[Peripheral arterial angioplasty: value of the popliteal approach. Apropos of 30 cases]. / Angioplastie artérielle périphérique: intérêt de la voie poplitée. A propos de 30 cas.

The percutaneous common femoral arterial approach is usually used for endovascular management of lower limb arterial disease. This approach is sometimes impracticable because the femoral artery is the site of severe calcific atheromatous lesions which prevent arterial puncture or, when the superficial femoral lesions are ostial or proximal, make it impossible to position the introducer and advance the guide wire. The popliteal artery then becomes very useful for treating these lesions by a retrograde approach. Similarly, superficial femoral lesions which cannot be successfully dilated by the anterograde femoral approach may justify retrograde catheterisation via the popliteal artery. Between May 1988 and August 1991, the authors used the retrograde popliteal approach in 30 cases. They obtained 24 successes, 12 of which were associated with the implantation of an endoprosthesis. There was 1 complication at the puncture site a popliteal arteriovenous fistula was created but was treated successfully by surgery.

[Reprogramming of a pacemaker induced by electrocautery]. / Reprogrammation d'un stimulateur cardiaque induite par le bistouri électrique.

A case is reported of reprogramming of a ventricular unipolar permanent pacemaker induced by electrocautery during biliary surgery. After skin incision and use of the unipolar electrosurgery unit, the CPI model 505 multiprogrammable pulse generator previously set at 70 b X min-1 abruptly fired at 120 b X min-1. Application of a magnet over the pacemaker reduced the heart rate to 100 b X min-1. After surgery, the pulse generator was successfully reprogrammed to a rate of 65 b X min-1. Based on the analysis of this case and of previous reports, it is suggested, so as to avoid such complications, that the unipolar electrocautery be avoided when the surgical field is near the pulse generator or lead: that the bipolar electrocautery be preferred; that a magnet and non-invasive programmer be available during and after surgery; and that a postoperative assessment of the pulse generator be carried out.

Case report: recurrent anaphylactic shock to radiographic contrast media. Evidence supporting an exceptional IgE-mediated reaction.

A rare case of anaphylaxis to iodinated contrast media is reported. The patient underwent two anaphylactic shocks to intravenous administration of radiocontrast agents. Specific IgE were suspected on the basis of positivity of intradermal tests and human basophil degranulation tests. The passive sensitization of basophils from donors was performed, comparing native and heated serum. Results agreed with the hypothesis of IgE antibodies, since heating 56 degrees C during two hours prevented the degranulation. Considering the chemical structure, iopamidol was thought to be innocuous. Two opacification procedures were further performed with iopamidol without any incident.

Percutaneous endoluminal treatment of iliac occlusions: long-term follow-up in 105 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of percutaneous recanalization techniques in occluded iliac arteries. METHODS: Percutaneous recanalization was attempted in 105 patients (97 men; mean age 56 years, range 34 to 80) with iliac occlusions using thrombolysis (n = 15), excimer laser (n = 4), mechanical thrombectomy (n = 16), balloon angioplasty alone (n = 23), and angioplasty plus stenting (n = 69). The majority of lesions (n = 72) were in the common iliac artery (CIA); 33 were in the external iliac artery (EIA). RESULTS: The primary recanalization rate was 88% (92/105) independent of location (EIA: 90%, CIA: 86%) and lesion length, but dependent on age of thrombus (< 3 months: 100%, > 3 months: 79%, p < 0.02). Complications included 5 (4.8%) cases of distal embolism treated by thromboaspiration or Fogarty balloon embolectomy. Seven (6.7%) early thromboses were treated surgically. Primary and secondary patency rates were calculated at 6 years for all 105 cases and for the 92 recanalized lesions using life-table analysis. Overall, primary patency was 52% (CIA: 58%, EIA: 34%) and secondary 66% (CIA: 74%, EIA: 40%). Lesions < 6 cm had a primary patency of 70%, while those > 6 cm had a 31% rate (p < 0.01). Secondary patencies were 86% and 42%, respectively (p < 0.01). Among recanalized lesions, the primary patency was 61% (CIA: 69%, EIA: 38%) and secondary 77% (CIA: 88%, EIA: 45%; p < 0.05). Lesions < 6 cm had a primary patency rate of 72%, while longer lesions had a primary rate of 44% (p < 0.04); secondary patencies were 89% and 59%, respectively (NS). Primary patency without stent was 57% and with stent 65% (NS); secondary patency without stent was 71% and with stent 82% (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous recanalization of iliac occlusions represents a true alternative to vascular surgery and a first-line treatment option. Stents have a tendency to improve long-term results and are recommended for routine use in chronic iliac occlusions.

[Angiographic study of congenital aortic stenosis (author's transl)]. / Etude angiographique des sténoses aortiques congénitales

Left ventriculography is of great interest in the diagnosis and prognosis of congenitalaortic stenosis. It permits one to distinguish valvular stenosis, which is the commonest type, from sub-valvular stenosis, of which there exist 5 main type; type I and II are the commonest, they have a better prognosis than types III and IV. Sub-sigmoid aortography shows the appearance of the sinus of Valsalva, thus whether there exists a tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valve. In all cases, one should seek stenosis at various levels of the aortic outlet and possible myocardiography of the left ventricle, the frequency of which is well known, together with the poor prognosis.

