The Year in Vascular Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2018

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anesthesiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Perioperative Medicine

Background:

• Annual review series focusing on vascular anesthesiology literature from 2018.
• Addresses key clinical topics relevant to cardiovascular anesthesiologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize significant publications in vascular anesthesiology from 2018.
• To update clinicians on preoperative management, surgical complications, and quality metrics.

Main Methods:

• Review of selected literature published in 2018 relevant to vascular anesthesiology.
• Thematic organization covering preoperative medicine, endovascular aortic surgery complications, and quality in vascular surgery.

Main Results:

• Updates on managing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and antiplatelet medications.
• Discussion of complications in thoracic endovascular aortic surgery with advancing technology.
• Evaluation of safety and feasibility of fast-track endovascular aortic surgery.

Conclusions:

• The reviewed topics represent clinically relevant advancements for cardiovascular anesthesiologists.
• Highlights provide a snapshot of critical developments in vascular anesthesiology in 2018.