Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome.

¼ Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a commonly misdiagnosed condition that should be considered in patients presenting with exertional lower-extremity pain. ¼ In addition to a focused physical examination, the ankle-brachial index and advanced imaging consisting of computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography or magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography are crucial in evaluating the underlying cause of entrapment. ¼ Consultation with a vascular surgeon or team is necessary when planning surgical treatment of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Malformations. Consensus Document of the International Union of Phlebology (IUP): updated 2013.

Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common vascular developmental anomalies (birth defects) . These defects are caused by developmental arrest of the venous system during various stages of embryogenesis. VMs remain a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the wide range of clinical presentations, unpredictable clinical course, erratic response to the treatment with high recurrence/ persistence rates, high morbidity following non-specific conventional treatment, and confusing terminology. The Consensus Panel reviewed the recent scientific literature up to the year 2013 to update a previous IUP Consensus (2009) on the same subject. ISSVA Classification with special merits for the differentiation between the congenital vascular malformation (CVM) and vascular tumors was reinforced with an additional review on syndrome-based classification. A "modified" Hamburg classification was adopted to emphasize the importance of extratruncular vs. truncular sub-types of VMs. This incorporated the embryological ongm, morphological differences, unique characteristics, prognosis and recurrence rates of VMs based on this embryological classification. The definition and classification of VMs were strengthened with the addition of angiographic data that determines the hemodynamic characteristics, the anatomical pattern of draining veins and hence the risk of complication following sclerotherapy. The hemolymphatic malformations, a combined condition incorporating LMs and other CVMs, were illustrated as a separate topic to differentiate from isolated VMs and to rectify the existing confusion with name-based eponyms such as Klippei-Trenaunay syndrome. Contemporary concepts on VMs were updated with new data including genetic findings linked to the etiology of CVMs and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. Besides, newly established information on coagulopathy including the role of D-Dimer was thoroughly reviewed to provide guidelines on investigations and anticoagulation therapy in the management of VMs. Congenital vascular bone syndrome resulting in angio-osteo-hyper/hypotrophy and (lateral) marginal vein was separately reviewed. Background data on arterio-venous malformations was included to differentiate this anomaly from syndromebased VMs. For the treatment, a new section on laser therapy and also a practical guideline for follow up assessment were added to strengthen the management principle of the multidisciplinary approach. All other therapeutic modalities were thoroughly updated to accommodate a changing concept through the years.

Guideline. Diagnosis and treatment of venous malformations. consensus document of the international union of phlebology (iup): updated-2013.

Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common vascular developmental anomalies (birth defects). These defects are caused by developmental arrest of the venous system during various stages of embryogenesis. VMs remain a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the wide range of clinical presentations, unpredictable clinical course, erratic response to the treatment with high recurrence/persistence rates, high morbidity following nonspecific conventional treatment, and confusing terminology. The Consensus Panel reviewed the recent scientific literature up to the year 2013 to update a previous IUP Consensus (2009) on the same subject. ISSVA Classification with special merits for the differentiation between the congenital vascular malformation (CVM) and vascular tumors was reinforced with an additional review on syndrome-based classification. A "modified" Hamburg classification was adopted to emphasize the importance of extratruncular vs. truncular subtypes of VMs. This incorporated the embryological origin, morphological differences, unique characteristics, prognosis and recurrence rates of VMs based on this embryological classification. The definition and classification of VMs were strengthened with the addition of angiographic data that determines the hemodynamic characteristics, the anatomical pattern of draining veins and hence the risk of complication following sclerotherapy. The hemolymphatic malformations, a combined condition incorporating LMs and other CVMs, were illustratedas a separate topic to differentiate from isolated VMs and to rectify the existing confusion with namebased eponyms such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Contemporary concepts on VMs were updated with new data including genetic findings linked to the etiology of CVMs and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. Besides, newly established information on coagulopathy including the role of D-Dimer was thoroughly reviewed to provide guidelines on investigations and anticoagulation therapy in the management of VMs. Congenital vascular bone syndrome resulting in angio-osteo-hyper/hypotrophy and (lateral) marginal vein was separately reviewed. Background data on arterio-venous malformations was included to differentiate this anomaly from syndrome-based VMs. For the treatment, a new section on laser therapy and also a practical guideline for follow up assessment were added to strengthen the management principle of the multidisciplinary approach. All other therapeutic modalities were thoroughly updated to accommodate a changing concept through the years.

