The Hanging Strap Method: A Safe and Easy-to-Use Surgical Technique for Surgeons-in-Training Performing Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Introduction Surgeons-in-training (SIT) perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC); however, it is challenging to complete the procedure safely in difficult cases. We present a surgical technique during difficult LC, which we named the hanging strap method. Methods We retrospectively compared the perioperative outcomes between patients undergoing difficult LC with the hanging strap method (HANGS, n = 34), and patients undergoing difficult LC without the hanging strap method (non-HANGS, n = 56) from 2022 and 2024. Difficult LC was defined as cases classified as more than grade II cholecystitis by the Tokyo Guidelines 18 and cases when LC was undergoing over five days after the onset of cholecystitis. Results The proportion of SIT with post-graduate year (PGY) ≤ 7 was significantly higher in the HANGS group than in the non-HANGS group (82.4% vs. 33.9%, P < 0.001). The overall rate of bile duct injury (BDI), postoperative bile leakage and operative mortality were zero in the whole cohort. There were no significant differences between the HANGS and non-HANGS groups in background characteristics, operative time (122 min vs. 132 min, P = 0.830) and surgical blood loss (14 mL vs. 24 mL, P = 0.533). Conclusions Our findings suggested that the hanging strap method is safe and easy to use for difficult LC. We recommend that the current method be selected as one of the surgical techniques for SIT when performing difficult LC.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenic Artery Aneurysms Associated With Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report.

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease. In recent years, although there have been an increasing number of reports of interventional radiology (IVR) treatment for SAAs, there are still many cases in which surgical intervention is required. In particular, SAAs associated with infective endocarditis (SAAs-IE) are rare, and the treatment strategies and perspectives for SAAs-IE remain controversial. Herein, we report a successful case of laparoscopic splenectomy for SAAs-IE with a literature review.

Anatomical navigational difficulties in transradial right carotid artery stenting with 7-F Optimo balloon guide catheter.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) using a 7-F Optimo balloon guide catheter (BGC) via the right radial artery (RA) was performed for stenosis of the right carotid artery. The factors affecting the difficulty in navigating the BGC from the right RA to the right common carotid artery (CCA) were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 40 cases of stenosis of the right carotid artery, CAS using a 7-F Optimo BGC via the right RA was performed. Pre-operative anatomical length and angle of the access route were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: The 7-F Optimo BGC successfully reached all lesions; however, navigational difficulties were encountered in seven out of 40 cases (17.5%). One case in the difficult group experienced an ischemic complication. The height from the topmost point of the subclavian artery (SA) to the origin of the SA (SA height) was 44.4 mm versus 28.1 mm (p < 0.01), and the angle between the SA and the CCA (SA-CCA angle) was 21.6° versus 47.9° (p < 0.01) in the difficult and easy groups, respectively. For lesions with difficult navigation, the sensitivity and specificity of the SA height >34 mm were 100% and 82%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the SA-CCA angle <30° were 100% and 82%. CONCLUSIONS: For stenosis of the right carotid artery, transradial-CAS using a 7-F Optimo BGC is a safe procedure. However, navigating the BGC becomes difficult when the SA height is >34 mm and the SA-CCA angle is <30°.

Virtual indigo carmine chromoendoscopy images: a novel modality for peroral cholangioscopy using artificial intelligence technology (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accurately diagnosing biliary strictures is crucial for surgical decisions, and although peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) aids in visual diagnosis, diagnosing malignancies or determining lesion margins via this route remains challenging. Indigo carmine is commonly used to evaluate lesions during GI endoscopy. We aimed to establish the utility of virtual indigo carmine chromoendoscopy (VICI) converted from POCS images using artificial intelligence. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study analyzed 40 patients with biliary strictures who underwent POCS using white-light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). A cycle-consistent adversarial network was used to convert the WLI into VICI of POCS images. Three experienced endoscopists evaluated WLI, NBI, and VICI via POCS in all patients. The primary outcome was the visualization quality of surface structures, surface microvessels, and lesion margins. The secondary outcome was diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: VICI showed superior visualization of the surface structures and lesion margins compared with WLI (P < .001) and NBI (P < .001). The diagnostic accuracies were 72.5%, 87.5%, and 90.0% in WLI alone, WLI and VICI simultaneously, and WLI and NBI simultaneously, respectively. WLI and VICI simultaneously tended to result in higher accuracy than WLI alone (P = .083), and the results were not significantly different from WLI and NBI simultaneously (P = .65). CONCLUSIONS: VICI in POCS proved valuable for visualizing surface structures and lesion margins and contributed to higher diagnostic accuracy comparable to NBI. In addition to NBI, VICI may be a novel supportive modality for POCS.