[Radiological study of congenital mono and bicuspid aortic valves (author's transl)]. / Etude radiologique des mono et des bicuspidies aortiques congénitales

Bicuspid aortic valves are much more common than monocuspid valves and diagnosed by A. P. aortography and, above all, lateral views. One may distinguish the true bicuspid valves which include two Valsalva sinuses, often asymmetrical, and bicuspid valves whith a supplementary raphe, the commonest type, in which on angiography, one may distinguish three Valsalva sinuses, one of which is larger than the two others. These cases of bicuspid aortic valve may be associated with other malformations of the aorta or may occur alone. In the latter case, the main risks are aortic valvular stenosis or aortic incompetence.

Palmaz stent placement in iliac and femoropopliteal arteries: primary and secondary patency in 310 patients with 2-4-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To define the long-term outcome of stent placement in iliac and femoropopliteal arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred ten patients received 418 balloon-expandable Palmaz stents. Two hundred thirty stents were implanted in iliac arteries of 184 patients, and 188 stents were implanted in femoropopliteal arteries in 126 patients. Restenosis rates were based on results of angiography performed 4-6 months after stent placement. Long-term patency rates were determined with duplex ultrasound. RESULTS: Immediate procedural success was achieved in 309 patients. Acute thrombosis ( < 24 hours) occurred in five patients, and immediate clinical success in 288. The 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 8%, respectively. Angiography performed at 6 months in 299 patients revealed restenosis rates of 0.5% in iliac lesions, 11% in superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions, and 20% in popliteal lesions. Survival analysis revealed 4-year primary patency rates of 86% +/- 4.1 for iliac artery lesions, 65% +/- 7.5 for SFA lesions, and 50% +/- 17.7 for popliteal artery lesions. Most restenotic lesions were successfully treated with repeat angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Implantation of Palmaz stents in iliac arteries allows long-term primary patency to be maintained in most patients.

Clinical experience with a new nitinol self-expanding stent in peripheral arteries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new self-expanding nitinol coil stent in stenotic or occluded peripheral arteries. METHODS: Seventy-three symptomatic patients (58 men; mean age 67 years) were treated with nitinol stents for lesions in the iliac artery (9 stenoses); superficial femoral artery (SFA) (39 stenoses, 6 occlusions); popliteal artery and tibioperoneal trunk (9 stenoses, 7 occlusions); and 3 bypass grafts. Mean diameter stenosis was 84.4% +/- 9.9% (range 75% to 100%), and mean lesion length was 45 +/- 23 mm (range 20 to 120 mm). RESULTS: Eighty-eight 40-mm-long stents with diameters between 5 and 8 mm were implanted percutaneously for suboptimal dilation (n = 45); dissection (n = 21); and restenosis (n = 7). All stents but one were implanted successfully; the malpositioned stent was removed, and another stent was successfully deployed. There were 3 (4.1%) failures due to thrombosis at 24 hours. During the mean 16-month follow-up (range to 44 months), 4 restenoses (3 femoral, 1 popliteal) have occurred; 2 were treated with repeat dilation and 2 underwent bypass. Primary and secondary patency rates at 18 months were 87% and 90%, respectively, for all lesions (iliac: 100% for both; femoral: 85% and 88%; popliteal: 87% and 100%). CONCLUSIONS: This new nitinol stent seems to be safe and effective with favorable long-term results, even in distal SFA lesions and popliteal arteries. Its flexibility and resistance to external compression allow its placement in tortuous arteries and near joints.

Stents in the treatment of renal artery stenosis: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of percutaneous stenting in the treatment of renal arterial lesions after failure of balloon angioplasty. METHODS: Two hundred ten patients (139 males; mean age 67.7 +/- 9.9 years, range 27 to 87) had 259 balloon-expandable stents (165 Palmaz and 94 Renal Bridge stents) implanted in 244 renal artery stenoses (171 ostial and 73 nonostial lesions). The patients were suffering from intractable hypertension (n = 210) and/or renal dysfunction (n = 48). The majority of the lesions (n = 234) were atheromatous in origin. Stents were implanted for suboptimal balloon dilation (n = 182, 75%), restenotic lesions (n = 27, 11%), or dissection (n = 9, 4%); 26 (11%) ostial lesions were stented primarily. Mean lesion length was 11.9 +/- 4.4 mm (range 5 to 30) and mean percent stenosis was 81.9% +/- 8.25% (range 70 to 100). RESULTS: Immediate technical success was 99% (241 of 244). Three (1.2%) major complications included one intraprocedural stent thrombosis, one arterial perforation manifesting as a perirenal hematoma 24 hours after the procedure, and one renal arterial rupture. Follow-up over a mean 25.4 +/- 22.8 months (range 1 to 96) in 185 eligible patients (209 arteries) found 24 cases of restenosis (11.4%). Primary and secondary patencies for all lesions at 60 months were 79% and 98%, respectively, with no significant differences between ostial and nonostial lesions or stent types. Hypertension was reversed in 35 (19%), improved in 112 (61%), and remained unchanged in 37 (20%). Renal function was improved in 29% (14 of 48), unchanged in 67% (32 of 48), and worse in 4% (2 of 48). CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery stenting is safe, effective, and may be an alternative to surgery, particularly in ostial lesions. Our experience shows reduction in the restenosis rate compared to conventional angioplasty. All ostial stenoses should be stented.