Consensus Document of the International Union of Angiology (IUA)-2013. Current concept on the management of arterio-venous management.

Arterio-venous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) that result from birth defects involving the vessels of both arterial and venous origins, resulting in direct communications between the different size vessels or a meshwork of primitive reticular networks of dysplastic minute vessels which have failed to mature to become 'capillary' vessels termed "nidus". These lesions are defined by shunting of high velocity, low resistance flow from the arterial vasculature into the venous system in a variety of fistulous conditions. A systematic classification system developed by various groups of experts (Hamburg classification, ISSVA classification, Schobinger classification, angiographic classification of AVMs,) has resulted in a better understanding of the biology and natural history of these lesions and improved management of CVMs and AVMs. The Hamburg classification, based on the embryological differentiation between extratruncular and truncular type of lesions, allows the determination of the potential of progression and recurrence of these lesions. The majority of all AVMs are extra-truncular lesions with persistent proliferative potential, whereas truncular AVM lesions are exceedingly rare. Regardless of the type, AV shunting may ultimately result in significant anatomical, pathophysiological and hemodynamic consequences. Therefore, despite their relative rarity (10-20% of all CVMs), AVMs remain the most challenging and potentially limb or life-threatening form of vascular anomalies. The initial diagnosis and assessment may be facilitated by non- to minimally invasive investigations such as duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR angiography (MRA), computerized tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA). Arteriography remains the diagnostic gold standard, and is required for planning subsequent treatment. A multidisciplinary team approach should be utilized to integrate surgical and non-surgical interventions for optimum care. Currently available treatments are associated with significant risk of complications and morbidity. However, an early aggressive approach to elimiate the nidus (if present) may be undertaken if the benefits exceed the risks. Trans-arterial coil embolization or ligation of feeding arteries where the nidus is left intact, are incorrect approaches and may result in proliferation of the lesion. Furthermore, such procedures would prevent future endovascular access to the lesions via the arterial route. Surgically inaccessible, infiltrating, extra-truncular AVMs can be treated with endovascular therapy as an independent modality. Among various embolo-sclerotherapy agents, ethanol sclerotherapy produces the best long term outcomes with minimum recurrence. However, this procedure requires extensive training and sufficient experience to minimize complications and associated morbidity. For the surgically accessible lesions, surgical resection may be the treatment of choice with a chance of optimal control. Preoperative sclerotherapy or embolization may supplement the subsequent surgical excision by reducing the morbidity (e.g. operative bleeding) and defining the lesion borders. Such a combined approach may provide an excellent potential for a curative result. Conclusion. AVMs are high flow congenital vascular malformations that may occur in any part of the body. The clinical presentation depends on the extent and size of the lesion and can range from an asymptomatic birthmark to congestive heart failure. Detailed investigations including duplex ultrasound, MRI/MRA and CT/CTA are required to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Appropriate management is best achieved via a multi-disciplinary approach and interventions should be undertaken by appropriately trained physicians.

