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Cheun TJ, Davies MG. Influence of a Novel Morphology-Driven Classification on Limb Salvage after Isolated Tibial Intervention for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 106:467-478. [PMID: 38815911 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infra-popliteal interventions for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) can be impacted by the morphology of the tibial vessels. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a novel morphology-driven classification on the outcomes of isolated tibial intervention for CLTI. METHODS A database of patients undergoing isolated tibial interventions for CLTI at a single center between 2010 and 2020 was retrospectively queried. Patients with isolated infra-popliteal disease were identified, and their anatomy was scored as present or absent for lesion calcification (1 point), target vessel diameter<3.0 mm (1 point), lesion length>300 mm (1 point), and poor pedal runoff score (1 point). Patients were then divided into 3 groups: low risk (0 or 1 points), moderate risk (2 points), and high risk (3 or 4 points). Intention to treat analysis by the patient was performed. Limb-based patency (the absence of reintervention, occlusion, critical stenosis [>70%], or hemodynamic compromise with ongoing symptoms of CLTI as it related to the patency of the preoperatively determined target artery pathway) was assessed. Patient-oriented outcomes of amputation-free survival (AFS; survival without major amputation) and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE; above ankle amputation of the index limb or major reintervention: new bypass graft, jump/interposition graft revision) were evaluated. RESULTS 1,607 patients (55% male, average age 60 years, 3,846 vessels) underwent tibial intervention for CLTI. The majority of the patients were diabetic and of Hispanic origin. Morphologically, 27%, 31%, and 42% of the vessels were categorized as low risk, moderate risk, and high risk, respectively. There was a significant worsening of the infra-popliteal Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) grading as the morphological risk increased. The 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were equivalent across the groups and were under the stated objective performance goal (OPG) of ≤10%. In contrast, both the 30-day MALE and the 30-day major amputations were significantly different across the groups, with the low-risk group remaining under the OPG of ≤9% and ≤4%, respectively, while the moderate risk and high risk exceeded the goal threshold. For the OPG, freedom from MALE was 60 ± 5%, 46 ± 5%, and 22 ± 9% at 5 years for low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, respectively (mean ± standard error of the mean; P = 0.008). Overall AFS was 55 ± 5%, 37 ± 6%, and 18 ± 7% at 5 years for low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, respectively (mean ± standard error of the mean; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Tibial anatomic morphology impacts isolated tibial endovascular intervention with adverse morphology associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes. Risk stratification based on anatomic predictors should be an additional consideration as one intervenes on infra-popliteal vessels for CLTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey J Cheun
- Center for Quality, Effectiveness, and Outcomes in Cardiovascular Diseases, Houston, TX; Department of Anesthesia, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Mark G Davies
- Center for Quality, Effectiveness, and Outcomes in Cardiovascular Diseases, Houston, TX; Department of Vascular/Endovascular Surgery, Ascension Health, Waco, TX.
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Lepow BD, Zulbaran-Rojas A, Park C, Chowdhary S, Najafi B, Chung J, Ross JA, Mills JL, Montero-Baker M. Guillotine Transmetatarsal Amputations With Staged Closure Promote Early Ambulation and Limb Salvage in Patients With Advanced Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia. J Endovasc Ther 2024; 31:687-696. [PMID: 36565249 DOI: 10.1177/15266028221144587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) with primary closure has long been an option for limb salvage in patients with advanced chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) with extensive tissue loss of the forefoot. However, TMA healing and closure techniques are challenging, specifically in high-risk patients. Guillotine transmetatarsal amputations (gTMA) with staged closure may provide an alternative treatment in this population. We report long-term outcomes of such technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center retrospective cohort study of CLTI patients undergoing gTMA between 2017 and 2020 was performed. Limb salvage, wound healing, and survival rates were quantified using Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis. Multivariate