Degeneration and Regeneration of Smooth Muscle Cells in Two Different Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Models in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the formation and self-healing process of rabbit abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by focus on the degeneration and regeneration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in elastase-induced AAA model and enlarging AAA model in rabbits. METHODS: Sixty rabbits were equally divided into 2 aneurysm groups (Group A and Group B). Rabbits received a 10-min incubation of elastase in Group A (10 units/µL) and Group B (1 unit/µL). Rabbits underwent aortic stenosis above the incubated segment in Group B. Aortic diameter was measured and rabbits were sacrificed for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS: The incubated aorta dilated immediately and ran up to maxima by day 21 in Group A. All aneurysms formed by day 21 and enlarged progressively in Group B. SMCs content, elastin content and intima-media thickness decreased significantly by day 0 in Group A. SMCs and elastic fibers were destroyed gradually in Group B, however, SMCs content was significantly lower than Group A by day 70. Intimal thickness increased significantly by day 70 in the Aneurysm groups. MMP2 maintained moderate expression in Group A, which decreased significantly by day 3 in Group B. MMP9 and RAM11 expressions were higher by day 1, but decreased significantly by day 3 in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Irreversible degeneration of SMCs is critical to a rapid formation of elastase-induced rabbit AAA model, and SMCs excessive regeneration accounts for the selfhealing process. SMCs degradation and regeneration remain relatively stable in an enlarging AAA model. SMCs should be the key target for studying the mechanism of AAA and intervention therapy.

Pirarubicin-loaded CalliSpheres® drug-eluting beads for the treatment of patients with stage III-IV lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: CalliSpheres® beads (CB) have been used recently for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the safety and effect of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in patients with stage III-IV lung cancer are still unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of DEB-TACE with pirarubicin-loaded CB for the treatment of stage III-IV lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From July 2016 to April 2020, 29 patients with stage III-IV primary lung cancer underwent DEB-TACE with pirarubicin-loaded CB. The objective response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint; the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients received DEB-TACE with pirarubicin-loaded (median 60 mg) CB, with no severe adverse events or treatment-related deaths. After DEB-TACE, hemoptysis disappeared within 1-3 days in all patients, and the symptoms of cough or expectoration were significantly improved in 12 patients. ORR and disease control rate at one, three, and six months after DEB-TACE were 39.3% and 96.4%, 26.1% and 69.6%, and 29.4% and 58.8%, respectively. The median PFS was 6.3 months (range 1.1-30.1 months), and the three-, six-, and 12-month PFS rates were 70.2%, 50.1%, and 27.1%, respectively. The median OS was 10.2 months (range 1.1-44.6 months), and the three-, six, and 12-month OS rates were 87.9%, 68.6%, and 39.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE with pirarubicin-loaded CB is safe, feasible, and well-tolerated for patients with stage III-IV lung cancer, and symptom control was a potential benefit of treatment.

Clinical outcomes of doxorubicin-eluting CalliSpheres® beads-transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcomes of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres® beads for patients with unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma have not been reported. The aim of this study is to study the clinical outcomes of DEB-TACE for patients with unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 21 patients (15 men; mean age 68.7 ± 9.7; range 46-86 years) with unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma received DEB-TACE between July 2017 and September 2020. Patient characteristic data, imaging findings, complications and DEB-TACE procedure were reviewed. The primary endpoints, disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR), were calculated. The secondary endpoints were overall survival rate and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Twenty-two sessions of DEB-TACE were performed in 21 patients. The technical success rate was 100%; without sever adverse events or procedure-related deaths. All patients received transarterial chemotherapy infusion with raltitrexed or oxaliplatin. The median follow-up period was 3.6 months (interquartile range, IQR 1.5-9.4 months). ORR and DCR were 42.9 and 85.7%, 28.6 and 71.4%, 20.0 and 40.0% respectively at 1-, 3-, and 6-months after DEB-TACE. The median PFS was 6.0 months, and the 3-, 6- and 12-month PFS rates were 68.2%, 45.5 and 0.0%, respectively. The median overall survival was 9.4 months, and the 3-, 6- and 12-month overall survival rates were 75.5%, 55.0 and 13.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study reports outcomes of DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CallSpheres bead treatment in the management of patients with unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma. According to our results, this is a safe and feasible treatment modality that may be considered among the options for the treatment of these patients.

