A mudança de paradigma no tratamento do tromboembolismo venoso grave / The paradigm shift in treatment of severe venous thromboembolism

Resumo A embolia pulmonar (EP) é a terceira maior causa de morte cardiovascular e a principal de morte evitável intra-hospitalar no mundo. O conceito PERT® (do inglês, pulmonary embolism response team) envolve seu diagnóstico e tratamento precoce e multidisciplinar. A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) é a sua causa inicial na maioria dos casos e é responsável por complicações como a recidiva tromboembólica, a síndrome pós-trombótica e a hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crônica. Uma abordagem inicial semelhante ao PERT nos casos de TVP ilíaco-femoral grave pode reduzir não apenas o risco imediato de EP e morte, mas também suas sequelas tardias. Novas técnicas percutâneas e aparatos de trombectomia mecânica para o tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) vêm demonstrando resultados clínicos encorajadores. Propomos o desenvolvimento de um conceito ampliado de resposta rápida ao TEV, que envolve não apenas a EP (PERT®) mas também os casos graves de TVP: o time de resposta rápida para o TEV (TRETEV®), ou do inglês Venous Thromboembolism Response Team (VTERT®).

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death and the main cause of preventable in-hospital death in the world. The PERT® (Pulmonary Embolism Response Team) concept involves multidisciplinary diagnosis and immediate treatment. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the initial cause of most cases of PE and is responsible for complications such as chronic thromboembolic recurrence, postthrombotic syndrome, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. An aggressive approach to severe cases of iliofemoral DVT similar to the PERT® system can not only reduce the immediate risk of PE and death but can also reduce later sequelae. New percutaneous techniques and mechanical thrombectomy devices for venous thromboembolism (VTE) have shown encouraging clinical results. We propose the development of an expanded concept of rapid response to VTE, which involves not only PE (PERT®) but also severe cases of DVT: the Venous Thromboembolism Response Team (VTERT®).

Aneurisma da artéria dorsal do pé: relato de caso: resumo / Aneurysm of the dorsal artery of the foot: case report modality: abstract

RESUMO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 59 anos, comerciante. Assintomática até há 1 ano, quando observou surgimento de massa pulsátil em dorso do pé direito, eventualmente dolorosa.

Association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction by intravascular ultrasound and lower limbs venous reflux

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction (IVOO) identified by Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and venous reflux presentation in lower limbs on Duplex Ultrasound (DU). METHODS: Patients with bilateral chronic venous insufficiency, CEAP C3-6 (Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification), and with Visual Analogic Scale score for pain > 5, underwent DU for reflux evaluation: deep venous system (reflux ≥ 1 s); superficial system, great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) (reflux ≥ 0.5 s); perforator system (reflux ≥ 0.35s). All patients underwent IVUS in the iliac venous territory. The area of the impaired venous segments was categorized as obstructions< 50% (Cat. 1); 50-79% (Cat. 2), and ≥ 80% (Cat. 3). Venous clinical severity scale (VCSS) and reflux multisegment score (RMS) were assessed. RESULTS: 51 patients (n=102 limbs; 50.53 ± 14.5 years, 6 men) were included. The predominant clinical severity CEAP class was C3 in 54/102 (52.9%) limbs. VCSS mean was 14.3 ± 6.7. Severe RMS (≥ 3) was registered in 63,4% of the limbs. In 51/102 limbs (50%) presented cat. 1, 27/102 (26.5%) cat. 2, and 24/102 (23.5%) cat. 3. Previous DVT was associated with critical obstruction (OR 3.65; 95% CI: 1.29-10.38; p=0.015). Superficial and perforator venous systems had no association with the degree of iliac obstruction. Deep venous reflux (DVR) had a significant association with significative IVOO (obstruction ≥ 50%) (OR 6.44; 95% CI: 2.19-18.93; p=0.001) and critical IVOO (obstruction ≥ 80%) (OR 4.57; 95% CI: 1.70-12.27; p=0.003), and significant linear association with IVOO degree and reflux in femoral veins (p<0.001) and popliteal vein (p=0.008). Significant lesions had 5.76 (95% CI: 2.46-13.50; p<0.001) more odds of happening in the left limb. After a multivariate analysis, DVR remained as predictor for significant and critical obstruction (p<0.003, p< 0.012; respectively). Left limb and previous DVT remained as predictors for IVOO ≥50% and IVOO≥ 80% (p<0.001, p=0.043; respectively) CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant linear association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction and reflux in the deep venous system on DU. Limbs with DVR, severe RMS, loss of respiratory variation on DU, and previous DVT, were more likely to be affected by IVOO ≥ 50%, especially with the left leg involvement.

