Development of the ARENA training programme for resilient performance in defense and security settings.

Defense and Security Personnel (DSP) often have to operate in the presence of stressful demands. Prior research has identified factors and processes associated with DSP being able to perform resiliently in demanding situations and settings. The aim of the present study was to develop a resilient performance training programme for UK defense and security operators. An intervention mapping (IM) method was used to guide the development of the programme. Typically, IM follows six sequential phases. In the present work, these phases were shaped by insights from prior research (e.g. systematic review and end user interviews), the input of a dedicated working group (N = 13) and from practitioner focus groups. During the IM process, the importance of programme flexibility was emphasized by practitioners. As such, the enAbling REsilieNt performAnce (ARENA) training programme was designed to be agile and include both face-to-face training and online learning modules. Theoretical behavior change principles, closely aligned to findings of earlier work on resilient defense and security performance, were used to underpin programme content and delivery. Future research should seek to gather data on the impact of the ARENA programme, in the targeted biological, psychological and social factors that previously been associated with resilient performances.

Incidence of Thromboembolic Complications Following Kidney Transplantation with Short and Extended Aspirin Prophylaxis: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND Aspirin prophylaxis has been associated with reduced graft-related thrombosis following kidney transplantation. Aspirin cessation, however, can increase risk of venous thromboembolic complications, including pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis. This single-center, retrospective, pre-post interventional study from Brisbane, Australia, aimed to compare the rate of thrombotic complications in 1208 adult kidney transplant recipients receiving postoperative aspirin for 5 days or >6 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled1208 kidney transplant recipients who received 100 mg aspirin for 5 days (n=571) or >6 weeks (n=637) postoperatively. The primary outcome was venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the first 6 weeks after transplant, examined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Secondary outcomes were renal vein/artery thrombosis, 1-month serum creatinine, rejection, myocardial infarction, stroke, blood transfusion, dialysis at day 5 and day 28, and mortality. RESULTS Sixteen (1.3%) patients experienced VTE (5-day n=8, 1.4%; >6-week n=8, 1.3%; P=0.8). Extended aspirin duration was not independently associated with a reduction in VTE (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.32-2.57; P=0.9). Graft thrombosis was rare (n=3, 0.25%). Aspirin duration was not associated with cardiovascular events, blood transfusion, graft thrombosis, graft dysfunction, rejection, or mortality. VTE was independently associated with older age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.16; P=0.002), smoking (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.20-13.2; P=0.032), younger donor age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-1.00; P=0.036), and thymoglobulin use (OR 10.5, 95% CI 3.09-32.1; P≥0.001). CONCLUSIONS Extended-duration aspirin use did not significantly reduce the incidence of VTE in the first 6 weeks following kidney transplantation. An association was identified between anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin and VTE, which requires further assessment.

Right heart strain assessment on CTPA following acute pulmonary embolism: Interobserver variability between expert radiologists and physicians.

BACKGROUND: Accuracy of right heart strain (RHS) measured on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) scans by non-radiologists is unknown. We assessed inter-observer variability of four RHS features and determined the accuracy of measurements by respiratory physicians. METHOD: 1560 consecutive patients with acute PE were identified, and those who had a CTPA and an echocardiogram within 24-h included. CTPAs were independently scored prospectively by two radiologists, two thoracic physicians and a specialist registrar. Inter-observer variability was assessed, and diagnostic accuracy compared to echocardiography. RESULTS: 182 patients (median age 62.8 years, IQR 49.8-71.5) with acute PE (7.7% high-risk, 40.7% intermediate high-risk, 31.3% intermediate low-risk and 20.3% low-risk) were included. Right ventricle to left ventricle diameter ratio (RV:LV) measurement had low inter-observer variability among the radiologists and non-radiologists with interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.95 (95%CI 0.92-0.97) and 0.96 (95%CI 0.94-0.97) respectively. RV:LV ratio had high diagnostic accuracy compared to RV dilatation on echocardiography (AUC 0.89, 95%CI 0.84-0.94 for radiologists and AUC 0.84, 95%CI 0.77-0.90 for non-radiologists). Main pulmonary artery to ascending aorta diameter ratio (MPA:Ao) measurement also had excellent agreement amongst the radiologists and non-radiologists (ICC 0.93 (95%CI 0.88-0.96) and 0.92 (95%CI 0.81-0.96) respectively). Significant variability was seen in the assessment of subjective features of RHS (leftward bowing of interventricular septum and contrast reflux into inferior vena cava) amongst the non-radiologists. CONCLUSION: RV:LV and MPA:Ao diameter ratios on CTPA measured by non-radiologists have low inter-observer variability and good agreement with radiologists, and can be reliably used where an expert report is unavailable.

