The costs of managing lower limb-threatening ischaemia

Analysis of the Peri-Operative Cost of Non-Traumatic Major Lower Extremity Amputation in Jordan

Purpose

Non-traumatic major lower extremity amputation (NMLEA) is a commonly performed procedure that presents a substantial cost burden. Patients who undergo NMLEA are usually considered as a high-risk group with significant comorbidities, which translates into a protracted peri-operative course and increased health-care costs. The primary aim of this study was therefore to perform a contemporary peri-operative cost analysis of NMLEA performed in our center. We are a major tertiary referral hospital that provides vascular surgery services to the entire northern counties in Jordan. We also aimed to assess the various factors that influence the cost of NMLEA in less economically developed countries.

Methods

Records of all patients who underwent NMLEA at King Abdullah University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2017 were retrieved. Total inpatient cost was calculated and analyzed against different patients' variables.

Results

A total of 140 patients underwent NMLEA between 2012 and 2017 in our facility. Below-knee amputations accounted for 110 cases, while above-knee amputations included 30 patients. Approximately two-thirds of the cases (61.4%) were males, with average age of the patients being approximately 62.9 years. The commonest comorbidities were diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which were recorded in 89.3% and 80.3% of the patients, respectively. The average operative time was 133.0 ± 10.8 mins, and the average length of stay (LOS) was 6.7±0.4 days. The mean cost for amputations was 4904.7± 429.3 United States dollars. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that LOS and admission-to-operation time were the independent predictors of cost.

Conclusion

Delayed amputations and prolonged LOS remain the most important determinants for the peri-operative cost of NMLEA. When amputation is deemed inevitable, an expedited multidisciplinary approach may possibly reduce undue delays and result in cost-effective delivery of this age-old remedy.

Cost Analysis of Initial Treatment With Endovascular Revascularization, Open Surgery, or Primary Major Amputation in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Purpose: To compare the total initial treatment costs for open surgery, endovascular revascularization, and primary major amputation within a single-payer healthcare system. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective analysis was undertaken to evaluate 1138 patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) who underwent 1017 endovascular procedures, 86 open surgeries, and 35 major amputations between 2013 and 2016. A cost-mix analysis was performed on individual patient data generated for selected diagnosis-related groups. Mean costs are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: There was no intergroup difference in demographics or private health insurance status. However, the amputation group had a higher proportion of emergency procedures (68.6% vs 13.3% vs 27.9%, p<0.001) and critical limb ischemia (88.6% vs 35.9% vs 37.2%, p<0.001) compared with the endovascular therapy and open surgery groups, respectively. The endovascular revascularization group spent less time in hospital and used fewer intensive care unit (ICU) resources compared with the open surgery and major amputation groups (hospital length of stay: 3.4 vs 10.0 vs 20.2 days, p<0.01; ICU: 2.4 vs 22.6 vs 54.6 hours, p<0.01), respectively. While mean prosthetic and device costs were higher in the endovascular group [AUD$2770 vs AUD$1658 (open) and AUD$1219 (amputation), p<0.01], substantial disparities were observed in costs associated with longer operating theater times, length of stay, and ICU utilization, which resulted in significantly higher costs in the open and amputation groups. After adjusting for confounders, the AUD$18,396 (95% CI AUD$16,436 to AUD$20,356) mean cost per admission for the endovascular revascularization group was significantly less (p<0.001) than the open surgery (AUD$31,908, 95% CI AUD$28,285 to AUD$35,530) and major amputation groups (AUD$43,033, 95% CI AUD$37,706 to AUD$48,361). Conclusion: Endovascular revascularization procedures for PAD cost the health payer less compared with open surgery and primary amputation. While devices used to deliver contemporary endovascular therapy are more expensive, the reduction in bed days, ICU utilization, and related hospital resources results in a significantly lower mean total cost per admission for the initial treatment.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of drug-coated therapies in the superficial femoral artery

OBJECTIVE

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) may increase durability of endovascular treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease while avoiding stent-related risks. The purpose of this study was to use meta-analytic data of DCB studies to compare the cost-effectiveness of potential SFA treatments: DCB, drug-eluting stent (DES), plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA), or bare-metal stent (BMS).

METHODS

A search for randomized controlled trials comparing DCB with POBA for treatment of SFA disease was performed. Hazard ratios were extracted to account for the time-to-event primary outcome of target lesion revascularization. Odds ratios were calculated for the secondary outcomes of primary patency (PP) and major amputation. Incorporating pooled data from the meta-analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, assuming a payer perspective, used a decision model to simulate patency at 1 year and 2 years for each index treatment modality: POBA, BMS, DCB, or DES. Costs were based on current Medicare outpatient reimbursement rates.

RESULTS

Eight studies (1352 patients) met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. DCB outperformed POBA with respect to target lesion revascularization over time (pooled hazard ratio, 0.41; P < .001). Risk of major amputation at 12 months was not significantly different between groups. There was significantly improved 1-year PP in the DCB group compared with POBA (pooled odds ratio, 3.30; P < .001). In the decision model, the highest PP at 1 year was seen in the DES index therapy strategy (79%), followed by DCB (74%), BMS (71%), and POBA (64%). With a baseline cost of $9259.39 per patent limb at 1 year in the POBA-first group, the incremental cost per patent limb for each other strategy compared with POBA was calculated: $14,136.10/additional patent limb for DCB, $38,549.80/limb for DES, and $59,748,85/limb for BMS. The primary BMS option is dominated by being more expensive and less effective than DCB. Compared directly with DCB, DES costs $87,377.20 per additional patent limb at 1 year. Based on the projected PP at 1 year in the decision model, the number needed to treat for DES compared with DCB is 20. At current reimbursement, the use of more than two DCBs per procedure would no longer be cost-effective compared with DES. At 2 years, DCB emerges as the most cost-effective index strategy with the lowest overall cost and highest patency rates over that time horizon.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data and reimbursements support the use of DCB as a cost-effective strategy for endovascular intervention in the SFA; any additional effectiveness of DES comes at a high price. Use of more than one DCB per intervention significantly decreases cost-effectiveness.