Spray-Type Adhesion Barrier Enhances Safety and Feasibility of Robotic Repeat Liver Resection: Initial Experience and Outcomes.

Background Although various types of adhesion barriers are widely utilized in liver surgery, the safety and feasibility of their use during repeat robotic liver resection (R-RLR) are still unknown. Methods Among the 68 patients undergoing RLR with the application of the spray-type adhesion barrier at Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan, between 2021 and 2023, 24 cases that underwent R-RLR were included in this study. The included patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent previous hepatectomy with the use of a spray-type adhesion barrier (R-RLR-B, n = 14) and those without its previous use (R-RLR-NB, n = 10). The perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results There were no differences between the R-RLR-B and R-RLR-NB groups in background characteristics, difficulty scores, operative and console time, or surgical blood loss. Although no difference was found between the groups in the time required for adhesiolysis before the robotic operation, both the time required for robotic adhesiolysis (75 minutes vs. 58 minutes, p = 0.034) and total time for adhesiolysis (192 minutes vs. 141 minutes, p = 0.014) were significantly shorter in the R-RLR-B group than in the R-RLR-NB group. Otherwise, there was no conversion to open hepatectomy, no intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells, no cases of grade B or C post-hepatectomy liver failure, and no mortality in the whole cohort. Conclusions The spray-type adhesion barrier may not be associated with an increase in the incidence of postoperative complications, including bile leakage or intraperitoneal abscess. In addition, its application during the previous hepatectomy can facilitate a secure R-RLR with reduced time for adhesiolysis. Thus, the use of the spray-type adhesion barrier for R-RLR is safe, effective, and time efficient.

An Efficient Saline-Linked Cautery (SLiC) Method for Robotic Liver Parenchymal Transection Using Simultaneous Activation of Saline-Linked Cautery and Robotic Suctioning: Detailed Technical Aspects and Short-Term Outcomes.

Introduction While there are several advantages to utilizing robotics in liver surgery compared to traditional open and laparoscopic approaches, the most challenging part of robotic liver resection (RLR) remains the liver parenchymal transection. This is primarily due to the constraints of the existing robotic tools and the absence of a standard procedure. This study presents detailed technical aspects of our novel saline-linked cautery (SLiC) method for RLR and assesses the short-term outcomes for both non-anatomical and anatomical RLRs. Methods In this study, 82 cases that underwent RLR utilizing the SLiC method at our hospital from September 2021 to December 2023 were examined. A novel SLiC method is introduced in this study for robotically transecting the liver parenchyma utilizing bipolar cautery or monopolar scissors. The technique involves activating the SLiC and robotic suctioning simultaneously. The included patients were divided into two groups: patients undergoing robotic anatomical hepatectomy (n=39), and those receiving robotic non-anatomical hepatectomy (n=43). Short-term outcomes, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, were assessed in patients receiving both anatomical and non-anatomical hepatectomies. Results In the whole cohort, 74% of patients had performance status 1 or 2, and 24% were classified as Child-Pugh class B. RLR was performed without Pringle's maneuver in more than 80% of cases in patients receiving robotic non-anatomical hepatectomy, and more than 80% of patients undergoing robotic anatomical hepatectomy required only four or fewer 15-minute Pringle's maneuvers. There was no conversion to open hepatectomy, no cases of grade B or C post-hepatectomy liver failure, and no mortality in the entire cohort. Four postoperative complications with CDC IIIa or higher occurred (small bowel obstruction in two cases, intraabdominal hemorrhage in one, and bile leak in another), but no differences in the frequency of complications were found between those undergoing non-anatomical and anatomical hepatectomy (p=0.342). Conclusions The SLiC method, which involves simultaneously activating SLiC and robotic suctioning with either monopolar scissors or bipolar cautery, appears to be a secure and convenient technique for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. This innovative method permits precise access to the major Glissonean and venous structures within the liver, making RLR more standardized and easily applicable in routine patient care.

