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How to Prevent Surgical Site Infection in Vascular Surgery: A Review of the Evidence.
Zhao, AH, Kwok, CHR, Jansen, SJ
Annals of vascular surgery. 2022;:336-361
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review aims to identify and review the current evidence for preventing postoperative surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery or infrainguinal arterial surgery. METHODS Extended literature review of clinical trials that examined the prevention of postoperative surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. Searches were conducted on Ovid MEDLINE (1950 - 13 March 2020) using key terms for vascular surgery, surgical site infections and specific preventative techniques. Articles were included if they discussed a relationship between a preventative technique and surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. The GRADE guidelines were used to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS 21 techniques and 81 studies were included. Prophylactic antibiotics and negative pressure wound therapy have a high quality of evidence for the prevention of surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. A moderate quality evidence base was identified for gentamicin containing collagen implant (confined to high surgical site infection risk centers). Currently, there is a low or very low quality of evidence to suggest a reduction in the surgical site infection rate for combination therapy, glycaemic control, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening and absorbable suture. Evidence suggests no beneficial effect for nutritional supplementation, chlorhexidine bath, hair removal therapy, Staphylococcus aureus nasal eradication, cyanoacrylate microsealant, silver grafts, rifampicin bonded grafts, triclosan coated suture and postoperative wound drains. Endoscopic saphenous vein harvest may reduce surgical site infection rate (very low quality of evidence) but may lower long-term patency. Autologous vein grafts may increase surgical site infections (very low quality of evidence) but may provide better long-term patency rates in above-knee infrainguinal bypass surgery. There was no identified evidence for perioperative normothermia, electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer or Dermabond and Tegaderm for surgical site infection prevention in vascular surgery. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic antibiotics and postoperative negative pressure wound therapy are effective in the prevention of postoperative surgical site infection in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. There exists a significant risk of bias in the literature for many preventative techniques and further studies are required to investigate the efficacy of gentamicin containing collagen implant, and specific combination therapies.
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(TIMP2) x (IGFBP7) as early renal biomarker for the prediction of acute kidney injury in aortic surgery (TIGER). A single center observational study.
Waskowski, J, Pfortmueller, CA, Schenk, N, Buehlmann, R, Schmidli, J, Erdoes, G, Schefold, JC
PloS one. 2021;(1):e0244658
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postoperative acute kidney injury (po-AKI) is frequently observed after major vascular surgery and impacts on mortality rates. Early identification of po-AKI patients using the novel urinary biomarkers insulin-like growth factor-binding-protein 7 (IGFBP7) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) might help in early identification of individuals at risk of AKI and enable timely introduction of preventative or therapeutic interventions with the aim of reducing the incidence of po-AKI. We investigated whether biomarker-based monitoring would allow for early detection of po-AKI in patients undergoing abdominal aortic interventions. METHODS In an investigator-initiated prospective single-center observational study in a tertiary care academic center, adult patients with emergency/ elective abdominal aortic repair were included. Patients were tested for concentrations of urinary (TIMP-2) x (IGFBP7) at baseline, after surgical interventions (PO), and in the mornings of the first postoperative day (POD1). The primary endpoint was a difference in urinary (TIMP-2) x (IGFBP7) levels at POD1 in patients with/ without po-AKI (all KDIGO stages, po-AKI until seven days after surgery). Secondary endpoints included sensitivity/ specificity analyses of previously proposed cut-off levels and clinical outcome measures (e.g. need for renal replacement therapy). RESULTS 93 patients (n = 71 open surgery) were included. Po-AKI was observed in 33% (31/93) of patients. Urinary (TIMP-2) x (IGFBP7) levels at POD1 did not differ between patients with/ without AKI (median 0.39, interquartile range [IQR] 0.13-1.05 and median 0.23, IQR 0.14-0.53, p = .11, respectively) and PO (median 0.2, IQR 0.08-0.42, 0.18, IQR 0.09-0.46; p = .79). Higher median (TIMP-2) x (IGFBP7) levels were noted in KDIGO stage 3 pAKI patients at POD1 (3.75, IQR 1.97-6.92; p = .003). Previously proposed cutoff levels (0.3, 2) showed moderate sensitivity/ specificity (0.58/0.58 and 0.16/0.98, respectively). CONCLUSION In a prospective monocentric observational study in patients after abdominal aortic repair, early assessment of urinary (TIMP-2) x (IGFBP7) did not appear to have adequate sensitivity/ specificity to identify patients that later developed postoperative AKI. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03469765, registered March 19, 2018.