The challenges of treating peripheral arterial disease

Today, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients need effective medical care for an extended period of their lifetime. Therefore, different treatment modalities have to be tied sequentially into an effective therapeutic chain. First, preventive measures have to be reinforced and risk factors tightly controlled. Furthermore, antiplatelet agents have to be applied in every PAD patient to reduce the risk of cardiac and cerebral ischemic events, restenosis or reocclusion after revascularization, and possibly also progression of the PAD itself. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be entertained in high-risk groups such as PAD patients with diabetes. In the claudicant, exercise therapy should be strongly encouraged and vasoactive drugs considered for those who are not good candidates for either exercise training or revascularization. In patients with disabling claudication or critical limb ischemia, revascularization procedures are highly effective. Especially for high-grade stenoses or short arterial occlusions, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) should be the method of fi rst choice followed by the best surgical procedure later on. To achieve good long-term effi cacy, a close follow-up including objective tests of both the arterial lesion and hemodynamic status, surveillance of secondary preventive measures and risk factor control is mandatory.

Design and Rationale of the Best Endovascular Versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia (BEST-CLI) Trial

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is increasing in prevalence, and remains a significant source of mortality and limb loss. The decision to recommend surgical or endovascular revascularization for patients who are candidates for both varies significantly among providers and is driven more by individual preference than scientific evidence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Best Endovascular Versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia (BEST-CLI) Trial is a prospective, randomized, multidisciplinary, controlled, superiority trial designed to compare treatment efficacy, functional outcomes, quality of life, and cost in patients undergoing best endovascular or best open surgical revascularization. Approximately 140 clinical sites in the United States and Canada will enroll 2100 patients with CLI who are candidates for both treatment options. A pragmatic trial design requires consensus on patient eligibility by at least 2 investigators, but leaves the choice of specific procedural strategy within the assigned revascularization approach to the individual treating investigator. Patients with suitable single-segment of saphenous vein available for potential bypass will be randomized within Cohort 1 (n=1620), while patients without will be randomized within Cohort 2 (n=480). The primary efficacy end point of the trial is Major Adverse Limb Event-Free Survival. Key secondary end points include Re-intervention and Amputation-Free-Survival and Amputation Free-Survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The BEST-CLI trial is the first randomized controlled trial comparing endovascular therapy to open surgical bypass in patients with CLI to be carried out in North America. This landmark comparative effectiveness trial aims to provide Level I data to clarify the appropriate role for both treatment strategies and help define an evidence-based standard of care for this challenging patient population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02060630.

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell implantation therapy is an effective limb salvage strategy for patients with severe peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine if intramuscular and intra-arterial stem cell injections delay or prevent major limb amputations, improve ankle-brachial index measurements, relieve rest pain, and improve ulcer healing.

METHODS

A prospective case series with interventions occurring between December 2007 and September 2012 and a 3-month minimum follow-up was conducted at an urban tertiary care referral hospital. Patients with severe limb-threatening peripheral arterial disease, without other options for revascularization, were eligible for enrollment. Dual intramuscular and intra-arterial injection of bone marrow mononuclear cells harvested from the iliac crest was performed. Major limb amputation at 3 months was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included ankle-brachial index measurements, rest pain, and ulceration healing. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was performed to ascertain overall survivorship of the procedure.

RESULTS

No complications related to the procedure were reported. Of 49 patients (56 limbs) enrolled, two patients (two limbs) died, but had not undergone major amputation, and five limbs (8.9%) underwent major amputation within the first 3 months. Three-month follow-up evaluations were conducted on the remaining 49 limbs (42 patients). Median postprocedure revised Rutherford and Fontaine classifications were significantly lower compared with median baseline classifications. After 3 months, seven patients (nine limbs) died but had not undergone major amputation, and seven limbs (14.3%) underwent major amputation. At a mean follow-up of 18.2 months, the remaining 33 limbs (29 patients) had not undergone a major amputation. Freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE) was 91.1% (95% confidence interval, 79.9-96.2) at 3 months and 75.6% (95% confidence interval, 59.4-86.1) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure was designed to improve limb perfusion in an effort to salvage limbs in patients for whom amputation was the only viable treatment option. The results of this analysis indicate that it is an effective strategy for limb salvage for patients with severe peripheral arterial disease.

Cost-effectiveness of medical, endovascular and surgical management of peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is responsible for 20% of all US hospital admissions. Management of PAD has evolved over time to include many medical and transcatheter interventions in addition to the traditional surgical approach. Non-invasive interventions including supervised exercise programs and antiplatelets use are economically attractive therapies that should be considered in all patients at risk. While surgery offers so far a clinically and economically appropriate option, the improvement of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) technique with the addition of drug-coated balloons offers a reasonably clinically and economically attractive alternative that will continue to evolve in the future.