Damage Control Surgery for Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding With Massive Hematoma and Perforation Due to Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC).

Due to the advances in endoscopic technology, surgery for duodenal ulcer (DU) bleeding has decreased, although surgery is still necessary for more complicated cases. The concept of damage control surgery (DCS) has been established in the field of trauma, and a simple surgical approach may be preferable in serious cases such as uncontrolled DU bleeding. We present a successful case of bleeding with massive hematoma and perforation of the duodenum due to an over-the-scope clip that was treated by a less invasive surgical approach with consideration of the DCS.

Successful Multidisciplinary Treatment, Including Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Biological Therapy, for Multiple Hepatocellular Carcinomas Adjacent to Major Vessels: A Case Report.

Multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are currently being treated with multimodal therapy that includes liver resection and local therapy. Although the necessity of multimodal therapy for multiple HCCs is evident, treating them is extremely difficult due to the complex nature of multiple HCCs and the frequent occurrence of underlying liver damage. We encountered a case in which long-term tumor control was achieved through multidisciplinary treatment, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination biological therapy. As in the current case, less-invasive surgical resection combined with radiofrequency ablation after a combination of biological therapy may be one of the preferred options for the treatment of initially unresectable multiple HCCs.

Successful Multimodal Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer With Extensive Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis Utilizing Chemotherapy Combined With Direct Oral Anticoagulant.

It is well known that portal vein thrombosis (PVT) sometimes occurs in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, no effective treatment plan for PVT in PC patients has yet been proposed. We experienced a successfully treated case of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (PC-BR) with extensive superior mesenteric vein thrombosis utilizing intensive chemotherapy combined with direct oral anticoagulant. The thrombus disappeared and the tumor shrank, enabling curative surgery, and long-term survival for more than five years has been achieved. We report this successful case that we experienced as an option for the treatment of PC-BR with PVT in the future era when multimodal treatment is important.

Optical coherence tomography findings of balloon angioplasty/stenting for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal therapeutic methods for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains controversial. This study aimed to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the in-stent architectures during endovascular angioplasty/stenting for ISR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six lesions of ISR after CAS were evaluated by OCT during endovascular angioplasty/stenting. RESULTS: In one lesion, the OCT system could not be crossed because of elongation distal to the ISR lesion. In five lesions, pre-procedural OCT clearly revealed neointimal hyperplasia or neoatherosclerosis. The mean in-stent area stenosis was 84%. After regular balloon angioplasty, tissue compression and dissection of various sizes and layers were detected. After balloon angioplasty (with a mean balloon size of 5.4 mm), the minimum lumen area (from 1.7 ± 0.6 to 11.4 ± 5.3 mm2, p < 0.01) and the minimum in-stent area (12.7 ± 2.6 to 21.8 ± 5.0 mm2, p < 0.01) showed a significant increase. Additional stent was placed in one lesion that developed into a flap by dissection after balloon angioplasty. In another lesion in which sufficient dilatation was not achieved by balloon angioplasty, a major stroke occurred by acute occlusion of the ISR lesion 10 months later. CONCLUSIONS: OCT can detect the in-stent architecture of ISR lesions after balloon angioplasty and additional stent placement. However, which dissection should be treated by additional stent remain problematic.

