| 1. |
- Hammar, Kimberley, et al.
(author)
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Low Incidence of Late Ipsilateral Ischaemic Stroke After Treatment for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis in Sweden 2008–2017 : Increased Risk in the Elderly and After Carotid Stenting
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 63:1, s. 24-32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Carotid stenosis is a major risk factor for stroke and surgical treatment is key in preventing recurrent ischaemic events. Previous randomised trials have demonstrated the net benefit of surgery for significant symptomatic carotid stenosis but, with present day medical treatment, there is limited evidence on the risk of late ipsilateral ischaemic stroke (IS) and its main risk factors.Method: Ipsilateral IS after the peri-operative period (≤ 30 days) was investigated in a nationwide, registry based cohort study of patients treated for symptomatic carotid stenosis in Sweden between 2008 – 2017. The Swedish National Registry for Vascular Surgery (Swedvasc) was used to establish the cohort, and the Swedish stroke registry (Riksstroke), combined with hospital records, was used to determine outcome. Stroke of any type and all cause mortality after the peri-operative period were studied as secondary outcomes. Cox regression was used to analyse associations between clinical factors and outcomes.Results: In total, 7 589 patients (mean age 72 ± 8 years, 68% men) were followed for 4.2 ± 2.6 years. Ipsilateral IS occurred in 232 patients corresponding to a yearly incidence of 0.73%. Age above 80 years compared with 65 – 79 years was associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral IS (adjusted HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.43 – 2.65). Carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was also associated with increased risk (adjusted HR 3.20, 95% CI 2.03 – 5.03). Stroke of any type occurred in 7.7% of patients, and 19.6% of patients died during the follow up period.Conclusion: The incidence of ipsilateral IS after treatment for symptomatic carotid stenosis in Sweden 2008–2017 was low, demonstrating the effectiveness and durability of surgery in a real world setting. Only age above 80 years and CAS compared with CEA were associated with increased risk of ipsilateral IS.
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| 2. |
- Jonsson, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Nationwide Outcome Analysis of Primary Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients Depending on Closure Technique and Patch Type
- 2023
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In: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : Saunders Elsevier. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 65:4, s. 467-473
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Current European guidelines recommend both eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and conventional CEA with routine patch closure, rather than routine primary closure. Polyester and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been used as patch material for a long time. More recently, bovine pericardium has been used; however, there are few studies comparing long term results between bovine pericardium and other patch types. The aim of this study was to investigate the short and long term results after CEA depending on surgical technique and patch material.Methods: A registry based study on all primary CEAs (n = 9 205) performed for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis in Sweden from July 2008 to December 2019, cross linked with data from the Swedish stroke registry, Riksstroke, and chart review for evaluation of any events occurring during follow up. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral stroke < 30 days. Secondary endpoints included re-operations due to neck haematoma and < 30 day ipsilateral stroke, > 30 day ipsilateral stroke, all stroke > 30 days, and all cause mortality.Results: 2 495 patients underwent eversion CEA and 6 710 conventional CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. The most commonly used patch material was Dacron (n = 3 921), followed by PTFE (n = 588) and bovine pericardium (n = 413). A total of 1 788 patients underwent conventional CEA with primary closure. Two hundred and seventy-three patients (3.0%) had a stroke < 30 days. Primary closure was associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke and stroke or death <30 days: odds ratio 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 -2.4, p = .002); and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2 -2.0), respectively. During follow up (median 4.2 years), 592 patients had any form of stroke and 1 492 died. There was no significant difference in long term risk of ipsilateral stroke, all stroke, or death depending on surgical technique or patch material.Conclusion: There was an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke < 30 days in patients operated on with primary closure compared with eversion CEA and patch angioplasty. There was no difference between primary closure, different patch types, or eversion after the peri-operative phase.
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| 3. |
- D'Oria, Mario, et al.
(author)
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Pre-Operative Moderate to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease is Associated with Worse Short-Term and Mid-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair
- 2021
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In: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 62:6, s. 859-868
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To review experience of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) for pararenal/thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (PRAA/TAAA) and to assess the association between pre-operative moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and post-operative outcomes.METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing (elective and non-elective) F-BEVAR at a single centre (1 January 2011 - 1 July 2019) were identified. Renal function was calculated as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Accordingly, presence of moderate to severe CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2.RESULTS: Overall, 202 consecutive patients (mean age 72 ± 8 years; 25% women) underwent F-BEVAR for the treatment of PRAA/TAAA during the study period. Of these, 51 had a history of moderate to severe CKD (none on chronic haemodialysis). No statistically significant differences were found in demographics and major comorbidities between patients with or without a history of CKD. The overall peri-operative mortality rate was 2%, without statistically significant differences between study groups (p = .26). Patients with prior CKD had statistically significantly higher rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) (37% vs. 12%, p < .001). At three years, overall survival was statistically significantly lower in patients with history of CKD compared with those without pre-operative CKD (57% vs. 82%, p = .010). Similarly, freedom from renal function decline at three years was statistically significantly poorer in patients with prior history of CKD compared with those without pre-operative CKD (43% vs. 80%, p = .020). In a multivariable analysis CKD was independently associated with higher odds of peri-operative AKI (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9 - 5.8, p = .030), renal function decline (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7 - 9.2, p = .003), and all cause mortality (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2 - 8.6, p = .020).CONCLUSION: Despite low peri-operative mortality rates that are comparable to patients with unimpaired renal function, occurrence of AKI was statistically significantly higher in subjects with pre-existing moderate to severe CKD. History of CKD was independently associated to renal function decline and poorer midterm survival.