The BEST-CLI trial: a multidisciplinary effort to assess which therapy is best for patients with critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease and is associated with a significant risk of limb loss. It is currently treated with limb revascularization by a variety of specialists. Although both open vascular bypass and endovascular therapy are offered to patients with infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease and CLI, significant disagreement exists as to which therapy works best in candidates for both types of intervention. Persistent clinical equipoise in combination with a paucity of comparative effectiveness data to guide treatment of CLI has led to a multidisciplinary effort to organize the Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy in patients with CLI (BEST-CLI) trial. The BEST-CLI trial is a pragmatic, multicenter, open label, randomized trial that compares best endovascular therapy with best open surgical treatment in patients eligible for both treatments. This trial is highly innovative in both its design and its collaborative nature. BEST-CLI aims to provide urgently needed clinical guidance for CLI management by using (1) a pragmatic design comparing the effectiveness of established techniques while allowing for the introduction of newer therapies as they become available; (2) a novel primary end point that includes limb amputation rates, repeat intervention, and mortality; (3) a multidisciplinary structure that fosters cooperation among interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and vascular medicine specialists; and (4) novel techniques to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality-of-life outcomes of the 2 treatment strategies being tested.

TRICKS magnetic resonance angiography at 3-tesla for assessing whole lower extremity vascular tree in patients with high-grade critical limb ischemia: DSA and TASC II guidelines correlations

The entire vascular tree of 58 lower extremities with high-grade critical limb ischemia (CLI) was assessed with three-station time resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) magnetic resonance angiography (T-MRA) and correlated with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examinations and Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC II) guidelines. Kappa (κ) statistics were utilized to evaluate the agreement of stenosis scores (5-point scale; 0 normal to 4 occlusion) based on T-MRA and DSA. With DSA as the standard, significant stenosis instances (stenosis score ≥2) among vascular segments were compared. The κ-statistics of image quality (4-point scale; 1 nondiagnostic to 4 excellent) of T-MRA and TASC II classification assessed by a radiologist and a vascular surgeon were also evaluated. Among 870 vascular segments, excellent agreement was observed between T-MRA and DSA (mean κ = 0.883) in revealing stenosis (mean stenosis score, 2.1  ±  1.3 versus 2.0  ±  1.3). T-MRA harbored overall high sensitivity (99.5%), specificity (93.6%), positive predictive value (95.4%), negative predictive value (99.6%), and accuracy (97.7%) in depicting significant stenosis. Excellent interobserver agreement (mean κ = 0.818) of superb image quality (mean score = 3.5–3.6) of T-MRA and outstanding agreement of TASC II classification of aortoiliac and femoral-popliteal lesions (κ = 0.912–0.917) between two raters further verified the clinical feasibility of T-MRA for treatment planning.

The cost of major lower limb amputation: a 12-year experience

BACKGROUND

The amputee population is elderly, has significant medical co-morbidities and perioperative mortality leading to high financial implications. Commonly used outcomes in the literature are survival, prosthetic use and mobility.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aims to share our 12-year experience of amputee care, concentrating on perioperative mortality and patient rehabilitation.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study in the form of a retrospective case series.

METHODS

In total, 130 amputations, performed between January 1998 and December 2009, were followed up for a mean of three and a half years and analyzed for demographics, vascular history, operation details, prosthetic use, mobility and mortality.

RESULTS

The population was 59.2% male, had a mean age of 73 and the most common indication for amputation was critical ischaemia (78.5%). The average length of acute inpatient stay was 63 days with a 30-day mortality rate of 15.3% and inpatient mortality of 29.3%. In total, 63.3% of patients were issued with a prosthesis with 48.2% of all patients achieving at least indoor mobility, transtibial (49.9%) rehabilitated better than transfemoral amputees (24.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the urgent need for action to improve perioperative mortality in the amputee population, with the added advantage of reducing its financial impact. Clinical relevance Our study gives an overview of the clinical journey taken by a 12-year amputee population. By following this cohort from initial procedure through to rehabilitation or mortality we provide the reader with a valuable insight into the difficulties of managing this population and the likely outcomes for these patients.

Criticial limb ischemia: epidemiology

Critical limb ischemia is found in 12% of the U.S. adult population. Its clinical presentation varies from no symptoms to intermittent claudication, atypical leg pain, rest pain, ischemic ulcers, or gangrene. Those with critical limb ischemia have a high incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities that reflect a significant systemic atherosclerotic burden; they have increased functional impairment and increased rates of functional decline compared with persons without critical limb ischemia. Interventions for critical limb ischemia and the impact of major amputation have a significant social and economic impact. At 1 year, 25% of patients will be dead, 30% will have undergone amputation, and only 45% will remain alive with both limbs. At 5 years, more than 60% of patients with critical limb ischemia will be dead.

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy is safe and promotes amputation-free survival in patients with critical limb ischemia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this Phase I open label nonrandomized trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (ABMNC) therapy in promoting amputation-free survival (AFS) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

METHODS

Between September 2005 and March 2009, 29 patients (30 limbs), with a median age of 66 years (range, 23-84 years; 14 male, 15 female) with CLI were enrolled. Twenty-one limbs presented with rest pain (RP), six with RP and ulceration, and three with ulcer only. All patients were not candidates for surgical bypass due to absence of a patent artery below the knee and/or endovascular approaches to improving perfusion was not possible as determined by an independent vascular surgeon. Patients were treated with an average dose of 1.7 ± 0.7 × 10(9) ABMNC injected intramuscularly in the index limb distal to the anterior tibial tuberosity. The primary safety end point was accumulation of serious adverse events, and the primary efficacy end point was AFS at 1 year. Secondary end points at 12 weeks posttreatment were changes in first toe pressure (FTP), toe-brachial index (TBI), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and transcutaneous oxygen measurements (TcPO(2)). Perfusion of the index limb was measured with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with intra-arterial infusion of H(2)O(15). RP, using a 10-cm visual analogue scale, quality of life using the VascuQuol questionnaire, and ulcer healing were assessed at each follow-up interval. Subpopulations of endothelial progenitor cells were quantified prior to ABMNC administration using immunocytochemistry and fluorescent-activated cell sorting.

RESULTS

There were two serious adverse events; however, there were no procedure-related deaths. Amputation-free survival at 1 year was 86.3%. There was a significant increase in FTP (10.2 ± 6.2 mm Hg; P = .02) and TBI (0.10 ± 0.05;P = .02) and a trend in improvement in ABI (0.08 ± 0.04; P = .73). Perfusion index by PET-CT H(2)O(15) increased by 19.3 ± 3.1, and RP decreased significantly by 2.2 ± 0.6 cm (P = .02). The VascuQol questionnaire demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life, and three of nine ulcers (33%) healed completely. KDR(+) but not CD34(+) or CD133(+) subpopulations of ABMNC were associated with improvement in limb perfusion.

CONCLUSION

This Phase I study has demonstrated safety, and the AFS rates suggest efficacy of ABMNC in promoting limb salvage in "no option" CLI. Based on these results, we plan to test the concept that ABMNCs improve AFS at 1 year in a Phase III randomized, double-blinded, multicenter trial.

Critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) continues to be a significantly morbid disease process for the aging population. Rigid guidelines for the management of patients with CLI are inappropriate due to the complexities that are involved in optimally treating these patients. A thin line exists in the decision process between medical management vs surgical management by revascularization or amputation, and the perception of "success" in this patient population is evolving. This review explores these issues and examines the challenges the treating physician will face when managing the care of patients with CLI. The epidemiology and natural history of CLI is discussed, along with the pathophysiology of the disease process. A review of the literature in regards to the different treatment modalities is presented to help the physician optimize therapy for patients with CLI. New scoring systems to help predict outcomes in patients with CLI undergoing revascularization or amputation are discussed, and an overview of the current status of patient-oriented outcomes is provided. Finally, we briefly examine emerging therapies for the treatment of CLI and provide an algorithm to help guide the practicing physician on how to approach the critically ischemic limb with regard to the complicated issues surrounding these patients.

Nonoperative active management of critical limb ischemia: initial experience using a sequential compression biomechanical device for limb salvage

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients are at high risk of primary amputation. Using a sequential compression biomechanical device (SCBD) represents a nonoperative option in threatened limbs. We aimed to determine the outcome of using SCBD in amputation-bound nonreconstructable CLI patients regarding limb salvage and 90-day mortality. Thirty-five patients with 39 critically ischemic limbs (rest pain = 12, tissue loss = 27) presented over 24 months. Thirty patients had nonreconstructable arterial outflow vessels, and five were inoperable owing to severe comorbidity scores. All were Rutherford classification 4 or 5 with multilevel disease. All underwent a 12-week treatment protocol and received the best medical treatment. The mean follow-up was 10 months (SD +/- 6 months). There were four amputations, with an 18-month cumulative limb salvage rate of 88% (standard error [SE] +/- 7.62%). Ninety-day mortality was zero. Mean toe pressures increased from 38.2 to 67 mm Hg (SD +/- 33.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 55-79). Popliteal artery flow velocity increased from 45 to 47.9 cm/s (95% CI 35.9-59.7). Cumulative survival at 12 months was 81.2% (SE +/- 11.1) for SCBD, compared with 69.2% in the control group (SE +/- 12.8%) (p = .4, hazards ratio = 0.58, 95% CI 0.15-2.32). The mean total cost of primary amputation per patient is euro29,815 ($44,000) in comparison with euro13,900 ($20,515) for SCBD patients. SCBD enhances limb salvage and reduces length of hospital stay, nonoperatively, in patients with nonreconstructable vessels.

Calcanisation of tibia using Ilizarov fixator in crush injuries of hindfoot: a new method

Crush injuries of the foot are one of the most difficult and challenging tasks for a trauma surgeon to manage in terms of limb salvage and provision of a painless functional foot. Injuries to the foot, especially the hindfoot, account for almost 24.6% of all the warfare injuries in Afghanistan, of which more than 70% end in amputation for various reasons. We devised a method using the principles of Ilizarov's distraction osteosynthesis to salvage limbs with bony defects in the hindfoot which otherwise were candidates for amputation. The procedure is done in two stages. Initially, the ring fixator is applied for the soft tissue reconstruction and infection control, and the next stage consists of percutaneous "inverted L"-shaped osteotomy in the posterior half of the lower tibia. The study included 32 patients with hindfoot crush injuries involving talus, calcaneum, a combination of both, or even involving the adjacent tarsal bones. All these crush injuries were classified using the Gustilo and Anderson classification. The postoperative functional assessment of the feet was done using the Maryland Foot Score system with a minimum follow-up of four years. We had good results in 53%, fair in 34% and failure in 13% of our cases. The complications of this procedure were the same as with the use of the ring fixator elsewhere in the body. This method provides a technique to salvage the foot and produce a painless, stable, fused foot in one of the most difficult settings of a hindfoot crush injury.

Survival and quality of life after arterial revascularization or major amputation for critical leg ischemia in Guadeloupe

Functional outcome and survival in 253 patients treated for critical leg ischemia (CLI) in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) were analyzed. Analysis included calculation of quality-of-life score (QLS) from telephone survey data, with a median follow-up time of 42 months (range 12-109). A slight but significant benefit was observed in the 140 patients who underwent arterial reconstruction, with 76% autonomous ambulatory function, 51% independent residential status, and a QLS of 6.9 +/- 1.5 in comparison with the 113 patients who underwent amputation: 34%, 17%, and 5.1 +/- 2, respectively (p < 0.0001). Survival was comparable in the two groups. Inadequate medical follow-up that was either totally lacking or performed only in case of recurrent CLI as well as low rates of rehabilitation (50%) and prosthetic fitting (32%) in the amputation group highlight the existence of a double problem involving therapeutic compliance and vascular follow-up care/rehabilitation in Guadeloupe.

Spinal cord stimulation is not cost-effective for non-surgical management of critical limb ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the costs of treatment in critical limb ischaemia (CLI) and to compare costs and effectiveness of two treatment strategies: spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and best medical treatment.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients with CLI not suitable for vascular reconstruction were randomised to either SCS in addition to best medical treatment or best medical treatment alone. Primary outcomes were mortality, amputation and cost. Cost analysis was based on resources used by patients for 2 years after randomisation. Both medical and non-medical costs were included.

RESULTS

Patient and limb survival were similar in the two treatment groups. Costs of in-hospital-stay and institutional rehabilitation constituted the predominant part (+/-70%) of the total costs of medical care in CLI. Cost of SCS-implantation and complications (7950 euro per patient) exceeded by far cost due to amputation procedures (410 euro per patient). The total costs of treatment were 36,600 euro per patient over 2 years for the SCS-group vs. 28,700 euro for best medical treatment alone (28% higher for SCS-group, p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Total costs of treatment in CLI are high. Major components are hospital and rehabilitation costs. In contrast to recent reviews, there were no long-term benefits of SCS-treatment. Therefore, cost-effectiveness is reduced to cost-minimisation and SCS-treatment is considerably more expensive than best medical treatment.

Surgical Management of Critical Limb Ischemia

At the present time, infrainguinal bypass using autogenous vein is the most effective and durable treatment for chronic limb ischemia caused by long-segment, diffuse, atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Quality of the vein conduit is the most important factor that determines operative success. Preoperative vein mapping is useful to identify an optimal vein conduit as well as to suggest vein segments that should not be explored due to occlusion, significant calcification, poor caliber, or sclerosis. Reversed, nonreversed, and in situ vein bypass grafts all perform equally well, and the choice of technique depends on anatomic considerations and surgeon preference. Bypass grafts originating from inflow sources distal to the common femoral artery may be appropriate in selected cases without compromising graft patency. All vein graft patients should be followed by postoperative, duplex-based graft surveillance. Antiplatelet therapy is indicated in all infrainguinal bypass patients; oral anticoagulation may be worthwhile in selected, high-risk patients, but hemorrhagic risks are significantly increased.

Is Duplex Surveillance of Value After Leg Vein Bypass Grafting?

Background— The purpose of this study was to assess the benefits of duplex compared with clinical vein graft surveillance in terms of amputation rates, quality of life, and healthcare costs in patients after femoropopliteal and femorocrural vein bypass grafts.

Methods and Results— This was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 594 patients with a patent vein graft at 30 days after surgery were randomized to either a clinical or duplex follow-up program at 6 weeks, then 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. The clinical and duplex surveillance groups had similar amputation rates (7% for each group) and vascular mortality rates (3% versus 4%) over 18 months. More patients in the clinical group had vein graft stenosis at 18 months (19% versus 12%, P =0.04), but primary patency, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency rates, respectively, were similar in the clinical group (69%, 76%, and 80%) and the duplex group (67%, 76%, and 79%). There were no apparent differences in health-related quality of life, but the average health service costs incurred by the duplex surveillance program were greater by £495 (95% CI £183 to £807) per patient.

Conclusions— Intensive surveillance with duplex scanning did not show any additional benefit in terms of limb salvage rates for patients undergoing vein bypass graft operations, but it did incur additional costs.

The Influence of Subintimal Angioplasty on Level of Amputation and Limb Salvage Rates in Lower Limb Critical Ischaemia: A 15-year Experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of subintimal angioplasty (SIA) on lower limb amputation rate and level in critically ischaemic limbs.

METHODS

Between January 1989 and March 2004, 1268 patients were admitted for treatment of lower limb critical ischaemia. Eight hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent revascularisation (bypass 671 and angioplasty 158), while 439 patients had primary amputations. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained vascular registry was performed. Patients were divided into two groups, those who were admitted prior to the availability of subintimal angioplasty and those treated post-introduction of angioplasty. The two groups were compared with regards to age, sex, diabetes mellitus, ASA grade, Rutherford classification and level of disease. Outcome was assessed by the limb salvage rate, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The average number of revascularisation increased with the introduction of subintimal angioplasty, from 53 to 96 per year (p<0.001). The overall limb salvage rate increased significantly from 42 to 70% (p<0.001). The cumulative limb salvage rate following revascularisation rose from 72 to 86% (p<0.001). The level of amputation (AKA:BKA) did not vary significantly. Thirty-day morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the post-angioplasty group.

CONCLUSIONS

Technical advances have resulted in a steadying of amputation numbers despite an ageing population.

Critical limb ischemia: hybrid MR angiography compared with DSA

PURPOSE

To compare a hybrid magnetic resonance (MR) angiography protocol with selective digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in patients with critical limb ischemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was approved by the institutional review board, and written consent was obtained from all patients. Pretreatment DSA and hybrid MR angiography were performed in 19 consecutive patients (15 men, four women; mean age, 69.8 years; range, 44-86 years). Hybrid MR angiography included submillimeter dual-phase three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography in lower calf and foot, and four-station bolus-chase MR angiography in pelvis, thigh, and upper calf. Three readers identified the target lesion and inflow and outflow segments and determined treatment (bypass graft placement, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, conservative management, amputation). Results of interobserver and intermethod comparisons were expressed as percentage of agreement and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

On hybrid MR angiograms, no substantial venous overlay was present and image quality was excellent or adequate in 18 (95%) of 19 limbs. Readers 1, 2, and 3 selected the identical target lesion on the DSA image and the MR angiogram in 18, 17, and 18 of 18 comparable limbs, respectively. Mean percentage of agreement for readers 1 and 3 was 100% (95% CI: 81%, 100%) and for reader 2 was 94% (95% CI: 73%, 100%). Agreement of all three readers was superior with use of MR angiography for determination of inflow segments (13 [72%] of 18 limbs) and outflow segments (17 [94%] of 18 limbs), compared with agreement with use of DSA (13 [68%] of 19 inflow segments, 10 [53%] of 19 outflow segments). Agreement in therapy decisions was higher with DSA (15 [79%] of 19) than with MR angiography (11 [61%] of 18).

CONCLUSION

Preliminary data strongly support the combination of submillimeter dual-phase MR angiography in lower calf and foot with four-station bolus-chase MR angiography to extend the utility of MR angiography to patients with critical limb ischemia.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography in the Follow-up of Distal Lower-Extremity Bypass Surgery: Comparison with Duplex Ultrasound and Digital Subtraction Angiography

PURPOSE

The danger of limb loss as a consequence of acute occlusion of infrapopliteal bypasses underscores the requirement for careful patient follow-up. The objective of this study was to determine the agreement and accuracy of contrast material-enhanced moving-table magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and duplex ultrasonography (US) in the assessment of failing bypass grafts. In cases of discrepancy, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) served as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR angiography was performed in 24 consecutive patients with 26 femorotibial or femoropedal bypass grafts. Each revascularized limb was divided into five segments--(i) native arteries proximal to the graft; (ii) proximal anastomosis; (iii) graft course; (iv) distal anastomosis; and (v) native arteries distal to the graft-resulting in 130 vascular segments. Three readers evaluated all MR angiograms for image quality and the presence of failing grafts. The degree of stenosis was compared to the findings of duplex US, and in case of discrepancy, to DSA findings. Two separate analyses were performed with use of DSA only and a combined diagnostic endpoint as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Image quality was rated excellent or intermediate in 119 of 130 vascular segments (92%). Venous overlay was encountered in 26 of 130 segments (20%). In only two segments was evaluation of the outflow region not feasible. One hundred seventeen of 130 vascular segments were available for quantitative analysis. In 109 of 117 segments (93%), MR angiography and duplex US showed concordant findings. In the eight discordant segments in seven patients, duplex US overlooked four high-grade stenoses that were correctly identified by MR angiography and confirmed by DSA. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in these cases. In no case did MR angiography miss an area of stenosis of sufficient severity to require treatment. Total accuracy for duplex US ranged from 0.90 to 0.97 depending on the reference standard used, whereas MR angiography was completely accurate (1.00) regardless of the standard definition.

CONCLUSION

Our data strongly suggest that the accuracy of MR angiography for identifying failing grafts in the infrapopliteal circulation is equal to that of duplex US and superior to that of duplex US in cases of complex revascularization. MR angiography should be included in routine follow-up of patients undergoing infrapopliteal bypass surgery.

Health-Economic Consequences of Diabetic Foot Lesions

Diabetic foot complications result in huge costs for both society and the individual patients. Few reports on the health-economic consequences of diabetic foot infections have been published. In studies considering a wide societal perspective, costs of antibiotics were relatively low, whereas total costs for topical treatment were high relative to the total costs of foot infections. Total direct costs for healing of infected ulcers not requiring amputation are approximately 17,500 dollars (in 1998 US dollars), whereas the costs for lower-extremity amputations are approximately 30,000 dollars-33,500 dollars depending on the level of amputation. Prevention of foot ulcers and amputations by various methods, including patient education, proper footwear, and foot care, in patients at risk is cost effective or even cost saving. Awareness of the potential influence of reimbursement systems on prevention, management, and outcomes of diabetic foot lesions has increased. Despite methodological obstacles, modeling studies are needed in future health-economic evaluations to determine the cost effectiveness of various strategies.

A national and single institutional experience in the contemporary treatment of acute lower extremity ischemia

OBJECTIVE

To determine the contemporary clinical relevance of acute lower extremity ischemia and the factors associated with amputation and in-hospital mortality.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Acute lower extremity ischemia is considered limb- and life-threatening and usually requires therapy within 24 hours. The equivalency of thrombolytic therapy and surgery for the treatment of subacute limb ischemia up to 14 days duration is accepted fact. However, little information exists with regards to the long-term clinical course and therapeutic outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

Two databases formed the basis for this study. The first was the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1992 to 2000 of all patients (N = 23,268) with a primary discharge diagnosis of acute embolism and thrombosis of the lower extremities. The second was a retrospective University of Michigan experience from 1995 to 2002 of matched ICD-9-CM coded patients (N = 105). Demographic factors, atherosclerotic risk factors, the need for amputation, and in-hospital mortality were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the NIS, the mean patient age was 71 years, and 54% were female. The average length of stay (LOS) was 9.4 days, and inflation-adjusted cost per admission was $25,916. The amputation rate was 12.7%, and mortality was 9%. Decreased amputation rates accompanied: female sex (0.90, 0.81-0.99), age less than 63 years (0.47, 0.41-0.54), angioplasty (0.46, 0.38-0.55), and embolectomy (0.39, 0.35-0.44). Decreased mortality accompanied: angioplasty (0.79, 0.64-0.96), heparin administration (0.50, 0.29-0.86), and age less than 63 years(0.27, 0.23-0.33). The University of Michigan patients' mean age was 62 years, and 57% were men. The LOS was 11 days, with a 14% amputation rate and a mortality of 12%. Prior vascular bypasses existed in 23% of patients, and heparin use was documented in 16%. Embolectomy was associated with decreased amputation rates (0.054, 0.01-0.27) and mortality (0.07, 0.01-0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute limb ischemia, the more widespread use of heparin anticoagulation and, in select patients, performance of embolectomy rather than pursuing thrombolysis may improve patient outcomes.