Safety and efficacy of limited-dose tissue plasminogen activator in acute vascular occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of limited-dose tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in patients with acute vascular occlusion and to compare these results with those obtained in equivalent patients receiving urokinase. METHODS: We compared the results of 60 patients receiving catheter-directed urokinase from November 1997 to November 1998 (240,000 units/h x 4 h, 120,000 units/h thereafter for a maximum of 48 h) with those of 45 patients receiving catheter-directed t-PA from November 1998 to August 2000 (2 mg/h, total dose < or =100 mg) for acute arterial occlusion (AAO) and acute venous occlusion (AVO). Interventional approaches such as cross-catheter and coaxial techniques were used to reduce the dose of lytic agent needed to achieve pre-lysis-treatment goals (eg, complete lysis of all thrombus/unmasking graft stenosis or establishing outflow target). Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The urokinase and t-PA groups were comparable with regard to age, comorbidities (coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, renal insufficiency, smoking), duration of ischemic or occlusive symptoms, location of occlusive process, pretreatment with warfarin, and thrombotic versus embolic and native versus graft occlusion in patients with AAO. In patients with AAO and in those with AVO, t-PA was equivalent to or better than urokinase with regard to percent of clot lysis, incidence of major bleeding complications, limb salvage, and mortality. Achievement of pretreatment goals (arterial patients only) was 50% for urokinase patients and 76% for t-PA patients (P =.02). Analysis of success in individual pretreatment-goal achievement showed urokinase and t-PA to be equivalent in unmasking stenoses (85% and 84%, respectively; P = NS), whereas t-PA was superior to urokinase in the more critical task of establishing run-off (39% versus 81% for urokinase and t-PA, respectively; P =.001). Additional interventions, either endovascular or surgical, were required in 60% and 51% (P = NS) of patients receiving urokinase and t-PA, respectively, for AAO, and in 54% and 62% (P = NS) of patients receiving urokinase and t-PA, respectively, for AVO. CONCLUSIONS: Limited-dose t-PA is a safe and effective therapy for AAO and AVO when administered by experienced teams using innovative but well-established interventional techniques.

Reperfusion and compartment syndromes: strategies for prevention and treatment.

Reperfusion syndrome refers to the damage done by restoration of blood flow to ischemic tissues and is distinct from the original ischemic insult itself, whereas compartment syndrome refers to the damage resulting from increased pressure within an enclosed fascial compartment that occurs after blood flow has been restored. Despite extensive experimental work directed toward the treatment of established reperfusion injury and prevention of compartment syndrome, clinical outcome over the past decade has not appreciably changed. Although the systemic insult, thought to be an inevitable result of reperfusion injury, may be less injurious than "conventional wisdom" would suggest, no better strategy for treating compartment syndrome other than early recognition and decompression has yet been developed.

Alcohol withdrawal after open aortic surgery.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that unexpected alcohol withdrawal-like syndrome (AWLS) is more common following aortic, but not other, vascular or nonvascular procedures. All patients undergoing open aortic surgery at our institution in 1997 who survived at least 48 hr were identified, as were those undergoing carotid endarterectomy, infrainguinal bypass, and total colectomy. AWLS was defined as prolonged confusion or agitation and response to conventional treatment for withdrawal, providing that all other sources had been ruled out or a significant history was present. Our results show that, for unknown reasons, AWLS is more common after aortic surgery than after other vascular and high-stress, nonaortic intraabdominal procedures at our institution, and is associated with increased length of stay and morbidity. Because prophylaxis may improve outcome, better efforts to identify patients at risk are required.

Reduction in wound morbidity rates following endoscopic saphenous vein harvest.

To determine whether less-invasive saphenous vein harvest reduces morbidity in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass, we retrospectively compared 61 patients undergoing endoscopic harvest (ENDO) with 49 patients undergoing conventional harvest (OPEN) over the past 13 months. Patients were classified as potential short-stay if adjunctive suprainguinal inflow procedures or foot amputations were not required and the patient was ambulatory prior to elective operation. Mean endoscopic harvest time was 50+/-18 (range 25-90) min, and no more than three 5-cm incisions were required in 87% of cases. Szilagyi class II or III wound complications occurred after 1 of the 61 (2%) ENDO procedures and 7 of the 49 (14%) OPEN (p < 0.01), and any complication occurred in 13 (21%) vs. 25 (51%) of ENDO and OPEN procedures, respectively (p < 0.002). Mean postoperative length of stay was significantly shorter in the 24 short-stay ENDO (4.0+/-2.4 days) vs. 25 short-stay OPEN (6.0+/-3.2 days) patients (p < 0.02). Thirty-day patency rates between the two groups were not different. Endoscopic saphenous vein harvest is associated with a reduced incidence of serious wound complications and, in selected patients, shortened postoperative hospital stay.