A retrospective analysis of the investigative practices of acute limb ischaemia presenting with an unknown aetiology.

BACKGROUND: Acute limb ischaemia (ALI) is a limb and life-threatening condition with significant morbidity. There are currently no consensus recommendations for the investigative practices to determine the aetiology of ALI presenting without a known aetiology. We undertook a detailed analysis of all investigations performed to identify an underlying precipitant in those with unexplained ALI and formulated a suggested diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of unexplained ALI. METHODS: ALI cases presenting to a tertiary referral centre over a 3-year period were reviewed, and known aetiologies, and investigations undertaken to determine the underlying aetiology of unexplained ALI were obtained. RESULTS: Unexplained ALI was found in 27 of 222 patients (12%), of which 21 (78%) had a cause for ALI established after further investigations. Six patients had no cause identified despite extensive work-up. Most patients with unexplained ALI had a cardioembolic source identified as the underlying cause (62%), and this included atrial fibrillation, infective endocarditis, cardiac myxoma and intra-cardiac thrombus. Other causes of unexplained ALI were detected by computed tomography (CT) imaging and included newly diagnosed significant atherosclerotic disease (19%), embolism from isolated proximal large vessel thrombus (10%) and metastatic malignancy (10%). There were no cases attributed to inherited thrombophilias, myeloproliferative neoplasms or anti-phospholipid syndrome. CONCLUSION: Among patients with unexplained ALI, the majority had a cardioembolic source highlighting the importance of comprehensive cardiac investigations. A subset of patients had alternative causes identified on CT imaging. These data support the use of a collaborative and integrative diagnostic algorithm in the evaluation of unexplained ALI.

Head and neck lymphoedema-research challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Management of secondary head and neck lymphoedema has undergone little research investigation. Its treatment is time and labour intensive and involves multiple therapeutic modalities without a clear understanding of which is most effective. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial comparing two therapeutic modalities to manage head and neck lymphoedema. The secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical effects of these treatments. Participants were randomised to receive treatment with manual lymphatic drainage or compression over 6 weeks, with the primary outcome-percentage tissue water-measured 12 weeks after treatment. Six participants were recruited until the study was ceased due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 86% of required attendances were completed. Percentage tissue water increased in all participants at 12 weeks. No consistent trends were identified between internal and external lymphoedema. The small number of people recruited to this study informs its feasibility outcomes but limits any conclusions about clinical implications.

Use of direct oral anticoagulants for acute pulmonary embolisms in obesity: a propensity-matched, multicentre case-control study.

Assessment of efficacy and safety of DOACs in treatment of pulmonary embolisms in obese patients provides reassurance that treatment with DOACs carries similar rates of recurrent VTE and bleeding complications to warfarin https://bit.ly/2VdrSXX.

It was just mind blowing to be honest: a qualitative phenomenological study exploring cancer survivor's experiences of indocyanine green lymphography used to inform lymphedema therapy management.

