Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation and Cyanoacrylate Closure for Large-Diameter Great Saphenous Vein Insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: To compare radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) for large-diameter great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency between diameters of 12 and 16 mm. METHODS: This study is a single-center retrospective study. Subjects who underwent endovenous treatment with RFA (Group A) or CAC (Group B) for GSV insufficiency between June 2015 and June 2021 who were followed up for at least 2 years were included in the study. Subjects who had a 12-mm to 16-mm target vessel diameter and subjects with grade 3 and grade 4 reflux were included. Subjects' demographic data (age, sex), body mass indices, clinical, etiological, anatomic, pathophysiologic classification, GSV diameter, reflux grade, target vessel length, preoperative venous clinical severity score (VCSS), procedural time, postoperative first-day pain scores, postoperative 14th-day patient satisfaction scale, and postoperative complications were noted. In follow-up, subjects were evaluated with duplex ultrasonography and VCSS at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: In total, 142 subjects were included (n = 71 for both groups). The mean GSV diameter was 13.21 ± 1.00 for Group A and 13.51 ± 0.97 for Group B. The groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, body mass index, clinical, etiological, anatomic, pathophysiologic classification, GSV diameter, reflux grade, target GSV length, preoperative VCSS, complications, postoperative 24-hr pain status or postoperative 14-day patient satisfaction scale (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). The procedure time was significantly shorter in Group B (34.68 ± 4.22 min for Group A vs. 22.59 ± 4.5 min for Group B, P = 0.001). In the 1-month and 6-month Duplex ultrasonography of the subjects, partial closure and patency rates in Group B were significantly higher than those in Group A (P = 0.003 and P = 0.025, respectively). At the 12-month and 24-month evaluation, closure rates did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.056 and P = 0.090, respectively). Preoperative and 1-month VCSS measurements did not show a statistically significant difference between groups (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). The 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month VCSS measurements of Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B. (P = 0.043, P = 0.009 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both RFA and CAC were found to be effective in the treatment of large-diameter GSV incompetency. The complication rates were similar between the 2 techniques. CAC had a shorter procedure time. Although the closure rates in the early postoperative period were better in the RFA group, long-term follow-up demonstrated similar patency rates. The functional results in the long-term follow-up were better in the RFA group.

Surgical treatment of constrictive pericarditis at a single center: 10 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a pericardial disease characterized by the pericardium becoming calcified or fibrotic as a result of chronic inflammation, which impairs diastolic filling by compressing the cardiac chambers. Pericardiectomy is a promising surgical option for treating CP. In this study, we reviewed over 10 years of preoperative, perioperative, and short-term postoperative follow-ups of patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis at our clinic. METHODS: Between January 2012 and May 2022, 44 patients were diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis. Twenty-six patients underwent pericardiectomy for CP. Median sternotomy is the surgical approach of choice because it provides easy access for complete pericardiectomy. RESULTS: The patient median age was 56 (min: 32, max: 71), and 22 out of 26 patients (84.6%) were male. Twenty-one patients (80.8%) complained of dyspnea, which was the most common reason for admission. Twenty-four patients (92.3%) were scheduled for elective surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used during the procedure in six patients (23%). The duration of intensive care stay was two days (min: 1, max: 11), and the total hospitalization was six days (min: 4, max: 21). No in-hospital mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: The median sternotomy approach provides a critical advantage in terms of performing a complete pericardiectomy. Although CP is a chronic condition, early diagnosis and planning of pericardiectomy before irreversible deterioration of cardiac function leads to a notable reduction in mortality and morbidity.

