Using computed tomography to evaluate anatomic landmarks in taiwanese trauma patients for insertion of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage, particularly from non-compressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) in the abdominopelvic region, is a leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), designed for aortic occlusion, has emerged as a tool for temporary hemorrhage control in recent years. However, attaining optimal REBOA placement in diverse demographic groups, such as Asian populations, may pose challenges owing to unique anatomical and physiological differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed trauma patients who underwent torso computed tomography (CT) at tertiary hospitals in Taiwan from January 2014 to January 2017. The OsiriX software was used to measure the endovascular lengths in the CT images. RESULTS: Among the 223 patients, the median vascular lengths and body measurements were higher in males. The optimal fixed insertion length was identified as 47.5 cm for zone 1 with 99.43% accuracy and 25.5 cm with 82.1% accuracy for zone 3. The landmark-guided method showed 100% accuracy for zone 1 when using the mid-sternum and 94.6% for zone 3 with the umbilicus as the guide with the distance between the umbilicus, xiphoid process, and pubic ramus. External validation confirmed the accuracy of the landmark-guided method. CONCLUSIONS: For zone 1 occlusions, a range of 44-48 cm insertion length cross-referenced with the mid-sternal landmark is recommended. For zone 3 occlusions, using the umbilicus as a guide with the distance between the umbilicus, xiphoid process, and pubic ramus provided the highest accuracy.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor affects tissue fluid accumulation and is associated with deteriorating tissue perfusion and oxygenation in severe sepsis: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Positive fluid balance and tissue fluid accumulation are associated with adverse outcomes in sepsis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases in sepsis, promotes vascular permeability, and may affect tissue fluid accumulation and oxygenation. We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate tissue hemoglobin (Hb) oxygenation and water (H2O) levels to investigate their relationship with serum VEGF levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: New-onset severe sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit were enrolled. Relative tissue concentrations of oxy-Hb ([HbO2]), deoxy-Hb ([HbR]), total Hb ([HbT]), and H2O ([H2O]) were estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for three consecutive days and serum VEGF levels were measured. Comparisons between oliguric and non-oliguric patients were conducted and the correlations between variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 75 eligible patients, compared with non-oliguric patients, oliguric patients were administrated more intravascular fluids (median [IQR], 1926.00 [1348.50-3092.00] mL/day vs. 1069.00 [722.00-1486.75] mL/day, p < 0.001) and had more positive daily net intake and output (mean [SD], 1,235.06 [1303.14] mL/day vs. 313.17 [744.75] mL/day, p = 0.012), lower [HbO2] and [HbT] over the three-day measurement (analyzed by GEE p = 0.01 and 0.043, respectively) and significantly higher [H2O] on the third day than on the first two days (analyzed by GEE p = 0.034 and 0.018, respectively). Overall, serum VEGF levels were significantly negatively correlated with [HbO2] and [HbT] (rho = - 0.246 and - 0.266, p = 0.042 and 0.027, respectively) but positively correlated with [H2O] (rho = 0.449, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant correlation between serum VEGF and [H2O] in oliguric patients (rho = 0.532, p = 0.003). Multiple regression analysis determined the independent effect of serum VEGF on [H2O] (standardized coefficient = 0.281, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: In severe sepsis, oliguria relates to higher positive fluid balance, lower tissue perfusion and oxygenation, and progressive tissue fluid accumulation. Elevated serum VEGF is associated with worsening tissue perfusion and oxygenation and independently affects tissue fluid accumulation.

Recurrent right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after robotic-assisted cholecystectomy in a patient with Mirizzi syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) is an effective way to control bleeding after a ruptured aneurysm. But uncommonly, rebleeding may occur which will require a second embolization or even laparotomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who underwent robotic-assisted cholecystectomy after the diagnosis of type II Mirizzi syndrome. During the operation, the anterior branch of the right hepatic artery was damaged and Hem-o-lok clips were applied to control the bleeding. The postoperative course was smooth, and the patient was discharged 6 days after the procedure. However, one week after hospital discharge, she presented to the emergency department with right upper abdominal tenderness, melena, and jaundice. After examination, the computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a 3 cm pseudoaneurysm at the distal stump of the right hepatic artery anterior branch. TAE with gelfoam material was performed. Three days later, the patient had an acute onset of abdominal pain. A recurrent pseudoaneurysm was found at the same location. She underwent TAE again but this time with a steel coil. No further complication was noted, and she was discharged one week later. CONCLUSIONS: Even with the assistance of modern technologies such as the robotic surgery system, one should still take extra caution while handling the vessels. Also, embolization of the pseudoaneurysm with steel coils may be suitable for preventing recurrence.