Covered metallic stent for the treatment of malignant esophageal fistula combined with stricture.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal fistula and stricture is rare but life-threatening complication for esophageal cancer. The management of esophageal fistula and stricture remains challenging. We aimed to determine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of covered metallic stent and three tubes placement for the management of esophageal fistula and stricture. METHODS: Between May 2012 and March 2018, all patients with esophageal fistula and stricture were treated using three tubes or covered metallic stent placement. Patients in group A received covered stents and three tubes placement. Patients in group B only received three tubes placement. Continue abscess drainage and nutritional support was performed after procedure. Three tubes or esophageal stents were removed once esophageal fistula heals. The related medical records were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients with esophageal fistula and stricture were enrolled, including 26 patients in group A and 11 patients in group B. Stent placement procedure was technically successful in 25 patients (96.2%). A total of 42 covered stents were inserted. Seventeen esophageal stents were successfully removed from 10 patients. The median retention duration was 3.3 months and 3.4 months for stent and abscess drainage tubes, respectively. One perioperative death due to massive hemorrhage was observed 21 days after stent placement. The abscess cavity was decreased or disappeared in 17 cases and 4 cases in group A and group B, respectively. During follow up, patients in group A still showed a significant better condition of normal diet than that in group B (p < 0.05). Fourteen patients died of cancer recurrence, 3 patients died of massive digestive bleeding and 2 patients died of severe pulmonary infection. The median survivals were 14.8 months and 13.2 months for group A and group B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Covered metallic stent placement is safe, feasible and efficacious for treatment of esophageal fistula and stricture, with a better condition of normal diet than patients only received three tubes placement.

Three-tube method and covered metallic stent for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is common and life-threatening complication after esophagectomy. The management of esophageal anastomotic leakage remains challenging. We aimed to determine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of three-tube method and covered metallic stent placement for the management of anastomotic leakage. METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients with anastomotic leakage were treated using three-tube method and covered metallic stent and the medical records were retrospectively assessed. All patients received placement of abscess drainage tube, jejunal feeding tube and gastrointestinal decompression tube as well as esophageal covered stent, followed by continue abscess drainage, nutritional support and anti-inflammatory treatment. Tubes and esophageal stents will be removed once anastomotic leakage heals. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in 23 patients (95.8%). A total of 31 covered stents were used. Esophageal stents and abscess drainage tubes were successfully removed from 14 patients. The median retention duration was 2.3 months and 2.6 months for stent and abscess drainage tubes, respectively. No perioperative death, esophageal rupture, massive hemorrhage, or other severe complications were observed during procedures. The abscess cavity had markedly decreased in 8 patients or disappeared in 16 cases. During follow-up, 8 patients died of cancer recurrence and 2 patients died of severe pulmonary infection. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 60.1, 51.5 and 51.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Three-tube method and covered metallic stent placement is safe, feasible and efficacious for treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

Superselective embolization for high-flow priapism refractory to medical and surgical treatments.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to report long-term outcome of superselective embolization in patients with high-flow priapism refractory to medical and surgical treatments. METHODS: From August 2011 until July 2016, 14 patients with high-flow priapism refractory to local treatments were treated and their charts were retrospective reviewed. Clinical evaluation, color Doppler ultrasonography, arteriography and selective embolization were performed. Follow up was performed in all patients. Fourteen men (18-63 years old) were enrolled, with priapism duration of 14 h to 28 days. Internal pudendal arteries or glutaea inferior arteriae were successfully embolized with gelatin sponge particles, polyvinyl alcohol particles or microcoils. RESULTS: Pseudoaneurysm in right femoral artery was found in one case after intervention. The follow-up 1 week later showed that 13 patients were in good condition, the priapism diminished 1-7 days (mean 3.2 ± 0.5 days) after intervention, and 1 patient received second intervention. Mean follow-up was (range 10.8-69.6) months. One patient had recurrent priapism months after embolization and had his penis surgically removed for severe necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Superselective embolization is safe and effective in high-flow priapism refractory local treatments, with a good long-term prognosis.

Self-expanding segmental radioactive metal stents for palliation of malignant esophageal strictures.