PURPOSE: A diagnosis of secondary lymphedema following cancer treatment can necessitate lifelong therapy. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is a technique for visualising lymphatics to enable individualised lymphedema diagnosis, staging and therapy prescription. The participant experience of undergoing the procedure and the impact of imaging findings on lymphedema management is unknown. This study aimed to explore participant's experiences of ICG lymphography to inform cancer-related lymphedema therapy. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 17 adult participants who had undergone ICG lymphography for stage 0 to 2 upper or lower limb secondary cancer-related lymphedema (International Society of Lymphology, Lymphology 53(1):3-10, 2020). RESULTS: Seventeen participants were included in the study ranging in age from 36 to 78 years (M = 53.8 years), the majority had a primary diagnosis of breast cancer (N = 7) or melanoma (N = 7). Three overarching themes emerged. Firstly, describing the experience of the ICG lymphography procedure. Secondly, the new knowledge explained symptoms and tailored treatment. Participants reflected on how seeing their lymphatic system helped in understanding about their lymphedema symptoms and guided changes towards more individualised lymphedema management. The final theme described the internal impact of self-knowledge, which included impacts of the new information on empowerment and motivation to self-manage participant's condition as well as their feelings. CONCLUSIONS: ICG lymphography had beneficial impacts on participant's understanding of their lymphedema symptoms and often led to changes in management, positive outcomes in response to management changes and peace of mind about management plans, leading to feeling more empowered to self-manage their condition.

The Cone Flare Crush Modified-T (CFCT) stenting technique for coronary artery bifurcation lesions.

BACKGROUND: The present study is a prospective observational single arm clinical investigation, with parallel bench test interrogation, aimed at investigating the technical feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes with the cone flare crush modified-T (CFCT) bifurcation stenting technique. Bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains an area of ongoing procedural evolution. More widely applicable and reproducible techniques are required. METHODS: From April 2018 until March 2019, 20 consecutive patients underwent bifurcation PCI using the CFCT technique with a Pt-Cr everolimus drug-eluting stent with a bioresorbable polymer. Exercise stress echocardiography was performed at 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac related mortality, myocardial infarction, target lesion/vessel revascularization and stroke. Safety secondary endpoints included bleeding, all-cause mortality and stent thrombosis. RESULTS: All patients underwent a successful CFCT bifurcation procedure with no complications to 30-day follow-up. One patient met the primary endpoint requiring target lesion revascularization at 9 months for stable angina. There were no other primary or secondary outcome events in the cohort. There were no strokes, deaths, stent thrombosis or myocardial infarction during the follow-up period. The mean CCS score improved from 2.25 to 0.25 (p < 0.0001). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and bench test findings indicated optimal side branch ostial coverage and minimal redundant strut material crowding the neo-carina. CONCLUSIONS: The CFCT technique appears to be a safe, efficacious and feasible strategy for managing coronary artery bifurcation disease. Expanded and randomized datasets with longer term follow-up are required to further explore confirm this feasibility data. (ANZCTR ID: ACTRN12618001145291).

Catheter-related thrombosis incidence and risk factors in adult cancer patients with central venous access devices.

BACKGROUND: Central venous access devices (CVAD) are commonly employed in the management of cancer patients. While having several benefits they are associated with significant risks. AIM: To review the incidence and risk factors for catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in cancer patients with a CVAD. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational cohort study of adult patients with cancer requiring a CVAD between 1 January 2004 and 29 June 2016. The rate of, and risk factors for the development of, symptomatic CRT were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 4920 central lines was inserted into 3130 patients. The incidence of CRT was 3.6%. CRT developed a median of 12 days following line insertion. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) were associated with the highest rates of CRT (hazards ratio (HR) 22.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9-170.6). Older age groups developed CRT at lower rates (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.39-0.84 for age 50-61 years, and HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.45-0.89 for age >61 years) compared to age <50 years. Increased CRT was seen in patients with prior CRT (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.19-2.77). There was a trend to more CRT events with a Khorana tumour score of 1 compared to those with a score of 0 (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.00-1.88). Hodgkin lymphoma, germ cell and oesophagus cancers had the highest CRT rates. Side of insertion was not associated with thrombosis risk (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.57-1.05; P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Age <50 years, PICC lines and prior CRT were associated with highest CRT rate. Cancer subtype and insertion side were not predictive of thrombosis.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for the differentiation of acute and chronic thrombosis.

