Comparative Efficacy of Postoperative Compression Methods After EVLT for Great Saphenous Vein Insufficiency.

Introduction: The preference for endovascular techniques in treating varicose veins, particularly in the great saphenous vein (GSV), has increased due to their minimally invasive nature and reduced complications. Post-operative care, especially involving compression therapy, remains crucial to improve outcomes, prevent varicose vein recurrence, and enhance overall recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of eccentric compression therapy compared to alternative post-operative care methods following endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for GSV insufficiency. Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial encompassed 88 EVLT procedures for GSV insufficiency. The participants were divided into two groups, each receiving different postoperative compression methods, and were evaluated over a specified period. The primary outcome was the pain scale after EVLT; meanwhile, the secondary outcome measured in the present study was the rate of GSV occlusion after EVLT. Results: Both groups underwent all EVLT procedures successfully without any complications. At the one-month duplex ultrasound (DUS) follow-up, the sapheno-femoral junction occlusion rates were 97% (43 out of 44) for group A (eccentric compression plus gradual compression stocking) and 95% (42 out of 44) for group B (only gradual compression stocking). Ecchymosis was observed in only 12 patients across both groups, accounting for an overall occurrence of 13.6%. Group A patients reported significantly lower analgesic usage (10%) compared to group B (18%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Analysis of postoperative pain data utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) showed a median value of 5.5 in group B patients, which decreased to 3.1 with the application of eccentric compression. Moreover, there was less ecchymosis in group A observed by one week. Conclusion: This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the efficacy of postoperative compression in varicose vein treatment. It underscores the necessity for more comprehensive, well-designed studies to yield clearer conclusions and provide better guidance for post-procedure care.

Post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy pseudo aneurysm formation treated by coil embolization; A study of seven cases.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with symptoms of flank pain and hematuria. Endovascular coil embolization has been proposed as a safe management option. We report Seven male patients, aged 36 to 65 years, with post-PCNL pseudoaneurysms presenting as gross hematuria. They all underwent CT angiography prior to endovascular intervention. The access was from common femoral artery in 6 cases and from left brachial artery in one case. Selective angiography of affected renal artery and branches were performed by suitable catheter. Coil embolization was performed by MicroNester and MReye coils (Cook, Inc.). Size of coils was selected based on angiography results. Completion angiography revealed embolized pseudoaneurysm in all cases. Gross and microscopic hematuria disappeared in all patients in the following days. Endovascular angioembolization with coil is an effective technique for managing post-PCNL pseudoaneurysms in renal artery and its branches.

A rare case of mycotic aortic aneurysm with Clostridium perfringens culture.

Key Clinical Message: As only early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, and appropriate antibiotic therapy can decrease clostridial MAA mortality rate; keeping in mind a broad differential diagnosis in a patient with sepsis and unusual vascular symptoms is important. Abstract: Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is an infrequent but very consequential condition characterized by the pathological disruption of the aorta due to infection. Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium that falls under the taxonomic classification of the genus Clostridium. Although mycotic aneurysm is often not commonly linked with this infection, there are instances when it may function as a causative agent for MAA. Timely diagnosis and thorough therapeutic techniques, including surgical intervention and quick administration of appropriate antibiotics, can potentially reduce the mortality rate associated with clostridial MAA. In this study, we presented a clinical report detailing the diagnosis of a mycotic aneurysm caused by C. perfringens in the thoracic aorta in a 66-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and a recent prostate biopsy. Furthermore, we discussed the surgical approach and overall management strategy to address this case.

Unveiling a pseudoaneurysm at the anastomosis site in a transplanted kidney: An initial misclassification as hydro nephrosis - A case report and literature review.

A 31-year-old woman who developed large Psudoaneurysm after kidney transplantation is discussed. The patient was presented with an 11 cm mass, which became larger gradually. Minimally invasive endovascular stent graft placement was successfully done.

Management of floating arm: a case report.

