pDVA is a safe and feasible vascularization alternative in patients with end-stage/no-option CLI. The early experience highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach including a dedicated wound care service.

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Background Pancreatic resection is a major abdominal operation with 50% risk of postoperative complications. A common complication is pancreatic fistula, which may have severe clinical consequences such as postoperative bleeding, organ-failure and death. The objective of this study is to investigate whether implementation of an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula may improve outcomes after pancreatic resection.Methods This is a nationwide stepped-wedge, cluster randomized, superiority trial, designed in adherence to the CONSORT guidelines. During a period of 22 months, all Dutch centers performing pancreatic surgery will cross over in a randomized order from current practice to best practice according to the algorithm. This evidence- and consensus based algorithm will provide daily multilevel advice on the management of patients after pancreatic resection (i.e. indication for abdominal imaging, antibiotic treatment, percutaneous drainage and removal of abdominal drains). The algorithm is designed to aid early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Outcomes of current practice will be compared with outcomes after implementation of the algorithm. The primary outcome is a composite of major complications (i.e. postpancreatectomy bleeding, new-onset organ failure and death) and will be measured in a sample size of at least 1600 patients undergoing pancreatic resection. Secondary endpoints include the individual components of the primary endpoint and other clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization and costs analysis. Follow-up will be up to 90 days after pancreatic resection.Discussion It is hypothesized that a structured nationwide implementation of a dedicated algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula will reduce the risk of major complications and death after pancreatic resection, as compared to current practice.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of occlusive disease of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) has evolved from plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) through primary stenting strategy to drug eluting technology-based approach. The RAPID Trial investigates the added value of drug coated balloons (DCB, Legflow) in a primary stenting strategy (Supera stent) for intermediate (5-15 cm) and long segment (>15 cm) sfa lesions. METHODS: In this multicenter, patient-blinded trial, 160 patients with intermittent claudication, ischemic rest pain, or tissue loss due to intermediate or long SFA lesions were randomized (1:1) between Supera + DCB and Supera. Primary endpoint was primary patency at 2 years, defined as freedom from restenosis on duplex ultrasound (peak systolic velocity ratio <2.4). RESULTS: At 2 years, primary patency was 55.1% (95% CI: 43.1-67.1%) in the Supera + DCB group versus 48.3% (95% CI: 35.6-61.0%) in the Supera group (P=0.957). Per protocol analysis showed a primary patency rate of 60.9% (95% CI: 48.6-73.2%) in the Supera + DCB group versus 49.8% (95% CI: 36.9-62.7%) in the Supera group (P=0.469). The overall mortality rate was 5% in both groups (P=0.975). Sustained functional improvement was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-year results in the current trial of a primary Supera stenting strategy are consistent with other trials reporting on treatment of intermediate and long sfa lesions. a dCB supported supera stent strategy did not improve patency rate compared to a supera stent only strategy.