Combined free tissue transfer and infrainguinal bypass graft: an alternative to major amputation in selected patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to document outcome and adverse prognostic factors in patients requiring combined free tissue transfer and distal bypass grafting for otherwise nonreconstructible infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease and advanced tissue necrosis. METHODS: Between July 1990 and November 1999, 65 patients, all of whom would have required at least below-knee amputation, underwent free tissue transfer in conjunction with infrainguinal bypass grafting at the University of Rochester. Preoperative variables were assessed for their influence on outcome with chi(2) and outcome with life-table analysis with Cox proportionate hazard testing. RESULTS: Free tissue transfer was performed synchronously with arterial reconstruction with autologous vein in 49 patients and after a previous functioning venous bypass graft in 16 patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 5%, and major complications occurred in another 16% of patients. Flap location, weight-bearing status, preexisting osteomyelitis, and the timing of bypass grafting relative to flap construction had no effect on outcome. All five free flap failures occurred within the first 30 days. All other flaps subsequently survived, even in seven patients whose bypass grafts thrombosed. Five-year limb salvage and patient survival rates were 57% and 60%, respectively, and 65% of patients regained meaningful ambulation. The combination of diabetes and dialysis-dependent renal failure was the strongest predictor of overall limb loss (P <.005; relative risk = 4.0), and diabetes alone was the strongest predictor of death (P <.02; relative risk = 5.2). CONCLUSION: Free tissue transfer combined with infrainguinal bypass grafting in selected patients is safe and effective. The combination of diabetes and chronic renal insufficiency, particularly the need for dialysis, is a powerful predictor of failure and should be considered a strong contraindication for this procedure.

Eversion endarterectomy of the carotid artery: technical considerations and recurrent stenoses.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of residual and recurrent lesions after eversion endarterectomy of the carotid artery (E-CE) and compare these results with those following endarterectomy and patch closure (CE-P). METHODS: We reviewed 274 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy in 1998 with electroencephalographic monitoring, general anesthesia, completion duplex scan, and 1-year follow-up. CE-P was preferred for patients who required temporary shunting. In the E-CE group an additional proximal 2-cm arteriotomy was made in the common carotid artery (CCA) in 79 patients, a longer arteriotomy was made for extensive involvement of the CCA in 14 patients, and the internal carotid artery was advanced proximally as a patch for the CCA arteriotomy closure in 14 patients. Stenoses of > 50% that were present at 1 month were considered residual, and those of > 50% that were present at 1 year but not at 1 month were considered recurrent. RESULTS: There were five (1.8%) postoperative strokes (four after CE-P and one after E-CE, P = not significant). At 30 days there were 28 patients (10.2%) with residual stenoses > 50% (11 patients [10.2%] in the E-CE group and 17 patients [10.1%] in the CE-P group; P = not significant). The incidence of recurrent lesions of more than 50% was similar (4.6% for E-CE vs 4.7% for CE-P). CONCLUSION: The pattern of residual lesions and recurrent stenoses differs with each technique of endarterectomy. Proximal stenoses are more common after E-CE, and distal stenoses are more common after CE-P at both 1 month and 1 year. The frequency of proximal lesions is reduced in E-CE when either the internal carotid artery is advanced proximally onto the CCA or a long CCA arteriotomy is made. Distal recurrences do not seem to be a problem after eversion endarterectomy.

An endoluminal method of hemorrhage control and repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience with endovascular grafting to treat ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS: Three consecutive patients with severe comorbid illnesses and symptoms of aneurysm rupture and hemodynamic instability were treated with aortomonoiliac grafts. The Z-stent-based devices were implanted with the assistance of an occlusion balloon placed in the distal descending thoracic aorta. RESULTS: All patients survived the procedure with successfully excluded AAAs. Two patients had relatively short hospital stays (4 and 14 days), while the third required prolonged treatment for pre-existing conditions. All patients required blood transfusions; 2 developed significant coagulopathies. Definitive management was delayed significantly by imaging protocols and graft construction. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of ruptured aortic aneurysms is feasible. Proximal aortic control is readily attainable with the use of an aortic occlusion balloon placed through the left axillary artery. The absence of a laparotomy, extensive retroperitoneal dissection, and aortic cross-clamping likely contributes to patient survival; however, the delay in operative therapy to obtain adequate imaging and construct an endograft could be a hindrance to the ultimate success of this approach. The concepts of alternative aortic imaging techniques and endograft design, construction, and storage must be addressed.