BACKGROUND: Traditional metal stents are not always suitable for patients with circuitous malignant esophageal stricture. PURPOSE: We aimed to report the safety and effectiveness of stent insertion using self-expanding segmental radioactive metal stent in the palliation of malignant esophageal stricture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients who underwent insertion of segmental radioactive metal stents from November 2016 to March 2019. Technical success, dysphagia score, and complications were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the survival time. RESULTS: The stenting procedure was successful in all 22 patients with no procedure-related deaths. Twenty-four segmental radioactive metal stents were successfully implanted. A total of 6 (27.3%) complications were found, mainly 5 (22.7%) stent migrations. The median follow-up period was 3.3 months. Stent removal was required in 4 (12.5%) patients due to complete stent migration. The mean dysphagia score decreased significantly after stent insertion (P<0.0001). During follow up, 13 patients survived with no obvious clinical symptom and nine patients died. The mean survival was 9.9 months. CONCLUSION: The stenting procedure using self-expanding segmental radioactive metal stents is safe and effective in dysphagia palliation of malignant esophageal stricture.

Clinical outcomes of transarterial chemotherapy and embolization for vaginal cancer.

AIM: We report clinical outcomes of transarterial embolization in 19 cases of vaginal cancer. METHODS: From August 2011 to October 2019, 19 patients with histologically diagnosed vaginal cancer were identified in our department. Transarterial chemotherapy and embolization was performed for all patients. Patient characteristics, treatment plans and the clinical outcomes, were recorded. RESULTS: Among 19 identified cases, nine of them are squamous cell carcinoma, five of adenocarcinoma, one of adenosquamous carcinoma, two of vaginal malignant melanoma, one leiomyosarcoma and one of stromal sarcoma. Transarterial chemotherapy and embolization was successfully performed in all patients. No related complication was found after intervention treatment. Besides, eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, four received both adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy and seven received no therapies. Four patients were cured and seven were stable during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Transarterial embolization appears safe and effective for vaginal cancer, with a currently acceptable prognosis.

Radioactive feeding tube in the palliation of esophageal malignant obstruction.

PURPOSE: A radioactive feeding tube was used to achieve both nutrition and brachytherapy for the treatment for malignant esophageal obstruction. We report the safety and effectiveness of this technique. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive patients who employed this technique from January 2015 to March 2018. The radioactive feeding tube was made by binding the 125I seed chain on the feeding tube. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the tube was inserted into the obstructed esophagus, with the seed chain crossing over the segment of malignant esophageal obstruction. Technical success rate, dysphagia score, procedure time and complications were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the survival time. RESULTS: The radioactive feeding tube was easy to prepare. The technical success rate was 100%, without serious complications such as bleeding or infection. The median procedure time of tube insertion was 44.0 min. The Kamofsky score and Neuhaus dysphagia grading were significantly improved after tube insertion (p < 0.01). On esophageal radiography, the contrast agent passed through the narrow area smoothly. Complete remission (n = 1) and partial remission (n = 13) of local tumor were obtained in 14 patients, and the local tumor control rate was 87.5% (14/16). During follow-up, four patients survived with no obvious clinical symptom and 10 patients died of cancer. The median survival was 12.0 months. CONCLUSION: Preparation of the radioactive feeding tube is simple and easy. The insertion of this kind of tube achieves parenteral nutrition and brachytherapy simultaneously and is safe and effective in dysphagia palliation of malignant esophageal stricture. The radiological-radiotherapeutic procedure could be an alternative tool in the case of refusing other treatments by the patients.

Transarterial chemoembolization of unresectable renal cell carcinoma with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads.

The safety and efficacy of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) for unresectable renal cell carcinoma (RCC) still unknown. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety and clinical efficacy of DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres beads (CB) in patients with unresectable RCC. Between 2016 and 2020, thirty-five patients with unresectable RCC underwent DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CB. The objective response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint, and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were the secondary endpoints. Fifteen-seven times of DEB-TACE were performed in 35 patients using doxorubicin-loaded (median 60 mg) CB. Fifteen patients underwent an additional session of DEB-TACE, with intervals of 1 to 1.5 months. Twenty-one patients underwent transarterial infusion with cisplatin or oxaliplatin before DEB-TACE. The median follow-up time was 9.0 months (Range 1.8-43.6 months). ORR and DCR were 47.1% and 94.1%, 29.0% and 87.1%, 23.1% and 84.6% respectively at 1-, 3-, and 6- months after DEB-TACE. The median PFS was 21.4 months, and the 3-, 6- and 12- month PFS rates were 84.7%, 73.7% and 62.3%, respectively. The median OS was 24.6 months, and the 3-, 6- and 12- month OS rates were 93.9%, 87.6% and 65.2%, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths or severe adverse events of grade 3 or more. In conclusion, DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CB is a safe, feasible and effective palliative treatment option for patients with unresectable RCC.