Comparison of Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Alone and Directional Atherectomy Combined with Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty in Patients with Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease with Claudication.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to compare drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty alone and directional atherectomy (DA) combined with DCB angioplasty in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (LE-PAD). METHODS: Subjects treated with DCB angioplasty alone (group A) and DA combined with DCB angioplasty (group B) were enrolled in the study. A retrospective chart review was performed between the 4 years. Subjects with severe and occluded LE-PAD were included. Demographic data, atherosclerotic vessel properties, and procedural data were recorded. For both groups, success rates (technical, procedural, and clinical) were presented. RESULTS: In total, 226 patients were evaluated. For baseline characteristics, only tobacco use and hyperlipidemia were higher in group B (P = 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). For the ankle-brachial index, no significant difference existed at the first, third, sixth, 12th or 24th month follow-ups. No significant difference existed for the Rutherford class at the first, third, sixth, or 12th months according to the groups. A significant difference was found at 24-month Rutherford levels. The incidence of severe claudication in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (13 [12.4%] for group A and 3 [2.8%] for group B, P = 0.035). The stenosis rate after predilatation in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (54.56 ± 5.36 for group A and 59.20 ± 6.21 for group B, P = 0.012). The distribution of full patency in the 12th month in group B was significantly higher than that in group A. The rate of 70-100% stenosis in the 12th month was significantly higher in group A than in group B. According to the groups, the distribution of the patients who were lost to follow-up and died during the follow-up and secondary results, primary patency rates, and 2-year disease-free survival rates were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Atherectomy combined with DCB is superior for the long-term treatment of LE-PAD.

Comparison of high saphenous ligation and stripping, radiofrequency ablation, and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery for the treatment of active venous ulcers: Retrospective cohort with five-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of high saphenous ligation and stripping, radiofrequency ablation, and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery for the treatment of active venous ulcers. METHODS: One hundred ninety-five (n = 195) subjects who were treated for venous leg ulcers were enrolled between 2009 and 2014. Three groups were formed (Group A: high saphenous ligation and total stripping, Group B: radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein + perforators, and Group C: radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein + subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery) (n = 65 for each group). The venous clinical severity score for baseline, 1st, 6th, and 12th months, great saphenous vein occlusion at the 1st, 6th, and 12th months, and ulcer rates for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years were recorded. RESULTS: For venous clinical severity score, only the first month decrease was significant for the subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery group (p = 0.001). Great saphenous vein occlusion was higher at the 6th and 12th months for the high saphenous ligation and stripping and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery groups than for the radiofrequency ablation group (p = 0.036 and p = 0.037). The rate of ulcers for the subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery group was lower at the second, third, fourth, and fifth years (p = 0.011). No significant difference was found between groups for the five-year recovery rates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery technique in conjunction with radiofrequency ablation of axial vein was superior to both high saphenous ligation and stripping and radiofrequency ablation of axial and perforators for ulcer healing.

Comparison of paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with femoropopliteal bypass surgery in treating femoropopliteal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare drug (paclitaxel)-coated balloon angioplasty with femoropopliteal bypass surgery in the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed between January 2015 and January 2019, covering a four-year period. All subjects who underwent femoropopliteal bypass surgery and drug-coated balloon angioplasty over a four-year period were evaluated. The subjects' demographic characteristics, lesion characteristics, treatment outcomes and disease-free survival were collected. Subjects were divided into the femoropopliteal bypass group (Group A) and the drug-coated balloon angioplasty (Group B) group. RESULTS: In total, 220 subjects were enrolled. Both Group A and Group B consisted of 110 subjects. The proportion of patients with a claudication distance between 0 and 50 m was significantly higher in Group A, and the proportion of patients with a claudication distance between 50 and 100 m was significantly higher in Group B (p = 0.001). In terms of the Rutherford levels, moderate claudication was significantly higher in Group B, and severe claudication was significantly higher in Group A (p = 0.001). The lesion length for the subjects in Group A was significantly longer than that in Group B (24.61 ± 2.79 mm for Group A and 18.59 ± 3.95 mm for Group B, p = 0.001). The stenosis degree in Group A was also significantly higher than that in Group B (96.82 ± 4.32% for Group A and 94.85 ± 4.55% for Group B, p = 0.001). The duration of the procedure, duration of hospitalization and rate of bleeding in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B. The incidence of overall morbidity and reintervention rates in Group B were significantly higher than that in Group A. The preoperative ankle brachial index values of the subjects in Group B were statistically significantly higher than those in Group A (0.56 ± 0.08 for Group A and 0.61 ± 0.08 for Group B, p = 0.001). The change in the ankle brachial index measurement of the subjects in Group A with respect to the preprocedure value was significantly greater than that in Group B (p = 0.001). For primary patency, there was a significant difference between the groups in the distribution of the duplex ultrasound results at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month control points (p = 0.001). At all control points, Group A had better primary patency rates, whereas the secondary patency rates did not differ. In total, among the 220 patients, 125 (56.8%) were disease free, and 95 (43.2%) experienced recurrence. The mean disease-free survival times for Group A and Group B were 10.45 ± 0.28 months and 9.11 ± 0.37 months, respectively. The disease-free survival rates were significantly higher in Group A (p = 0.001, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Femoropopliteal bypass resulted in better disease-free survival rates than drug-coated balloon angioplasty and serves as an effective modality for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions.