regression was used to identify the effect of patient characteristics on the outcomes. RESULTS Forty-four gTMA procedures were reviewed. Median follow-up was 381 (interquartile range [IQR], 212-539.75) days. After gTMA, 87.8% (n=36) of the patients were able to ambulate after a median interval of 2 (IQR, 1-3) days. Eventual coverage was achieved in a personalized and staged approach by using a combination of skin substitutes (88.6%, n=39) ± split thickness skin grafts (STSG, 61.4%, n=27). KM estimates for limb salvage, wound healing, and survival were 84.1%, 54.5%, and 88.6% at 1 year and 81.8%, 63.8%, and 84.1% at 2 years. Wound healing was significantly associated with STSG application (p=0.002, OR=16.5, 95% CI 2.87-94.81). CONCLUSION gTMA resulted in high limb salvage rates during long-term follow-up in CLTI patients. Adjunctive STSG placement may enhance wound healing at the gTMA site, thus leading to expedited wound closure. Surgeons may consider gTMA as an alternative to reduce limb loss in CLTI patients at high risk of major amputation. CLINICAL IMPACT Currently, the clinical presentation of CLTI is becoming more complex to deal with due to the increasing comorbidities as the society becomes older. The data shown in this article means for clinicians that when facing diffused forefoot gangrene and extensive tissue loss, limb preservation could still be considered instead of major amputation. Guillotine transmetatarsal amputations in the setting of an aggressive multidisciplinary group, can be healed by the responsibly utilization of dermal substitutes and skin grafts leading to the preservation of the extremity, allowing mobility, avoiding of sarcopenia, and decreasing frailty. This will equate to maintenance of independent living and preservation of lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Lepow
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro Zulbaran-Rojas
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Catherine Park
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, VA Health Services Research & Development, Houston, TX, USA
- The Big Data Scientist Training Enhancement Program, VA Office of Research & Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Saakshi Chowdhary
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jayer Chung
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Ross
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph L Mills
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Miguel Montero-Baker
- Vascular Surgery, Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates, Houston, TX, USA
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Nakhaei P, Hamouda M, Malas MB. The Double Burden: Deciphering Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in End-Stage Renal Disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2024:S0890-5096(24)00151-1. [PMID: 38599491 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.12.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) poses significant challenges in clinical management due to its unique pathology and poor treatment outcomes. This review calls for a tailored classification and risk assessment for these patients to guide better revascularization choices with early minor amputation as a first-line strategy in advanced stages. METHODS This review consolidates key findings from recent literature on CLTI in ESRD, focusing on disease mechanisms, treatment options, and patient outcomes. It evaluates the literature to clarify the decision-making process for managing CLTI in ESRD. RESULTS CLTI in ESRD patients often results in worse clinical outcomes, such as nonhealing wounds, increased limb loss, and higher mortality rates. While the literature reveals ongoing debates regarding the optimal revascularization method, recent retrospective studies and meta-analyses suggest potential benefits of endovascular treatment (EVT) over open bypass surgery (OB) in reducing mortality and wound complications, with comparable amputation-free survival rates. CONCLUSIONS The selection of revascularization methods in ESRD patients with CLTI is complex, necessitating individualized strategies. The importance of early detection and timely intervention is critical to decelerate disease progression and improve revascularization outcomes. There is a shift in these treatment strategies toward less invasive endovascular procedures, acknowledging the limitations these patients face with open revascularization surgeries. Considering early minor amputations after revascularization could prevent worse consequences, reflecting a shift in the approach to managing CLTI in ESRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooria Nakhaei
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Mohammed Hamouda
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Mahmoud B Malas
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA.