The floating arm is a rare fracture, and so far there have been few cases reported. The treatment of this type of fracture is challenging and depends on several factors including age, underlying conditions, daily level of activity, fracture pattern, surgeon's experience, and availability of devices. Case presentation: This study report a 59-year-old man with a rare humeral fracture and a severe crush injury of the forearm. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the management of concomitant floating arm and soft tissue injuries in the literature.The patient was managed by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) followed by a split-thickness skin graft. Clinical discussion: The concurrent presence of the two pathologies exacerbated the patient's condition and made the management challenging. In this case, the authors have used the MIPO approach to fix both fractures with minimal soft tissue injury. To manage the prominent soft tissue injury, we applied the VAC device. VAC has the advantages of reducing edema, controlling bacterial growth, and promoting granulation tissue formation, leading to faster cellular turnover and healing. Conclusions: In patients with floating arm, especially with concomitant soft tissue damage, the MIPO approach is a safe, minimally invasive, and quick method with minimal bleeding.

Aortic remodeling, distal stent-graft induced new entry and endoleak following frozen elephant trunk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortovascular surgery. However, although FET yields excellent results, the risk of certain complications requiring secondary intervention remains present, negating its one-step hybrid advantage over conventional techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate controversies regarding the incidence of FET-related complications, with a focus on aortic remodeling, distal stent-graft induced new entry (dSINE) and endoleak, in patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and/or thoracic aortic aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases including EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE to identify evidence on TAR with FET in patients with TAAD and/or aneurysm. Studies published up until January 2022 were included, and after applying exclusion criteria, a total of 43 studies were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 5068 patients who underwent FET procedure were included. The pooled estimates of dSINE and endoleak were 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.06, I2 = 78%) and 3% (95% CI 0.01-0.11, I2 = 89%), respectively. The pooled rate of secondary thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) post-FET was 7% (95% CI 0.05-0.12, I2 = 89%) while the pooled rate of false lumen thrombosis at the level of stent-graft was 91% (95% CI 0.75-0.97, I2 = 92%). After subgroup analysis, heterogeneity for distal stent-graft induced new entry (dSINE) and endoleak resolved among European patients, where Thoraflex Hybrid (THP) and E-Vita stent-grafts were used (both I2 = 0%). In addition, heterogeneity for secondary TEVAR after FET resolved among Asians receiving Cronus (I2 = 15.1%) and Frozenix stent-grafts (I2 = 1%). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the FET procedure in patients with TAAD and/or aneurysm is associated with excellent results, with a particularly low incidence of dSINE and endoleak as well as highly favorable aortic remodeling. However the type of stent-graft and the study location were sources of heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for multicenter studies directly comparing FET grafts. Finally, THP can be considered the primary FET device choice due to its superior results.

In-hospital outcomes of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: A single center experience.

Introduction: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) is a catastrophic condition with in-hospital mortalities up to 89%. Patient survival depends on multiple factors; however, prompt surgery is essential to prevent mortality. We report the in-hospital outcomes of RAAA at a high-volume and teaching vascular surgery center in Iran. Methods: This study is a single-center retrospective analysis of patients with infrarenal RAAA during February 20, 2012 to December 21, 2019 at Shohada-Tajrish Medical Center, Tehran,Iran. We identified 66 patients with RAAA during the study period. The patients were dividedinto two groups based on their transfer status (Transfer group versus non-transfer group). The primary outcome was in-hospital death. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital myocardial infarction (MI), abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and postoperative renal dysfunction requiring dialysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 74.2 ± 8.3 years. Forty-seven patients (71.2%) were transferred to our center from other institutions. There were 46 in-hospital deaths (69.7%) and three in-hospital MIs (4.5%). Three patients (4.5%) had postoperative ACS and six patients (9.1%)had postoperative renal dysfunction requiring dialysis. Transfer patients had an increased rate of in-hospital death compared to non-transferred patients (76.6.1% versus 52.6%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P =0.055). Conclusion: We found no significant different between operative mortality of transferred and non-transferred RAAA patients. Transfer of patients to tertiary centers with experienced vascular surgeons may delay the surgery. However, the transfer may be inevitable in areas where the optimal care of RAAA patients is not possible.

Gallbladder injury after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A case report.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment of large kidney stones that has rare but serious complications such as gallbladder injury. In this article, a 62-year-old woman with a right lower kidney who was scheduled for PCNL was presented. The patient had acute abdomen on the first day after PCNL, so explorative laparotomy and cholecystectomy were done. The patient was discharged five days after surgery in good condition. Section headings: Endourology/Stone Disease.

A Systematic Review of Elective Laser Therapy during Pregnancy.

Introduction: Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. Methods: In this review, the application of lasers in the fields of urology, surgery, obstetrics, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders is evaluated. The following keywords were used to search through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus: pregnancy, laser, urolithiasis, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or treatment, leg edema, varicose vein, venous insufficiencies, hair removal, pigmentation, telangiectasia, vascular lesions, Q switch laser, diode laser, holmium, holmium-YAG laser, erbium laser and Pulsed dye laser, low-level laser therapy, high-intensity laser therapy, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), amnioreduction, and safety. Results: Totally, 147 articles were found, and their abstracts were evaluated; out of 53 articles extracted, 14 articles were about dermatology, 24 articles were about urology, 12 articles were about obstetrics and gynecology, 10 articles were about musculoskeletal disorders and three articles were related to surgery. Conclusion: Laser therapy can be used as a safe treatment for urolithiasis, skin diseases, TTTS and varicose veins of the lower extremities. However, the use of laser therapy for musculoskeletal disorders during pregnancy is not recommended due to lack of evidence, and also we cannot recommend endovenous ablation.

Dataset of the vascular e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic (EL-COVID) survey.

This dataset supports the findings of the vascular e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic survey (the EL-COVID survey). The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union was taken into consideration in all steps of data handling. The survey was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Primary Investigator and an online English survey consisting of 18 questions was developed ad-hoc. A bilingual English-Mandarin version of the questionnaire was developed according to the instructions of the Chinese Medical Association in order to be used in mainland People's Republic of China. Differences between the two questionnaires were minor and did affect the process of data collection. Both questionnaires were hosted online. The EL-COVID survey was advertised through major social media. All national and regional contributors contacted their respective colleagues through direct messaging on social media or by email. Eight national societies or groups supported the dissemination of the EL-COVID survey. The data provided demographics information of the EL-COVID participants and an insight on the level of difficulty in accessing or citing previously attended online activities and whether participants were keen on citing these activities in their Curricula Vitae. A categorization of additional comments made by the participants are also based on the data. The survey responses were filtered, anonymized and submitted to descriptive analysis of percentage.

Vascular e-Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The EL-COVID Survey.

BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has radically changed the possibilities for vascular surgeons and trainees to exchange knowledge and experience. The aim of the present survey is to inventorize the e-learning needs of vascular surgeons and trainees as well as the strengths and weaknesses of vascular e-Learning. METHODS: An online survey consisting of 18 questions was created in English, with a separate bilingual English-Mandarin version. The survey was dispersed to vascular surgeons and trainees worldwide through social media and via direct messaging from June 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-six records from 84 different countries could be included. Most participants attended several online activities (>4: n = 461, 54%; 2-4: n = 300, 35%; 1: n = 95, 11%) and evaluated online activities as positive or very positive (84.7%). In deciding upon participation, the topic of the activity was most important (n = 440, 51.4%), followed by the reputation of the presenter or the panel (n = 178, 20.8%), but not necessarily receiving accreditation or certification (n = 52, 6.1%). The survey identified several shortcomings in vascular e-Learning during the pandemic: limited possibility to attend due to lack of time and increased workload (n = 432, 50.5%), no protected/allocated time (n = 488, 57%) and no accreditation or certification, while technical shortcomings were only a minor problem (n = 25, 2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic vascular e-Learning has been used frequently and was appreciated by vascular professionals from around the globe. The survey identified strengths and weaknesses in current e-Learning that can be used to further improve online learning in vascular surgery.

Iliofemoral Vein Stenting in a Patient with Pelvic Metastasis.

We report a case of an 81-year-old woman with extensive pelvic lymphadenopathy that caused severe stenosis and occlusion of the right common and external iliac veins and proximal common femoral vein. Pelvic lymphadenopathy resulted from the recurrence of a previous right ovarian epithelial tumor. The patient had severe right lower extremity edema, consistent with severe venous insufficiency. She was treated with high-pressure balloon angioplasty (12-14 mm in diameter) and four self-expanding stents (14-10 mm diameter, 80-40 mm length). The postoperative response was dramatic to a near-complete resolution of the edema. The venous clinical severity scores were 10 and 2 at presentation and 6 months after the follow-up, respectively. Balloon angioplasty and stenting are safe and effective methods for providing symptomatic relief for lower extremity venous insufficiency in patients with extensive and unresectable pelvic masses.

Iliac vein stenting in a patient with lower extremity swelling resulting from diffuse pelvic mass: A case report.

We report a 66-year-old male patient with severe right lower extremity swelling resulting from diffuse pelvic mass with compression on right external iliac vein. The patient had papillary urothelial carcinoma of bladder seven years ago and radical cystectomy and ureterostomy was performed. Recurrence of malignancy had occurred five years after the operation. The patient had also bilateral diffuse lung metastasis. The external iliac vein had severe stenosis and invasion of pelvic mass into the vein was evident on venography. Venoplasty of external iliac vein was performed throughout the stenosis. A venous stent of 80 mm length and 12 mm diameter was introduced over the guidewire and deployed in the external iliac vein. Dramatic clinical response was evident since postoperative day two. Swelling of right lower extremity was resolved dramatically on three-month and six-month follow-up visits. We believe that endovascular venous recanalization of iliac veins is feasible and safe in patients with unresectable and diffuse pelvic masses.

Diagnostic Value of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C Reactive Protein in detecting Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis; a Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Osteomyelitis is one of the complications of diabetic foot infection. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) in detection of osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, serum levels of ESR and CRP were measured for patients with diabetic foot referring to emergency department or endocrinology clinic and the screening performance characteristics of these markers in detection of osteomyelitis were calculated. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis was based on clinical examination and positive probe-to-bone test, which was confirmed by plain x-rays or MRI. RESULTS: 142 diabetic patients with an average age of 61.2 ± 11.8 years were evaluated (66.2 % male). The area under the ROC curve of ESR in detection of osteomyelitis in diabetic foot cases was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.62-0.79). The best ESR cut-off point in this regard was 49 mm/hour. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of ESR in 49 mm/Hour cut-point were 74.6% (95% CI: 62.9-83.9), 57.7% (95% CI: 45.5-69.2), 63.9% (95% CI: 52.5-73.9), 69.5 % (95% CI: 56.0-80.0), 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3-2.4) and 0.4 (95% CI: 0.3-0.7), respectively. The area under the ROC curve of CRP in detection of osteomyelitis was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.58-0.76). The best cut-off point for CRP in this regard was 35 mg/liter with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 76% (95% CI: 64.2-85), 54.9% (95% CI: 42.7-66.6), 62.8% (95% CI: 51.6-72.8), 69.6% (95% CI: 51.7-80.8), 1.7 (95% CI, 1.3-2.2), and 0.4 (95% CI: 0.3-0.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of ROC curve analysis, ESR and CRP had fair and poor accuracy, respectively, in detecting the diabetic foot cases with osteomyelitis.

Management of traumatic subclavian artery injuries in a high-volume vascular surgery center in Iran.

Introduction: Subclavian artery injury is an uncommon vascular trauma with potential morbidity and mortality. Management of subclavian artery trauma requires open and endovascular techniques and timely and efficacious decision is mandatory. We retrospectively reviewed traumatic subclavian artery injuries in a high-volume vascular surgery center in Iran. Methods: In a retrospective study, we assessed subclavian artery injuries during 6 years in ShohadaTajrish Medical Center. Background characteristics, type of incision, type of operation and outcome of patients were evaluated. Results: A total of 14 patients had subclavian artery injury (mean age 29.9 ± 13.4 years, 92.9% male). Trauma was in left and right sides in eight (57.1%) and six patients (42.9%) respectively. Arteriorrhaphy, interposition and ligation of injured artery was done in 7 (50.0%), 3 (21.4%) and 4 (28.6%) patients respectively. Associated nerve injury was present in six patients (42.9%). Endovascular proximal control was obtained in six patients (42.9%) prior to vascular exposure. Time of patient referral did not have significant association with shock or type of operation (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although traumatic subclavian artery injuries are rare, its vascular exposures and reconstructions are of potential clinical concern. Endovascular interventions can facilitate proximal control. In addition, endovascular repair by covered stent is an alternative to open surgery.

Acute right upper extremity ischemia resulting from true aneurysmof right brachial artery: A case report.

We report a case of 66-year-old woman with true aneurysm of the right brachial artery. She presented with acute upper extremity ischemia. The hand was cold and parenthesized and distal pulses were absent. CT angiography (CTA) revealed a 20*25 mm true brachial artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was thrombosed without distal run-off. We excised the aneurysm and reestablished the arterial flow by a reverse saphenous interposition graft. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Iliac vein aneurysms: a comprehensive review.

Introduction: Iliac vein aneurysm is a rare clinical entity. Iliac venous tract is the least commonlocation for venous aneurysms. There are a few cases of common, external and internal iliac veinaneurysms in the literature. However, undiagnosed and ruptured iliac venous aneurysms couldhave hazardous consequences. Herein, we reviewed all literature cases of iliac vein aneurysms.Their potential diagnostic and therapeutic challenges are discussed. Literature Review: Following a systematic search, 50 cases of iliac venous aneurysms wereidentified. We used MEDLINE [1900-March 2018] and EMBASE [until March 2018]. MeSHterms of iliac vein/veins/venous, hypogastric, inferior vena cava and aneurysm/aneurysms wereused. Fifty patients with venous aneurysms located in common, external or internal iliac veinswere found in our systematic search. Seventeen patients were female (35.4%) and 31 patients weremale (64.6%). The age range was 13 to 70 years of age. The aneurysm was located in right side in17 patients (34%). It was located in left side in 29 patients (58%) and it was bilateral in 4 patients(8%). The aneurysm was located in common, external and internal iliac veins in 15 (30%), 31(62%) and 4 (8%) patients respectively. The aneurysm was due to a previous arteriovenousfistula (AVF) in 19 patients (38%) and of them, 16 patients (32%) had a history of AVF resultingfrom a previous trauma. 29 patients (59.2%) underwent open surgical treatment. Five patients(10.2%) underwent endovascular treatment. One patient (2.0%) underwent hybrid treatment.Conservative treatment was used in 14 patients (28.6%). Conclusion: Iliac vein aneurysms are extremely rare. Its diagnosis necessitates precise clinicalsuspicion and the treatment is based on patients' clinical scenario and radiological features. Bothopen and endovascular techniques could be feasible. Iliac vein aneurysms are more commonin men. Left sided aneurysms are more common. The most common anatomic location isexternal iliac vein. The most common cause of iliac aneurysms is dilatation of vein secondary toa traumatic AVF.

Isolated inferior vena cava aneurysm: a case report.

We report a rare case of inferior vena cava (IVC) aneurysm in a 22-year old Afghan-Iranian male patient. CT scan illustrated a saccular aneurysm of IVC originating from right side of the IVC below the renal veins (a saccular type 3 IVC aneurysm). We planned open resection and repair of the aneurysm. The patient had well recovery after the operation and his follow-up did not reveal any morbidity. IVC aneurysm is a rare clinical entity. Its diagnosis necessitates precise clinic suspicion and the management is based on anatomical location and associated anomalies.

Sympatholytic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine After Infraclavicular Block in Arterio Venous Fistula Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Various mechanisms have been suggested for analgesic effects of drugs used in infra-clavicular block and each has contributed to pain relief. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the degree of sympathetic block and measure tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1 levels before and after infra-clavicular block with ropivacaine and bupivacaine in patients undergoing arterio venous fistula (AVF) surgery. METHODS: Forty-eight patients undergoing AVF surgery were randomly divided to two groups, undergoing infra-clavicular block with ropivacaine and bupivacaine. The bupivacaine group was blocked with 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and in the ropivacaine group, the blockage was done with 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine. Infra-clavicular block was carried out by ultrasound in a vertical manner. Blood samples were taken before the block and one hour after the block to measure IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Data were analyzed by covariance analysis and correlation t-test. RESULTS: T-correlation analysis showed that in both ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups, the TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1 levels decreased after the block. Also, the increase in arterial diameter was significantly greater in ropivacaine group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that peripheral block with any single drug could reduce pre-inflammatory factors. On the other hand, ropivacaine significantly increased the diameter of the artery compared to the bupivacaine group.