Thrombosis is the localized clotting of blood that can occur in both the arterial and venous circulation. It is a key factor in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction and stroke and the primary cause of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of thrombotic episodes is crucial in reducing the morbidity and potential mortality associated with arterial and venous thrombotic disorders by allowing early targeted therapeutic interventions. From a clinical perspective the ability to accurately assess the age and composition of thrombus is highly desirable given that anticoagulation and, in particular, fibrinolytic therapies are more effective in treating acute rather than chronic thrombosis. While there are no imaging tests used in routine clinical practice that can reliably determine the age of thrombus and differentiate between acute and chronic thrombosis there are several emerging non-invasive techniques that can provide an indication of the age of a thrombus depending on its location in the body. Examples of techniques developed for venous thrombosis include Doppler imaging with venous duplex ultrasonography, ultrasound B-mode imaging integrated with IER (intrinsic mode functions-based echogenicity ratio), elastography, scintigraphy imaging with 99mTc-recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (99mTc-rt-PA), and magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MDRTI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to noninvasively detect and differentiate acute and chronic arterial and venous thrombosis. These methods have limitations that need further investigation to enable cost-effective and clinically relevant treatment practices to be established in the future. This review will discuss the difference between acute and chronic thrombosis and the role of non-invasive imaging techniques in discriminating between the two.

Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Refractory Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare condition with high morbidity and mortality. We present a refractory case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome with a view to highlight the importance of early identification and aggressive treatment of this condition. A 36-year-old female presented with clinical manifestations of multiorgan vascular occlusion with a known history of primary antiphospholipid syndrome. The presentation was on a background of a recent change of her long-term anticoagulation from warfarin to therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin. Given that multiorgan involvement with 3 organ systems occurred nearly simultaneously, a diagnosis of probable catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome was made. Prompt therapeutic anticoagulation, antiplatelet, and glucocorticoid therapy was commenced. Despite this, the patient continued to demonstrate clinical features concerning for ongoing small vessel occlusion necessitating aggressive immunomodulatory therapy in the form of intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and rituximab.

Drug-Eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts for Left Main Coronary Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Revascularisation of left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease can be potentially managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) data have added to the literature on this subject and this meta-analysis aims to assess the state of the data to assist in guiding patient treatment decisions. METHODS: A systematic literature search of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, OVID, and PubMed Medline was performed. Randomised controlled trials of patients with LMCA disease undergoing PCI with drug eluting stents or CABG were included. Clinical outcomes and adverse events were assessed and analysed. RESULTS: Four suitable RCTs of adequate quality and follow-up were identified. The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 3 to 5 years of follow-up was significantly increased with PCI compared to CABG (23.3% vs 18.2%, OR 1.37; 95% CI: 1.18-1.58; p=<0.0001; I2=0%) and was largely driven by more repeat revascularisation procedures among patients treated with PCI. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of mortality, myocardial infarction or stroke (either individually or when these outcomes were combined as a composite endpoint). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery bypass grafting and PCI both represent reasonable treatment modalities for LMCA disease in appropriately selected patients. However, where CABG is feasible it offers superior long-term freedom from repeat revascularisation. Longer-term follow-up is required to further clarify the durability of mortality outcomes, especially in patients treated with PCI.

