A multi-method assessment of the vascular surgery program director experience in creating effective training environments.

Objectives: Surgical training has received significant attention in recent years with efforts to improve trainee wellness. Vascular surgery training is subject to unique challenges, and vascular program directors (PDs) are tasked with providing learning environments that produce effective and competent surgeons. The aim of this study is to examine the experience of vascular surgery PDs in promoting effective learning environments for vascular trainees.

Percutaneous radial access is safe and effective for subclavian branch treatment during zone 2 endovascular aortic repair with thoracic branch endoprosthesis.

The thoracic branch endoprosthesis (TBE, W. L. Gore & Associates) provides an off-the-shelf endovascular solution for zone 2 aortic pathology that maintains perfusion to the arm.

The relationships between hospital support staff and vascular trainee educational experience and wellbeing.

Introduction: Many stakeholders contribute to effective training environments for surgical residents, including program administrators and nursing staff. This study evaluates associations of hospital support staff with trainee educational time and wellness.

Methods: Data were collected via confidential voluntary survey of vascular trainees, who were asked about support staff interactions and protected educational time.

Single retrograde thoracic branch endoprosthesis versus standard endovascular repair with subclavian coverage for treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injuries.

Objective: The Gore TAG thoracic branch endoprosthesis (TBE) allows zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), maintaining left subclavian artery (LSA) patency via side branch. We compared TBE for blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) with TEVAR with subclavian artery coverage when seal into zone 2 was required.

Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with repair for BTAI between 2011 and 2024.

Utilizing natural language processing to improve abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance.

Background: Screening and surveillance are essential to prevent aneurysm rupture. We used natural language processing (NLP) software to evaluate efficacy of aneurysm surveillance.

Methods: NLP software was used to review 7 years of imaging reports at a single institution to identify patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The obstetric experience among vascular surgery trainees.

Background: Vascular surgery training poses unique risks to pregnancy, including long hours, physically demanding work, and radiation exposure. Our objectives were to (1) understand pregnancy and parenthood experiences among vascular surgery trainees, (2) assess the rate of obstetric complications among vascular trainees, and (3) evaluate factors associated with trainee-parent wellness.

Methods: A survey was administered after the 2021 Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination.

Trainee Perception of Virtual Interviews and Associations of Virtual Engagement with Vascular Surgery Culture and Community.

Background: In recent years, the vascular surgery community has increased the utilization of virtual interviews and virtual engagement or use of online technologies for educational, networking, and mentorship activities. This study evaluates trainee preferences of virtual interviews and associations of virtual engagement with wellness.

Methods: Deidentified data were collected from a confidential, voluntary survey of residents and fellows in vascular surgery programs administered following the 2023 Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination (VSITE).

Multi-center experience with an off-the-shelf single retrograde thoracic branch endoprosthesis for acute aortic pathology.

Objective: The thoracic branch endoprosthesis (TBE) (W.L. Gore) offers an off-the-shelf single option for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of aortic arch pathology with sealing in zones 0 to 2.

Endovascular repair with the Gore thoracoabdominal multibranch endoprosthesis for proximal degeneration after prior fenestrated endovascular aortic repair.

Degeneration of the thoracoabdominal aorta proximal to a prior fenestrated endovascular aortic repair represents a complex issue with limited options for repair. Previously, modified endografts or open conversion with endograft explant offered the only options for management. Here we describe use of the Gore Thoracoabdominal Multibranch Endoprosthesis for exclusion of an extent III thoracoabdominal aneurysm in the setting of degeneration proximal to a previously placed fenestrated device.

Intravascular lithotripsy in carotid disease.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a hybrid approach with neuroprotective flow reversal for treating carotid stenosis. Providers are increasingly choosing it for patients, especially those at high risk for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, TCAR's efficacy is limited by calcific atherosclerosis, which can hinder stent expansion and increase the risk of perioperative embolization.

A Multicenter Evaluation of Clopidogrel Resistance and Its Role in Predicting Stent Thrombosis in Transcarotid Artery Revascularization.

Background: Clopidogrel resistance testing is not routine prior to transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and resistance rates are not well described in this setting despite frequent use of periprocedural clopidogrel. We compared 2 resistance testing modalities to determine the relationship between resistance and stent outcomes.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing TCAR at 3 institutions were retrospectively identified.

Burnout is not associated with trainee performance on the Vascular Surgery In-Training Exam.

Objective: The Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination (VSITE) is a yearly exam evaluating vascular trainees' knowledge base. Although multiple studies have evaluated variables associated with exam outcomes, few have incorporated training program-specific metrics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the learning environment and burnout on VSITE performance.

Using Vascular Deserts as a Guide for Limb Preservation Outreach Programs Successfully Targets Underserved Populations.

