CTA with fluoroscopy image fusion guidance in endovascular complex aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative guidance by means of live fluoroscopy image fusion with computed tomography angiography (CTA) on iodinated contrast material volume, procedure time, and fluoroscopy time in endovascular thoraco-abdominal aortic repair. METHODS: CTA with fluoroscopy image fusion road-mapping was prospectively evaluated in patients with complex aortic aneurysms who underwent fenestrated and/or branched endovascular repair (FEVAR/BEVAR). Total iodinated contrast material volume, overall procedure time, and fluoroscopy time were compared between the fusion group (n = 31) and case controls (n = 31). Reasons for potential fusion image inaccuracy were analyzed. RESULTS: Fusion imaging was feasible in all patients. Fusion image road-mapping was used for navigation and positioning of the devices and catheter guidance during access to target vessels. Iodinated contrast material volume and procedure time were significantly lower in the fusion group than in case controls (159 mL [95% CI 132-186 mL] vs. 199 mL [95% CI 170-229 mL], p = .037 and 5.2 hours [95% CI 4.5-5.9 hours] vs. 6.3 hours (95% CI 5.4-7.2 hours), p = .022). No significant differences in fluoroscopy time were observed (p = .38). Respiration-related vessel displacement, vessel elongation, and displacement by stiff devices as well as patient movement were identified as reasons for fusion image inaccuracy. CONCLUSION: Image fusion guidance provides added value in complex endovascular interventions. The technology significantly reduces iodinated contrast material dose and procedure time.

[The impact of silicone spray on scar formation. A single-center placebo-controlled double-blind trial]. / Einfluss eines Silikonsprays auf die Narbenbildung. Doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte, unizentrische Studie.

For more than two decades silicone has successfully been employed in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids as a painless noninvasive modality with few side effects. In the present trial, after 3 months of treatment the Patient Scar Assessment Scale demonstrated that patient satisfaction with the silicone application was significantly higher compared to placebo. When treatment was stopped after 3 months, the topical silicone spray did not exhibit any lasting long-term impact on the objective results of scar formation. Due to the significant differences in patient satisfaction once treatment has ended and since the administration is safe and simple, any final decision on treatment indication should be tailored to the patient and include the psychological well-being of the patient as well as the temporary improvement in scar formation during treatment.