Bjoern Suckow - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Bjoern Suckow

Vascular, Jan 19, 2016

The risk of leg amputation among patients with diabetes has declined over the past decade, while ... more The risk of leg amputation among patients with diabetes has declined over the past decade, while use of preventative measures-such as hemoglobin A1c monitoring-has increased. However, the relationship between hemoglobin A1c testing and amputation risk remains unclear. We examined annual rates of hemoglobin A1c testing and major leg amputation among Medicare patients with diabetes from 2003 to 2012 across 306 hospital referral regions. We created linear regression models to study associations between hemoglobin A1c testing and lower extremity amputation. From 2003 to 2012, the proportion of patients who received hemoglobin A1c testing increased 10% (74% to 84%), while their rate of lower extremity amputation decreased 50% (430 to 232/100,000 beneficiaries). Regional hemoglobin A1c testing weakly correlated with crude amputation rate in both years (2003 R = -0.20, 2012 R = -0.21), and further weakened with adjustment for age, sex, and disability status (2003 R = -0.11, 2012 R = -0.17)...

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic patients with limited life expectancy may not be be... more Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic patients with limited life expectancy may not be beneficial or cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between survival, outcomes and costs within two years following CEA among asymptomatic patients. Prospectively collected data from 3,097 patients undergoing CEA for asymptomatic disease from Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Registry were linked to Medicare. Models were used to identify predictors of 2-year mortality following CEA. Patients were classified as low, medium or high risk of death based on this model. Next, we examined costs related to cerebrovascular care, occurrence of stroke, rehospitalization and reintervention within 2 years following CEA across risk strata. Overall 2-year mortality was 6.7%. Age, diabetes, smoking, CHF, COPD, renal insufficiency, absence of statin use and contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis were independently associated with a higher risk of death following CEA. In-hospital costs averaged 7,500amongpatientsdefinedaslowriskfordeath,andexceeded7,500 among patients defined as low risk for death, and exceeded 7,500amongpatientsdefinedaslowriskfordeath,andexceeded10,800 among high risk patients. While long-term costs related to cerebrovascular disease were two times higher in patients deemed high risk for death compared to low-risk patents ($17,800 vs $8,800, P=.001), high risk of death was not independently associated with a high probability of high cost. Predictors of high cost at 2-years were severe contralateral ICA stenosis, dialysis dependence, and ASA Class 4. Both statin use and CHF were protective of high cost. Greater than 90% of patients undergoing CEA live long enough to realize the benefits of their procedure. Moreover, the long-term costs are supported by the effectiveness of this procedure at all levels of patient risk.

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Patient education is a fundamental responsibility of medical providers caring for patients with a... more Patient education is a fundamental responsibility of medical providers caring for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). We sought to evaluate and quantify AAA-specific knowledge in patients under AAA surveillance and in patients who have undergone AAA repair. In 2013, 1373 patients from 6 U.S. institutions were mailed an AAA-specific quality of life and knowledge survey. Of these patients, 1008 (73%) returned completed surveys for analysis. The knowledge domain of the survey consisted of nine questions. An AAA knowledge score was calculated for each patient based on the proportion of questions answered correctly. The score was then compared according to sex, race, and education level. Surveillance and repaired patients were also compared. Among 1008 survey respondents, 351 were under AAA surveillance and 657 had AAA repair (endovascular repair, 414; open, 179; unknown, 64). The majority of patients (85%) reported that their "doctor's office" was their most important source of AAA information. The "Internet" and "other written materials" were each reported as the most important source of information 5% of the time with "other patients" reported 2% of the time. The mean AAA knowledge score was 47% (range 0%-100%; standard deviation, 23%) with a broad variation in percentage correct between questions. Thirty-two percent of respondents did not know that larger AAA size increases rupture risk, and 64% did not know that AAA runs in families. Only 15% of patients answered six or more of the nine questions correctly, and 23% of patients answered two or fewer questions correctly. AAA knowledge was significantly greater in men compared with women, whites compared with nonwhites, high school graduates compared with nongraduates, and surveillance compared with repaired patients. In a national survey of AAA-specific knowledge, patients demonstrated poor understanding of their condition. This may contribute to anxiety and uninformed decision making. The need for increased focus on education by vascular providers is a substantial unmet need.

Seminars in vascular surgery, 2015

The intensity and quality of medical care provided to patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) ... more The intensity and quality of medical care provided to patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) varies by geography, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Although vascular surgery societal performance goals have been set forth, no consensus criteria exist by which to benchmark the quality of health care delivery specifically for CLI patients. We review existing broad performance measures for patients with peripheral vascular disease and suggest those with optimal care delivery suited for CLI (eg, ankle-brachial index, optimal medical therapy, smoking cessation, and duplex surveillance). Further, we propose that diabetic management, degree of wound healing, and quality of life measures be considered as additional quality measures for CLI management. In combination, these criteria provide a simple yet powerful metric that might allow for standardization of CLI care and comparisons across institutions, with the potential for diminishing the disparity that exists in current treatment p...

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2015

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2015

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2013

The autogenous vein is the preferred conduit in below-knee vascular reconstructions. However, man... more The autogenous vein is the preferred conduit in below-knee vascular reconstructions. However, many argue that prosthetic grafts can perform well in crural bypass with adjunctive antithrombotic therapy. We therefore compared outcomes of below-knee prosthetic versus autologous vein bypass grafts for critical limb ischemia and the use of adjunctive antithrombotic therapy in both settings. Utilizing the registry of the Vascular Study Group of New England (2003-2009), we studied 1227 patients who underwent below-knee bypass for critical limb ischemia, 223 of whom received a prosthetic graft to the below-knee popliteal artery (70%) or more distal target (30%). We used propensity matching to identify a patient cohort receiving single-segment saphenous vein yet had remained similar to the prosthetic cohort in terms of characteristics, graft origin/target, and antithrombotic regimen. Main outcome measures were graft patency and major limb amputation within 1 year. Secondary outcomes were bleeding complications (reoperation or transfusion) and mortality. We performed comparisons by conduit type and by antithrombotic therapy. Patients receiving prosthetic conduit were more likely to be treated with warfarin than those with greater saphenous vein (57% vs. 24%, P<0.001). After propensity score matching, we found no significant difference in primary graft patency (72% vs. 73%, P=0.81) or major amputation rates (17% vs. 13%, P=0.31) between prosthetic and single-segment saphenous vein grafts. In a subanalysis of grafts to tibial versus popliteal targets, we noted equivalent primary patency and amputation rates between prosthetic and venous conduits. Whereas overall 1-year prosthetic graft patency rates varied from 51% (aspirin+clopidogrel) to 78% (aspirin+warfarin), no significant differences were seen in primary patency or major amputation rates by antithrombotic therapy (P=0.32 and 0.17, respectively). Further, the incidence of bleeding complications and 1-year mortality did not differ by conduit type or antithrombotic regimen in the propensity-matched analysis. Although limited in size, our study demonstrates that, with appropriate patient selection and antithrombotic therapy, 1-year outcomes for below-knee prosthetic bypass grafting can be comparable to those for greater saphenous vein conduit.

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2015

Although patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) commonly undergo major limb amputation, the q... more Although patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) commonly undergo major limb amputation, the quality of life (QOL) of this group remains poorly described. Therefore, we sought to describe which domains vascular amputees consider important in determining their health-related QOL. We performed 4 focus groups in patients who had major lower extremity amputations resulting from CLI. They were conducted at 4 distinct centers across the United States to ensure broad geographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic representation. Of 26 patients (mean age, 64 years), 19 (73%) were Caucasian, 6 (23%) were African American, and 1 (4%) was Native American. Nearly, three-quarter of patients were men (n = 19, 73%) and had a high-school education or more (n = 19, 73%). Overall, 8 (31%) were double amputees and 17 (65%) had diabetes. Time since amputation varied across patients and ranged from 3 months to more than 27 years (mean, 4.3 years). Patients stated that their current QOL was determined by impaired mobility (65%), pain (60%), progression of disease in the remaining limb (55%), and depression/frustration (54%). Across 26 patients, more than half (n = 16, 62%) described multiple prior revascularization procedures. Although most felt that their physician did his/her best to salvage the affected leg (85%), a sizable minority would have preferred an amputation earlier in their CLI treatment course (27%). Furthermore, when asked how their care might have been improved, patients reported that facilitating peer support (88%), more extensive rehabilitation and prosthetist involvement (71%), earlier mention of amputation as a possible outcome (54%), and the early discontinuation of narcotics (54%) were potential areas of improvement. Although QOL in vascular amputees seems primarily determined by mobility impairment, pain, and emotional perturbation, our focus groups identified that physician-controlled factors such as the timing of amputation, informed decision making, and postamputation support may also play an important role. The assessment of patient preferences regarding maintenance of mobility at the cost of increased pain versus relief of pain with amputation at a cost of diminished mobility is central to shared decision making in CLI treatment.

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2014

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2013

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2012

Methods: We searched MEDLINE (1950-October 2010), the Cochrane Library (1993-October 2010), trial... more Methods: We searched MEDLINE (1950-October 2010), the Cochrane Library (1993-October 2010), trial registries, meeting abstracts, and selected references, using no limits. Included studies compared the results of anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonist or therapeutic heparin) for a minimum of 30 days vs the results of no anticoagulation in adults with calf vein DVT proved by ultrasound imaging or venograph who were monitored for at least 30 days. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a piloted standardized form. Methodologic quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort and case-control studies. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or by a third reviewer. Authors were contacted for additional information if necessary. Outcomes were pooled using Peto fixed-effects models. Results: Of 2328 studies identified, two RCTs and six cohorts (126 patients treated with anticoagulation and 328 controls) met selection criteria. The methodologic quality of most studies was poor. Pulmonary embolism (PE; odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.77; P ‫؍‬ .03) and thrombus propagation (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.62; P ‫؍‬ .04) were significantly less frequent in those who received anticoagulation. Significant heterogeneity existed in studies reporting mortality rates, but these demonstrated a trend toward fewer deaths with anticoagulation. When limited to randomized trials, the protective effect of anticoagulation for PE was no longer statistically significant, but the benefit for preventing thrombus progression persisted. Adverse events such as bleeding were sparsely reported but favored controls (P ‫؍‬ .65). Conclusions: Our review suggests that anticoagulation therapy for calf vein DVT may decrease the incidence of PE and thrombus propagation. However, due to poor methodologic quality and few events among included studies for PE, this finding is not robust. Thrombus propagation appears reduced with anticoagulation treatment. A rigorous RCT will assist in treatment decisions for calf vein DVT. ( J Vasc Surg 2012;56:228-37.)

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2012

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2012

ABSTRACT Objective Although statin therapy has been linked to fewer short-term complications afte... more ABSTRACT Objective Although statin therapy has been linked to fewer short-term complications after infrainguinal bypass, its effect on long-term survival remains unclear. We therefore examined associations between statin use and long-term mortality, graft occlusion, and amputation after infrainguinal bypass. Methods We used the Vascular Study Group of New England registry to study 2067 patients (71% male; mean age, 67 ± 11 years; 67% with critical limb ischemia [CLI]) who underwent infrainguinal bypass from 2003 to 2011. Of these, 1537 (74%) were on statins perioperatively and at 1-year follow-up, and 530 received no statin. We examined crude, adjusted, and propensity-matched rates of 5-year surviva1, 1-year amputation, graft occlusion, and perioperative myocardial infarction. Results Patients taking statins at the time of surgery and at the 1-year follow-up were more likely to have coronary disease (38% vs 22%; P < .001), diabetes (51% vs 36%; P < .001), hypertension (89% vs 77%; P < .001), and prior revascularization procedures (50% vs 38%; P < .001). Despite higher comorbidity burdens, long-term survival was better for patients taking statins in crude (risk ratio [RR], 0.7; P < .001), adjusted (hazard ratio, 0.7; P = .001), and propensity-matched analyses (hazard ratio, 0.7; P = .03). In subgroup analysis, a survival advantage was evident in patients on statins with CLI (5-year survival rate, 63% vs 54%; log-rank, P = .01) but not claudication (5-year survival rate, 84% vs 80%; log-rank, P = .59). Statin therapy was not associated with 1-year rates of major amputation (12% vs 11%; P = .84) or graft occlusion (20% vs 18%; P = .58) in CLI patients. Perioperative myocardial infarction occurred more frequently in patients on a statin in crude analysis (RR, 2.2; P = .01) but not in the matched cohort (RR, 1.9; P = .17). Conclusions Statin therapy is associated with a 5-year survival benefit after infrainguinal bypass in patients with CLI. However, 1-year limb-related outcomes were not influenced by statin use in our large observational cohort of patients undergoing revascularization in New England.

Annals of vascular surgery, 2012

Some patients who undergo lower extremity bypass (LEB) for critical limb ischemia ultimately requ... more Some patients who undergo lower extremity bypass (LEB) for critical limb ischemia ultimately require amputation. The functional outcome achieved by these patients after amputation is not well known. Therefore, we sought to characterize the functional outcome of patients who undergo amputation after LEB, and to describe the pre- and perioperative factors associated with independent ambulation at home after lower extremity amputation.

Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 2012

Many believe that variation in vascular practice may affect limb salvage rates in patients with s... more Many believe that variation in vascular practice may affect limb salvage rates in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. However, the extent of variation in procedural vascular care obtained by patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains unknown. By using Medicare 2003 to 2006 data, we identified all patients with CLI who underwent major lower extremity amputation in the 306 hospital referral regions described in the Dartmouth Atlas of Healthcare. For each patient, we studied the use of lower extremity vascular procedures (open surgery or endovascular intervention) in the year before amputation. Our main outcome measure was the intensity of vascular care, defined as the proportion of patients in the hospital referral region undergoing a vascular procedure in the year before amputation. Overall, 20,464 patients with CLI underwent major lower extremity amputations during the study period, and collectively underwent 25,800 vascular procedures in the year before undergoing amputation. However, these procedures were not distributed evenly: 54% of patients had no vascular procedures performed in the year before amputation, 14% underwent 1 vascular procedure, and 32% underwent >1 vascular procedure. In the regions in the lowest quintile of vascular intensity, vascular procedures were performed in 32% of patients. Conversely, in the regions in the highest quintile of vascular intensity, revascularization was performed in 58% of patients in the year before amputation (P<0.0001). In analyses accounting for differences in age, sex, race, and comorbidities, patients in high-intensity regions were 2.4 times as likely to undergo revascularization in the year before amputation than patients in low-intensity regions (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1-2.6; P<0.001). Significant variation exists in the intensity of vascular care provided to patients in the year before major amputation. In some regions, patients receive intensive care, whereas in other regions, far less vascular care is provided. Future work is needed to determine the association between intensity of vascular care and limb salvage.

Vascular, Jan 19, 2016

The risk of leg amputation among patients with diabetes has declined over the past decade, while ... more The risk of leg amputation among patients with diabetes has declined over the past decade, while use of preventative measures-such as hemoglobin A1c monitoring-has increased. However, the relationship between hemoglobin A1c testing and amputation risk remains unclear. We examined annual rates of hemoglobin A1c testing and major leg amputation among Medicare patients with diabetes from 2003 to 2012 across 306 hospital referral regions. We created linear regression models to study associations between hemoglobin A1c testing and lower extremity amputation. From 2003 to 2012, the proportion of patients who received hemoglobin A1c testing increased 10% (74% to 84%), while their rate of lower extremity amputation decreased 50% (430 to 232/100,000 beneficiaries). Regional hemoglobin A1c testing weakly correlated with crude amputation rate in both years (2003 R = -0.20, 2012 R = -0.21), and further weakened with adjustment for age, sex, and disability status (2003 R = -0.11, 2012 R = -0.17)...

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic patients with limited life expectancy may not be be... more Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic patients with limited life expectancy may not be beneficial or cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between survival, outcomes and costs within two years following CEA among asymptomatic patients. Prospectively collected data from 3,097 patients undergoing CEA for asymptomatic disease from Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Registry were linked to Medicare. Models were used to identify predictors of 2-year mortality following CEA. Patients were classified as low, medium or high risk of death based on this model. Next, we examined costs related to cerebrovascular care, occurrence of stroke, rehospitalization and reintervention within 2 years following CEA across risk strata. Overall 2-year mortality was 6.7%. Age, diabetes, smoking, CHF, COPD, renal insufficiency, absence of statin use and contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis were independently associated with a higher risk of death following CEA. In-hospital costs averaged 7,500amongpatientsdefinedaslowriskfordeath,andexceeded7,500 among patients defined as low risk for death, and exceeded 7,500amongpatientsdefinedaslowriskfordeath,andexceeded10,800 among high risk patients. While long-term costs related to cerebrovascular disease were two times higher in patients deemed high risk for death compared to low-risk patents ($17,800 vs $8,800, P=.001), high risk of death was not independently associated with a high probability of high cost. Predictors of high cost at 2-years were severe contralateral ICA stenosis, dialysis dependence, and ASA Class 4. Both statin use and CHF were protective of high cost. Greater than 90% of patients undergoing CEA live long enough to realize the benefits of their procedure. Moreover, the long-term costs are supported by the effectiveness of this procedure at all levels of patient risk.

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2016

Patient education is a fundamental responsibility of medical providers caring for patients with a... more Patient education is a fundamental responsibility of medical providers caring for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). We sought to evaluate and quantify AAA-specific knowledge in patients under AAA surveillance and in patients who have undergone AAA repair. In 2013, 1373 patients from 6 U.S. institutions were mailed an AAA-specific quality of life and knowledge survey. Of these patients, 1008 (73%) returned completed surveys for analysis. The knowledge domain of the survey consisted of nine questions. An AAA knowledge score was calculated for each patient based on the proportion of questions answered correctly. The score was then compared according to sex, race, and education level. Surveillance and repaired patients were also compared. Among 1008 survey respondents, 351 were under AAA surveillance and 657 had AAA repair (endovascular repair, 414; open, 179; unknown, 64). The majority of patients (85%) reported that their "doctor's office" was their most important source of AAA information. The "Internet" and "other written materials" were each reported as the most important source of information 5% of the time with "other patients" reported 2% of the time. The mean AAA knowledge score was 47% (range 0%-100%; standard deviation, 23%) with a broad variation in percentage correct between questions. Thirty-two percent of respondents did not know that larger AAA size increases rupture risk, and 64% did not know that AAA runs in families. Only 15% of patients answered six or more of the nine questions correctly, and 23% of patients answered two or fewer questions correctly. AAA knowledge was significantly greater in men compared with women, whites compared with nonwhites, high school graduates compared with nongraduates, and surveillance compared with repaired patients. In a national survey of AAA-specific knowledge, patients demonstrated poor understanding of their condition. This may contribute to anxiety and uninformed decision making. The need for increased focus on education by vascular providers is a substantial unmet need.

Seminars in vascular surgery, 2015

The intensity and quality of medical care provided to patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) ... more The intensity and quality of medical care provided to patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) varies by geography, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Although vascular surgery societal performance goals have been set forth, no consensus criteria exist by which to benchmark the quality of health care delivery specifically for CLI patients. We review existing broad performance measures for patients with peripheral vascular disease and suggest those with optimal care delivery suited for CLI (eg, ankle-brachial index, optimal medical therapy, smoking cessation, and duplex surveillance). Further, we propose that diabetic management, degree of wound healing, and quality of life measures be considered as additional quality measures for CLI management. In combination, these criteria provide a simple yet powerful metric that might allow for standardization of CLI care and comparisons across institutions, with the potential for diminishing the disparity that exists in current treatment p...

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2015

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2015

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2013

The autogenous vein is the preferred conduit in below-knee vascular reconstructions. However, man... more The autogenous vein is the preferred conduit in below-knee vascular reconstructions. However, many argue that prosthetic grafts can perform well in crural bypass with adjunctive antithrombotic therapy. We therefore compared outcomes of below-knee prosthetic versus autologous vein bypass grafts for critical limb ischemia and the use of adjunctive antithrombotic therapy in both settings. Utilizing the registry of the Vascular Study Group of New England (2003-2009), we studied 1227 patients who underwent below-knee bypass for critical limb ischemia, 223 of whom received a prosthetic graft to the below-knee popliteal artery (70%) or more distal target (30%). We used propensity matching to identify a patient cohort receiving single-segment saphenous vein yet had remained similar to the prosthetic cohort in terms of characteristics, graft origin/target, and antithrombotic regimen. Main outcome measures were graft patency and major limb amputation within 1 year. Secondary outcomes were bleeding complications (reoperation or transfusion) and mortality. We performed comparisons by conduit type and by antithrombotic therapy. Patients receiving prosthetic conduit were more likely to be treated with warfarin than those with greater saphenous vein (57% vs. 24%, P<0.001). After propensity score matching, we found no significant difference in primary graft patency (72% vs. 73%, P=0.81) or major amputation rates (17% vs. 13%, P=0.31) between prosthetic and single-segment saphenous vein grafts. In a subanalysis of grafts to tibial versus popliteal targets, we noted equivalent primary patency and amputation rates between prosthetic and venous conduits. Whereas overall 1-year prosthetic graft patency rates varied from 51% (aspirin+clopidogrel) to 78% (aspirin+warfarin), no significant differences were seen in primary patency or major amputation rates by antithrombotic therapy (P=0.32 and 0.17, respectively). Further, the incidence of bleeding complications and 1-year mortality did not differ by conduit type or antithrombotic regimen in the propensity-matched analysis. Although limited in size, our study demonstrates that, with appropriate patient selection and antithrombotic therapy, 1-year outcomes for below-knee prosthetic bypass grafting can be comparable to those for greater saphenous vein conduit.

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2015

Although patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) commonly undergo major limb amputation, the q... more Although patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) commonly undergo major limb amputation, the quality of life (QOL) of this group remains poorly described. Therefore, we sought to describe which domains vascular amputees consider important in determining their health-related QOL. We performed 4 focus groups in patients who had major lower extremity amputations resulting from CLI. They were conducted at 4 distinct centers across the United States to ensure broad geographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic representation. Of 26 patients (mean age, 64 years), 19 (73%) were Caucasian, 6 (23%) were African American, and 1 (4%) was Native American. Nearly, three-quarter of patients were men (n = 19, 73%) and had a high-school education or more (n = 19, 73%). Overall, 8 (31%) were double amputees and 17 (65%) had diabetes. Time since amputation varied across patients and ranged from 3 months to more than 27 years (mean, 4.3 years). Patients stated that their current QOL was determined by impaired mobility (65%), pain (60%), progression of disease in the remaining limb (55%), and depression/frustration (54%). Across 26 patients, more than half (n = 16, 62%) described multiple prior revascularization procedures. Although most felt that their physician did his/her best to salvage the affected leg (85%), a sizable minority would have preferred an amputation earlier in their CLI treatment course (27%). Furthermore, when asked how their care might have been improved, patients reported that facilitating peer support (88%), more extensive rehabilitation and prosthetist involvement (71%), earlier mention of amputation as a possible outcome (54%), and the early discontinuation of narcotics (54%) were potential areas of improvement. Although QOL in vascular amputees seems primarily determined by mobility impairment, pain, and emotional perturbation, our focus groups identified that physician-controlled factors such as the timing of amputation, informed decision making, and postamputation support may also play an important role. The assessment of patient preferences regarding maintenance of mobility at the cost of increased pain versus relief of pain with amputation at a cost of diminished mobility is central to shared decision making in CLI treatment.

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2014

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2013

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2012

Methods: We searched MEDLINE (1950-October 2010), the Cochrane Library (1993-October 2010), trial... more Methods: We searched MEDLINE (1950-October 2010), the Cochrane Library (1993-October 2010), trial registries, meeting abstracts, and selected references, using no limits. Included studies compared the results of anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonist or therapeutic heparin) for a minimum of 30 days vs the results of no anticoagulation in adults with calf vein DVT proved by ultrasound imaging or venograph who were monitored for at least 30 days. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a piloted standardized form. Methodologic quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort and case-control studies. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or by a third reviewer. Authors were contacted for additional information if necessary. Outcomes were pooled using Peto fixed-effects models. Results: Of 2328 studies identified, two RCTs and six cohorts (126 patients treated with anticoagulation and 328 controls) met selection criteria. The methodologic quality of most studies was poor. Pulmonary embolism (PE; odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.77; P ‫؍‬ .03) and thrombus propagation (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.62; P ‫؍‬ .04) were significantly less frequent in those who received anticoagulation. Significant heterogeneity existed in studies reporting mortality rates, but these demonstrated a trend toward fewer deaths with anticoagulation. When limited to randomized trials, the protective effect of anticoagulation for PE was no longer statistically significant, but the benefit for preventing thrombus progression persisted. Adverse events such as bleeding were sparsely reported but favored controls (P ‫؍‬ .65). Conclusions: Our review suggests that anticoagulation therapy for calf vein DVT may decrease the incidence of PE and thrombus propagation. However, due to poor methodologic quality and few events among included studies for PE, this finding is not robust. Thrombus propagation appears reduced with anticoagulation treatment. A rigorous RCT will assist in treatment decisions for calf vein DVT. ( J Vasc Surg 2012;56:228-37.)

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2012

Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2012

ABSTRACT Objective Although statin therapy has been linked to fewer short-term complications afte... more ABSTRACT Objective Although statin therapy has been linked to fewer short-term complications after infrainguinal bypass, its effect on long-term survival remains unclear. We therefore examined associations between statin use and long-term mortality, graft occlusion, and amputation after infrainguinal bypass. Methods We used the Vascular Study Group of New England registry to study 2067 patients (71% male; mean age, 67 ± 11 years; 67% with critical limb ischemia [CLI]) who underwent infrainguinal bypass from 2003 to 2011. Of these, 1537 (74%) were on statins perioperatively and at 1-year follow-up, and 530 received no statin. We examined crude, adjusted, and propensity-matched rates of 5-year surviva1, 1-year amputation, graft occlusion, and perioperative myocardial infarction. Results Patients taking statins at the time of surgery and at the 1-year follow-up were more likely to have coronary disease (38% vs 22%; P < .001), diabetes (51% vs 36%; P < .001), hypertension (89% vs 77%; P < .001), and prior revascularization procedures (50% vs 38%; P < .001). Despite higher comorbidity burdens, long-term survival was better for patients taking statins in crude (risk ratio [RR], 0.7; P < .001), adjusted (hazard ratio, 0.7; P = .001), and propensity-matched analyses (hazard ratio, 0.7; P = .03). In subgroup analysis, a survival advantage was evident in patients on statins with CLI (5-year survival rate, 63% vs 54%; log-rank, P = .01) but not claudication (5-year survival rate, 84% vs 80%; log-rank, P = .59). Statin therapy was not associated with 1-year rates of major amputation (12% vs 11%; P = .84) or graft occlusion (20% vs 18%; P = .58) in CLI patients. Perioperative myocardial infarction occurred more frequently in patients on a statin in crude analysis (RR, 2.2; P = .01) but not in the matched cohort (RR, 1.9; P = .17). Conclusions Statin therapy is associated with a 5-year survival benefit after infrainguinal bypass in patients with CLI. However, 1-year limb-related outcomes were not influenced by statin use in our large observational cohort of patients undergoing revascularization in New England.

Annals of vascular surgery, 2012

Some patients who undergo lower extremity bypass (LEB) for critical limb ischemia ultimately requ... more Some patients who undergo lower extremity bypass (LEB) for critical limb ischemia ultimately require amputation. The functional outcome achieved by these patients after amputation is not well known. Therefore, we sought to characterize the functional outcome of patients who undergo amputation after LEB, and to describe the pre- and perioperative factors associated with independent ambulation at home after lower extremity amputation.

Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 2012

Many believe that variation in vascular practice may affect limb salvage rates in patients with s... more Many believe that variation in vascular practice may affect limb salvage rates in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. However, the extent of variation in procedural vascular care obtained by patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains unknown. By using Medicare 2003 to 2006 data, we identified all patients with CLI who underwent major lower extremity amputation in the 306 hospital referral regions described in the Dartmouth Atlas of Healthcare. For each patient, we studied the use of lower extremity vascular procedures (open surgery or endovascular intervention) in the year before amputation. Our main outcome measure was the intensity of vascular care, defined as the proportion of patients in the hospital referral region undergoing a vascular procedure in the year before amputation. Overall, 20,464 patients with CLI underwent major lower extremity amputations during the study period, and collectively underwent 25,800 vascular procedures in the year before undergoing amputation. However, these procedures were not distributed evenly: 54% of patients had no vascular procedures performed in the year before amputation, 14% underwent 1 vascular procedure, and 32% underwent >1 vascular procedure. In the regions in the lowest quintile of vascular intensity, vascular procedures were performed in 32% of patients. Conversely, in the regions in the highest quintile of vascular intensity, revascularization was performed in 58% of patients in the year before amputation (P<0.0001). In analyses accounting for differences in age, sex, race, and comorbidities, patients in high-intensity regions were 2.4 times as likely to undergo revascularization in the year before amputation than patients in low-intensity regions (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1-2.6; P<0.001). Significant variation exists in the intensity of vascular care provided to patients in the year before major amputation. In some regions, patients receive intensive care, whereas in other regions, far less vascular care is provided. Future work is needed to determine the association between intensity of vascular care and limb salvage.