[Application of Rotarex catheter system in femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rotarex catheter system in treating femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis. METHODS: From Jun. 2017 to Dec. 2019, the clinical data of 32 femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis cases treated with Rotarex catheter system were retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males and 9 females aged from 50 to 89 years and the mean age was (70.7±10.3) years. Six cases had acute course of disease (≤2 weeks), 17 cases had subacute course of disease (>2 weeks, ≤3 months), and 9 cases had chronic course of disease (>3 months). Mean lesion length was (23.4±13.7) cm, mean occlusion length was (19.9±13.3) cm, and in-stent occlusion 7 cases. The superficial femoral artery (SFA) was involved in 13 cases, the popliteal artery (PA) was involved in 8 cases, and both SFA and PA were involved in the other 11 cases. All the cases were treated with Rotarex catheter system. When necessary, suction with large lumen catheter was enabled. Residual stenosis was treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Drug-coated balloon (DCB) was only used in patients with financial status, and stent was used only when it was necessary. Heparin was used for 24 h after procedures, and after that, antiplatelet agents were used. Doppler ultrasonography was taken during the followed-up. RESULTS: Technical success was 100%, and mean procedure time was (107.4±21.5) min. 8F (1F≈0.33 mm) and 6F Rotarex catheter were used in 27 and 5 cases respectively. In 27 cases, forward flow was obtained immediately after debulking with Rotarex catheter, and in the other 5 cases, suction with large lumen catheters were used. PTA was used in all 32 cases. DCB were used in 8 cases, of which 4 were used in in-stent stenosis. Twelve cases were implanted stents. There were no perioperative deaths. The only one procedure related complication was distal embolism. We took out the thrombus with guiding catheter. In all cases, mean hospital stay were (4.6±1.5) d. The ankle brachial index increased from 0.32±0.15 to 0.86±0.10 after treatment (t=-16.847, P < 0.001). The Rutherford stages decreased significantly (Z=-4.518, P < 0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6.0-36.0 months, and the median time was 16.0 months. 2 cases stopped antiplatelet agents, which resulted in acute thrombosis. Another percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and PTA were taken in one of them. Two cases died of cardiovascular disease during the follow-up, and no amputation was observed. Target lesion restenosis occurred in 7 cases during the follow-up, and target lesion revascularization (TLR) was taken in two of them. CONCLUSION: In treating femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis, Rotarex catheter can remove thrombus effectively, and that can expose underlying lesions and reduce stent use and complications rates. It is a safe and effective method.

[Clinical application of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling in the treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of Neuroform Atlas stent used in treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Clinical data of 62 patients with unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms undergoing Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling from August 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 64 aneurysms in those 62 patients. Among them, 25 aneurysms were located at the bifurcation of M1 segment on middle cerebral artery, 16 at the anterior communicating artery, 10 at the C7 segment of internal carotid artery, 5 at the C6 segment of internal carotid artery, 4 at the apex of basilar artery, 3 at the A3 segment of anterior cerebral artery, and 1 at the M2 segment of middle cerebral artery. All the patients underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling, including 49 patients with single stent assisted coiling and 15 patients with dual stents assisted coiling (14"Y"style and 1"X"style). After the procedure, the immediate DSA was performed to evaluate the status of aneurysm occlusion and the parent artery patency. The clinical follow-up was performed 3 months after the operation and evaluated based on the modified Rankin Scale(mRS).DSA image was reviewed at 6 months after operation and Raymond grading scale was used to assess the status of aneurysm occlusion and the parent artery patency. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients with 64 aneurysms were all achieved technical success(100%).The immediate post-procedural Raymond scale was assessed, including Raymond Ⅰ in 57 aneurysms(89.1%, 57/64), Raymond Ⅱ in 6 aneurysms(9.3%, 6/64) and Raymond Ⅲ in 1 aneurysm(1.6%, 1/64). The peri-procedural complications rate was 4.8%(3/62), 2 patients developed intraoperative thrombosis and 1 patient suffered from local subarachnoid hemorrhage. Among them, 55 patients obtained 3 months clinical follow-up after operation and all the patients had good outcomes (mRS≤2), 50 patients with 52 aneurysms were followed up with DSA 6 months after operation, including Raymond Ⅰ in 45 aneurysms(86.5%, 45/52), Raymond Ⅱ in 4 aneurysms(7.7%, 4/52) and Raymond Ⅲ in 3 aneurysms(5.8%, 3/52). CONCLUSION: Neuroform Atlas stent for the treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms has high safety and good efficacy, and has its advantages over other traditional stents.