Infrainguinal bypass graft patency and limb salvage rates in critical limb ischemia: influence of the mode of presentation

Rest pain, ulceration, and gangrene are often considered together in studies describing outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 152 infrainguinal bypass grafts performed on 128 patients with chronic critical limb ischemia over a 6-year period was carried out. Grafts were classified according to the mode of presentation and were followed up by regular clinical and duplex examinations. Mean follow-up period was 29 months (range 12 to 60 months). Patients' demographics, risk factors, and graft characteristics were not statistically different between the groups. The 5-year cumulative primary patency rates were 33%, 52%, and 51% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.04). The 5-year cumulative primary assisted patency rates were 46%, 70%, and 72% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.01). The 5-year cumulative secondary patency rates were 48%, 76%, and 75% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.003). The 5-year cumulative limb salvage rates were 59%, 87%, and 83%, for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.01). Gangrene is a distinct subcategory of critical limb ischemia with a worse prognosis than ulceration and rest pain and should be classified as such when reporting results of infrainguinal bypass grafts.

A 1 year prospective study of management and outcome of patients presenting with critical lower limb ischaemia

OBJECTIVES

to determine management of patients with critical lower limb ischaemia (CLI) from first presentation to investigation and treatment.

DESIGN

prospective study of critical ischaemia patients.

METHODS

one-year prospective survey (May 2000-May 2001). Follow-up 3-15 months.

RESULTS

some 873 arterial cases presented, 134 patients had CLI. Of the latter 49% were men, 30% diabetic, the median age was 81 years. Only 15 (24%) of 62 cases were referred to outpatients as urgent. Patients waited a median of 25 days (range 1-100) to be seen in outpatients, and had symptoms for a median of 8 weeks. Treatment was conservative for 70 patients, and 11 primary amputations, six secondary amputations, and 62 revascularisation procedures (34 operative, 28 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) were performed. At follow-up (3-15 months, median 9 months), rates of major amputation and death were 12 and 27% respectively. Significantly more diabetics underwent major amputation (p < 0.02) than non diabetics. Patients presenting with ulceration or gangrene were at greater risk of death than those with rest pain alone (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

patients with CLI often have symptoms for many weeks before being seen by a specialist, and 76% are referred as non-urgent cases. This compares with patients with suspected malignant disease in the U.K. who are required to be seen within 2 weeks.

Clinical outcome and prognostic factors for ischaemic ulcers treated with PTA in lower limbs

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical outcome of patients with ischaemic ulcers (Fontaine stage IV) undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

METHODS AND DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of 40 patients (21 males) treated between January 1998 and December 1998. Cardiovascular risk factors, co-morbid, baseline laboratory, angiographic data and technical success were recorded. Patients were followed for a median of 20 (inter quartile range (IQR) 8-26) months.

RESULTS

Cumulative ulcer healing rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 15, 40, 54 and 81%, respectively. The median time to healing was 5 (IQR 2-7) months. Cumulative restenosis at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months was 3, 10, 29 and 52%, respectively. Nine patients (22%) suffered ulcer reappearance. Lipoprotein (a) serum levels > 30 mg/dl (HR 0.2, 95% CI 0.05-1.0, p = 0.05) and diabetes mellitus (HR 0.2, 95% CI 0.5-0.7, p = 0.01) were associated with delayed ulcer healing.

CONCLUSION

PTA leads to ulcer healing in the majority of patients. Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels > 30 mg/dl and diabetes mellitus are independently associated with ulcer persistence.

The increasing role of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the primary management of critical limb ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

to review the current role and results of angioplasty in the management of critical limb ischaemia (CLI) in a single institution.

METHODS

data on 526 patients with 608 ischaemic limbs, treated between January 1994 and December 1999 was collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the date of presentation: group 1 (1994-95), group 2 (1996-97) and group 3 (1998-99). The groups were comparable in terms of demographics, mode of presentation and level of disease.

RESULTS

Revascularisation was attempted in 87%, 81% and 91% for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively (NS). Primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) rates increased from 44% (1994-95) to 69% (1998-99) (p < 0.001), and surgical revascularisation rates decreased correspondingly (p<0.01). Overall cumulative patient survival and limb salvage rates were 82% and 89% for 1 year and 45% and 87% for 5 years, respectively. No statistically significant difference existed between the three groups regarding patient survival, limb salvage rates and mean hospital stay (19, 12 and 12 days, respectively).

CONCLUSION

PTA is increasingly replacing bypass surgery in the treatment of CLI, without compromising patient survival or limb salvage rates.