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Contemporary Review to Reduce Groin Surgical Site Infections in Vascular Surgery.
Rasheed, H, Diab, K, Singh, T, Chauhan, Y, Haddad, P, Zubair, MM, Vowels, T, Androas, E, Rojo, M, Auyang, P, et al
Annals of vascular surgery. 2021;:578-588
Abstract
Surgical site infection (SSIs) in lower extremity vascular procedures is a major contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Despite previous advancements in preoperative and postoperative care, the surgical infection rate in vascular surgery remains high, particularly when groin incisions are involved. However, successfully targeting modifiable risk factors reduces the surgical site infection incidence in vascular surgery patients. We conducted an extensive literature review to evaluate the efficacy of various preventive strategies for groin surgical site infections. We discuss the role of preoperative showers, preoperative and postoperative antibiotics, collagen gentamicin implants, iodine impregnated drapes, types of skin incisions, negative pressure wound therapy, and prophylactic muscle flap transposition in preventing surgical site infection in the groin after vascular surgical procedures.
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Short-Term Pre-Operative Protein Caloric Restriction in Elective Vascular Surgery Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Kip, P, Sluiter, TJ, Moore, JK, Hart, A, Ruske, J, O'Leary, J, Jung, J, Tao, M, MacArthur, MR, Heindel, P, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(11)
Abstract
(1) Background: Vascular surgery operations are hampered by high failure rates and frequent occurrence of peri-operative cardiovascular complications. In pre-clinical studies, pre-operative restriction of proteins and/or calories (PCR) has been shown to limit ischemia-reperfusion damage, slow intimal hyperplasia, and improve metabolic fitness. However, whether these dietary regimens are feasible and safe in the vascular surgery patient population remains unknown. (2) Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial in patients scheduled for any elective open vascular procedure. Participants were randomized in a 3:2 ratio to either four days of outpatient pre-operative PCR (30% calorie, 70% protein restriction) or their regular ad-libitum diet. Blood was drawn at baseline, pre-operative, and post-operative day 1 timepoints. A leukocyte subset flow cytometry panel was performed at these timepoints. Subcutaneous/perivascular adipose tissue was sampled and analyzed. Follow-up was one year post-op. (3) Results: 19 patients were enrolled, of whom 11 completed the study. No diet-related reasons for non-completion were reported, and there was no intervention group crossover. The PCR diet induced weight loss and BMI decrease without malnutrition. Insulin sensitivity was improved after four days of PCR (p = 0.05). Between diet groups, there were similar rates of re-intervention, wound infection, and cardiovascular complications. Leukocyte populations were maintained after four days of PCR. (4) Conclusions: Pre-operative PCR is safe and feasible in elective vascular surgery patients.
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Vascular Lesion-Specific Drug Delivery Systems: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.
Marlevi, D, Edelman, ER
Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2021;(19):2413-2431
Abstract
Drug delivery is central to modern cardiovascular care, where drug-eluting stents, bioresorbable scaffolds, and drug-coated balloons all aim to restore perfusion while inhibiting exuberant healing. The promise and enthusiasm of these devices has in some cases exceeded demonstration of efficacy and even understanding of driving mechanisms. The authors review the means of drug delivery in each device, outlining how the technologies affect vascular behavior. They focus on how drug retention and response are governed by lesion morphology: lipid displacing drug-specific binding sites, calcium inhibiting diffusion, blocking thrombi or promoting luminal washout, and vascular healing steering hyperplastic developments. In this regard, the authors outline the fundamental impact of vascular structure on drug delivery and review the development of contemporary and future devices for coronary and peripheral intervention. They look toward a future where incorporating information on lesion distribution is central to therapeutic success and envision a transition toward lesion-specific treatment for improved interventional outcomes.