Gene expression profiles associated with early relapse during first remission induction in canine multicentric high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

Although chemotherapy using CHOP-based protocol induces remission in most cases of canine multicentric high-grade B-cell lymphoma (mhBCL), some cases develop early relapse during the first induction protocol. In this study, we examined the gene expression profiles of canine mhBCL before chemotherapy and investigated their associations with early relapse during the first whole CHOP-based protocol. Twenty-five cases of mhBCL treated with CHOP-based protocol as first induction chemotherapy were included in this study. Sixteen cases completed the first whole CHOP-based protocol without relapse (S-group), and nine developed relapse during the chemotherapy (R-group). RNA-seq was performed on samples from neoplastic lymph nodes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted by the comparison of gene expression profiles between S- and R-groups, and the differences in the expression levels of these genes were validated by RT-qPCR. Extracted 179 DEGs included the genes related to chemokine CC motif ligand, T-cell receptor signaling pathway, and PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway. We focused on chemokine CC motif ligand, and CCL4 was confirmed to be significantly downregulated in the R-group (P=0.039). We also focused on the genes related to T-cell signaling pathway, and CD3E (P=0.039), ITK (P=0.023), and LAT (P=0.023) genes were confirmed to be significantly upregulated in the R-group. The current results suggest that both changes in tumor cells and the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells are associated with the efficacy of the chemotherapy for first remission induction.

Clinical features and prognosis of retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma in dogs with surgical resection with or without adjuvant doxorubicin.

Retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma (RPHSA) is a rare tumor in dogs with a poorly understood prognosis after surgery. The objectives of this study were to investigate the clinical features and prognosis of canine RPHSA that had undergone surgical resection. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of dogs that had undergone surgical resection for retroperitoneal tumors and received a histopathologic diagnosis of HSA between 2005 and 2021. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 77.5 days and 168 days, respectively. In the present study, canine RPHSA had an aggressive biological behavior similar to visceral HSA. Further studies in larger canine populations are needed to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Carotid artery stenting using a 7 French Optimo balloon guide catheter combined with a distal filter.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) by proximal occlusion of the common carotid artery (CCA) using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) is a simple proximal protection method to prevent distal embolism, however, it requires at least an 8 French (F) system. A 7 F Optimo BGC is the smallest BGC with an inner lumen diameter of 0.071 inches, and which permits the passage of a 5 F carotid stent. We retrospectively investigated the clinical results and the safety of CAS by using a 7 F Optimo BGC combined with a distal filter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred carotid arterial stenosis patients were treated with CAS using combined protection of a 7 F Optimo BGC and a distal filter. The BGC was navigated from the femoral and radial arteries in 85 and 15 patients, respectively. RESULTS: The 7 F Optimo BGC was successfully navigated into the CCA in all patients, and the technical success rate of CAS was 100%. Major adverse events of any death, stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30-day after the procedure were observed in one (1%). Post-procedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed high signals in 21% of the patients, all of whom were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The 7 F Optimo is the smallest BGC to achieve CAS using a proximal protection system. The combined use of a 7 F Optimo BGC and a distal filter is effective for navigating the BGC and distal embolic protection.

Retrospective study of feline tracheal mass lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This multicentre, retrospective observational study aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment and outcomes of cats with tracheal masses. METHODS: Eighteen cats from five academic or secondary/tertiary animal hospitals were included. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 10.7 years (mean 9.5; range 1-17). There were nine castrated males, seven spayed females, one intact male and one intact female. Fourteen (78%) were domestic shorthairs, one (6%) was an Abyssinian, one (6%) was an American Shorthair, one (6%) was a Bengal and one (6%) was a Scottish Fold. The most common presenting complaints included chronic respiratory distress or dyspnoea (n = 14), followed by wheezing/gagging (n = 12), coughing (n = 5) and voice changes (n = 5). There was cervical tracheal involvement in 16/18, and two showed involvement of the intrathoracic trachea. The following methods were used for diagnosis: ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (UG-FNB) and cytology (n = 8), bronchoscopic forceps biopsy and histopathology (n = 5), surgical resection and histopathology (n = 3), forceps biopsy via an endotracheal tube (n = 1) and histology of tissue sputtered from a cough (n = 1). Lymphoma was most often diagnosed (n = 15), followed by adenocarcinoma (n = 2) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). Most lymphoma cases received chemotherapy with or without radiation according to various protocols, and partial (n = 5) or complete responses (n = 8) were noted. Kaplan-Meier survival data for cats with lymphoma revealed a median survival time of 214 days (95% confidence interval >149 days), which was significantly longer than that of other types of tumours (21 days). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Lymphoma was the most prevalent diagnosis, and showed a good response to chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. Various diagnostic procedures were performed, and UG-FNB and cytology are good diagnostic procedures for cervical tracheal lesions. Owing to the variety of treatment protocols at different centres, it was impossible to compare outcomes.