Irradiation for intimal hyperplasia: implications for peripheral arterial bypass.

Irradiation has been shown to inhibit postangioplasty intimal hyperplasia ("restenosis") in unbranched tubes. It seems likely that irradiation will similarly be able to inhibit intimal hyperplasia after a surgical anastomosis at a biochemical and cellular level, but whether it will produce a clinically relevant or even clinically detectable difference is unproved. One possibility is that no clinical effect may occur; the search for a "cure" for intimal hyperplasia has been long and, as yet, unsuccessful. On the other hand, if a strong effect without insurmountable logistical problems could be produced, one major cause of bypass graft failure would be preventable. Not only would the incidence of late graft occlusion, need for reoperation, and limb loss be reduced, but, if patency of prosthetics could be sufficiently improved, the initial operation could be made much easier, faster, and perhaps safer.

Mechanical versus chemical thrombolysis: an in vitro differentiation of thrombolytic mechanisms.

PURPOSE: To assess differing mechanisms of thrombolysis determining time to reperfusion, completeness of thrombus dissolution, and embolic potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro perfusion model designed to mimic arterial flow conditions was created. Bifurcated limbs allowed continuous flow through one channel and the placement of radiolabeled (iodine-125) thrombus housed in a 5-cm segment of polytetrafluoroethylene graft in the other. The three experimental groups consisted of a standard continuous urokinase infusion, a pulsed pressurized injection of saline, and a similar injection with urokinase. A continuous infusion of 5% dextrose served as a control group. Time to reflow (as assessed with ultrasonic flow monitoring), completeness of thrombus dissolution (I-125 liberated into solution), and the number and size of embolic particles produced (detected by a series of graduated filter sizes) were analyzed. RESULTS: Time to reflow was significantly faster for both groups when pressurized injections were used (P < .001). There was no reflow in the control arm at 90 minutes. Completeness of thrombus dissolution was higher when a continuous infusion of urokinase was used in comparison to either of the power injection groups or the control (P < .05). The amount of embolic debris produced was significantly lower with a continuous infusion of urokinase compared with either of the power lysis groups (P < .05), but significantly greater than the control arm (P < .001). The size of the embolic particles in the power pulsed lysis groups was significantly decreased by the addition of urokinase (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Reflow is more rapidly established by the use of mechanical means. However, a less complete dissolution of thrombus in conjunction with a greater amount of embolic debris is achieved with this approach. The size of the embolic particles produced is reduced by the addition of a thrombolytic agent.

Photoplethysmography and calf muscle pump function after subfascial endoscopic perforator ligation.

OBJECTIVE: Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) results in acceptable healing and recurrence rates. The role of hemodynamic venous testing in this situation, however, is poorly understood and inconsistently used. Our ongoing experience was reviewed to explore how SEPS affects the photoplethysmographic assessment of the leg. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative venous refill times (VRTs) were measured with photoplethysmography in 30 limbs in 28 patients who underwent SEPS and superficial ablation, when indicated, with complete clearing of the anterolateral surface of the tibia, thus opening the deep posterior compartment from mid calf to close to the malleolus. Postoperative healing and duplex scanning were used to assess clinical and anatomic success, respectively. The VRTs were classified as "interpretable" if the leg emptied or "uninterpretable" if the calf could not empty. The "interpretable" study results were further classified as "normal" if the refill took 20 seconds or more or "abnormal" if less. RESULTS: Before the patients underwent SEPS, six study results (20%) showed inability of the calf to empty and thus were judged uninterpretable. After the patients underwent SEPS, 12 study results (40%) were uninterpretable (NS; P =.09 with the chi(2) test). Of the 24 preoperative interpretable study results, two (8%) were normal, and of the 18 postoperative interpretable study results, seven (39%) were normal (P <.03). With the consideration of only interpretable study results, the mean VRT increased slightly from 12.0 +/- 5.1 seconds (mean +/- standard deviation) to 14.3 +/- 8.1 seconds (NS). Seventeen of 19 ulcers (89%) had healed at a mean follow-up period of 8.6 +/- 4.8 months. CONCLUSION: Although VRT is unpredictably affected by SEPS, the most consistent finding is the inability of the calf to empty, which invalidates the remainder of the test. In addition, most ulcers heal, even with uninterpretable or abnormal postoperative VRTs. This suggests that photoplethysmography is a poor method of assessment of venous reflux after SEPS.