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| 4. |
- Kuzniar, Marek, et al.
(author)
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Feasibility of Assessing Inflammation in Asymptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With Integrated 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- 2020
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In: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 59:3, s. 464-471
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) combined with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify inflammation in asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).METHODS: FDG PET/MRI was performed on 15 patients with asymptomatic infrarenal AAAs >45 mm diameter. Prevalence of FDG uptake and MRI findings of inflammatory changes (oedema, wall thickening, and late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]) in the aortic wall were investigated at three levels: suprarenal aorta; non-aneurysmal aortic neck; and AAA.RESULTS: The median diameter of the AAAs was 54 mm (range 47-65 mm) and the median expansion rate in the last 12 months was 3 mm (range 1-13 mm). The standard uptake value (SUV) of FDG in the aneurysmal wall (SUVmax 2.5) was higher than the blood pool (SUVmax 1.0; p < .001). The maximum target to background ratio was higher in the suprarenal aorta (mean ± SD; 3.1 ± 0.6) and aortic neck (2.7 ± 0.5) than in the aneurysmal aorta (2.5 ± 0.5; p < .001). Thirty-six FDG hotspots were observed in the aneurysmal wall of 13 patients. Wall thickening and LGE were identified in eight patients. The number of FDG hotspots correlated with recent AAA growth (r = 0.62, p = .01). The recent aneurysm expansion rate was higher in aneurysms with LGE than in those without (7 mm vs. 2 mm; p = .03). MRI inflammatory changes were observed in nine of 36 hot spots (25%) and in three of 13 patients with focal FDG uptake.CONCLUSION: Fully integrated FDG PET/MRI can be used to study inflammation in asymptomatic AAAs. Heterogenous uptake of FDG in the aneurysmal wall indicates increased glucose metabolism, suggesting an ongoing inflammation. However, these FDG hotspots rarely correspond to MRI findings of inflammation, raising the question of which type of cellular activity is present in these areas. The presence of LGE and FDG hotspots both correlated to recent aneurysm growth, and their usefulness as clinical markers of aneurysm growth warrant additional investigation.
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| 5. |
- Marek, Kuzniar, et al.
(author)
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Longitudinal Assessment of Inflammatory Activity in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection with Integrated Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- 2023
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In: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 66:3, s. 323-331
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The significance of the inflammatory response in the natural course of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is unknown. The aim was to characterise inflammation and its transformation over time in ATBAD using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods: Ten patients underwent FDG-PET/MRI within two weeks of ATBAD (acute phase), three to four months (subacute phase), nine to 12 months (early chronic phase), and 21 to 24 months (late chronic phase) after ATBAD. Target background ratios (TBRs) were measured in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta. MRI inflammatory markers were assessed in the descending aorta.Results: Ten patients were included: median age 69 years, median clinical follow up 32 months. In the acute phase there was increased FDG uptake in the descending aorta (maximum TBR 5.8, SD [standard deviation] 1.3) compared with the ascending aorta (TBR 3.3, SD 0.8, p < .010) and arch (TBR 4.2, SD 0.6, p = .010). The maximum TBR of the descending aorta decreased from the acute to subacute phase (TBR 3.5, SD 0.6, p = .010) and further to the early chronic phase (TBR 2.9, SD 0.4, p = .030) but was stable thereafter. The acute phase maximum TBR in the ascending aorta (TBR 3.3) and arch (TBR 4.2) decreased to the subacute phase (ascending: TBR 2.8, SD 0.6, p = .020; arch: TBR 2.7, SD 0.4, p = .010) and was stable thereafter. Four patients underwent surgical aortic repair (three for aortic dilatation at one, five, and 28 months and one for visceral ischaemia at three weeks). MRI signs of inflammation were present in all surgically treated patients vs. two of six of medically treated patients (p= .048).Conclusion: ATBAD is associated with increased FDG uptake in the acute phase primarily in the descending aorta, but also involving the aortic arch and ascending aorta, indicating an inflammatory response in the whole aorta. Inflammation subsides early in the ascending aorta and arch (three months), whereas it stabilised later in the descending aorta (nine to 12 months). MRI signs of inflammation were more frequent in patients who later needed surgical treatment and merit further investigation.