Establishing a jugular-femoral venous route for recanalization of complicated inferior vena cava in Budd-Chiari Syndrome after transfemoral access failure.

Recanalization of inferior vena cava (IVC) with complete obstruction, old thrombosis or long segmental stenosis/obstruction (complicated IVC) via transfemoral access may fail in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). In this study, 34 consecutive patients with BCS underwent recanalization of complicated IVC occlusion via jugular-femoral venous (JFV) route establishment. BCS with complicated IVC was detected by reviewing preoperative color Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) venography, and confirmed by intraoperative venography. Clinical data on technical success, complications, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Except for one patient received surgical repair of rupture IVC after recanalization, technical success of IVC recanalization was achieved in remaining 33 (97.1%) patients. No perioperative deaths was found. Three complications were observed during recanalization, for a complication rate of 8.8%. Bleeding of the femoral vein was observed in one patient, and two patients showed bleeding of IVC. The IVC lesion diameter and blood flow of the distal IVC increased significantly after the procedure. Twenty-four patients (77.4%) were clinically cured, and four patients (12.9%) showed clinical improvement. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year primary patency rates were 85.9%, 76.4% and 70.0%, respectively. The 5-year secondary patency rate was 96.8%. There were three deaths during follow up, and the 5-year survival rate was 90.0%. In conclusion, JFV route establishment and angioplasty for complicated IVC is safe and effective for patients with BCS after transfemoral access failure.

Clinical outcomes of large diameter balloon angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome with inferior vena cava involvement.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the long-term outcomes of small and large diameter balloon angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement in a retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Of 119 patients with BCS and IVC involvement, 23 had undergone small diameter balloon angioplasty (diameter, 14-20 mm; group A) and 96 had undergone large diameter balloon angioplasty (diameter, 24-30 mm; group B). The patients were considered cured clinically if the IVC was patent with no symptom or signs evident. RESULTS: From January 2010 to December 2016, 119 BCS patients with IVC involvement had undergone balloon angioplasty, with angioplasty successful in all 119 patients. One patient died of pulmonary embolism after dilation in group A. Abdominal pain was the most common complication during dilation and was experienced by significantly more patients in group B (77.1%) than in group A (47.8%; P = .009). Of the 119 patients, 91 (76.5%) were considered cured, with significantly more patients in group B (82.3%) than in group A (52.2%; P = .005). The mean follow-up period was 41.3 ± 2.2 months. In group B, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary and secondary patency rates were 82.2% ± 4.2%, 69.8% ± 5.4%, and 54.0% ± 7.0% and 97.5% ± 1.7%, 92.5% ± 3.3%, and 90.2% ± 3.9%, respectively. The patency rates at all follow-up intervals were lower in group A than in group B. The clinical response rate in group B was also significantly greater than that in group A (96.9% vs 78.3%; P = .007). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 100%, 88.7% ± 7.6%, and 88.7% ± 7.6% and 96.5% ± 2.0%, 92.5% ± 3.0%, and 86.0% ± 5.4% in groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Large diameter balloon angioplasty is safe and effective for BCS patients with IVC involvement, yielding better patency rates and long-term outcomes compared with small diameter balloon angioplasty.

Clinical Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization in the Treatment of Pulmonary Sequestration.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization (TAE) for pulmonary sequestration (PS). METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted from March 2013 and December 2020. Patient characteristics, laboratory/imaging, complications, and the TAE procedure were reviewed. RESULTS: We report 11 symptomatic patients with PS successfully treated by TAE. The aberrant supplying arteries were embolized, and there were no immediate complications. One to three days after TAE, patients complained of mild chest pain (n = 4), moderate chest pain (n = 3), and low-grade fever (n = 1). Chest pain symptoms were completely resolved after 2-4 days. One patient with PS and bronchiectasis required thoracoscopic resection due to continued symptoms. The remaining 10 patients showed disappearance of chest pain and hemoptysis and decreased lesion size at 2 weeks and 3 months, with a clinical success rate of 90.9%. CONCLUSIONS: TAE may be a feasible alternative treatment for pulmonary sequestration.