Is malignancy associated with pericardial effusion fluid volume or fluid character?

INTRODUCTION: Pericardial effusion develops due to different etiologies. The main goals of our study are to understand the etiology and determine whether the amount of pericardial effusion is significant in terms of malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 142 patients with pericardial effusion, who met the criteria between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. All of these patients underwent operation with the subxiphoidal approach. The fluid samples were sent to the microbiology and pathology laboratories for evaluation. Patients underwent follow-up after 1 month. RESULTS: Of the patients included in this study, 72 (61%) of 118 patients were operated on under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask, and 46 (39%) underwent sedation and local anesthesia. The etiologies found in patients were as follows: effusions resulting from malignancy in 27 (22.9%), idiopathic in 24 (20.3%), cardiac causes (depending on the use of anticoagulants or postoperation) in 22 (18.6%), uremia in 20 (16.9%), infection in 18 (15.3%), and heart failure in 7 patients. The amount of fluid drained from the patients was 661.61 ± 458.34 mL. Out of 27 patients with malignancy, 21 (77.8%) had drainage over 500 mL of effusion fluid, and 6 (22.2%) had drainage under 500 mL. Patients who had positive results tended to have drainage over 500 mL compared with patients who had negative results in terms of malignancy (P = .033). CONCLUSION: The subxiphoidal approach to pericardial effusion is an easily applicable operation, whether therapeutic or diagnostic. The advantages of the subxiphoidal approach include drainage of all of the fluid and ease of sampling the pericardial fluid. We believe that the amount of fluid drained can lead us to consider malignancy as an etiology.

Comparison of del Nido Cardioplegia and Blood Cardioplegia in Aortic Root Surgery.

AIM: To compare del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) with conventional blood cardioplegia (BC) in aortic root surgery. METHODS: Subjects who underwent aortic root surgery during a 3-year period were included. A DNC group was compared with a matched BC group. RESULTS: A total of 72 subjects were included, 36 who underwent DNC compared with 36 propensity-matched subjects who underwent BC. Fifty-one (70.8%) were male, and 21 (29.2%) were female, with a mean age of 66.19 ± 7.02 years (range 51 to 81). No significant differences in baseline characteristics, preoperative echocardiogram parameters, or intraoperative parameters were found between the groups. For DNC versus BC, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic clamp time, cardioplegia volume (all P = .001), and defibrillation (P = .007) were significantly lower. For postoperative biochemical parameters, creatinine levels at hour 24, potassium levels at hours 1 and 24, and glucose levels at hours 6 and 24 did not differ between the groups (P > .05). Creatine kinase-MB and troponin T levels at hours 1 and 24 were significantly lower in DNC versus BC (all P = .001). Hematocrit levels at hours 6 and 24 were significantly higher in DNC (P = .001). The groups did not differ in terms of postoperative inotropic support, postoperative complications, intubation period, or duration of intensive care unit stay (P > .05). Although the need for thrombocyte transfusion did not differ between groups (P > .05), DNC resulted in less use of erythrocyte and fresh frozen plasma transfusions (both P = .001). Postoperative ejection fraction was significantly better in the DNC group than in the BC group (P = .006). CONCLUSION: The results indicate better intraoperative parameters and better ejection fraction rates with DNC than with BC. DNC is an effective and safe alternative to blood cardioplegia for aortic root surgery.

