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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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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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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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The Concept of Risk Assessment and Being Unfit for Surgery.
Kolh, P, De Hert, S, De Rango, P
European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery. 2016;(6):857-66
Abstract
The concept of risk assessment and the identification of surgical unfitness for vascular intervention is a particularly controversial issue today as the minimally invasive surgical population has increased not only in volume but also in complexity (comorbidity profile) and age, requiring an improved pre-operative selection and definition of high risk. A practical step by step (three steps, two points for each) approach for surgical risk assessment is suggested in this review. As a general rule, the identification of a "high risk" patient for vascular surgery follows a step by step process where the risk is clearly defined, quantified (when too "high"?), and thereby stratified based on the procedure, the patient, and the hospital, with the aid of predictive risk scores. However, there is no standardized, updated, and objective definition for surgical unfitness today. The major gap in the current literature on the definition of high risk in vascular patients explains the lack of sound validated predictive systems and limited generalizability of risk scores in vascular surgery. In addition, the concept of fitness is an evolving tool and many traditional high risk criteria and definitions are no longer valid. Given the preventive purpose of most vascular procedures performed in elderly asymptomatic patients, the decision to pursue or withhold surgery requires realistic estimates not only regarding individual peri-operative mortality, but also life expectancy, healthcare priorities, and the patient's primary goals, such as prolongation of life versus maintenance of independence or symptom relief. The overall "frailty" and geriatric risk burden, such as cognitive, functional, social, and nutritional status, are variables that should be also included in the analyses for stratification of surgical risk in elderly vascular patients.
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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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Abstract
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.
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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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Pre- and Postoperative Imaging of the Aortic Root.
Hanneman, K, Chan, FP, Mitchell, RS, Miller, DC, Fleischmann, D
Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 2016;(1):19-37
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Three-dimensional datasets acquired using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are ideally suited for characterization of the aortic root. These modalities offer different advantages and limitations, which must be weighed according to the clinical context. This article provides an overview of current aortic root imaging, highlighting normal anatomy, pathologic conditions, imaging techniques, measurement thresholds, relevant surgical procedures, postoperative complications and potential imaging pitfalls. Patients with a range of clinical conditions are predisposed to aortic root disease, including Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Various surgical techniques may be used to repair the aortic root, including placement of a composite valve graft, such as the Bentall and Cabrol procedures; placement of an aortic root graft with preservation of the native valve, such as the Yacoub and David techniques; and implantation of a biologic graft, such as a homograft, autograft, or xenograft. Potential imaging pitfalls in the postoperative period include mimickers of pathologic processes such as felt pledgets, graft folds, and nonabsorbable hemostatic agents. Postoperative complications that may be encountered include pseudoaneurysms, infection, and dehiscence. Radiologists should be familiar with normal aortic root anatomy, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications, to accurately interpret pre- and postoperative imaging performed for evaluation of the aortic root. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Gluteal Compartment Syndrome Following Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Viviani, E, Giribono, AM, Narese, D, Ferrara, D, Servillo, G, Del Guercio, L, Bracale, UM
The international journal of lower extremity wounds. 2016;(4):354-359
Abstract
Compartment syndrome (CS) is a pathological increase of the interstitial pressure within the closed osseous fascial compartments. Trauma is the most common cause, followed by embolization, burns, and iatrogenic injuries; it usually involves the limbs. The major issue when dealing with CS is the possibility to do an early diagnosis in order to intervene precociously, through a fasciotomy, reducing the risk of tissue, vascular and nervous damage. Although it is an infrequent condition, it is potentially life threatening. In our case report, we present a 59-year-old patient, smoker, affected by hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic renal failure, and morbid obesity who came at our attention for a 6-cm abdominal aorta aneurysm, treated with an aorto-aortic graft. Within 24 hours from surgery, the patient presented acute ischemia of the right lower limb due to thrombosis of the common iliac artery and underwent the positioning of a kissing stent at the aortic bifurcation. In the immediate postoperative period, a relevant increase in serum creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and myoglobin value was recorded, associated with clinical presentation of swelling in the right buttock with intense pain. The diagnosis of gluteal CS was confirmed by the measurement of the gluteal compartment pressure, which resulted of 110 mm Hg. The treatment of the CS consisted in gluteal dermofasciotomy, surgical debridement of the buttock, and positioning of negative pressure medication, associated with infusive therapy, avoiding hemodialysis. Because of the epidural anesthesia only later on it was possible to observe a persistent plegia of the right lower limb, which was solved within 1 month of neurological and physical therapy. With our experience, we can state that the CS is an extremely severe complication that can occur in vascular surgeries and it should therefore be kept in mind in the short-term postoperative period in order to guarantee a precocious diagnosis and immediate treatment.
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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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Endovascular Intervention in the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease.
Couto, M, Figueróa, A, Sotolongo, A, Pérez, R, Ojeda, JM
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico. 2015;(3):47-51
Abstract
Endovascular therapy has emerged as an essential part of the management we can offer patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease. The AHA/ACCF guidelines deemed ballon angioplasty as a reasonable alternative for patients with limb threatening lower extremity ischemia who are not candidates for an autologus venous graft. Endovascular treatment is most useful for the treatment of critical limb ischemia and should ensure adequate proximal flow before engaging in interventions of distal disease.To increase procedure success rate, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is fundamental. This evaluation must take into account amount of calcium, no flow occlusion, length of occlusion, and presence of collaterals. There are different tools and procedure techniques available. Among these are the medicated ballon angioplasty and atherectomy by laser or high-speed drill, among others. Further studies may consolidate endovascular intervention as a safe and effective management for patients with lower extremity arterial disease and possibly cause a change in the actual practice guidelines.