Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using the NCSS (Number Cruncher
Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA). Continuous variables
were presented as mean ± standard deviation and median with
interquartile ranges as appropriate and categorical variables as
frequency and percentage. To test the normality of distribution, the
Kolmogorov Smirnov test was used. Differences between the two groups
were evaluated using Student’s t -test for normally distributed
variables and Mann-Whitney U test for variables without normal
distribution. The Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare
categorical variables as appropriate. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was
used in the evaluation of hemoglobin measurements before and after the
procedure. Survival analysis with a log-rank test was conducted for the
combined end-point of death between the two groups, and Kaplan-Meier
curves were created. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate
the independent effects of the baseline variables on procedure failure
and mortality. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)
were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.