Comparison of Short and Mid-Term Mortality and Morbidity in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis (Intermediate/High Risk) Who Underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

Treatment protocols for severe aortic valve stenosis include surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), balloon valvuloplasty, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and medical  treatment. Because the success rates are getting higher with both SAVR and TAVR, making the right treatment decision is important. This study retrospectively shows the short- (1 month) and mid-term (6 months) mortality and morbidity rate differences between 2 groups of patients, who arrived to our hospital from January 2014 through October 2018. The first group consists of 54 patients who underwent mid-high risk SAVR operations at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Institute of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. The second group consists of 57 patients who underwent TAVR at the Cardiology Department. Preoperative evaluation showed that the mean age of the SAVR group (71.5 years) was higher than the TAVR group (80 years). Also, the history of previous cardiac valve replacement surgery significantly was higher in the SAVR group than the TAVR group (P = .028). There were no significant differences between the remaining preoperative tests and diagnostic procedures. Of the patients who underwent SAVR, 3.7% experienced postoperative cardiac arrhythmias, while the 17.5% of patients from the TAVR group experienced cardiac arrhythmias after the procedure. This difference between the groups were statistically significant. Mortality rate was 9.3% in the SAVR group and 5.3% in the TAVR group. The mortality rate was not statistically different between the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the means of neurological incidents. The TAVR group had more vascular complications (17.9% to none) and pacemaker implantations (21.4% to 1.9%). Minor or major bleeding was the most common reason for admission to the hospital after SAVR. Seven out of 10 patients experienced bleeding. Aortic regurgitation was more common in the TAVR group at the first and sixth month following the procedure. Ratios between the gradient values were higher in the SAVR group (P < .001). Peak gradient values at the sixth month following the procedure were lower than the values of the first month (P < .040). Aortic regurgitation symptoms increased with patients at the mid-term follow-up appointment. To prevent the vascular complications in the TAVR group, preoperative peripheral vascular examination thoroughly should be performed. Considering that bleeding disorders are the main reason the SAVR group arrived to the hospital, INR values should closely be monitored. There seems to be no mortality difference between the groups at the six-month follow up, but studies should continue with more patients and long-term results.

