Annals of vascular surgery
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Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) have been associated with improved survival in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in some studies. However, without randomization, those with early mortality who did not receive an IVCF might have died prior to treatment decision about filter placement, falsely contributing a survival advantage to those receiving IVCF and biasing the results of previous observational studies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of IVCF on in-hospital mortality after adjusting for this survivor treatment selection. ⋯ Placement of IVCF in all patients with acute PE, in high-risk patients, or in high-risk patients concurrently treated with thrombolysis is not significantly associated with improvement of in-hospital mortality when accounting for survivor treatment selection bias.
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Management of complicated indwelling inferior vena cava (IVC) filters has increased due to low retrieval rates. Filter migration and perforation are infrequent complications and require explantation of the filter. We report our recent experience with endovascular retrieval and surgical explantation of IVC filters after caval perforation. ⋯ Patients presenting with abdominal pain and history of IVC filter placement should cause concern for possible caval strut perforation. Endovascular retrieval or surgical explantation are required for removal and can be accomplished with minimal risk to the patient.
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Multicenter Study
Hypoalbuminemia Predicts Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality after Infrainguinal Lower Extremity Bypass for Critical Limb Ischemia.
Poor nutritional status has been associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in general surgery patients; however, outcomes in vascular surgery patients are unclear. Our goal was to determine the effect of poor nutritional status on perioperative morbidity and mortality after lower extremity bypass (LEB). ⋯ Poor preoperative hypoalbuminemia is associated with morbidity and mortality after infrainguinal lower extremity bypass for critical limb ischemia. Evaluation and optimization of nutritional status should be performed preoperatively in this high risk population.
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Observational Study
Evaluation of the Bundle "Zero Surgical Site Infection" to Prevent Surgical Site Infection in Vascular Surgery.
To compare the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) before and after the implementation of a bundle of care called "Zero Surgical Site Infection." Secondary goals included estimating measures of association and their potential impact, determining care management indicators in vascular surgery, and evaluating the level of compliance with the bundle. ⋯ This bundle has demonstrated to be effective in reducing the incidence of SSI in vascular surgery. The publication of these initial results should encourage the implementation of this bundle at national level.
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Ultrasound screening shows a clinical benefit in reducing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)-related mortality. However, its cost-effectiveness remains unclear. Understanding the relationship between risk factors and AAA is important to maximize the benefit of AAA screening. However, risk factors for AAA have not been reported in Korea. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, AAA among the Korean population. ⋯ The prevalence of AAA was 2.0% in men and 0.4% in women. Male sex, old age, smoking, alcohol use, and pulmonary disease are possible risk factors for AAA in the general Korean population. Smoking is the strongest risk factor for the development of AAA.