Efficacy and safety of iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an alternative conduit for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE: The use of basilic vein in iliofemoral revascularizations was previously described in the literature as an autologous option for the treatment of vascular prosthesis infection and as a primary conduit in patients at high risk of infectious surgical complications. However, the publications available include several different indications and are limited to case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the use of arm veins as a safe and effective autologous alternative for iliofemoral reconstruction in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and at high risk of prosthesis infection. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study with 53 consecutive iliofemoral bypasses using arm veins as an alternative conduit. The procedures were performed between November 2013 and November 2021, exclusively for patients with CLTI classified as TASC aortoiliac C or D with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection. Demographic, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. Main endpoints were amputation-free survival (AFS) and major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patencies and overall survival. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of AFS. Postoperative surgical complications and 30-day mortality were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.2 ± 8.4 years, with a predominance of male gender. The median follow-up period was 615 days. All patients had CLTI, with a predominance of tissue loss (n = 51; 96.2%) and a median ankle-brachial index of 0.28. The basilic vein was utilized in most procedures (69.8%). Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in five cases (9.4%), and the 30-day mortality rate was 3.8%. The AFS, primary patency, secondary patency, and overall survival in 720 days were 71%, 72%, 89%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analyzed for AFS. There was no graft late infection nor pseudoaneurysmal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an autologous conduit proved to be an effective and safe procedure with low incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications and high rates of AFS in patients with CLTI. Also, this suggests that arm veins can be an interesting and suitable autologous alternative conduit for iliofemoral reconstructions, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided or when it is not available.

Management of traumatic superficial palmar arch pseudoaneurysm: a therapeutic challenge / Manejo de pseudoaneurisma do arco palmar superficial traumático: desafio terapêutico

Abstract Pseudoaneurysm of the palmar arch is a rare entity. Diagnosis is dependent on high clinical suspicion. We present a case referred to the emergency department, with a history of glass penetrating trauma to the palmar surface with a pulsatile mass and jet bleeding. Doppler ultrasound evidenced a partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysm. A CT angiography examination showed a saccular formation arising from the superficial palmar arch. A conventional surgical approach was indicated. A clinical suspicion must be ventured to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Imaging modalities are needed to identify the pseudoaneurysm and plan the treatment course. Nonetheless, the sequence of diagnosis is individual, because further evaluation with different imaging methods may not change the rationale for the intervention. In our experience, conventional surgical removal is preferable, due to its safety and well-established outcomes.

Resumo O pseudoaneurisma do arco palmar é uma entidade rara, cujo diagnóstico depende de alta suspeição clínica. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente encaminhado ao pronto-socorro com história de traumatismo penetrante por vidro na face palmar, com massa pulsátil e sangramento em jato. A ultrassonografia com Doppler evidenciou pseudoaneurisma parcialmente trombosado, e a angiotomografia demonstrou formação sacular originada do arco palmar superficial. Uma abordagem cirúrgica convencional foi indicada. Para prosseguir com o diagnóstico correto, essa suspeita clínica deve ser aventada. Modalidades de imagem são necessárias para identificar o pseudoaneurisma e planejar o curso do tratamento. No entanto, a sequência diagnóstica é individual, pois uma avaliação mais aprofundada, com diferentes métodos de imagem, pode não alterar o racional da intervenção. Em nossa experiência, a remoção cirúrgica convencional é preferível, visto sua segurança e seus resultados bem estabelecidos.