Whole exome and transcriptome analysis revealed the activation of ERK and Akt signaling pathway in canine histiocytic sarcoma.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an incurable aggressive tumor, and no consensus has been made on the treatment due to its rare occurrence. Since dogs spontaneously develop the disease and several cell lines are available, they have been advocated as translational animal models. In the present study, therefore, we explored gene mutations and aberrant molecular pathways in canine HS by next generation sequencing to identify molecular targets for treatment. Whole exome sequencing and RNA-sequencing revealed gene mutations related to receptor tyrosine kinase pathways and activation of ERK1/2, PI3K-AKT, and STAT3 pathways. Analysis by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is over-expressed. Moreover, activation of ERK and Akt signaling were confirmed in all HS cell lines, and FGFR1 inhibitors showed dose-dependent growth inhibitory effects in two of the twelve canine HS cell lines. The findings obtained in the present study indicated that ERK and Akt signaling were activated in canine HS and drugs targeting FGFR1 might be effective in part of the cases. The present study provides translational evidence that leads to establishment of novel therapeutic strategies targeting ERK and Akt signaling in HS patients.

Prognosis of primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma after surgical resection in small-breed dogs: 52 cases (2005-2021).

BACKGROUND: Tumor size is an important prognostic factor in lung cancer in dogs, and the canine lung carcinoma stage classification (CLCSC) recently has been proposed to subdivide tumor sizes. It is unclear if the same classification scheme can be used for small-breed dogs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the tumor size classification of CLCS is prognostic for survival and progression outcomes in small-breed dogs with surgically resected pulmonary adenocarcinomas (PACs). ANIMALS: Fifty-two client-owned small-breed dogs with PAC. METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort study conducted between 2005 and 2021. Medical records of dogs weighing <15 kg with surgically resected lung masses histologically diagnosed as PAC were examined. RESULTS: The numbers of dogs with tumor size ≤3 cm, >3 cm to ≤5 cm, >5 cm to ≤7 cm, or >7 cm were 15, 18, 14, and 5, respectively. The median progression-free interval (PFI) and overall survival time (OST) were 754 and 716 days, respectively. In univariable analysis, clinical signs, lymph node metastasis, margin, and histologic grade were associated with PFI, and age, clinical signs, margin, and lymph node metastasis were associated with OST. Tumor size classification of CLCS was associated with PFI in all categories, and tumor size >7 cm was associated with OST. In multivariable analysis, tumor size >5 cm to ≤7 cm and margin were associated with PFI, and age was associated with OST. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The tumor size classification of CLCS would be an important prognostic factor in small-breed dogs with surgically resected PACs.

Long-term hemodynamic changes in cerebral proliferative angiopathy presenting with intracranial hemorrhage: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a rare vascular proliferative disease; however, long-term follow-up reports are scarce. The authors report a rare case and document a patient's medical history over 20 years. OBSERVATIONS: A 5-year-old girl developed left frontal lobe hemorrhage, presenting with headache. At 8 years of age, angiography showed diffuse capillary ectasia without an arteriovenous shunt. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed normal cerebral blood flow (CBF). She had normal growth without systemic disease. At 25 years of age, an intraventricular hemorrhage occurred, presenting with sudden headache. Angiography revealed vascular lesion enlargement, increased feeding arteries, dural supply to the nidus and peri-nidal lesion, and flow-related aneurysm. SPECT showed remarkable decreases in CBF in the nidus and peri-nidal lesion. Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) was diagnosed, and the aneurysm arising at the lateral posterior choroidal artery caused the hemorrhage. Coil embolization of the aneurysm was performed with a flow-guide catheter and extremely soft platinum coils. New aneurysms were not noted 1.5 years after the procedure. LESSONS: This is the first report to demonstrate hemodynamic changes in CPA on angiography and SPECT over 17 years. The development of endovascular devices has enabled the embolization of ruptured aneurysms at the peripheral cerebral artery.