A novel inhibitory anti-invasive MAb isolated using phenotypic screening highlights AnxA6 as a functionally relevant target protein in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Discovery and validation of new antibody tractable targets is critical for the development of new antibody therapeutics to address unmet needs in oncology. METHODS: A highly invasive clonal variant of the MDA-MB-435S cell line was used to generate monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), which were screened for anti-invasive activity against aggressive cancer cells in vitro. The molecular target of selected inhibitory MAb 9E1 was identified using immunoprecipitation/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The potential anti-tumour effects of MAb 9E1 were investigated in vitro together with immunohistochemical analysis of the 9E1 target antigen in normal and cancer tissues. RESULTS: MAb 9E1 significantly decreases invasion in pancreatic, lung squamous and breast cancer cells and silencing of its target antigen, which was revealed as AnxA6, leads to markedly reduced invasive capacity of pancreatic and lung squamous cancer in vitro. IHC using MAb 9E1 revealed that AnxA6 exhibits a high prevalence of membrane immunoreactivity across aggressive tumour types with restricted expression observed in the majority of normal tissues. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, high AnxA6 IHC score correlated with the presence of tumour budding at the invasive front of tumours (P=0.082), the presence of perineural invasion (P= <0.0001) and showed a weak correlation with reduced survival (P=0.2242). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the use of phenotypic hybridoma screening as an effective strategy to select a novel function-blocking MAb, 9E1 with anti-cancer activity in vitro. Moreover, through characterisation of the 9E1 target antigen, AnxA6, our findings support further investigation of AnxA6 as a potential candidate target for antibody-mediated inhibition of pancreatic cancer.

Measuring head and neck lymphedema: The "ALOHA" trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no clinical assessment available to measure head and neck lymphedema. This study proposes the use of a tape measurement system and the MoistureMeterD (MMD) to evaluate head and neck lymphedema. METHODS: The reliability and validity of these assessments was examined in 20 patients with head and neck lymphedema and 20 matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Interrater reliability for the MMD and 3 of the 4 tape measurements was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] >0.90). Intrarater reliability of the MMD was 0.97. The MMD discriminated between patients with head and neck lymphedema and healthy controls, t(19) = 8.97, p < .001, whereas the tape measurements did not. Correlation between MMD score and head and neck lymphedema level ratings was significant (rho = 0.59) indicating convergent validity. Three of the tape measurements were significantly correlated with MMD scores (rho = 0.37-0.38) but not with ratings of head and neck lymphedema. CONCLUSION: The tape measurement system and MMD show potential as objective measurements of head and neck lymphedema with the exception of 1 tape measurement point.

Influence of multidrug resistance and drug transport proteins on chemotherapy drug metabolism.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy involving the use of anticancer drugs remains an important strategy in the overall management of patients with metastatic cancer. Acquisition of multidrug resistance remains a major impediment to successful chemotherapy. Drug transporters in cell membranes and intracellular drug metabolizing enzymes contribute to the resistance phenotype and determine the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs in the body. AREAS COVERED: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate the transport of endogenous metabolites and xenobiotics including cytotoxic drugs out of cells. Solute carrier (SLC) transporters mediate the influx of cytotoxic drugs into cells. This review focuses on the substrate interaction of these transporters, on their biology and what role they play together with drug metabolizing enzymes in eliminating therapeutic drugs from cells. EXPERT OPINION: The majority of anticancer drugs are substrates for the ABC transporter and SLC transporter families. Together, these proteins have the ability to control the influx and the efflux of structurally unrelated chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby modulating the intracellular drug concentration. These interactions have important clinical implications for chemotherapy because ultimately they determine therapeutic efficacy, disease progression/relapse and the success or failure of patient treatment.

Spontaneous intrahepatic haemorrhage: two cases of segmental arterial mediolysis.

BACKGROUND: Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is an under-recognized degenerative vascular disorder with variable clinical presentations. It affects medium to large calibre arteries, typically those arising from the coeliac axis, and its diagnosis is complicated by overlap with other clinical entities like fibromuscular dysplasia. Diagnosis requires histopathological examination of the affected tissue, although radiographic appearances can be suggestive of SAM. METHODS: We report on two patients presenting with acute rupture of an intrahepatic artery affected by SAM. RESULTS: Both patients ultimately required right hemi-hepatectomy in order to either control ongoing bleeding or for removal of liver rendered ischaemic by intra-arterial embolization. This was achieved safely despite additional SAM lesions present throughout the vasculature. CONCLUSION: In both cases described, presentation followed recent, unrelated abdominal surgery and we propose a link between these two events. Recent research has identified the potential role of noradrenaline in the development of SAM lesions in greyhounds, with levels of endogenous noradrenaline known to rise in the setting of surgery.