Femoral-infrapopliteal bypass with prosthetic grafts.

BACKGROUND: Patients who require prosthetic infrapopliteal of the lower extremity have historically had dismal long-term results. This study examined the outcome of patients undergoing femoral-distal arterial bypass with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. METHODS: Femoral to infrapopliteal artery bypasses with ePTFE performed between 1990 and 1997 were reviewed. Graft patency, limb salvage, and survival rates were calculated by actuarial analysis. Different anastomotic adjuncts (direct end-to-side anastomosis, vein patch anastomosis, and arteriovenous fistula [AVF] anastomosis) were compared with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Seventy-four femoral-infrapopliteal bypasses with ePTFE were performed in 67 patients for limb salvage. At 24 months the primary patency, assisted primary patency, and secondary patency rates were 40% +/- 10% (SEMAI), 48% +/- 11%, and 52% +/- 11%, respectively. Limb salvage was successful in 62 % +/- 10% of the bypasses at 24 months. Forty-six percent of the bypasses were performed with an AVF; 35% were performed with direct end-to-side anastomosis, and 19% were performed with a vein patch anastomosis. Apparent trends in favor of the AVF group did not attain statistical significance with 24-month patency rates of 65% +/- 19%, 44% +/- 16%, and 35% +/- 20%, respectively, in the 3 subgroups. Limb salvage rates were similar (64% +/- 17%, 56% +/- 15%, and 76% +/- 22%, respectively) at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patency and limb salvage rates are sufficient to justify the use of ePTFE grafts in infrapopliteal bypass when adequate autogenous material is unavailable.

Thrombolytic therapy for arterial thrombosis.

The major development in the field of intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy over the past year was the publication of the phase II results of the Thrombolysis or Peripheral Arterial Surgery study, which compared the safety and efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgery as the initial treatment of acute arterial occlusion. The results are consistent with those of the prior two studies, showing little or no difference between surgery and thrombolysis in the most important endpoints of survival and amputation rate. Patients receiving thrombolysis needed fewer interventions, but this benefit was balanced by increased bleeding complications. Additional studies have, therefore, been aimed at identifying subsets of patients with acute arterial occlusion who are most likely to benefit from thrombolysis. These studies have refined the selection criteria for use of thrombolytic therapy over the past year. In addition, studies have been published evaluating new drug doses and regimens aimed at broadening the scope of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute arterial occlusion.

Intracerebral hemorrhage after carotid endarterectomy: incidence, contribution to neurologic morbidity, and predictive factors.