Retrograde Popliteal Access and Balloon Dilatation of Chronic Total Occlusion of Superficial Femoral Arteries.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of retrograde popliteal access in subjects with chronic total occlusion of the superficial femoral artery. METHODS: A retrospective review of subjects who underwent balloon dilatation via retrograde popliteal access (RPA) is included. Age, gender, tobacco use, comorbid diseases, body mass index, ejection fraction, claudication distance (0 to 50 meters, 50 to 100 meters and 100 to 150 meters), preoperative Rutherford scale, and Ankle-brachial index (ABI) are noted for each subject. A duplex ultrasound (DUS) was performed preoperatively. The localization side of the lesion (right-left), the length of the atherosclerotic segment, and the localization of the diseased segment (proximal superficial femoral artery [SFA], mid-SFA, distal SFA, popliteal-above the knee) were noted. Subjects were followed for at least one year after the procedure. Subjects were reevaluated in the first, 6th, and 12th months after the procedure. In control subjects, Rutherford class and ABI were noted. A DUS was performed to detect restenosis. The subjects' preoperative Rutherford class and ABI and restenosis degree were compared with their postoperative values. RESULTS: A total of 93 subjects (75.3% male, 24.7% female; mean age 68.57 ± 8.70 years old) were evaluated. In all 93 (100%) subjects, successful RPA was achieved. Overall, balloon dilatation via RPA was successful in 86 (92.47%) of the 93 subjects. The procedural success rate was 92.47%. The occluded segment was on the right side in 49.5% of the subjects (n = 46) and on the left side in 50.5% (n = 47) of the subjects. The mean length of the lesion was 10.77 ± 2.21 cm, and the average stenosis degree was 95.9 ± 5.05%. The localization of the occluded segment was in the proximal SFA, mid SFA, distal SFA and popliteal above the knee in 45.2%, 50.5%, 25.8% and 10.8% of the patients, respectively.When comparing the successful and unsuccessful groups, target lesion length (10.48 ± 2.01 vs. 14.43 ± 0.79, P < 0.001), mid-SFA localization (n = 40 vs. n = 7, P = 0,012) and claudication distance in the first 50 meters (P = 0,003) were significantly higher in subjects with failed balloon dilatation via RPA. When the Rutherford scale was examined, the mild, moderate, and severe claudication ratios were 23.7%, 29%, and 47.3%, respectively. After the procedure, 61.3% of the cases were asymptomatic, and 38.7% had mild claudication. The change in the Rutherford scale was statistically significant (P < 0,001). When the ABI measurements were examined before procedure, it increased from 0.63 ± 0.08 before to 0.90 ± 0.06 after the procedure, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0,001). When Doppler findings were examined, in the successful RPA group, the no-stenosis percentages were 82.6%, 72.1%, and 65.1 at the first, 6th, and 12th month follow-up, respectively. The mean disease-free survival time was 9.80 ± 0.39 months. In the first year, subjects were divided according to stenosis degree. Subjects with less than 50% stenosis were compared with subjects with more than 50% stenosis to detect the preprocedural characteristics that affect the restenosis degree. Tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, chronical renal insufficiency, and popliteal above the knee localization were significantly higher in subjects who had more than 50% stenosis 1 year after the procedure (P = 0.009, P = 0.015, P = 0.044, P = 0.001, and P = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RPA under DUS guidance is an effective method. RPA has high procedural success rate with low morbidity. Longer target lesion length, mid-SFA localization, and claudication distance in first 50 meters found to be related factors with RPA balloon dilatation failure. Restenosis rates after 12 months of follow-up is low and comparable with literature.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on intimal hyperplasia and endothelial proliferation in rabbit carotid artery anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Neointimal hyperplasia due to smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, as well as extracellular matrix accumulation, plays an important role in stenosis and restenosis that develop after reconstructive vascular interventions. Various agents are being tested to reduce neointimal hyperplasia and to prevent lumen stenosis. In the present study, the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on intimal hyperplasia and endothelial hyperplasia after carotid anastomosis was investigated in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the course of the study, rabbits were divided into two groups. The control group (n = 7) underwent right carotid artery anastomosis and received no medication. The NAC group (n = 7) underwent right carotid artery anastomosis and received NAC for 21 days following surgery. NAC was administered at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day just after the surgery. The carotid artery underwent anastomosis, and the histological examination findings of anastomosed and opposite non-anastomosed carotid arteries were compared in two experimental groups that either received NAC or did not. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the reduction in the lumen area and diameter after anastomosis was significantly recovered in the NAC group (p = 0.018; p = 0.612). Increases in the intima and media areas and the intima/media ratio were smaller in the NAC group after anastomosis than in the control group, but the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that vascular anastomosis and post-intervention NAC administration will prolong vascular patency by reducing intimal hyperplasia and providing vascular remodeling.

Surgical Treatment of Rare Giant Inferoposterior Left Ventricular Aneurysm: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 63-year-old male with post-myocardial infarction causing a giant left ventricular aneurysm and describe the surgical treatment via Dor Procedure.

A mandatory modification in extracorporeal biventricular assist device (BIVAD) implantation: intercostal tunnel application: a case report.

In this case, our patient was a heart transplant candidate connected to a respiratory system. An extracorporeal biventricular assist device (BIVAD) was the only option in order to bridge to transplantation. In routine procedures, it is recommended that Berlin Heart Excor cannulas be removed through the subfascial subcostal tunnel. As the severely dilated right ventricle compressed the apex of the left ventricle, which was also dilated to the mid-back zone of the left hemithorax, the whole length of the Extracorporeal BIVAD apical cannula had to remain within the thorax; however, the cannula was removed from the body by creating a tunnel at the 7th intercostal space. In the long-term follow-up, this compulsory modification has proven to be safe and effective.