[Application of mechanical debulking in arteriosclerosis occlusive disease of lower extremity].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of mechanical debulking in treating arteriosclerosis occlusive disease of lower extremity. Methods: The clinical data of 52 arteriosclerosis occlusive disease of lower extremity cases treated with Rotarex mechanical debulking system from June 2017 to June 2020 at Department of Intervention Vascular Surgery,Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 37 males and 15 females,aged(69.4±10.1)years(range:47 to 89 years).Lesion length was (21.6±12.9)cm(range:4 to 45 cm),occlusion length was (18.5±11.8)cm(range:4 to 45 cm).The lesion was located in iliac artery(IA) in 6 cases,femoral-popliteal artery(FPA) in 42 cases,and both IA and FPA in 4 cases. All the cases were treated with Rotarex mechanical debulking system. Residual stenosis more than 50% were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA).Drug coated balloon was used in part of them,and stent was used only when it was necessary. The patient's operation, complications, postoperative target vessel restenosis and reoperation were collected. The paired sample t test and rank sum test was used for data comparison and the postoperative target vessel patency rate was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Results: All the 52 cases obtained technical success. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was used in all cases,and drug coated balloon were used in 11 cases. Twenty-six stents were implanted in 24 cases (2 cases implanted 2 stents).Nine stents were implanted in IA and 15 in FPA. The length of stents was (11.3±3.3)cm(range:6 to 23 cm).There were 3 procedure related complications: one of them was acute occlusion in an iliac lesion,and thrombectomy was applied urgently,and the result was good. And the other two were distal embolism. The thrombus were took out with guiding catheter. The hospital stay was (4.8±1.9)days. The ankle brachial index increased from 0.34±0.16 to 0.81±0.16 after treatment(t=-25.160,P<0.01).The Rutherford stages decreased from (M(IQR)) 3(1) to 1(1(Z=-6.825,P<0.01).The median followed up time was 19 months(range:6 to 42 months).Two cases stopped antiplatelet agents during follow-up and which result in acute thrombosis 2 weeks and 2 months later respectively. One of them was treated with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and the other one was not for gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Four cases died during follow-up,one case died of lung cancer,one died of abdominal infection,and the other 2 cases died of cardiovascular disease,and no amputation was observed. Target lesion restenosis(TLR) more than 50% occurred in 13 cases during the follow-up. All TLR were observed in FPA,and target lesion revascularization was taken in 3 of them. According to Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis,half-year,1-year and 2-year cumulative patency rates of target vessels in this group was 94.2%,87.4% and 51.4%, respectively. And half-year and 1-year cumulative patency rates just in FPA cases was 92.9% and 84.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Percutaneous mechanical debulking using Rotarex catheter combining PTA can reduce the use of stents in femoral-popliteal artery. It is safe and effective in treating with arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity.

[Application of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in acute lower limb ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in treating acute lower limb ischemia. METHODS: From December 2017 to December 2019, the clinical data of 23 acute lower limb ischemia cases treated with Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 9 females from 53- to 84-year-old patients and the mean age was (69.1±9.1) years. Duration of symptoms was 6 hours to 14 days (median time 7 days). In the study, 8 acute thromboembolism cases and 15 acute thrombosis cases were included (In which, there was one thromboangiitis obliterans case and two in-stent restenosis cases). In 5 cases, the lesions were located above the groin; in 16 cases, the lesions were located below the groin, and in the other 2 cases, the lesions were located both above and below the groin. All the cases were treated with Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system. When residual stenosis was greater than 50%, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was used, and stent was used only when it was necessary. Heparin was used 24 h after the procedure, and after that, antiplatelet agents were used in acute thrombosis cases, and oral anti-coagulants were used in acute thromboembolism cases. Doppler ultrasonography was taken during the follow-up. RESULTS: In all the 23 cases, there were 22 successful cases and 1 unsuccessful case, the mean procedure time was (68.2±15.6) min. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was used in 18 cases, 7 of which were implanted stents (3 stents were implanted in iliac artery and 4 in superficial femoral artery). There were 3 procedure related complications. The first one was arterial wall injury which resulted in contrast medium extravazation, and in this case, we solved it with prolonged balloon inflation. The second one was distal embolism. We took out the thrombus with guiding catheter. The last one was acute occlusion in a stent, and thrombectomy was applied urgently, and the result was good. Mean hospital stay were (3.6±1.7) days. The ankle brachial index (ABI) increased from 0.25±0.10 to 0.85±0.16 after treatment (t=12.901, P < 0.001). All the patients were followed up for 4.0-28.0 months, and the median time was 12.0 months. One patient stopped antiplatelet agents, which resulted in acute thrombosis 2 months later. Another percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and PTA were taken. In the failed case, the patient suffered amputation above the knee 3 months later and in another case, the patient died of heart failure 8 months after the procedure. Two target lesion restenosis occurred during the follow-up. Because the patients' symptom was not sever, no procedure was taken. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using Rotarex catheter is safe and effective in treating acute lower limb ischemia. For one side, it can restore blood flow to the affected limbs quickly, and for the other, it has the characteristics of minimally invasive and good repeatability. So it should be considered that this me-thod can be widely used for acute lower limb ischemia.