PURPOSE: With a diminishing rate of cardiac and neurologic events after carotid endarterectomy, intracerebral hemorrhage is gaining increasing importance as a cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality. To date, information has been largely anecdotal, and there has been no comparison with a control group of patients. METHODS: The records of all patients experiencing symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after carotid endarterectomy were reviewed and compared with data from 50 randomly selected patients who did not experience intracranial bleeding. Univariate analyses were performed, using the Fisher exact test for dichotomous data and the Student t test for continuous data. RESULTS: During a 6-year period, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 11 (0.75%) of 1471 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, accounting for 35% of the 31 total perioperative neurologic events. Hemorrhage occurred a median of 3 days postoperatively (range, 0 to 18 days). Signs and symptoms included hypertension in all 11 patients, headache in 7 conscious patients (64%), and bradycardia in 6 patients (55%). Massive hemorrhage with herniation and death occurred in 4 patients (36%). Moderate hemorrhage developed in 5 patients (45%); 3 of these patients had partial recovery, and 2 had complete recovery. Petechial hemorrhage occurred in the remaining 2 patients (18%), 1 with partial and 1 with complete recovery. In comparison with the control group, there were no differences in respect to sex, indication for operation, smoking or diabetic history, and antiplatelet therapy or perioperative heparin management. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage were, however, younger, more frequently hypertensive, had a higher degree of ipsilateral and contralateral carotid stenosis, and had a higher rate of contralateral carotid occlusion. CONCLUSION: Intracranial hemorrhage occurs with notable frequency after carotid endarterectomy and accounts for a significant proportion of neurologic morbidity and mortality. Younger patients, hypertensive patients, and patients with severe cerebrovascular occlusive disease appear to be at greatest risk for the complication.

Clinical review: irradiation for lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

Lower extremity atherosclerosis, a disease of aging, is both widespread and increasing in prevalence-it is estimated that almost 100,000 patients per year in the United States require operative bypass for lower extremity ischemia. It is an axiom of vascular surgery that essentially every bypass graft will eventually fail. Many if not most such failures are due to the process of intimal hyperplasia at one or both anastomoses. The search for a "cure" for intimal hyperplasia has been long, but thus far unrewarding. Recent advances in therapeutic irradiation, however, offer a potential solution to this problem. This review is designed to acquaint the radiation oncologist with the basic concepts behind lower extremity atherosclerosis and its treatment, and to introduce briefly the special problems inherent in considering irradiation of an end-to-side anastomosis.

A model for merging vascular surgery and interventional radiology: clinical and economical implications.

BACKGROUND: The traditional separation of vascular surgery and interventional radiology into distinct units is associated with inefficiencies in patient care, practice management, and training. Traditional departmental politics, discrepant clinical backgrounds and philosophies, fear of decreasing remuneration, and basic differences in education, training, and practice have all rendered mergers difficult. METHODS: We have implemented a model that incorporates all the clinical, fiscal, and educational activities of the 2 former entities into a single unit. A 5-physician vascular surgery group, its noninvasive laboratory, and a 3-physician interventional radiology group were unified. The revenue was deposited into a single account from which all the expenses were paid. The net income of the joint unit was apportioned on a predetermined pro rata basis, with scaled percentages for each practitioner. In an effort to separate clinical decision making from economic pressures, the individual physician remuneration was not on the basis of productivity. Clinical volume, gross revenue, and remuneration were compared with the 12-month period that immediately preceded the merger and contrasted to the previous 3-year historical trend (HT). RESULTS: The number of vascular surgical procedures fell after the merger (-9.3%; HT, +4.7%). By contrast, the number of interventional radiology procedures rose (+56.1%; HT, +15.2%), as did the number of noninvasive testing (+9.2%; HT, +3.5%). In concordance with the number of procedures, the gross revenue of vascular surgery fell (-23.7%; HT, +1.1%) and that of interventional radiology rose (+53.5%; HT, +46.0%). The increased efficiencies allowed the total expenses of the 2 units to fall (-13.2%; HT, +7. 5%), and, despite the reduced revenue, the vascular surgeon remuneration was preserved (+0.7%; HT, -3.9%) and the radiology remuneration rose (+22.3%; HT, +8.3%). The merger allowed the vascular surgery fellows to actively participate in 26 interventional cases per month and the interventional radiology fellows to actively participate in 8 open surgical cases per month. CONCLUSION: The merger of vascular surgery and interventional radiology resulted in a decrease in the surgical procedures and revenue, with a corresponding increase in the interventional radiology procedures and revenue. Despite these effects, the physician remuneration increased as a result of the improved efficiencies in practice management and the reduction in expenses. The merger of the 2 units excludes the economic pressures from clinical decision making and appears to be warranted on the basis of the fiscal and educational benefits that are achieved.