Endovascular procedures for aorto-iliac occlusive disease are associated with superior short-term clinical and economic outcomes compared with open surgery in the inpatient population.

OBJECTIVES: There has been a rapid increase in the number of endovascular procedures performed for peripheral artery disease, and especially aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Results from single-center reports suggest a benefit for endovascular procedures; however, these benefits may not reflect general practice. We used a population-based analysis to determine predictors of clinical and economic outcomes following open and endovascular procedures for inpatients with AIOD.

METHODS: All patients with AIOD who underwent open and endovascular procedures in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2004 to 2007, were identified. Independent patient- and provider-related characteristics were analyzed. Clinical outcomes included complications and mortality; economic outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and cost (2007 dollars). Outcomes were compared using χ2, ANOVA, and multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS: Four thousand, one hundred nineteen patients with AIOD were identified. Endovascular procedures increased by 18%. Patients who underwent endovascular procedures were more likely to be ≥65 years of age (46% vs 37%), female (54% vs 49%), and in the highest quartile of household income (20% vs 16%), all P<.05. Endovascular patients were more likely to be non-elective (41% vs 20%), in the highest comorbidity index group (8% vs 5%), and with iliac artery disease (67% vs 33%), all P≤.05. In bivariate analysis, endovascular procedures were associated with lower complication rates (16% vs 25%), shorter LOS (2.2 vs 5.8 days), and lower hospital costs ($13,661 vs $17,161), all P<.001. In multivariate analysis, endovascular procedures had significantly lower complication rates and cost, and shorter LOS.

CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular procedures have superior short-term clinical and economic outcomes compared with open procedures for the treatment of AIOD in the inpatient setting. Further studies are needed to examine long-term outcomes and access-related issues.