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Steam ablation versus stripping of great saphenous varicose veins.
Næs, AL, Halsteinli, V, Seternes, A
Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke. 2019;(5)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of new technology can lead to changes in the treatment course for patients and in treatment costs for the health service. The aim of this study was to compare sickness absence and time to resumption of daily activities, as well as treatment costs, for two surgical treatments for varicose veins: endovenous steam ablation and vein stripping. MATERIAL AND METHOD This prospective observational study included 46 patients treated with steam ablation and 37 treated with vein stripping in the period 2015-2016. The two groups were matched with respect to age, sex, occupational status and classification. After treatment, patients were interviewed every other week until daily activities had been resumed. Detailed information on expenditure related to personnel, equipment, premises and materials was used to calculate the cost of treatment. RESULTS Patients treated with steam ablation resumed daily activities after a median of 0 (interquartile range 0-2) days versus 4 (2-7) days for vein stripping (p < 0.001), and sporting activities after 4 (2-9) days versus 11 (3-19) days (p < 0.004). For patients in employment, sickness absence after steam ablation was 2 (2-5) days versus 14 (6-21) for patients treated with vein stripping (p < 0.001). The estimated treatment cost for steam ablation was NOK 5 973, compared with NOK 10 109 for vein stripping. INTERPRETATION Steam ablation led to shorter convalescence and sickness absence for the patient, and lower costs for the hospital. Reduced sickness absence also implies lower costs for society.
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Predictors of Rapid Aortic Root Dilation and Referral for Aortic Surgery in Marfan Syndrome.
Hoskoppal, A, Menon, S, Trachtenberg, F, Burns, KM, De Backer, J, Gelb, BD, Gleason, M, James, J, Lai, WW, Liou, A, et al
Pediatric cardiology. 2018;(7):1453-1461
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Abstract
Few data exist regarding predictors of rapid aortic root dilation and referral for aortic surgery in Marfan syndrome (MFS). To identify independent predictors of the rate of aortic root (AoR) dilation and referral for aortic surgery, we investigated the data from the Pediatric Heart Network randomized trial of atenolol versus losartan in young patients with MFS. Data were analyzed from the echocardiograms at 0, 12, 24, and 36 months read in the core laboratory of 608 trial subjects, aged 6 months to 25 years, who met original Ghent criteria and had an AoR z-score (AoRz) > 3. Repeated measures linear and logistic regressions were used to determine multivariable predictors of AoR dilation. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine cut-points in AoR dilation predicting referral for aortic surgery. Multivariable analysis showed rapid AoR dilation as defined by change in AoRz/year > 90th percentile was associated with older age, higher sinotubular junction z-score, and atenolol use (R2 = 0.01) or by change in AoR diameter (AoRd)/year > 90th percentile with higher sinotubular junction z-score and non-white race (R2 = 0.02). Referral for aortic root surgery was associated with higher AoRd, higher ascending aorta z-score, and higher sinotubular junction diameter:ascending aorta diameter ratio (R2 = 0.17). Change in AoRz of 0.72 SD units/year had 42% sensitivity and 92% specificity and change in AoRd of 0.34 cm/year had 38% sensitivity and 95% specificity for predicting referral for aortic surgery. In this cohort of young patients with MFS, no new robust predictors of rapid AoR dilation or referral for aortic root surgery were identified. Further investigation may determine whether generalized proximal aortic dilation and effacement of the sinotubular junction will allow for better risk stratification. Rate of AoR dilation cut-points had high specificity, but low sensitivity for predicting referral for aortic surgery, limiting their clinical use. Clinical Trial Number ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00429364.
