Journal of vascular surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of supervised exercise therapy for intermittent claudication on lower limb lean mass.
Supervised exercise is currently recommended for the first-line treatment of intermittent claudication based on improvement in walking capacity. However, the promotion of skeletal muscle atrophy by repetitive ischemia-reperfusion caused by treadmill-based programs remains a concern. Because preservation of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and lean mass (LM) is integral to functional capacity and longevity, this study measured the effect of standard treadmill-based supervised exercise on SMM and regional lower limb LM in patients with intermittent claudication. ⋯ Twelve weeks of standard treadmill-training for intermittent calf claudication did not result in loss of calf LM; however, a significant decrease in bilateral thigh LM was observed, even in patients with unilateral symptoms. Further research on optimum exercise modalities and end points are required to determine the pathophysiology and effects of these changes on function and survival.
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Comparative Study
Contemporary comparison of aortofemoral bypass to alternative inflow procedures in the Veteran population.
Multiple vascular inflow reconstruction options exist for claudication, including aortofemoral bypass (AFB) and alternative inflow procedures (AIPs) such as femoral reconstruction with iliac stents, and femoral-femoral, iliofemoral, and axillofemoral bypass. Contemporary multi-institution comparison of these techniques is lacking. ⋯ For claudicant patients with inflow disease, AFB has higher rates of 30-day complications and a trend toward higher mortality; however by 90 days postoperatively, the two procedure types have similar rates of mortality.
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Both open surgery and endovascular peripheral interventions have been shown to effectively improve outcomes in patients with peripheral arterial disease, but minimal data exist comparing outcomes performed at and below the knee among patients with diabetes (DM) specifically. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes following open bypass (lower extremity bypass [LEB]) and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) at and below the knee in patients with DM vs patients without DM (non-DM) with critical limb ischemia. ⋯ Critical limb ischemia resulting from arterial occlusive disease at or below the knee can be treated successfully with either open surgical bypass or endovascular interventions in both DM and non-DM patients. Aggressive attempts at limb salvage among patients with critical limb ischemia should be pursued regardless of DM status.
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Comparative Study
Results of celiac trunk stenting during fenestrated or branched aortic endografting.
Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms involving the visceral segment of the aorta often requires placement of a covered bridging stent in the celiac axis (CA). The median arcuate ligament (MAL) is a fibrous arch that unites the diaphragmatic crura on either side of the aortic hiatus. The ligament may compress and distort the celiac artery and result in difficult cannulation, or stenosis and occlusion of the vessel. This study evaluated the influence of the MAL compression on the technical success and the patency of the celiac artery after branched and fenestrated endovascular aortic repair. ⋯ MAL compression is associated with good celiac trunk bridging stent patency during follow-up, but with a higher rate of technical difficulties and failed bridging stent implantation during the procedure.
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Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the mainstay of treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) requiring repair. Delayed rupture after EVAR represents a rare but potentially fatal complication. The purpose of this study was to review the frequency and characteristics of patients presenting with secondary rupture and to define the relationship between rupture after EVAR and initial compliance with instructions for use (IFU). ⋯ Delayed rupture after EVAR is a rare but potentially fatal complication. In patients presenting with secondary rupture, EVAR performed outside the IFU was associated with higher perioperative mortality and need for open repair. Careful selection of patients based on AAA anatomy and adherence to the IFU criteria may reduce the incidence of delayed rupture.