[Application of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in treating in-stent restenosis of lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in treating instent restenosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: The clinical data of 7 in-stent restenosis (ISR) cases of lower extremity PAD from June 2017 to Dec 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 2 females and the mean age was (70.0±7.6) years from 59.0 to 76.0 years. All the cases were treated by Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system. In the 7 cases, time interval from the previous stent implantation to ischemia recurrence was 1.0 to 72.0 months, and the median time was 6.0 months. The period from ischemia recurrence to endovascular therapy was 3 days to 2 years, and the median time was 62 days. Rotarex mechanical debulking catheter and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) were used in all the cases, and the stent was used only when it was necessary. Anticoagulation was used for 24 hours after procedures and then antiplatelet agents were used as usual. Doppler ultrasonography was taken during the followed-up. RESULTS: All the 7 cases were successful in technology, 3 of which were implanted with new stents for the fracture of the old ones. while for the other four cases, no new stent was implanted. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) increased from 0.31±0.08 to 0.86±0.08 after treatment (t=-12.84, P < 0.001). Thrombectomy was applied urgently in one case because of acute thrombosis in the stent, and the result was good. There was no other complications in hospital. All the patients were followed up for 5.0-22.0 months, and the median time was 14.0 months. No death and amputation occurred during the follow-up. One patient stopped antiplatelet agents because of gastrointestinal bleeding, which resulted in acute thrombosis. in-stent restenosis reappeared in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Debulking using Rotarex catheter is safe and effective in treating in-stent restenosis of PAD, especially in reducing stents implantation, but is not good at dealing with old thrombus and proliferating intima, and can do nothing about fractured stents and hyperplasia of intima, so it needs to be combined with stents and drug coated balloons.

[Hybrid treatment for symptomatic long-segment chronic internal carotid artery occlusion without stump].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the preliminary experience of hybrid operation for the treatment of symptomatic long-segment chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO) without stump. METHODS: Clinical data of 12 patients of symptomatic long-segment CICAO without stump undergoing hybrid operation treatment from July 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The safety and efficacy of hybrid operation for the treatment of symptomatic long-segment CICAO without stump were preliminarily assessed. CICAO was defined as occlusion time being more than 4 weeks. The primary outcome was defined as any stroke (including ischemic or hemorrhagic) or deaths from any cause after hybrid operation within 30 days. The secondary outcome was defined as successful revascularization and occurrence of >50% in-stent restenosis during the follow-up period. RESULTS: In this group, the symptomatic long-segment CICAO of 11 patients were successfully recanalized. Technical success rate was 91.7% (11/12). The main complication rate was 8.3% (1/12). This patient encountered iatrogenic internal carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula caused by micro-guide wire in the midway of the hybrid operation, the proximal segment of this internal carotid artery was ligated and the iatrogenic internal carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula disappeared in the following digital subtraction angiography image. No patient encountered hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. No death complications occurred. In this group 10 patients of them were followed up. The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 32 months [mean, (19±9) months]. During the follow-up period, 1 patients developed in-stent restenosis and improved after reoperation of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty by the right size balloon without stenting treatment. CONCLUSION: Hybrid operation for the treatment of highly screened patients with symptomatic long-segment CICAO without stump is safe and effective, could reduce the incidence of complications and improve procedural success rate.

[Management of severe internal carotid stenosis with unruptured intracranial aneurysm].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and feasibility of endovascular treatment for severe internal carotid artery stenosis (≥70%) with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 213 cases with severe stenosis or occlusion of internal carotid artery, and those patients had been treated at Peking University Third Hospital, between January 2012 and July 2015. In the study, 14 (6.6%) cases were coexistence with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The medical records, imaging data, treatment and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 15 aneurysms (11 after the stenosis, 1 before the stenosis, and 3 in the other drainage basin) in those 14 patients with severe stenosis or occlusion of internal carotid artery. One of the 14 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy, and the 11 patients were successfully implanted with an internal carotid stent (residual stenosis 0-30%, mean 6.4%). Two patients with internal carotid artery stenosis remained untreated. One of them had complete occlusion of the initial segment of the internal carotid artery and was not possible to be treated, and the other patient refused to treat with internal carotid stenosis. The sizes of aneurysms were 1.0-7.0 mm, with an average of (2.8±1.5) mm. Three cases were treated with stenosis and aneurysms treated at the same time, and stent assisted coil embolization was performed in all the aneurysms, including 1 case that treated aneurysm before the stenosis. One patient refused surgical treatment of unruptured aneurysm, and no treatment was given to 10 patients who had small unruptured aneurysms (<5.0 mm). No perioperative complications were observed during the perioperative period. Three cases were lost with the follow-up, and the other 11 patients were followed up for 15-55 months, with a median of 37 months, and had good prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that patient coexistance with severe internal carotid stenosis and unruptured intracranial aneurysms should be treated individually according to the location and size of aneurysms. Moreover, the presence of a small intracranial aneurysm (<5.0 mm) does not seem to increase the risk of endovascular stenosis in patients with severe internal carotid stenosis.

[Cerebral hyper perfusion syndrome after carotid artery stenting].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors, clinical characteristics, precaution and treatment of hyper perfusion syndrome (HPS) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: From September 2014 to March 2018, the clinical data of 226 patients with severe carotid stenosis (70%-99%) treated with carotid artery stenting (CAS)at Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively．Five of them developed HPS after CAS．The relationship between the clinical baseline data, imaging characteristics, perioperative management and HPS were assessed. RESULTS: In this group, 5 patients of them (2.21%, 5/226) developed HPS after CAS, and 2 patients of them (0.88%, 2/226) were hyper perfusion induced intracranial hemorrhage (HICH). The 5 patients consisted of 4 men and 1 woman whose age ranged from 58 to 74 years. The symptoms of HPS occurred within 4 hours to 3 days after CAS. Among the 5 cases, the clinical manifestations were that 2 cases with headache, 1 case with delirium,1 case with hemiparesis of left limbs, and 1 case with coma(died ultimately).The main manifestations of case 1 and case 2 were headache in the frontal parietal temporal region of the operative side, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The symptoms were relieved after blood pressure lowering treatment and mannitol dehydration. The main manifestations of case 3 were excitement and delirium. The symptoms were relieved by a small dose of sedatives, also with blood pressure lowering treatment and mannitol dehydration. The initial symptoms of case 4 were excitement and delirium, accompanied by mild headache of the operative side, and hemiplegia of the contralateral limb occurred within a short time. The main manifestation of case 5 was severe headache and went into deep coma within a short time. This patient died of massive cerebral hemorrhage ultimately. CONCLUSION: HPS is an uncommon but serious complication after CAS. Improving our understanding and heightening vigilance of HPS is necessary. The earlier diagnosis, the earlier treatment.

[Mechanical thrombectomy treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a single center study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS),and to explore influential factors of the clinical prognosis preliminarily. METHODS: Clinical data of 26 patients with acute cerebral arterial occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2014 to June 2017 were retrospectively collected. The immediate effects of the 26 patients in this group after mechanical thrombectomy treatment were analyzed,The national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores between preoperative and at discharge of the 26 patients in this group were compared,and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 90 days post operation were analyzed to assess the prognosis of the 26 patients in this group. RESULTS: (1)In this group, 23 patients (88.5%) achieved vascular recanalization evaluated by thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia scale scores [thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia scale (TICI) scores, 3/2b grades were recognized as vascular recanalization], 19 patients of them reached TICI grade 3 and 4 atients reached TICI grade 2b. In this group 3 patients (11.5%) encountered symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 2 patients of them recovered after cerebral hemorrhage absorbed and 1 patient died of massive cerebral hemorrhage. In this group 4 patients (15.4%) died after mechanical thrombectomy treatment,2 patients died of hernia of the brain caused by severe cerebral edema, 1 patient died of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 1 patient died of extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage. (2)The assessment of NIHSS scores at discharge(5.3±2.1)showed significantly lower than those preoperatively(12.6±4.2), P<0.01,and in this group 12 patients (46.2%) achieved favourable prognosis (defined as mRS scores 0-2), 6 patients of them reached mRS 0 score,4 patients reached mRS 1 score and 2 patients reached mRS 2 scores. CONCLUSION: Mechanical thrombectomy with stent retriever contributed to a high rate of vascular recanalization and favourable prognosis,but some patients had poor prognosis, suggesting that we should screen the enrolled patients strictly.

[Application of Neuroform EZ stent in the treatment of severe intracranial arterial stenosis with complex symptomatic].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of Neuroform EZ stent used in treatment of symptomatic complex severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). METHODS: Clinical data of 18 patients with symptomatic complex severe ICAS undergoing Neuroform EZ stent angioplasty from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All the lesions of the patients in this group were considered as complex ICAS, i.e. with severe tortuous access, long (>10 mm) or occlusive or bifurcation lesions, with concurrent aneurysms near the stenotic lesion. The primary outcome was defined as any stroke (including ischemic or hemorrhagic) or deaths from any cause after stenting procedure within 30 days. The secondary outcome was defined as successful revascularization and occurrence of >50% in-stent restenosis during the follow-up period. RESULTS: All the 18 patients achieved technical success (100%) and mean stenosis rate was reduced from 85%±7% to 18%±6%. Of the 18 patients included, the 30-day stroke or death was 5.6% (1/18), which presented as basal ganglia region infarction in a patient with tandem lesions on the left vertebral artery. There was no hemorrhagic and death complications that occurred in the patients of this group. One concurrent aneurysm was embolized with micro coil (stent assisted) by stages after 1 month. In this group 12 patients were followed up with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after hospital discharge. The follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 26 months [mean: (16±8) months]．During the follow-up period 2 patients in the 12 patients (2/12, 16.7%) developed in-stent restenosis (ISR) confirmed by DSA, and one of them was symptomatic restenosis and restored unobstructed blood flow after balloon angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Neuroform EZ stent for the treatment of highly screened symptomatic complex severe ICAS is safe and effective. It has its advantages over traditional stent.

