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  • Title: Surgeon, not institution, case volume is associated with limb outcomes after lower extremity bypass for critical limb ischemia in the Vascular Quality Initiative.
    Author: Johnston LE, Tracci MC, Kern JA, Cherry KJ, Kron IL, Upchurch GR, Robinson WP.
    Journal: J Vasc Surg; 2017 Nov; 66(5):1457-1463. PubMed ID: 28559173.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Studies from large administrative databases have demonstrated associations between institutional case volume and outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB). We hypothesized that increased institutional and surgeon volume would be associated with improved outcomes after LEB. Using a national, prospectively collected clinical database, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of both surgeon and institutional volume on outcomes after LEB. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) was queried to identify all LEBs for critical limb ischemia or claudication between 2004 and 2014. Average annual case volume was calculated by dividing an institution's or surgeon's total LEB volume by the number of years they reported to the VQI. Institutional and surgeon volumes were analyzed as continuous variables to determine the impact of volume on major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), major adverse limb events (MALEs), graft patency, and amputation-free survival. Hierarchical regression models were used with cases clustered by surgeon and center. Time-dependent outcomes were evaluated with multivariable shared frailty Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2014, there were 14,678 LEB operations performed at 114 institutions by 587 surgeons. Average annual institutional volume ranged from 1.0 to 137.5 LEBs per year, with a median of 26.9 (interquartile range, 14-45.3). Average annual surgeon volume ranged from 1 to 52 LEBs per year with a median of 5.7 (interquartile range, 2.5-9.3). Institutional LEB volume was not associated with MACEs or MALEs or with loss of patency. However, average annual surgeon volume was independently associated with reduced MALEs and improved primary patency. Institutional and surgeon volume did not predict MACEs. CONCLUSIONS: In contradistinction to previous studies, there was no relationship in this study between institutional LEB volume and outcomes after LEB. However, greater average annual surgeon volume was associated with improved primary patency and decreased risk of MALEs. Open LEB remains a safe and effective procedure for limb salvage. Limb-related outcomes in critical limb ischemia and claudication will be optimized if surgeons maintain adequate volume of LEB.
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