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Rakestraw SL, Novak Z, Wang M, Banks CA, Spangler EL, Levitan EB, Locke JE, Beck AW, Sutzko DC. Treatment Location Variation for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Patients With Kidney Failure. J Surg Res 2024; 293:300-306. [PMID: 37806215 PMCID: PMC10799673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is an established risk factor for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Procedural location for ESKD patients has not been well described. This study aims to examine variation in index procedural location in ESKD versus non-ESKD patients undergoing peripheral vascular intervention for CLTI and identify preoperative risk factors for tibial interventions. METHODS Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) peripheral vascular intervention dataset. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compared between patients with and without ESKD and those undergoing index tibial versus nontibial interventions. A multivariable logistic regression evaluating risk factors for tibial intervention was conducted. RESULTS A total of 23,480 procedures were performed on CLTI patients with 13.6% (n = 3154) with ESKD. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients were younger (66.56 ± 11.68 versus 71.66 ± 12.09 y old, P = 0.019), more often Black (40.6 versus 18.6%, P < 0.001), male (61.2 versus 56.5%, P < 0.001), and diabetic (81.8 versus 60.0%, P < 0.001) than non-ESKD patients. Patients undergoing index tibial interventions had higher rates of ESKD (19.4 versus 10.6%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (73.4 versus 57.5%, P < 0.001) and lower rates of smoking (49.9 versus 73.0%, P < 0.001) than patients with nontibial interventions. ESKD (odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52-1.86, P < 0.001), Black race (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.30, P < 0.001), and diabetes (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.71-2.00, P < 0.001) were risk factors for tibial intervention. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ESKD and CLTI have higher rates of diabetes and tibial disease and lower rates of smoking than non-ESKD patients. Tibial disease was associated with ESKD, diabetes, and Black race.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zdenek Novak
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Charles A Banks
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily L Spangler
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily B Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jayme E Locke
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Adam W Beck
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Danielle C Sutzko
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Yan Q, Jayakumar L, Sideman MJ, Ferrer L, Mitromaras C, Miserlis D, Davies MG. Extent of heel ulceration influences the outcomes in patients with isolated infrapopliteal limb threatening critical ischemia. J Vasc Surg 2020; 73:1731-1740.e2. [PMID: 33031885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.08.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the extent of heel ulceration on the outcomes of limb threatening critical ischemia due to isolated infrapopliteal disease. METHODS A retrospective review identified 989 patients with isolated infrapopliteal disease and heel ulceration treated from 2001 to 2018. The heel was defined as the back of the foot, extending from the Achilles tendon to around the plantar surface and covering the apex of the calcaneum bone. Heel ulceration was categorized into three groups by area: <5 cm2, 5 to 10 cm2, and >10 cm2. The interventions were endovascular, open bypass, major amputation, and wound care. An intention-to-treat analysis by patient group was performed. The 30-day outcomes and amputation-free survival (AFS; survival without a major amputation) were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 989 patients, 384 (58% male; average age, 65 years; n = 768 vessels) had undergone isolated endovascular tibial intervention, 124 (45% male; average age, 59 years) had undergone popliteal tibial vein bypass for limb threatening critical ischemia, 219 (52% male; average age, 67 years) had undergone major amputation, and 242 (49% male; average age, 66 years) had received wound care. No difference was found in the 30-day major adverse cardiac events in the endovascular and open bypass groups, with significantly more events in the major amputation group (P = .03). The 30-day major adverse limb events and 30-day amputation rates were equivalent between the open bypass and endovascular groups. The 5-year AFS rate was superior in the open bypass group (37% ± 8%; mean ± standard error of the mean) compared with the endovascular group (27% ± 9%; P = .04). The wound care group had a 5-year AFS rate of 20% ± 9%, which was not significantly different from that of the endovascular group. Patients with heel ulcers of <5 cm2 had better AFS (47% ± 8%) than those with 5- to 10- cm2 heel ulceration (24% ± 9%). Heel ulcers >10 cm2 were associated with markedly worse 5-year AFS outcomes (0% ± 0%). The presence of end-stage renal disease, osteomyelitis, uncontrolled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c >10%), and/or frailty combined with a heel ulcer >10 cm2 were predictive of poor AFS. CONCLUSIONS An increasing heel ulcer area combined with osteomyelitis and systemic comorbidities was associated with worsening 30-day outcomes and 5-year AFS, irrespective of the therapy chosen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yan
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Lalithapriya Jayakumar
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Matthew J Sideman
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Lucas Ferrer
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Christopher Mitromaras
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Dimitrios Miserlis
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Mark G Davies
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, and South Texas Center for Vascular Care, South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex.