Real life outcomes of infrapopliteal endovascular and surgical bypass intervention for chronic limb threatening ischaemia in GLASS stages II and III

OBJETIVE: Great efforts have been made to determine when choosing between bypass surgery or angioplasty as first-time revascularization in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Endovascular therapy predominates despite limited evidence for their advantage. The purpose of this observational cohort study, was to investigate outcomes after open and endovascular infrapopliteal revascularization in extensive infrainguinal arterial disease. METHODS: The medical records of 1427 patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization exclusively for CLTI in the period of January 2014 to February 2019 were reviewed. After detailed analysis, only infrapopliteal revascularizations classified as GLASS stage II or III were considered, resulting in 326 procedures. There were 127 patients who underwent endovascular therapy and 199 patients who underwent bypass graft surgery (BGS). The primary endpoints included amputation-free survival (AFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included the analyses of multiple factors related to long-term AFS. RESULTS: Regarding the primary endpoint, AFS were 75.2% and 65.2% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Overall survival at 1 and 3 years were 91.2% and 83.1%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the hazard of the combined endpoint of major amputation or death was higher following bypass surgery than after endovascular therapy (HR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.13-2.89; P= .013). After either revascularization method, TASCII femoropopliteal D was associated with a higher risk of amputation or death (HR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10-2.58; P= .015). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analysed for AFS. CONCLUSIONS: CLTI patients submitted to infrapopliteal revascularization and classified as GLASS II and III had satisfactory AFS and OS rates after indivualized team conference decision. Furthermore, the revascularization modality (endo or open) did not influence the results of AFS.

Thrombectomy in a severe case of iliofemoral venous thrombosis involving the deep femoral vein via a single percutaneous access from the jugular vein: case report and description of the technique / Trombectomia em caso grave de trombose venosa iliofemoral afetando a veia femoral profunda pela técnica de punção e sessão única realizada pela veia jugular: relato de caso e descrição da técnica

ABSTRACT: Iliac vein thrombectomy is usually performed via access through veins located in the lower limbs, which makes it impossible to treat the deep femoral vein, which in turn is an important inflow route to the iliac vein stent. We describe a clinical case and the previously unpublished technique of percutaneous thrombectomy, angioplasty, and stent implantation performed in a single session and with a single access, obtained via the internal jugular vein.

RESUMO: A trombectomia mecânica venosa ilíaca geralmente é realizada por acesso em veias localizadas nos membros inferiores, o que impossibilita o tratamento da veia femoral profunda, que, por sua vez, é uma importante via de influxo ao stent venoso ilíaco. Descrevemos um caso clínico em que foi aplicada a técnica inédita de trombectomia percutânea, angioplastia e implante de stent, realizada por sessão e acesso único, obtido na veia jugular interna.

Eversion Endarterectomy of the External Iliac Artery in Treating Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in TASC II C and D Iliofemoral Occlusive Disease

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral occlusive disease is a challenging approach, especially for TransAtlantic Inter-Society C and D lesions. Therefore, the revascularization procedure in such situations is preferably performed by bypass graft surgery with synthetic materials. The purpose of this study is to report the feasibility and mid-term results of eversion endarterectomy of the external iliac artery (EEEIA), as an alternative autologous option. METHODS: Retrospective study with 18 EEEIA performed between September 2015 and February 2020, exclusively for chronic limb-threatening ischemia treatment in patients with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection and inadvisable for endovascular treatment. Demographic, clinical variables and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. The main end points are: amputation-free survival (AFS) and 30-day mortality. Secondary end points include: primary patency (PP), cumulative patency (CP), overall survival (OS), and postoperative surgical complication. Kaplan­Meier analysis was used to estimate cumulative time of outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.8 ± 8.3 years, with predominance of men. The median follow-up period was 1012 days, 95% confidence interval [119, 1365] days. Most had Rutherford 5 (n = 13, 72.2%) and mean ankle brachial index was 0.38 ± 0.22. The PP, CP, AFS, and OS in 730 days were 81%, 92%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. There was no 30-day mortality or postoperative surgical infection. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral reconstruction through EEEIA is an effective surgical procedure with good patency rates, AFS and OS. In addition, it can be considered an useful and safe option, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided.

Fístula arteriovenosa como tratamento adjunto na revascularização arterial do membro em risco / Arteriovenous fistula as adjuvant treatment in arterial revascularization of an at-risk limb

Resumo A oclusão arterial aguda do membro inferior continua sendo um grande desafio para o cirurgião vascular. A abordagem cirúrgica depende principalmente da gravidade da lesão tecidual e da duração dos sintomas. Diversas técnicas estão disponíveis no arsenal terapêutico atual; porém, independentemente da técnica escolhida, fatores pós-operatórios, como o escoamento arterial limitado e o baixo fluxo nos substitutos arteriais, podem contribuir negativamente no resultado da revascularização. Descrevemos um caso de oclusão arterial aguda de membro inferior, no pós-operatório de uma derivação femorotibial, que se encontrava ocluída devido a limitação de escoamento e a alta resistência vascular periférica. Foi submetido a nova revascularização femorotibial, associada à confecção de uma fístula arteriovenosa, seguido de amputação de antepé e enxerto parcial de pele. O investimento enérgico no membro em risco possibilita reduzir os desfechos desfavoráveis, como amputação e óbito, e acelera a recuperação dos tecidos acometidos pela isquemia aguda.

Abstract Acute arterial occlusion remains a major challenge for the vascular surgeon. The therapeutic approach depends mostly upon the severity of the tissue injury and the duration of symptoms. Several techniques are available in the current therapeutic arsenal, however, regardless of the technique chosen, postoperative factors frequently observed, such as poor outflow status, or even low graft flow, can contribute negatively to the outcome of revascularization. We describe a case of acute limb ischemia, in the postoperative period of a femoral-tibial bypass, which was occluded due to outflow limitation and high peripheral vascular resistance. The patient underwent a second tibial revascularization combined with construction of an arteriovenous fistula, followed by forefoot amputation and partial skin graft. An energetic approach to the at-risk limb makes it possible to reduce unfavorable outcomes, such as amputation and death, and accelerates recovery of tissues affected by acute ischemia.

The descending genicular artery as a recipient vessel in chronic limb-threatening ischemia - case report and literature review

ABSTRACT: In recent decades, the increasing complexity of arterial bypasses in the management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia has spurred the development of alternative techniques, such as revascularization of genicular arteries. Few publications on this technique can be found in the literature, and its use has been restricted to specialized vascular groups. This article describes the case of a patient with extensive femorotibial occlusive disease who received a collateral artery bypass, using the deep femoral artery as a donor, the cephalic vein as an alternative autogenous substitute and the descending genicular artery as a recipient. Bypass to the descending genicular artery, although underutilized, is an effective option and increases the possibility of limb salvage in the management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes COVID-19 / Venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients

Resumo A Covid-19 é uma doença respiratória potencialmente grave causada pelo RNA vírus SARS-CoV-2, que apresenta risco aumentado de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV). Sua fisiopatologia está relacionada a processo inflamatório exacerbado e a coagulopatia associada, verificada pelo aumento do D-dímero, do fibrinogênio e dos produtos da degradação da fibrina. Sua ocorrência deve ser monitorada, prevenida e tratada de acordo com as recomendações e diretrizes existentes. Devido a sua associação com as formas mais graves da doença e morte, alguns grupos vêm propondo uma conduta profilática e terapêutica mais agressiva. Entretanto, não existe uma definição quanto ao risco-benefício desse tipo de conduta, devendo ser avaliada individualmente e de forma multidisciplinar. Neste estudo, revisamos os principais estudos e evidências disponíveis até o momento sobre o diagnóstico, profilaxia e recomendações de tratamento do TEV em pacientes COVID-19.

Abstract COVID-19 is a potentially serious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that involves an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Its pathophysiology is apparently related to an exacerbated inflammatory process and coagulopathy, verified by an increase in D-dimer, fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation products. Occurrence must be monitored, prevented, and treated according to existing recommendations and guidelines. The increased risk of thrombosis, and the association between this phenomenon and the most severe forms of the disease and death have prompted some groups to propose a more aggressive prophylactic and therapeutic approach. However, the risk-benefit profile of this type of conduct has not been defined and cases must be assessed individually, with a multidisciplinary approach. In this study, we review the main studies and evidence available to date on diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients.

O caminho das pedras no diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome obstrutiva ilíaca venosa crônica / Best practices in diagnosis and treatment of chronic iliac vein obstruction

Resumo A obstrução venosa ilíaca ocorre em 20% a 30% da população. Nos portadores de insuficiência venosa crônica grave, essa prevalência é ainda maior, podendo chegar a 50% a 90% dos pacientes, situação em que essa obstrução é investigada pelo ultrassom intravascular. Métodos diagnósticos menos invasivos, como o Doppler vascular, ou mesmo invasivos, como a flebografia, podem falhar em seu diagnóstico. O tratamento endovascular dessas obstruções tem se demonstrado eficaz, seguro e associado a excelente resultado clínico e de perviedade, desde que princípios anatômicos e técnicos fundamentais sejam considerados e aplicados.

Abstract Iliac vein obstruction occurs in 20-30% of the general population. In patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency, this prevalence can be even higher, reaching 50-90% when the obstruction is investigated using intravascular ultrasound. Less invasive methods, such as venous Duplex Scanning, and even invasive ones such as venography may fail to diagnose the condition. Endovascular treatment of these obstructions is effective, safe, and associated with excellent clinical outcomes and stent patency rates, provided that fundamental anatomical and technical principles are considered and applied.

Dysregulation of microRNAs and target genes networks in human abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a pathological enlargement of infrarenal aorta close to the aortic bifurcation, and it is an important cause of mortality in the elderly. Therefore, the biomarker identification for early diagnosis is of great interest for clinical benefit. It is known that microRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles via target genes regulation in many diseases. This study aimed to identify miRNAs and their target genes involved in the pathogenesis of AAA. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from patients who underwent AAA surgery and from organ donors (control group). Quantitative PCR Array was applied to assess 84 genes and 384 miRNAs aiming to identify differentially expressed targets (AAA n = 6, control n = 6), followed by validation in a new cohort (AAA n = 18, control n = 6) by regular qPCR. The functional interaction between validated miRNAs and target genes was performed by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. RESULTS The screening cohort assessed by PCR array identified 10 genes and 59 miRNAs differentially expressed...(AU)

Alternative iliofemoral revascularization in extensive aortoiliac occlusive disease / Revascularização ilíaco-femoral alternativa em doença oclusiva aortoilíaca extensa

ABSTRACT Over recent decades, there has been a considerable increase in use of endovascular methods to treat aortoiliac occlusive disease. It has been demonstrated that this approach offers many benefits, primarily for non-complex arterial lesions of the iliac axis, but difficulties persist with achieving adequate results over the medium and long term when treating extensive occlusive disease. Arterial bypasses to alternative vicarious arteries of the femoral-genicular complex for limb salvage are well known in the literature describing cases that are not favorable for conventional or endovascular surgery. We describe the case of a patient with extensive aortoiliac occlusive disease treated with an arterial bypass in the iliofemoral territory, using an alternative autologous substitute and the descending lateral femoral artery as recipient artery. Alternative bypasses and substitutes that are normally reserved for exceptional cases can and should be part of the vascular therapeutic arsenal and have a contribution to make in cases in which endovascular surgery does not yet enable us to achieve good results.

RESUMO Nas últimas décadas, observou-se o aumento expressivo do tratamento endovascular para a doença oclusiva aortoilíaca. Muitos benefícios foram demonstrados, principalmente nas lesões arteriais não complexas do eixo ilíaco; porém, ainda existe dificuldade na obtenção de resultados adequados a médio e longo prazo quando falamos de doenças oclusivas extensas. As derivações arteriais para artérias vicariantes alternativas do complexo femoro-genicular para salvamento de membro são bem conhecidas na literatura em casos desfavoráveis para cirurgias convencionais ou endovasculares. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente portador de doença oclusiva aortoilíaca extensa tratado com derivação arterial no território ilíaco-femoral, utilizando substituto autógeno alternativo e a artéria descendente femoral lateral como artéria receptora. Derivações e substitutos alternativos, utilizados normalmente em casos de exceção, podem e devem fazer parte do arsenal terapêutico vascular, podendo contribuir nos casos em que a cirurgia endovascular ainda não nos permite alcançar bons resultados.

Correlation between venous pressure gradients and intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of iliac vein compression syndrome

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between venous pressure gradients (VPGs) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the diagnosis of caval-iliac venous obstructions in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency. Methods: Fifty patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency symptoms (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology class 3 to 6) were prospectively submitted to multiplanar venography (MV) with intravenous pressure measurements and IVUS. The patients' lower limbs were divided accordingly: group I, limbs with <50% obstruction on IVUS (n » 49); and group II, limbs with $50% obstruction on IVUS (n » 51). Receiver operating characteristic curves compared the diagnostic performance of the VPGs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy assessed the performance of VPGs in categories to determine the presence of significant obstruction. Logistic regression assessed the capacity of the VPGs to identify significant obstruction. Results: The most frequent point of venous compression according to IVUS was the proximal left common iliac vein (70%; P < .05). Group II showed a greater prevalence of transpelvic (group I, 8.2%; group II, 74.5%; P < .001) and paravertebral collaterals (group I, 4.1%; group II, 45.1%; P < .001) on n MV. The femoral vein pressures at rest and after reactive hyperemia as well as the femorocaval gradient after reactive hyperemia (FCG-rh) and the femoral gradient after reactive hyperemia were significantly higher in group II (P » .001, P < .001, P » .002, and P » .006). The FCG-rh and the femoral gradient after reactive hyperemia presented the best diagnostic performance among the VPGs (P » .004 and P » .007) in n the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, although no significant differences between them were found. All the gradients presented low values of sensitivity (<40%). negative predictive value (<60%). and accuracy (<30%). Logistic regression showed that FCG-rh was significantly independent of MV (OR, 8.1; P » .011) in identifying significant obstructions. Conclusions: There is correlation between the VPGs and significant obstructions with IVUS. However, this correlation does not translate to a good diagnostic performance of these VPGs. Only the FCG-rh added significant information to MV in identifying significant caval-iliac vein obstructions.

Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing electrocoagulation and radiofrequency in the treatment of patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency and lower limb varicose veins

OBJECTIVE: Thermoablation has been replacing conventional surgery in the surgical treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux in patients with lower limb varicose veins; however, thermoablation is expensive. Intravenous electrocoagulation (EC) may, selectively and safely, cause necrosis of the GSV wall, but the clinical results have never been studied. The objective of this study was to compare EC and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of GSV insufficiency, considering efficacy, complications, and effect on quality of life.METHODS:This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Patients with lower limb varicose veins and GSV reflux confirmed by duplex ultrasound were randomized into two treatment groups: EC and RFA. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Occlusion of the GSV confirmed by duplex ultrasound was considered the primary outcome, and the rate of complications and improvement in quality of life, using the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were the secondary outcomes...

Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal com fístula aorto-cava utilizando oclusor vascular concomitante a endoprótese bifurcada: relato de caso / Endovascular treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with aortocaval fistula using a vascular occluder and a bifurcated endograft in a single intervention: case report

As fístulas aorto-cava são entidades raras e de etiologia variada, estando frequentemente associadas a significativa morbimortalidade. Acredita-se que o aumento da tensão da parede nos grandes aneurismas resulte em reação inflamatória e aderência à veia adjacente, culminando na erosão das camadas aderidas e na formação da fístula. O tratamento cirúrgico convencional tem altas taxas de mortalidade. Embolia pulmonar paradoxal e o vazamento são complicações temidas do tratamento endovascular. O uso de oclusor vascular associado a endoprótese bifurcada é boa opção no tratamento do aneurisma de aorta abdominal com fístula aorto-cava

Aortocaval fistulae are rare entities with a variety of etiologies and are very often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is believed that increased tension in the walls of large aneurysms can cause an inflammatory reaction resulting in adhesion to the adjacent vein and culminating in erosion of the adherent layers and fistula formation. Conventional surgical treatment has high mortality rates. Paradoxical pulmonary embolism and endoleaks are the most concerning complications linked with endovascular treatment. Using a vascular occluder in combination with a bifurcated endograft is a good option for the treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with aortocaval fistula