Early Outcomes with Fast-Track EVAR in Teaching and Nonteaching Hospitals

Abstract

Background: The influence of hospital teaching status on fast-track endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes is unknown. This study explored the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a fast-track EVAR protocol at teaching and nonteaching hospitals.

Methods: Patients underwent a fast-track EVAR protocol composed of bilateral percutaneous access using a 14F stent graft, avoidance of general anesthesia and intensive care admission, and next-day discharge. Patients were followed up for 1 month post-treatment. Participating hospitals were categorized by teaching status (teaching versus nonteaching) and compared for perioperative and 30-day outcomes.

Results: Between October 2014 and May 2016, 250 patients were enrolled at 31 centers in the United States. The study included 186 patients treated among 21 teaching hospitals and 64 patients treated among 10 nonteaching hospitals. Fast-track EVAR protocol completion was higher at teaching hospitals (91% vs. 73%, P = 0.01). Intensive care admission was avoided in 99% of patients at teaching hospitals versus 84% at nonteaching hospitals (P < 0.001). The ability to complete all other fast-track EVAR elements was proportionally higher at teaching hospitals, but differences were not statistically different. In-hospital outcomes by teaching status were comparable overall. Median time to discharge was 25 and 26 hr, respectively. There were no reports of type III endoleak, abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, or secondary intervention. Comparing teaching versus nonteaching hospitals, there were no differences in major adverse events (1% vs. 0%), type I endoleak (0% vs. 2%), limb occlusion (1% vs. 0%), all-cause mortality (1% vs. 0%), and 30-day readmissions (1% vs. 3%).

Conclusions: A fast-track EVAR protocol can be implemented with high success in well-selected patients at teaching and nonteaching hospitals. Health care resource utilization, perioperative data, and 30-day outcomes were excellent overall, with higher frequency of intensive care admission at nonteaching hospitals.