Dynamics of methanogenesis, ruminal fermentation, and alfalfa degradation during adaptation to monensin supplementation in goats.

This study aimed to examine the temporal (hourly within a day and daily over the long term) effects of monensin on CH4 emissions, ruminal fermentation, and in situ alfalfa degradation in dairy goats during dietary monensin supplementation by controlling the confounding effects of feed intake and ambient temperature. Six ruminally cannulated dairy goats were used, and they were housed in environmental chambers and fed a restricted amount of ration throughout the experiment. The experiment included a baseline period of 20 d followed by a treatment period of 55 d with 32 mg of monensin/d. During the whole experiment, CH4 production was measured every 5 d, whereas fermentation characteristics and in situ alfalfa degradation were analyzed every 10 d. The CH4-depressing effect of monensin was time dependent on the duration of treatment, highly effective at d 5 but thereafter decreased gradually until d 55 even though CH4-suppressing effect still remained significant. The decreasing effects of monensin on ruminal acetate proportion and acetate to propionate ratio also faded over days of treatment, and the acetate proportion returned up to the pre-supplementation level on d 50. Monensin supplementation elevated ruminal propionate proportion and decreased the effective ruminal degradability of alfalfa NDF, but both measurements tended to recover over time. The postprandial increase rate of hourly CH4 emissions was reduced, whereas that of propionate proportion was enhanced by monensin supplementation. However, the postprandial responses to monensin in CH4 emission rates, ruminal VFA profiles, and in situ degradation kinetics declined with both hours after feeding and days of treatment. Our results suggest that the CH4-suppressing effect of monensin supplementation in goats was attributed to reductions in both ruminal feed degradation and acetate to propionate ratio, but those reductions faded with time, hours after feeding, and days of treatment.

[Perioperative stroke effectively treated by an acute stroke team including anesthesia department: a case report].

Perioperative stroke is cerebral infarction occurring in the perioperative period. The incidence of perioperative stroke in non-cardiac, and non-neurologic surgery is about 0.7%, but the mortality can be as high as 26% to 40%. The outcome of the patients with perioperative stroke can be disastrous. Here we report a case of perioperative ischemic stroke that occurred after surgery of lumbar decompression and pedical screw fixation. A 76-year-old female admitted to our hospital because of lumbar spinal stenosis. Her medical history included hypertension and diabetes for ten years. Her personal history included a smoking history of 60 years by 2 cigarettes per day, not quitting. Her carotid artery ultrasound showed multiple low echo plaques on the right side and multiple high echo plaques on the left side of the carotid artery, but without distinct stenosis. Other examinations and tests showed no distinct abnormality. She went on a lumbar decompression and pedical screw fixation uneventfully. The blood loss was 400 mL and autologous blood transfusion 150 mL. The arterial blood pressure (ABP) maintained during 100-130 mmHg/60-80 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Sixty minutes after she recovered from general anesthesia, the patient developed symptoms of slurred speech and right limbs weakness. The anesthesio-logist evaluated the patient immediately with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The NIHSS score was 11 and a stroke was highly suspected. The acute stroke team was therefore initiated and fast responded. Within 4 h, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was proceeded, which showed the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery was occluded and the local stenosis of her right middle cerebral artery was up to 80%. After the successful embolectomy by Solitaire stent, the left middle cerebral artery reflowed and the forward blood flow was thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3. The patient was discharged after 33 days after the surgery with a NIHSS of 9. Our case provides an example that an acute stroke team that included the department of anesthesiology can be beneficial to the patients' perioperative strokes. During the perioperative period, anesthesiologists should be included into the acute stroke team, because anesthesiologists and anesthesia nurses might be first observers of those early onset strokes. Our case also put forward this thought that a standard peri-operative stroke evaluation tool, like NIHSS, should be discussed and applied to facilitate and accelerate the initiation of perioperative acute stroke team.

[Analysis of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia based on computational fluid dynamics].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hemodynamic states of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia based on computational fluid dynamics technique. METHODS: The original DICOM format image data from a patient with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD), were imported by the Mimics software directly,and the 3D Objects were constructed.The simulation of model was made with Ansys software, the hemodynamic parameters such as streamlines, wall shear stress (WSS) and wall pressure were described. RESULTS: There was stable laminar flow in proximal basilar artery and was no blood flow mixed by bilateral vertebral artery.However, Spiral flows were appeared in distal tortuous basilar artery. The low WSS regions in the vertebrabasilar junction section and inferior segment of basilar artery were coincide with the high wall pressure regions.It could be speculated the initial growth regions might be located in the vertebrabasilar junction section and inferior segment of basilar artery.Local regions with low WSS and high wall pressure might be associated with the occurrence and development of VBD. CONCLUSION: CFD numerical simulation maybe can provide a theoretical basis for the role of hemodynamic factors in occurrence and development of VBD.