Background: Vascular deserts, regions without vascular providers, previously described targets for limb salvage efforts. The Comprehensive Heart and Multidisciplinary Limb Preservation Outreach Networks (CHAMPIONS) programs targeted regions for outreach and evaluated the population using desert maps.

Methods: At 2 events targeting underserved regions between 2022 and 2023, providers screened and educated participants on peripheral arterial and cardiovascular disease (PACD).

The evolution and impact of the Society for Vascular Surgery Resident and Student Program.

Objective: There is an ongoing national shortage in the vascular surgery (VS) workforce. To increase interest in the specialty, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Resident and Student Outreach Committee (RSOC) developed a dedicated general surgery (GS) resident and medical student (MS) program at the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) and invested in a scholarship program to help reduce attendee expenses. This study assesses the program's effectiveness, correlating recipient feedback with the likelihood of matching into a VS training program.

Multi-center experience with intravascular lithotripsy for treatment of severe calcification during transcarotid artery revascularization for high-risk patients.

Objective: Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) offers a safe alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), but severe calcification is currently considered a contraindication in carotid artery stenting. This study aims to describe the safety and effectiveness of TCAR with intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in patients with traditionally prohibitive calcific disease.

Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent TCAR+IVL from 2018-2022 at nine institutions were identified.

Evaluating growth patterns of abdominal aortic aneurysms among women.

Objective: Though initially protected from vessel dilation by estrogen, women may experience rapid abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth post-menopause. The rate of growth has been poorly defined in prior literature. Here, we describe aneurysm growth in a cohort of women found through an AAA screening program.

Reported pain at work is a risk factor for vascular surgery trainee burnout.

Background: Work-related pain is a known risk factor for vascular surgeon burnout. It risks early attrition from our workforce and is a recognized threat to the specialty. Our study aimed to understand whether work-related pain similarly contributed to vascular surgery trainee well-being.

Early experience with the Gore TAG thoracic branch endoprosthesis for treatment of acute aortic pathology.

The Gore TAG thoracic branch endoprosthesis (TBE) is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved device for zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair, allowing for graft placement proximal to the left subclavian artery origin and maintaining vessel patency through a side branch. We describe our experience with the Gore TBE device in 20 patients for acute indications, including blunt thoracic aortic injuries, complicated dissections, and ruptured aneurysms. Technical success, with exclusion of pathology and left subclavian patency, was 100% without major complications within 30 days.

Symptomatic carotid stenosis in Eagle syndrome managed with traditional endarterectomy and styloidectomy.

Eagle syndrome represents an anatomic variant present in 4% of the population. It is characterized by an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament with resultant irritation of cervical neurovascular structures. Common manifestations include craniofacial or cervical pain related to compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Perception of shared learning environment differs between vascular surgery and general surgery residents.

Background: An enriching learning environment is integral to resident wellness and education. Integrated vascular (VS) and general surgery (GS) residents share 18 months of core GS rotations during the postgraduate years 1-3 (PGY1-3); differences in their experiences may help identify practical levers for change.

Methods: We used a convergent mixed-methods design.

Use of a prosthetic conduit for stent delivery in transcarotid artery revascularization for patients with unfavorable anatomy.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) provides a safe alternative to carotid endarterectomy. The anatomic requirements include a 5-cm minimum clavicle to carotid bifurcation distance for sheath access proximal to the lesion. In the present report, we describe our experience with conduit use for patients not meeting that requirement.

Defining Vascular Deserts to Describe Access to Care and Identify Sites for Targeted Limb Preservation Outreach.

Background: Access to care plays a critical role in limb salvage in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). A "medical desert" describes a community lacking access to medical necessities, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to describe vascular deserts, which we defined as regions with decreased access to specialty care.

Comparison of treatment and outcomes in blunt thoracic aortic injury based on different vascular surgery guidelines.

Objective: Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommendations for managing intimal (grade 1) blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) include observation and medical management. University of Washington (UW) revised criteria suggest that intimal injuries with ≥1 cm flap should be upgraded to a moderate injury and treatment be considered. We sought to evaluate and compare SVS and UW criteria for BTAI and determine how discordance in grading affected treatment and outcome.

Defining sources and ramifications of mistreatment among female vascular surgery trainees.

Objective: Mistreatment among vascular surgery trainees is a known risk factor for physician burnout. This study aims to characterize forms of and identify sources of mistreatment.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of United States vascular surgery trainees who voluntarily participated in an anonymous survey administered after the 2021 Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination.

The use of telemedicine in peripheral artery disease and limb salvage.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia represents the morbid end stage of severe peripheral artery disease, with significant impact on patient quality of life. Early diagnosis of arterial insufficiency and referral for vascular intervention are essential for successful limb salvage. Disparate outcomes have been reported among patients residing in rural areas due to decreased access to care.