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| 6. |
- Abdelhalim, Mohamed A., et al.
(author)
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Multicenter trans-Atlantic experience with fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair of chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
- 2023
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In: Journal of Vascular Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 0741-5214 .- 1097-6809. ; 78:4, s. 854-862.e1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This multicenter international study aimed to describe outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repairs (FB-EVAR) in a cohort of patients treated for chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs).METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients treated by FB-EVAR for repair of extent I to III PD-TAAAs in 16 centers from the United States and Europe (2008-2021). Data were extracted from institutional prospectively maintained databases and electronic patient records. All patients received off-the-shelf or patient-specific manufactured fenestrated-branched stent grafts. Endpoints were any cause mortality and major adverse events at 30 days, technical success, target artery (TA) patency, freedom from TA instability, minor (endovascular with <12 Fr sheath) and major (open or ≥12 Fr sheath) secondary interventions, patient survival, and freedom from aortic-related mortality (ARM).RESULTS: A total of 246 patients (76% male; median age, 67 years [interquartile range, 61-73 years]) were treated for extent I (7%), extent II (55%), and extent III (35%) PD-TAAAs by FB-EVAR. The median aneurysm diameter was 65 mm (interquartile range, 59-73 mm). Eighteen patients (7%) were octogenarians, 212 (86%) were American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3, and 21 (9%) presented with contained ruptured or symptomatic aneurysms. There were 917 renal-mesenteric vessels targeted by 581 fenestrations (63%) and 336 directional branches (37%), with a mean of 3.7 vessels per patient. Technical success was 96%. Mortality and rate of major adverse events at 30 days was 3% and 28%, including disabling complications such as new onset dialysis in 1%, major stroke in 1%, and permanent paraplegia in 2%. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimated patient survival at 3 and 5 years was 79% ± 6% and 65% ± 10%. KM estimated freedom from ARM was 95% ± 3% and 93% ± 5% at the same intervals. Unplanned secondary interventions were needed in 94 patients (38%), including minor procedures in 64 (25%) and major procedures in 30 (12%). There was one conversion to open surgical repair (<1%). KM estimated freedom from any secondary intervention was 44% ± 9% at 5 years. KM estimated primary and secondary TA patency were 93% ± 2% and 96% ± 1% at 5 years, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: FB-EVAR for chronic PD-TAAAs was associated with high technical success and a low rate of mortality (3%) and disabling complications at 30 days. Although the procedure is effective in the prevention of ARM, patient survival was low at 5 years (65%), likely due to the significant comorbidities in this cohort of patients. Freedom from secondary interventions at 5 years was 44%, although most procedures were minor. The significant rate of reinterventions highlights the need for continued patient surveillance.
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| 7. |
- Aziz, Faisal, et al.
(author)
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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on vascular registries and clinical trials
- 2021
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In: Seminars in Vascular Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 0895-7967 .- 1558-4518. ; 34:2, s. 28-36
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Quality improvement programs and clinical trial research experienced disruption due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vascular registries showed an immediate impact with significant declines in second-quarter vascular procedure volumes witnessed across Europe and the United States. To better understand the magnitude and impact of the pandemic, organizations and study groups sent grass roots surveys to vascular specialists for needs assessment. Several vascular registries responded quickly by insertion of COVID-19 variables into their data collection forms. More than 80% of clinical trials have been reported delayed or not started due to factors that included loss of enrollment from patient concerns or mandated institutional shutdowns, weighing the risk of trial participation on patient safety. Preliminary data of patients undergoing vascular surgery with active COVID-19 infection show inferior outcomes (morbidity) and increased mortality. Disease specific vascular surgery study collaboratives about COVID-19 were created for the desire to study the disease in a more focused manner than possible through registry outcomes. This review describes the pandemic effect on multiple VASCUNET registries including Germany (GermanVasc), Sweden (SwedVasc), United Kingdom (UK National Vascular Registry), Australia and New Zealand (bi-national Australasian Vascular Audit), as well as the United States (Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative). We will highlight the continued collaboration of VASCUNET with the Vascular Quality Initiative in the International Consortium of Vascular Registries as part of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network coordinated registry network. Vascular registries must remain flexible and responsive to new and future real-world problems affecting vascular patients.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Bath, Jonathan, et al.