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Management of bleeding in vascular surgery.
Chee, YE, Liu, SE, Irwin, MG
British journal of anaesthesia. 2016;:ii85-ii94
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Abstract
Management of acute coagulopathy and blood loss during major vascular procedures poses a significant haemostatic challenge to anaesthetists. The acute coagulopathy is multifactorial in origin with tissue injury and hypotension as the precipitating factors, followed by dilution, hypothermia, acidemia, hyperfibrinolysis and systemic inflammatory response, all acting as a self-perpetuating spiral of events. The problem is confounded by the high prevalence of antithrombotic agent use in these patients and intraoperative heparin administration. Trials specifically examining bleeding management in vascular surgery are lacking, and much of the literature and guidelines are derived from studies on patients with trauma. In general, it is recommended to adopt permissive hypotension with a restrictive fluid strategy, using a combination of crystalloid and colloid solutions up to one litre during the initial resuscitation, after which blood products should be administered. A restrictive transfusion trigger for red cells remains the mainstay of treatment except for the high-risk patients, where the trigger should be individualized. Transfusion of blood components should be initiated by clinical evidence of coagulopathy such as diffuse microvascular bleeding, and then guided by either laboratory or point-of-care coagulation testing. Prophylactic antifibrinolytic use is recommended for all surgery where excessive bleeding is anticipated. Fibrinogen and prothrombin complex concentrates administration are recommended during massive transfusion, whereas rFVIIa should be reserved until all means have failed. While debates over the ideal resuscitative strategy continue, the approach to vascular haemostasis should be scientific, rational, and structured. As far as possible, therapy should be monitored and goal directed.
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Vein arterialization for lower limb revascularization.
Houlind, K, Christensen, JK, Jepsen, JM
The Journal of cardiovascular surgery. 2016;(2):266-72
Abstract
Conventional bypass surgery is only possible when patent distal arterial outflow vessels are available. In patients with critical limb ischemia and occluded distal arteries, attempts have been made to establish retrograde perfusion through either deep or superficial pedal veins. Though historical results were disappointing, more recently limb salvage has been achieved after adopting a principle of 1) placing the anastomosis distally, and 2) actively destroying the distal valves. Experimental, para-clinical, and clinical data confirm that direct tissue nutrition is improved, angiogenesis stimulated, and collaterals opened. Only a limited number of cases have been reported in the literature and a number of different operative techniques have been described. The results in terms of limb salvage and wound healing vary widely. Generally, results are poorer than what would have been expected if femoro-distal arterial bypass had been possible. Recently, hybrid approaches have been developed to avoid extensive distal incisions by endovascular destruction of valves and closure of side branches. Also, a totally endovascular technique, including the position of a stent graft between the vein and artery, has been proposed and tested. These developments may in the future improve results by limiting incisional wound complications and make this treatment available to more patients who would otherwise have no other alternative than amputation.
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Contrast induced nephropathy in vascular surgery.
Wong, GT, Lee, EY, Irwin, MG
British journal of anaesthesia. 2016;:ii63-ii73
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Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is traditionally associated with outpatient imaging studies. More recently, patients afflicted with vascular pathologies are increasingly undergoing endovascular treatments that require the use of iodinated contrast media (CM) agents, thus placing them as risk of developing CIN. As perioperative physicians, anaesthetists should be aware of the risk factors and measures that might minimize acute kidney injury caused by CM. This review evaluates recent data regarding preventive measures against CIN and where possible, places the evidence in the context of the patient receiving endovascular surgical treatment. Measures including the use of peri-procedural hydration, N-acetylcysteine, statins, remote ischaemic preconditioning, renal vasodilators and renal replacement therapy and the use of alternatives to iodinated contrast agents are discussed. It should be noted that most of the available data regarding CIN are from non-surgical patients.