Meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies indicates that endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aortic trauma is an alternative to open repair and is associated with lower postoperative mortality and ischemic spinal cord complication rates.

Underweight patients have poorer outcomes and class III obesity is associated with increased morbidity. Mildly obese patients have reduced co-morbid illness, surprisingly even less than normal-class patients, with correspondingly reduced mortality. Mild obesity is not a risk factor for 30-day outcomes after vascular surgery and confers an advantage.

Covered stents are a feasible alternative to open repair in properly selected patients with subclavian or axillary artery injury, resulting in shorter procedure time and less blood loss.

Mortality and morbidity were higher in women than men undergoing EVAR. Multivariate analysis showed that the increased risk of mortality was related to women presenting more emergently, more debilitated (recent weight loss and functional dependence), and requiring iliac or brachial exposure. After adjustment for multiple preoperative and operative factors, women remained at significantly higher risk for the development of a broad range of complications and increased length of stay.

No abstract