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Cheun TJ, Jayakumar L, Ferrer L, Miserlis D, Mitromaras C, Sideman MJ, Davies MG. Implications of early failure of isolated endovascular tibial interventions. J Vasc Surg 2020; 72:233-240.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Dalla Paola L, Cimaglia P, Carone A, Scavone G, Boscarino G, Bernucci D, Sbarzaglia P, Censi S, Ferrari R, Campo G. Limb salvage in diabetic patients with no-option critical limb ischemia: outcomes of a specialized center experience. Diabet Foot Ankle 2019; 10:1696012. [PMID: 31839898 PMCID: PMC6896489 DOI: 10.1080/2000625x.2019.1696012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To describe the characteristics, the management and the outcome of a consecutive series of patients with diabetic foot lesions (DF) and no-option critical limb ischemia (CLI) treated with a multidimensional, interdisciplinary approach in a dedicated center. Research Design and Methods: The prospective database of the Diabetic Foot Unit of the Maria Cecilia Hospital (Cotignola, Italy) collects medical history, risk factors, chemistry values, angiographic data, characteristic of foot lesions, medical and surgical therapies of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of DF and CLI. All patients were followed-up for at least 1 year and/or total recovery. The primary endpoint was 1-year amputation-free survival (AFS), secondary endpoints were limb salvage and survival. Results: Between October 2014 and October 2017, 1024 patients with DF and CLI were admitted to the center. Eighty-four of them (8.2%) fulfilled the criteria for no-option CLI. At 1 year, AFS, limb salvage, and survival rates were 34%, 34%, and 83%, respectively. Lesions located proximal to the Lisfranc joint were associated with major amputation (HR 2.1 [1.2-3.6]). One-year survival of patients treated with minor procedures was significantly higher compared to patients treated with major amputation (96% vs 76%, log-rank p = 0.019). Major amputation was independently associated with mortality (HR 7.83 [1.02-59.89]). Conclusions: The application of dedicated and standardized strategies permitted limb salvage in one-third of patients with no-option CLI. Patients with stable lesions limited to the forefoot and without ischaemic pain had a greater probability to successfully receive conservative treatments. Limb salvage was associated with subsequent higher one-year survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Dalla Paola
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
- Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Paolo Cimaglia
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
- Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Anna Carone
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scavone
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Giulio Boscarino
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Davide Bernucci
- Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Paolo Sbarzaglia
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Stefano Censi
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrari
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
- Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S.: Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
- Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
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Nikulainen V, Helmiö P, Hakovirta H. Changes in rates of vascular procedure types and lower extremity amputations in Finland for 2007-2017 inclusive, a population cohort study of 69,523 revascularizations. Int J Surg 2019; 72:118-125. [PMID: 31704419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since 2000 the numbers of both open and endovascular revascularization procedures have increased. Despite these increases, the number of major lower extremity amputations (LEAs) has remained relatively constant. The aim of the present study was to assess the number of vascular procedures in relation to the frequency of major LEAs in Finland. METHODS The Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) administers a national registry of all procedures conducted by official healthcare providers in Finland. Data regarding all revascularization procedures and major LEAs between 2007 and 2017 inclusive, were collected from the THL registry. The rates of both open and endovascular procedures were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 69,523 revascularization procedures were registered over the 11-year period. Of all revascularizations, 22.6% were endovascular in 2007, which rose to 60.5% in 2017. The annual rates of vascular procedures per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 66 in 2007 to 172 in 2017 (increase 10 procedures per year, 95% CI 8.6-12.3, P < 0.01) There was a significant increase (by 141 per year, 95% CI 110-174, P < 0.01) for open revascularizations (2705 operations in 2007, 3992 operations in 2017) and (by 491 per year, 95% CI 433-550, P < 0.01) for endovascular revascularizations (791 in 2007-5514 in 2017). Open aorto-iliac segment revascularization decreased, whereas the numbers of procedures increased for all other arterial segments. The overall frequency of amputations was 18-20 per 100,000. The frequency of amputations in the subpopulation over 65 years old decreased from 93 in 2007 to 72 in 2017 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated increases in vascular surgery procedures over the 11-year study-period. The increase was greatest for endovascular procedures. During the same period, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of major LEAs in the >65-year-old subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veikko Nikulainen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11, 20521, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Kiinanmyllynkatu 4-8, 20521, Turku, Finland.
| | - Päivi Helmiö
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11, 20521, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Kiinanmyllynkatu 4-8, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Hakovirta
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11, 20521, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Kiinanmyllynkatu 4-8, 20521, Turku, Finland
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