Duodenal perforation by an inferior vena cava filter in a polyarteritis nodosa sufferer.

INTRODUCTION: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are currently used in the management of pulmonary embolism (PE) and lower limb venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite their widespread use, associated complications including duodenal perforation have been reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a unique case of duodenal perforation 2 years post IVC filter insertion in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa (steroid dependent) and thrombocytopenia secondary to chronic cyclophosphamide use. DISCUSSION: IVC filters are commonly employed in the management of VTE. Associated complications have been reported including filter migration, fracture and adjacent organ perforation. There is growing consensus that temporary IVC filters should be retrieved as soon as possible with dedicated IVC filter registries to ensure patients are not lost to follow-up post insertion. CONCLUSION: Duodenal perforation is a rare complication of IVC filter insertion. This case however illustrates the potentially catastrophic consequences of a relatively common endovascular procedure. Caution should be taken when considering the insertion of IVC filters in patients with longstanding vasculopathies who are on immunosuppressants.

Pilot study of an assessment tool for measuring head and neck lymphoedema.

Head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) is a persistent symptom for many patients following head and neck cancer treatment. There is limited research into the benefits of lymphoedema treatment with this population. This pilot study (n=8) employs the Assessment of Lymphoedema of Head and Neck (ALOHA) system to evaluate treatment changes in this clinical population. The ALOHA assessment combines the use of the Princess Alexandra Hospital tape measurement system and the use of Tissue Dielectric Constant (MoistureMeterD) to measure HNL. Baseline measures were taken at the start of treatment and were repeated when the participants had reduced one level on the MD Anderson Cancer Centre HNL rating scale. The MoistureMeterD and three of the four tape measurement points showed a statistically significant change over time. This indicates the ALOHA system was useful in objectively detecting changes associated with clinical improvements.

Carotid revascularization immediately before urgent cardiac surgery practice patterns associated with the choice of carotid artery stenting or endarterectomy: a report from the CARE (Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy) registry.

OBJECTIVES: We describe characteristics associated with use of endarterectomy (CEA) versus stenting (CAS) in patients before urgent cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: The optimal modality of carotid revascularization preceding cardiac surgery is unknown. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of the CARE (Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy) registry from January 2005 to April 2010 was performed on patients undergoing CEA or CAS preceding urgent cardiac surgery within 30 days. Baseline characteristics were compared, and multivariate adjustment was performed. RESULTS: Of 451 patients who met study criteria, 255 underwent CAS and 196 underwent CEA. Both procedures increased over time to a similar degree (p = 0.18). Patients undergoing CAS had more frequent history of peripheral artery disease (38.2% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.01), neck surgery (5.5% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.01), neck radiation (4.3% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.04), left-main coronary disease (34.8% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.01), neurological events (45.8% vs. 31.3%, p < 0.01), carotid intervention (20.8% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.01), and higher baseline creatinine (1.3 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.02). The target carotid arteries of CAS patients were more likely to be symptomatic in the 6 months before revascularization and have restenosis from prior CEA. Patients undergoing CAS had a lower American Society of Anesthesiology grade. Midwest hospitals were less likely to perform CAS than CEA, whereas in the other regions CAS was more common (p < 0.01). Non-Caucasian race, a history of heart failure, previous carotid procedures, prior stroke, left main coronary artery stenosis, lower American Society of Anesthesiology grade, and teaching hospital were independent predictors of patients who would receive CAS. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery stenting and CEA have increased among patients undergoing urgent cardiac surgery. Patients who underwent CAS had more vascular disease but lower acute pre-surgical risk. Significant regional variation in procedure selection exists.

Dual visualization: a technique to simplify native vessel intervention in patients with bypass grafts.

We describe a case of stenting to a distal left anterior descending artery stenosis via the native vessel aided by contrast injection via a left internal mammary artery graft. This dual visualization technique allows good distal vessel opacification whilst minimising instrumentation of the internal mammary artery and its associated risks.