[Prognosis of embolization of internal iliac artery during the endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm].

OBJECTIVE: To study the importance of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Forty-six consecutive cases of AAA treated by EVAR were retrospectively analyzed. The complications after exclusion of the IIA were analyzed. RESULTS: The bilateral IIAs were reserved in 18 cases, in which the follow-up was achieved in 16 cases and no complication was observed. The IIAs were excluded in 28 (60.9%) cases, in which the bilateral, right and left IIAs were excluded in 7 (15.2%), 14 (30.4%) and 7 (15.2%) cases respectively. The follow-up was achieved in 26 cases. Buttock claudication was observed in 12 (46.2%) cases, altered bowel habit was observed in 8 (32.0%) cases, erectile dysfunction was observed in 3 (12.0%) cases, and bloody stool was observed in 2 (8.0%) cases. Comparing the bilateral and unilateral IIA exclusions, the rates of buttock claudication were 50.0% vs. 45.0%, altered bowel habit 33.3% vs. 31.6%, and erectile dysfunction 33.3% vs. 5.3% respectively. And the average duration of buttock claudication of bilateral IIAs exclusion (8.3 months) was longer than that of unilateral exclusion (4.7 months). Moreover, comparing the left and right IIA exclusions, the rates of buttock claudication were 57.1% vs. 38.5%, altered bowel habit 57.1% vs. 16.7%, and bloody stool 28.6% vs. 0 respectively. And the average duration of buttock claudication of left IIA exclusion (6.0 months) was longer than that of right exclusion (3.7 months). CONCLUSION: The IIAs, especially the left IIA, should be reserved during the EVAR for AAA.

[Clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand. Methods: This study was a retrospective non-randomized controlled study. From February 2015 to February 2023, 24 patients (15 males and 9 females, aged 12-55 years) with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand, who met the inclusion criteria and were repaired with flap transplantation and tendon grafting or tendon anastomosis, were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to different intervention time for postoperative rehabilitation treatment of patients, the patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group and early rehabilitation group, with 12 cases in each group. Patients in early rehabilitation group received rehabilitation treatment immediately after surgery under the rehabilitation guidance of specialized rehabilitation physicians based on the characteristics of different postoperative periods. Patients in conventional rehabilitation group began rehabilitation treatment from the third week after surgery, and their rehabilitation treatment was the same as that of patients in early rehabilitation group from the second week after surgery. The patients in 2 groups were treated in the hospital until the sixth week after surgery. The occurrence of flap vascular crisis and tendon rupture were observed within 6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks of surgery, the manual muscle test was used to measure the pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, and grip force of the affected hand; the total action motion method was used to evaluate the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand, and the excellent and good ratio was calculated; the Carroll upper extremity function test was used to score and rate the function of the affected hand. Results: Within 6 weeks after surgery, only 1 patient in conventional rehabilitation group suffered from venous crisis, and the flap survived after the second surgical exploration and anastomosis of blood vessels; there was no occurrence of tendon rupture in patients of 2 groups. After 6 weeks of surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, or grip force of the affected hand between the two groups of patients (P>0.05); the excellent and good ratio of the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was 11/12, which was higher than 7/12 in conventional rehabilitation group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05); the affected hand function score of patients in early rehabilitation group was 90±6, which was significantly higher than 83±8 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=2.41, P<0.05); the function rating of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was obviously better than that in conventional rehabilitation group (Z=2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions: Early rehabilitation treatment for patients with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand after repair surgery can improve hand function, but it would not increase surgery related complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

[Curative effects of medial plantar free flap in reconstructing electric burn wound and scar contracture in the palm].

Objective: To explore the curative effects of medial plantar free flap in reconstructing electric burn wound and scar contracture in the palm. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2023, 6 patients with electric burn wounds or scar contracture in the palm who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 5 males and 1 female, aged 35 to 55 years. The wound area was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm-8.0 cm×7.0 cm after the debridement of electric burn wounds or resection of scar in the palm. The medial plantar free flap anastomosed with cutaneous nerve was used for wound reconstruction, with flap area of 5.5 cm×3.5 cm-8.5 cm×7.5 cm. The wound in the donor site was repaired with transplantation of abdominal full-thickness skin graft. After surgery, the survival of flaps and skin grafts were observed, the shape and texture of flap and the recovery of donor site of flap were observed, and the holding function of the affected hand was assessed. At the last follow-up, the two-point discrimination distance of flap was measured, the sensory recovery of flap was evaluated with the trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, and the function recovery of flap was evaluated by post-surgery flap function evaluation scale. Results: After surgery, 5 flaps survived well, while the distal part of 1 flap was partially necrotic, which was repaired by medium-thickness skin graft from lateral thigh after debridement. All the skin grafts at the donor sites survived well. During follow-up of 3 to 24 months, the flap was not bloated, the texture and color were good, the match with the surrounding tissue was high, with no obvious scar contracture occurred at the donor site. The affected hand had good holding function. At the last follow-up, the two-point discrimination distance of flap was 6-8 mm, the flap sensation recovery was as follows: 5 flaps recovered to grade S3+, 1 flap recovered to grade S3, and the functional evaluation of flaps was excellent in 5 cases and good in 1 case. The patients basically returned to normal life and work. Conclusions: The medial plantar free flap with cutaneous nerve anastomosis has many advantages, such as high matching degree of appearance, good sensory recovery, and holding function of the affected hand. It is an ideal choice for the reconstruction of the electric burn wound and scar contracture in the palm.