Comparison of Percutaneous Transluminal Angiography With or Without Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Chronic Femoropopliteal Occlusive Disease.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is seldom used for chronic femoropopliteal occlusive disease. METHODS: Patients with chronic femoropopliteal occlusive disease enrolled between January, 2011 and April, 2017. Hospitalization expense, limb salvage rate and survival rate were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were treated with CDT (CDT group) and 31 patients without CDT (Non-CDT group).The mean hospitalization expense (5.2 ± 0.5), balloon catheter (1.0 ± 0.2) and stents number (0.8 ± 0.2) in CDT group were significantly less compared to Non-CDT group (P < 0.05). The short-term and long-term effect scales showed similar in both groups. The incidences of perioperative complications (10.3% vs. 19.4%), primary patency and second patency rate, limb salvage rate (14.8% vs. 16.1%) and survival rate were also similar (P > 0.05). Six patients died in each group and only 2 disease related deaths were found in Non-CDT group. CONCLUSION: CDT is a safe and economic strategy for patients with chronic femoropopliteal occlusive disease, and should be served as blanket treatment for every patient without thrombolytic contradictions or a remedy for failure PTA to achieve a comparable clinical effect.

Transarterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin-loaded beads for inoperable or recurrent colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres® beads (DEB-TACE) for the treatment of patients with inoperable or recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: This retrospective study recruited 12 consecutive patients with histology confirmation of CRC who received DEB-TACE between August 2017 and April 2020. There were 9 male and 3 female, with a mean age 62.5 ± 14.9 (range 29-84). Patients' characteristics, medical imaging data, complications and DEB-TACE procedure were retrospectively reviewed. The disease control rate was defined as the sum of complete response, partial response and stable disease. RESULTS: DEB-TACE was successfully performed in all patients. All patients showed local disease control 1 month after DEB-TACE. Disease control rates were 90.9% and 70.0% at 3 and 6 months after DEB-TACE procedure, respectively. Disease-free interval was 11.0 to 81.8 months. Five patients (41.7%) received prior chemotherapy treatments. No severe complications or procedure-related deaths were observed. The median overall survival was 15.9 months, and median progression-free survival was 13.4 months. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE is a safe and effective treatment and could be a option for patients with inoperable or recurred CRC.

Clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with acute and subacute type B aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is considered the mini-invasive treatment of choice for patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute and subacute TBAD after TEVAR. METHODS: From January 2014 until July 2016, 22 acute patients (Group A) and 18 subacute patients received TEVAR (Group B), and 13 patients were managed non-operatively (Group C). The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 was used to assess QoL preoperatively and after TEVAR. Operative techniques and complications were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The role emotion, vitality, and mental health domains scored well preoperatively. Except for role emotion, vitality, and mental health, the remaining domains significantly improved after TEVAR. There was no significant difference in QoL metrics between Groups A and B. In Group C, bodily pain and social functioning domains were improved, and role emotion was decreased, with no improvement in the remaining domains. The 3-year survival rates were 95.5%, 100%, and 85.7% for Groups A, B, and C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR may be safe and effective in patients with acute and subacute TBAD with similar and favorable clinical and QoL metrics.

Histopathology of inferior vena cava obstruction in Budd-Chiari syndrome by clamp biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the pathological changes of the occlusive area of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and to explore its possible etiology and pathogenesis. METHODS: Color Doppler ultrasound and IVC angiography were used to evaluate causes of occlusion. Clamp biopsies were performed in the occlusive area of the IVC in 31 patients with BCS, and the specimens were examined pathologically. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: The success rate of clamp biopsy was 100% (31/31) and the sensitivity of pathology was 96.8% (30/31). By microscopic analysis, we found 27 cases of fibrous connective tissue, including 8 cases of thrombosis and 19 cases of inflammatory cell infiltration, vitreous degeneration, or mucinous degeneration of fibrous connective tissue; 3 cases showed thrombus organized with fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The occluding lesion in the IVC of BCS may be caused by local thrombosis, followed gradually by organization and fibrosis.