The final outcome of primary infrainguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in 100 consecutive patients with chronic critical limb ischemia

PURPOSE

This study was performed to determine final outcomes in patients treated with infrainguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 100 consecutive patients (mean age, 72 y; range, 38-90 y; 40 men and 60 women) with 116 treated limbs. CLI was defined as rest pain or ischemic tissue defect combined with an ankle systolic pressure < or = 50 mm Hg. Indication for treatment was rest pain in 23 limbs (20%), ischemic ulcer in 50 (43%), and gangrene in 43 (37%). All patients were followed until they had met the study endpoints: major amputation or death. The mean follow-up period was 38 months (1-119 mo). Limb salvage, survival, and life with limb rates were determined along with their determinants.

RESULTS

On average, 1.9 invasive procedures were required during the lifespan of a critically ischemic limb, including primary PTA and 32 repeat PTA procedures, 11 surgical revascularizations, and 51 amputations. The major amputation rate was 32% (n = 37). Limb salvage for endovascular treatments at 3, 5, and 8 years was 65%, 60%, and 60%, respectively (SE of estimate [SEE] <or = 0.06), and the corresponding life with limb rates were 29%, 18%, and 6% (SEE < or = 0.05). A greater number of diseased vessels in the treated limb was associated with poorer limb salvage (P =.004). Survival rates were 41%, 26%, and 14% (SEE < or = 0.05) at 3, 5, and 10 years. The 10-year survival rate was markedly poorer than that in the age- and sex-matched control population. Coronary artery disease (P =.001) and poor peripheral runoff (P =.02) were associated with decreased survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Infrainguinal PTA in patients with CLI results in acceptable limb salvage with a low number of additional revascularization treatments, but patient survival is poor.

Survival in patients with chronic lower extremity ischemia: a risk factor analysis

This is a prospective cohort comparison study aiming to determine the mortality of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and identify the risk factors affecting their survival. Data regarding demographic and biochemical risk factors, and lower limb disease severity classified by vascular laboratory criteria were collected prospectively from 665 consecutive patients presenting with symptoms of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The effect of patient and disease risk factors on survival was analyzed by the life-table method and independent significant variables examined by a multivariate Cox regression model. The cumulative survival for all patients at 1, 3, and 5 years were 86.1, 71.2, and 55.8%, respectively, with a median survival of 72.2 months. Female sex, age, smoking, heart disease, renal disease, respiratory disease, stroke, critical ischemia, lowest anklebrachial index, no vascular reconstruction, and major amputation were associated with higher mortality. Lipid and biochemical variables were not significant determinants. Using multivariate Cox regression, age (>70), disease severity, anklebrachial index (<0.5), no vascular reconstruction, diabetes mellitus, and renal and cardiorespiratory diseases were identified as independent risk factors affecting patient survival. The survival of patients with PAOD is poor compared with the general population. Significant patient-related variables were largely coexisting diseases and advanced age, whereas the other risk factors for atherosclerosis are less influential. Disease severity may bear a direct relationship to mortality, and patients with critical ischemia have the worst prognosis. Early disease detection and timely vascular reconstruction may lead to an improvement in overall survival.

Costing vascular surgery: A review of current reporting practice

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the level of reporting in economic studies in the area of peripheral vascular disease. Adequate reporting of data is necessary to judge the quality of economic studies by means of critical appraisal criteria.

METHODS

A systematic review of the journal literature between 1986 and the first half of 1997 was undertaken. Studies that have attempted to estimate the resource consequences of one or more vascular procedure were the focus of the review. The extent of reporting in each study was assessed by using published guidelines.

RESULTS

The review identified 30 articles from nine different countries for inclusion in the study. Of these, more than half were published in the last 2(1/2) years of the search period, indicating a recent and rapid growth in economic studies in this area. When subjected to the reporting guidelines, the studies performed rather poorly overall.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the vascular studies can be criticized for inadequate reporting of economic data, it appears from the limited evidence from elsewhere that inadequate reporting is a problem in other clinical areas. In view of the importance of reporting to the ability to critically assess studies-and thus separate the "good" from the "bad"-there is a need for reporting to improve future published studies.

Cost-identification analysis of revascularization procedures on patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine average total in-hospital costs of various revascularization procedures for peripheral arterial occlusive disease; to examine the effect of procedure-related complications and patient characteristics on these costs; and to examine whether costs have changed over time.

METHODS

We collected cost data on all admissions involving one revascularization procedure for peripheral arterial occlusive disease at the Brigham and Women's hospital from 1990 through 1995 (n = 583). The main outcome measures were total costs per admission in 1995 US dollars and length of stay in days.

RESULTS

For each of 12 different procedures identified, total costs per admission varied considerably. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of local and systemic complications and of patient characteristics on total in-hospital costs per admission. The additional cost incurred for fatal systemic complications was $11,675 (P = .004) and for nonfatal systemic complications was $9345 (P < .001). The results demonstrated significant additional costs with management of critical ischemia versus intermittent claudication ($4478, P < .001), presence of coronary artery disease ($1287, P = .05), female sex ($1461, P = .03), and advanced age ($1345, P = .02). No statistically significant changes over time were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Total in-hospital costs per admission for peripheral revascularization procedures are highly variable and significantly increased by procedure-related complications, advanced age, female sex, management of critical ischemia, and presence of coronary artery disease.

Ilizarov external fixation in the management of bilateral, highly complex blast injuries of lower extremities: a report of two cases

Because of their complexity, war injuries inflicted by a blast mechanism often require tailoring of treatment to attain a more individualized solution. We report two cases of bilateral, severely mangled lower limbs with open tibial fractures and crush injuries to the feet. In each case, one limb had to be amputated below the knee, but the other limb was saved by immediate stabilization in a tubular external fixation frame crossing the knee; the frame was later replaced by a hybrid ring fixation frame with a freely moving knee. Such incidences are rare, and the particular management detailed here has not previously been reported in the literature.