Outcomes Following Vascular and Endovascular Procedures Performed During the First COVID-19 Pandemic Wave

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Endovascular Interventions
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The first COVID-19 pandemic wave saw reduced surgical activity and resource reallocation.
• Vascular services focused on late-stage or critical presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the six-month outcomes of patients undergoing major vascular interventions during the initial COVID-19 pandemic wave.
• To analyze factors influencing mortality in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• International, multicentre, prospective, observational study (COVER study).
• Recruited patients undergoing vascular procedures over a 12-week period in 2020.
• Collected data on demographics, procedures, and 30-day/six-month outcomes (complications, re-interventions, mortality).
• Used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with six-month mortality.

Main Results:

• 3,150 vascular procedures were analyzed.
• Six-month all-cause mortality was 12.8%.
• Confirmed COVID-19 was associated with a 3.25 times higher odds of six-month death.
• Increasing ASA grade, frailty, diabetes, and urgent procedures increased mortality risk; statin use was protective.

Conclusions:

• Six-month mortality after vascular procedures was elevated during the first COVID-19 wave compared to pre-pandemic data.
• COVID-19 disease was a significant independent risk factor for mortality in vascular surgery patients.