significant regional variation. These findings suggest differences in systems of care or practice patterns and call for a clearer understanding and a more unified approach to imaging strategies in PAD care.
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Observational Study
Clinical characteristics associated with readmission among patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Readmission after a vascular surgery intervention is frequent, costly, and often considered preventable. Vascular surgery outcomes have recently been scrutinized by Medicare because of the high rates of readmission. We determined patient and clinical characteristics associated with readmission in a cohort of vascular surgery patients. ⋯ To reduce readmission rates effectively, institutions must identify high-risk patients. Efforts should focus on subgroups undergoing selected interventions (amputations, lower extremity revascularization), those with urgent admissions, and patients with extended hospital stays. Patients in need of postacute care upon discharge are especially prone to readmission, requiring special attention to discharge planning and coordination of postdischarge care. By focusing on subgroups at risk for readmission, preventative resources can be efficiently targeted.
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Hospital length of stay (LOS) contributes to costs. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is performed frequently by vascular surgeons, making contemporary CEA LOS rates and predictors vital knowledge for quality evaluation and cost containment initiatives. ⋯ Nearly half of CEA patients were discharged on or after postoperative day 2. Interventions on modifiable risk factors, such as early Foley catheter placement to prevent urinary retention and morning CEA scheduling, may decrease LOS. ELOS may identify a subset of patients at increased risk for long-term readmission and mortality.