Long-Term Oncological Control by Repeated Minimally Invasive Hepatectomy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Exhibiting Atypical Marker Expression of CK7-CK20+: A Case Report.

There are few reports of repeated liver resections being performed multiple times for intrahepatic recurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We performed five minimally invasive liver resections and two minimally invasive lung resections for ICC with metachronous intrahepatic recurrence and lung metastases. Pathological examination revealed that all resected tumors were moderately differentiated mass-forming ICC with immunohistochemical marker expression of CK7 negative and CK20 positive. We present this as a rare case of ICC with atypical marker expression in which long-term tumor control was achieved with multiple minimally invasive liver resections over 47 months from the initial diagnosis.

Evaluation of adverse events in small-breed dogs treated with maropitant and a single dose of doxorubicin.

BACKGROUND: The recommended doxorubicin (DOX) dose for small dogs is 1 mg/kg. Recent data suggest that DOX-induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicosis can be reduced with maropitant treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) in small-breed dogs administered a single 25 mg/m2 DOX followed by administration of maropitant (DOX25). The primary aim was to assess myelo- and GI toxicoses for 2 weeks after DOX administration. The secondary aim was to compare the incidence and grades of AEs found in the DOX25 group with a historical control group (DOX 1 mg/kg without administration of antiemetic or antidiarrheal medications). ANIMALS: Nineteen small-breed tumor-bearing dogs. METHODS: A prospective, observational study of tumor-bearing dogs, weighing 5 to 10 kg, administered a single 25 mg/m2 dose of DOX IV, followed by administration of maropitant for the next 5 days. RESULTS: Inappetence, vomiting, and diarrhea were found in 7/19, 2/19, and 6/19 of the DOX25 dogs, respectively. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was 12/19 and 3/19, respectively. Most AEs were grades 1 and 2, except for grades 3 and 4 inappetence and neutropenia in 3 and 4 dogs, respectively. Furthermore, febrile neutropenia occurred in 3/19 dogs in the DOX25 group. All AEs between the DOX25 and historical control groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Vomiting and diarrhea were deemed acceptable with 25 mg/m2 DOX followed by maropitant treatment in 5 to 10 kg dogs; however, additional supportive care might be needed for dogs with inappetence and neutropenia.

Efficacy of Post-Dilatation during Carotid Artery Stenting for Unstable Plaque Using a Double-Layer Stent Evaluated by OFDI.

Objective: This study aimed to use optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) to evaluate the efficacy of post-dilatation (PD) after stent placement for unstable plaques during carotid artery stenting (CAS) using a double-layer stent. Methods: Twelve unstable carotid plaque lesions diagnosed by MRI were evaluated using OFDI during CAS. The pre-procedural minimum lumen diameter was 1.6 ± 0.7 mm. Each lesion was pre-dilated with balloon catheters (diameter, 5.3 ± 0.5 mm), and a double-layer stent was deployed. PD was performed with balloon catheters of the same size as those used for pre-dilatation. Cross-sectional OFDI images within the stented segment were evaluated at 1-mm intervals for a 20-mm segment, including the most stenotic lesion. Slice rates for the presence of in-stent plaque protrusion (PP) and plaque between the double-layer lumen were calculated. Results: No procedural complications occurred with the use of an embolic protection device. Compared to after stent placement, slice rates for any PP (44 ± 19% to 62 ± 22%, P <0.05) and plaque between the double-layer lumen (79 ± 16% to 91 ± 34%, P <0.05) were significantly increased after PD; slice rates for >500 µm PP (7.5 ± 14% to 0%, P <0.05) were significantly decreased. Visible debris were captured in 50% of lesions. Conclusion: PD after double-layer carotid stent placement decreases in-stent large PP. Double-layer construction contributed to the prevention of large PP, as the PP may have been crushed into debris by PD.