[A randomized controlled trial on the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns].

Objective: To explore the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January 2021 to January 2023, 60 elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group (30 cases, 17 males and 13 females, aged (65±3) years) and combined rehabilitation group (30 cases, 16 males and 14 females, aged (64±3) years) according to the random number table. For patients in both groups, the red-light treatment was started after the lower limb wounds healed or when the total area of scattered residual wounds was less than 1% of the total body surface area. After 2 weeks of red-light treatment, the patients in conventional rehabilitation group were given conventional rehabilitation treatments, including joint stretching, resistance, and balance training; in addition to conventional rehabilitation treatments, the patients in combined rehabilitation group were given exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode three times a week, mainly including dumbbell press, Bobath ball horizontal support, and high-level pulldown trainings. The training time for patients in both groups was 12 weeks. Before training (after 2 weeks of red-light treatment) and after 12 weeks of training, the upper limb and lower limb motor functions of the patients were evaluated using the simple Fugl-Meyer scale, the physical fitness of patients was evaluated using the simple physical fitness scale, and the patient's risk of falling was evaluated by the time consumed for the timed up and go test. The adverse events of patients that occurred during training were recorded. After 12 weeks of training, a self-designed satisfaction survey was conducted to investigate patients' satisfaction with the training effect. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and chi-square test. Results: Before training, the scores of upper limb and lower limb motor functions of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the scores of upper limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -11.42 and -13.67, respectively, P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The score of lower limb motor function of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 28.9±2.6, which was significantly higher than 26.3±2.6 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=-3.90, P<0.05), and the scores of lower limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -4.14 and -6.94, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, the individual and total scores of physical fitness of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those before training (with Z values of -4.38, -3.55, -3.88, -4.65, -4.58, -4.68, -4.42, and -4.48, respectively, P<0.05), and the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those in conventional rehabilitation group (with Z values of -3.93, -3.41, -3.19, and -5.33, P<0.05). Before training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in the two groups was close (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in combined rehabilitation group was (28.0±2.1) s, which was significantly shorter than (30.5±1.8) s in conventional rehabilitation group (t=4.94, P<0.05). Moreover, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in both conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group was significantly shorter than that before training (with t values of 14.80 and 15.86, respectively, P<0.05). During the training period, no adverse events such as muscle tissue strain, edema, or falling occurred in any patient. After 12 weeks of training, the satisfaction score of patients with the training effect in combined rehabilitation group was 13.5±1.2, which was significantly higher than 8.5±1.4 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=21.78, P<0.05). Conclusions: The exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode can significantly promote the recovery of lower limb motor function and physical fitness of elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns, and effectively reduce the patient's risk of falling without causing adverse events during the training period, resulting in patient's high satisfaction with the training effect.

[Exploration of family rehabilitation model for children with scar contracture after hand burns].

Objective: To explore the family rehabilitation model for children with scar contracture after hand burns and observe its efficacy. Methods: A retrospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. From March 2020 to March 2021, 30 children with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burns of hands, who met the inclusion criteria, were hospitalized in the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to the rehabilitation model adopted, 18 children (23 affected hands) were included in a group mainly treated by family rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as family rehabilitation group), and 12 children (15 affected hands) were included in another group mainly treated by hospital rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as hospital rehabilitation group). In the former group, there were 11 males and 7 females, aged (4.8±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (3.1±0.8) d after wound healing; in the latter group, there were 7 males and 5 females, aged (4.6±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (2.8±0.7) d after wound healing. The children in hospital rehabilitation group mainly received active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, supplemented by independent rehabilitation training after returning home; after 1-2 weeks of active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, the children in family rehabilitation group received active and passive rehabilitation training at home under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists through WeChat platform. Both groups of children were treated for 6 months. During the treatment, they wore pressure gloves and used hand flexion training belts and finger splitting braces. Before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, the modified Vancouver scar scale, the total active movement of the hand method, and Carroll quantitative test of upper extremity function were used to score/rate the scar of the affected hand (with the difference of scar score between before treatment and after treatment being calculated), the joint range of motion (with excellent and good ratio being calculated), and the function of the affected limb, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, equivalence test, Fisher's exact probability test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The differences of scar scores of the affected hands of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group between after 6 months of treatment and those before treatment were 3.0 (2.0, 7.0) and 3.0 (2.0, 8.0) respectively (with 95% confidence interval of 2.37-5.38 and 1.95-5.91). The 95% confidence interval of the difference between the differences of the two groups was -2.43-2.21, which was within the equivalent boundary value of -3-3 (P<0.05). The excellent and good ratios of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group were 3/23 and 2/15 respectively before treatment, and 15/23 and 12/15 respectively after 6 months of treatment. The ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.58 and 2.30, respectively, P<0.05), but the ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 0.39 and 0.55, respectively, P>0.05). The functional ratings of the affected limbs of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.98 and 3.51, respectively, P<0.05), but the functional ratings of the affected limbs between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 1.27 and 0.38, respectively, P>0.05). Conclusions: The WeChat platform assisted rehabilitation treatment with mainly family rehabilitation, combined with hand flexion and extension brace can effectively reduce the scarring after children's hand burns, improve the joint range of motion of the affected hands, and promote the recovery of affected limb function. The effect is similar to that of hospital-based rehabilitation providing an optional rehabilitation, treatment method for children who cannot continue to receive treatment in hospital.

[Effects of the anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flaps in repairing complex wounds of foot and ankle].

Objective: To investigate the effects of anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap in repairing complex wounds of foot and ankle. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2018 to June 2022, 23 patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University to repair complex wounds of foot and ankle with anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flaps, including 15 males and 8 females, aged from 20 to 66 years. The wounds were all accompanied by bone exposure and defects, and were complicated with varying degrees of infection. All patients underwent debridement and continuous vacuum sealing drainage treatment for 1 week in stage Ⅰ, with the skin and soft tissue defect area after debridement being 10 cm×5 cm to 22 cm×7 cm. In stage Ⅱ, the anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap was used to cover the defective wound, of which the muscle flap was used to fill the deep invalid cavity of the ankle joint or cover bone and internal fixation exposures, and the skin flap was used to cover the superficial wound, with the area of the skin flap ranging from 11 cm×6 cm to 23 cm×8 cm, and the area of the muscle flap ranging from 4.0 cm×2.5 cm to 8.0 cm×5.0 cm. The survival of the flap was observed after operation. During follow-up, the color, texture, appearance, and complications of the flap were observed, the function of ankle joint and its range of dorsiflexion motion and plantar flexion motion were measured, and the scar hyperplasia and muscular hernia in donor area were observed. Results: Ecchymosis and epidermal necrosis occurred at the tip of the flap in 1 patient on 5 days after operation and healed after dressing change for 1 week; the other flaps of patients survived successfully. After 6 to 40 months of follow-up, the color, texture, and shape of flaps were good, but 1 patient was not satisfied with the shape of the flap because of flap swelling; the ankle joint movement was basically normal, the dorsiflexion motion was 15-30°, and the plantar flexion motion was 20-45°; the scar hyperplasia in the donor area of the flap was not obvious, and no muscular hernia occurred. Conclusions: The anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap can effectively fill the deep invalid cavity of ankle joint and cover the superficial wound at the same time, with minimal damage to the donor site. So it is an ideal flap for repairing the complex wounds of foot and ankle.

An in vitro assessment of the physical properties of novel Hyflex nickel-titanium rotary instruments.

AIM: To determine several properties including torsional and fatigue limits, as well as torque during canal preparation, of Hyflex, a rotary instrument manufactured from so-called controlled memory nickel-titanium alloy. METHODOLOGY: The instruments were tested in vitro using a special torque bench that permits both stationary torque tests according to ISO3630-1 and fatigue limit determination, as well as measurement of torque (in Ncm) and apical force (in N) during canal preparation. Fatigue limit (in numbers of cycles to failure) was determined in a 90°, 5 mm radius block-and-rod assembly. Simulated canals in plastic blocks were prepared using both a manufacturer-recommended single-length technique as well as a generic crown-down approach. anova with Bonferroni post hoc procedures was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Torque at failure ranged from 0.47 to 1.38 Ncm, with significant differences between instrument sizes (P < 0.0001). Fatigue life ranged from 260 to 2565, with the shortest and longest lifespan for instruments size 20, .04 taper and size 25, .08 taper, respectively. Torque during canal preparation was significantly higher for small instruments used in the single-length technique but lower for the size 40, .04 taper, compared to a crown-down approach. No instrument fractured; 82% of the instruments used were plastically deformed; however, only 37% of these remained deformed after a sterilization cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Hyflex rotary instruments are bendable and flexible and have similar torsional resistance compared to instruments made of conventional NiTi. Fatigue resistance is much higher, and torque during preparation is less, compared to other rotary instruments tested previously under similar conditions.