(author)
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Contemporary outcomes after treatment of aberrant subclavian artery and Kommerell's diverticulum
- 2023
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In: Journal of Vascular Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0741-5214 .- 1097-6809. ; 77:5, s. 1339-1348.e6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) are rare vascular anomalies that may be associated with lifestyle-limiting and life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to report contemporary outcomes after invasive treatment of ASA/KD using a large international dataset.Methods: Patients who underwent treatment for ASA/KD (2000-2020) were identified through the Vascular Low Frequency Disease Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration to investigate uncommon vascular disorders. We report the early and mid-term clinical outcomes including stroke and mortality, technical success, and other operative outcomes including reintervention rates, patency, and endoleak.Results: Overall, 285 patients were identified during the study period. The mean patient age was 57 years; 47% were female and 68% presented with symptoms. A right-sided arch was present in 23%. The mean KD diameter was 47.4 mm (range, 13.0-108.0 mm). The most common indication for treatment was symptoms (59%), followed by aneurysm size (38%). The most common symptom reported was dysphagia (44%). A ruptured KD was treated in 4.2% of cases, with a mean diameter of 43.9 mm (range, 18.0-100.0 mm). An open procedure was performed in 101 cases (36%); the most common approach was ASA ligation with subclavian transposition. An endovascular or hybrid approach was performed in 184 patients (64%); the most common approach was thoracic endograft and carotid-subclavian bypass. A staged operative strategy was employed more often than single setting repair (55% vs 45%). Compared with endovascular or hybrid approach, those in the open procedure group were more likely to be younger (49 years vs 61 years; P < .0001), female (64% vs 36%; P < .0001), and symptomatic (85% vs 59%; P < .0001). Complete or partial symptomatic relief at 1 year after intervention was 82.6%. There was no association between modality of treatment and symptom relief (open 87.2% vs endovascular or hybrid approach 78.9%; P = .13). After the intervention, 11 subclavian occlusions (4.5%) occurred; 3 were successfully thrombectomized resulting in a primary and secondary patency of 95% and 96%, respectively, at a median follow-up of 39 months. Among the 33 reinterventions (12%), the majority were performed for endoleak (36%), and more reinterventions occurred in the endovascular or hybrid approach than open procedure group (15% vs 6%; P = .02). The overall survival rate was 87.3% at a median follow-up of 41 months. The 30-day stroke and death rates were 4.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Urgent or emergent presentation was independently associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 19.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-116.6), overall mortality (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2-11.2) and intraoperative complications (OR, 8.3; 95% CI, 2.8-25.1). Females had a higher risk of reintervention (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.5). At an aneurysm size of 44.4 mm, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that 60% of patients would have symptoms.Conclusions: Treatment of ASA/KD can be performed safely with low rates of mortality, stroke and reintervention and high rates of symptomatic relief, regardless of the repair strategy. Symptomatic and urgent operations were associated with worse outcomes in general, and female gender was associated with a higher likelihood of reintervention. Given the worse overall outcomes when symptomatic and the inherent risk of rupture, consideration of repair at 40 mm is reasonable in most patients. ASA/KD can be repaired in asymptomatic patients with excellent outcomes and young healthy patients may be considered better candidates for open approaches versus endovascular or hybrid modalities, given the lower likelihood of reintervention and lower early mortality rate.
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| 10. |
- Behrendt, Christian-Alexander, et al.
(author)
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International Variations and Sex Disparities in the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease : A Report from VASCUNET and the International Consortium of Vascular Registries
- 2020
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In: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : W B SAUNDERS CO LTD. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 60:6, s. 873-880
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this study was to determine sex specific differences in the invasive treatment of symptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) between member states participating in the VASCUNET and International Consortium of Vascular Registries. Methods: Data on open surgical revascularisation and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) of symptomatic PAOD from 2010 to 2017 were collected from population based administrative and registry data from 11 countries. Differences in age, sex, indication, and invasive treatment modality were analysed. Results: Data from 11 countries covering 671 million inhabitants and 1 164 497 hospitalisations (40% women, mean age 72 years, 49% with intermittent claudication, 54% treated with PVI) in Europe (including Russia), North America, Australia, and New Zealand were included. Patient selection and treatment modality varied widely for the proportion of female patients (23% in Portugal and 46% in Sweden), the proportion of patients with claudication (6% in Italy and 69% in Russia), patients' mean age (70 years in the USA and 76 years in Italy), the proportion of octogenarians (8% in Russia and 33% in Sweden), and the proportion of PVI (24% in Russia and 88% in Italy). Numerous differences between females and males were observed in regard to patient age (72 vs. 70 years), the proportion of octogenarians (28% vs. 15%), proportion of patients with claudication (45% vs. 51%), proportion of PVI (57% vs. 51%), and length of hospital stay (7 days vs. 6 days). Conclusion: Remarkable differences regarding the proportion of peripheral vascular interventions, patients with claudication, and octogenarians were seen across countries and sexes. Future studies should address the underlying reasons for this, including the impact of national societal guidelines, reimbursement, and differences in health maintenance.
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