Clinical outcomes of self-expandable metallic stents for malignant obstructive atelectasis.

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) have been widely used in the treatment of malignant central airway obstruction. However, few reports focus on the treatment of atelectasis and how to estimate the prior probability of success via SEMSs placement, This current study aimed to study the safety and effectiveness of SEMSs for the treatment of obstructive atelectasis, and the value of preoperative CT enhancement for ventilation of atelectasis via SEMSs placement. A total of 35 patients with obstructive atelectasis (29 male and 6 female) was included from February 2012 to March 2018. The procedures were performed under fluoroscopic guidance, and bronchoscopic laser resection was performed for severe restenosis cases after SEMSs placement. Clinical and functional pulmonary data were recorded before and 3 months after the procedure. Follow-up involved clinical data and radiographic techniques at 48 h and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals. Thirty-eight SEMSs were successfully implanted in 34 patients, included 29 Y type tracheal stents, 4 small y stents, and 5 straight airway stents. After stenting, 26 cases showed full ventilation, and 3 cases were partially ventilated. The technical success and clinical success was 97.1% and 82.9%, respectively. A higher maximum enhancement CT value was found in patients with full ventilation. Mean follow-up time was 18.8 ± 4.0 months. Eight cases showed restenosis and received endoscopic laser resection, included 1 case underwent removal and 3 cases received second stenting. There were 2 cases of perioperative non-operative death, and 11 cases of post-discharge death (2 cardiac deaths and 9 malignant tumors). The survival rates of 3 months, 1 year and 2 years were 78.6%, 58.5% and 58.5%, respectively. In conclusion, SEMSs placement is safe and effective for obstructive atelectasis, and the preoperative CT enhancement played an important role in estimating the prior probability of success in the treatment of atelectasis via SEMSs placement.

Interventional Protocol for Treatment of Complications after Esophagojejunostomy for Esophagogastric Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic stenosis and leakage are rare complications after esophagojejunostomy. The management of complications after esophagojejunostomy remains a challenge. We evaluated the outcomes and clinical effectiveness of an alternative interventional protocol. OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and efficacy of interventional treatment for the management of complications after esophagojejunostomy. METHODS: This study included 24 consecutive patients with complications after esophagojejunostomy treated using interventional protocol. Patients received balloon dilation or stenting for anastomotic stenosis. Patients with anastomotic leakage received three-tube placement or retrievable covered esophageal stent placement, followed by abscess drainage, nutritional support, and anti-inflammatory treatment. The three tubes and esophageal stents were removed after leakage healing and stenosis ceased. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received three-tube method, and 16 patients received covered stent placement. All procedures were technically successful, except for a failure of Y-type esophageal stent placement in one patient. The median retention time of stent and abscess drainage tube was 67.5 days and 87 days, respectively. No perioperative death, esophageal rupture, or massive hemorrhage was found during procedures. During follow-up, 14 patients died of cancer recurrence, and one died of severe pulmonary infection. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 39.5%, 23.7%, and 23.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Interventional protocol is safe, feasible, and efficacious for treatment of complications after esophagojejunostomy.

Drug coated balloon angioplasty for renal artery stenosis due to Takayasu arteritis: Report of five cases.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu arteritis is a rare but intractable chronic disease in young female patients. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the involved renal arteries has been reported; however, few studies have reported the use of drug coated balloon angioplasty in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis. We aimed to demonstrate five young female patients who presented with a history of hypertension due to Takayasu arteritis. CASE SUMMARY: From April 2017 to October 2018, five female patients were diagnosed with hypertension due to Takayasu arteritis by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and laboratory tests. Four patients had a complaint of headache with or without dizziness, and one patient showed no symptom. There was no significant family or past history of hypertension or kidney disease, and the physical examinations were almost normal on admission. We performed a treatment by drug coated balloon angioplasty. Blood pressure decreased dramatically in all patients after balloon angioplasty, and the patency of treated renal artery was demonstrated with CTA over 5 months after the angioplasty procedure. CONCLUSION: Drug coated balloon angioplasty is safe and effective for renal artery stenosis due to Takayasu arteritis. A prospective study with a larger sample size is necessary to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment.