Trombose venosa profunda de veia ilíaca contralateral após stent venoso posicionado na confluência ilíaco-cava: um desafio terapêutico / Deep venous thrombosis of the contralateral iliac vein after stenting of the iliocaval confluence: a therapeutic challenge

Resumo O tratamento de escolha para pacientes com síndrome de compressão venosa sintomática é o implante de stent venoso. Entretanto, esse tratamento possui complicações bem documentadas e, embora rara, trombose venosa profunda contralateral é uma dessas complicações. Nosso objetivo é apresentar um caso de trombose venosa profunda da veia ilíaca contralateral como resultado do posicionamento do stent além do preconizado e o desafio terapêutico que é a recanalização da veia com reconstrução da confluência ilíaco-cava.

Abstract The treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic venous compression syndrome is venous stenting. However, this treatment has well-documented complications and, although rare, contralateral deep venous thrombosis is one of these complications. Our objective is to present a case of deep venous thrombosis of the contralateral iliac vein resulting from placement of the stent beyond the recommended position and the therapeutic challenge is to recanalize the vein with reconstruction of the iliocaval confluence.

Multilayer stents affect the final diameter of aortic aneurysms and maintain renal artery patency for a short time in a swine experimental model

OBJECTIVES: We sought to analyze the hemodynamic effects of the multilayer flow-modulated stent (MFMS) in Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). METHODS: The hemodynamic effects of MFMS were analyzed in aortic thoracoabdominal aneurysms in experimental swine models. We randomly assigned 18 pigs to the stent or control groups and underwent the creation of an artificial bovine pericardium transrenal aneurysm. In the stent group, an MFMS (Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) was immediately implanted. After 4 weeks, we evaluated aneurysm sac thrombosis and renal branch patency by angiography, duplex scan, and morphological analysis. RESULTS: All the renal arteries remained patent after re-evaluation in both groups. Aneurysmal sac thrombosis was absent in the control group, whereas in the stent group it was present in 66.7% of aneurysmal sacs (p=0.061). The mean final aneurysm sac diameter was significantly lower in the stent group (mean estimated reduction, 6.90 mm; p=0.021). The proximal neck diameter decreased significantly in the stent group (mean difference, 2.51 mm; p=0.022) and grew significantly in the control group (mean difference, 3.02 mm; p=0.007). The distal neck diameter increased significantly in the control group (mean difference, 3.24 mm; p=0.017). There were no significant findings regarding distal neck measurements in the stent group. CONCLUSION: The MFMSs remained patent and did not obstruct the renal arteries within 4 weeks. In the stent group, the device was also associated with a significant decrease in aneurysmal sac diameter and a large proportion (albeit non-significant) of aneurysmal sac thrombosis.

Prospective randomized trial comparing radiofrequency ablation and complete saphenous vein stripping in patients with mild to moderate chronic venous disease with a 3-year follow-up / Ensaio clínico randomizado prospectivo comparando a ablação por radiofrequência e a retirada completa de veia safena em pacientes com doença venosa crônica leve à moderada com seguimento de 3 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the use of the radiofrequency thermoablation of the saphenous vein with the ligation technique, and complete removal of the saphenous vein, from the saphenofemoral junction to the ankle. Methods: A total of 49 patients with chronic venous disease in the Comprehensive Classification System for Chronic Venous Disorders (CEAP) classes 2 to 4 for clinical signs, etiology, anatomic distribution and pathophysiology, were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 1 year. The parameters assessed were complications, period of absence from activities, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and quality of life scores according to Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ). They were re-examined 1 and 3 years after treatment to evaluate recurrence rates. Results: The success rate per limb (p=0.540), VCSS (p=0.636), AVVQ (p=0.163), and clinical complications were similar in the two treatment groups. Nevertheless, the radiofrequency thermoablation group had significant shorter length of hospital stay (0.69±0.47) and absence from activities (8.62±4.53), p<000.1. Conclusion: Patients submitted to radiofrequency thermoablation had an occlusion rate, clinical recurrence and improvement in quality of life comparable to removal of the saphenous vein. However, these patients spent less time hospitalized and away from their daily activities during recovering.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o uso da termoablação por radiofrequência da veia safena com a técnica de ligação e retirada completa da veia safena da junção safeno-femoral ao tornozelo. Métodos: Foram avaliados 49 pacientes com doença venosa crônica nas categorias 2 a 4 (Comprehensive Classification System for Chronic Venous Disorders − CEAP) para classificação clínica, etiológica, anatômica e fisiopatológica, no início do estudo, 4 semanas e 1 ano após o procedimento. Os parâmetros analisados foram complicações, período de ausência de atividades,(Venous Clinical Severity) Score revisado (R-VCSS) e escore de qualidade de vida de acordo com o Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire(AVVQ). Os pacientes foram reexaminados 1 e 3 anos após o tratamento, para avaliar as taxas de recorrência. Resultados: As taxas de sucesso por membro (p=0,540), VCSS (p=0,636), AVVQ (p=0,163) e complicações clínicas foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. No entanto, o grupo termoablação por radiofrequência teve períodos de internação significativamente mais curtos (0,69±0,47) e ausência de atividades (8,62±4,53), com p<000,1. Conclusão: Pacientes submetidos à termoablação por radiofrequência apresentaram taxa de oclusão, recidiva clínica e melhora da qualidade de vida comparáveis à retirada completa da veia safena. No entanto, esses pacientes passaram menos tempo internados e ausentes de suas atividades diárias durante a recuperação.

Alternative grafts for brachioaxillary hemodialysis access: 1-year comparative results

BACKGROUND: Many chronic renal patients lack autologous veins in the upper limbs suitable for construction of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Alternative fistula options for these patients should be evaluated and compared.OBJECTIVE: To compare different types of grafts used for brachioaxillary access in hemodialysis patients in terms of their patency and complication rates.METHOD: Forty-nine patients free from arterial system abnormalities and with no venous options for creation of arteriovenous fistulae in the arm and/or forearm underwent brachioaxillary bypass with implantation of autologous saphenous vein, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or PROPATEN(r) grafts. Patients were assessed by Doppler ultrasonography at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The four first saphenous vein grafts had failed by 3 or 6 months after surgery. The autologous saphenous vein group was discontinued at the beginning of the study because of extreme difficulty in achieving puncture and hematoma formation. Failure rates of PTFE and PROPATEN(r) grafts did not differ after 3 (p = 0.559), 6 (p = 0.920), or 12 months (p = 0.514). A log-rank test applied to cumulative survival of grafts at 1 year (0.69 for PTFE, 0.79 for PROPATEN(r)) detected no significant differences (p = 0.938). There were no differences in complications resulting in graft failure between the two types of prosthetic graft.CONCLUSION: Autologous saphenous vein grafts do not appear to be a good option for brachioaxillary hemodialysis access because of difficulties with achieving puncture. Brachioaxillary fistulae constructed using PTFE or PROPATEN(r) grafts exhibited similar patency and complication rates. Further studies with large samples size are warranted to confirm our findings.

CONTEXTO: Há inúmeros pacientes renais crônicos sem veias autólogas nos membros superiores para confecção de fístulas arteriovenosas para realização de hemodiálise. As opções de fístula nestes pacientes devem ser avaliadas e comparadas.OBJETIVO: Comparar diferentes enxertos para acesso braquioaxilar em pacientes hemodialíticos, em relação a permeabilidade e taxas de complicação. MÉTODO: Um grupo de 49 pacientes, sem alterações no sistema arterial e sem opções venosas para criação de fístula arteriovenosa no braço e/ou antebraço, foi submetido a procedimentos cirúrgicos para implante de diferentes enxertos: veia safena autóloga, enxertos de PTFE e PROPATEN(r).RESULTADOS: Os quatro primeiros implantes de veia safena falharam no terceiro e no sexto mês após a cirurgia. Interrompeu-se o uso de veia safena autóloga no início do estudo pela extrema dificuldade de punção e pela formação de hematoma. Não houve diferenças nas taxas de falha dos enxertos de PTFE e PROPATEN(r) após três (p = 0,559), seis (p = 0,920) e 12 meses (p = 0,514) de seguimento. O teste de Logrank aplicado à sobrevida cumulativa dos enxertos por um ano (0,68 para PTFE; 0,79 para PROPATEN(r)) não relevou diferenças (p = 0,938). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os enxertos prostéticos em relação ao tipo de complicação que determinou as falhas.CONCLUSÃO: O enxerto de veia safena autóloga parece não ser é uma boa opção para acesso braquioaxilar em hemodialíticos, já que implica em dificuldade na punção. Os enxertos de PTFE e PROPATEN(r) em fistula braquioaxilar resultaram em permeabilidade e taxas de complicações similares. Estudos com amostras maiores são necessários para confirmar nossos achados.

Coral reef aorta, emergency surgical: case report and literature review / Aorta em recife de coral, emergência cirúrgica: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Coral reef aorta is described as an uncommon entity characterized by the presence of coarse calcifications, which are developed in the visceral aorta. These calcifications grow toward the lumen of the artery and can result in significant stenosis, so that causing malperfusion of the lower limbs, visceral ischemia or hypertension secondary to renal involvement. We report here a case of a 54-year-old patient with coral reef aorta and symptomatic. The clinical presentation of the patient required the surgical approach. A review of literature in major databases was conducted to compare health-related aspects of the disease presentation and management. Coral reef aorta should be considered as the diagnosis for patients with visceral and limbs ischemia. The approach in our case was consistent with other studies previously published in the literature.

A aorta em recife de corais é descrita como uma entidade incomum caracterizada pela presença de calcificações grosseiras, que se desenvolvem na aorta visceral. Essas calcificações crescem em direção ao lúmen da artéria e podem resultar em estenose significativa, gerando má perfusão dos membros inferiores, isquemia visceral ou hipertensão secundária ao acometimento renal. Relata-se aqui o caso de um paciente de 54 anos portador de aorta em recife e sintomático. O quadro clínico do paciente exigiu abordagem cirúrgica. Foi realizada revisão de literatura nas principais bases de dados para comparar os aspectos relacionados à apresentação e à conduta da doença. Em pacientes com sinais de isquemia visceral ou em membros inferiores, deve-se considerar o diagnóstico de aorta em recife de coral. A abordagem, no caso relatado, foi consistente com estudos publicados anteriormente na literatura.

Endovascular management of massive pulmonary embolism with clot fragmentation and suction / Tratamento endovascular de embolia pulmonar maciça com fragmentação e aspiração de trombos

Massive pulmonary embolism with right ventricular dysfunction may be treated with thrombolysis, embolectomy, or percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. This study describes our experience with two patients that had massive pulmonary embolism and were treated with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and reports on the mid-term results of this procedure. A 28-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman were diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis and massive pulmonary embolism. They first had lower limb edema followed by sudden onset of dyspnea. Their physical examination revealed edema, tachypnea, chest discomfort and jugular turgescence. Both needed to receive oxygen using a nasal cannula. Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, and computed tomography angiography were used to establish the diagnoses. Patients underwent percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using the Aspirex® system (Straub Medical), and their clinical condition and imaging study findings improved substantially. At mid-term follow-up, patient conditions were improving satisfactorily.

A embolia pulmonar maciça com disfunção do ventrículo direito pode ser tratada com trombólise, embolectomia ou trombectomia mecânica percutânea. Este estudo descreve nossa experiência com dois pacientes com embolia pulmonar maciça tratados com trombectomia mecânica percutânea e relata os resultados a médio prazo desse procedimento. Um homem de 28 anos e uma mulher de 70 anos foram diagnosticados com trombose venosa profunda e embolia pulmonar maciça. Inicialmente, eles tiveram edema de membros inferiores seguido por início súbito de dispneia. O exame físico revelou edema, taquipneia, desconforto torácico, turgência jugular. Em ambos havia sinais de hipóxia e precisaram receber oxigênio usando uma cânula nasal. A ultrassonografia Doppler ecocardiograma e angiotomografia foram utilizadas para estabelecer os diagnósticos. Os pacientes foram submetidos à trombectomia mecânica percutânea utilizando o sistema Aspirex® (Straub Medical). Sua condição clínica e os achados dos estudos de imagem melhoraram substancialmente. No acompanhamento a médio prazo, os pacientes apresentaram melhora significativa do quadro.

Arterite actínica de artéria subclávia: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Actinic arteritis of subclavian artery: case report and literature review

Diversas são as complicações possíveis da radioterapia na adjuvância do tratamento de neoplasias. Lesões actínicas de artéria subclávia em pacientes submetidos a este tipo de tratamento para neoplasia de mama são complicações conhecidas, porém com poucos relatos de casos publicados. No presente relato, descrevemos um caso de oclusão de artéria subclávia direita em paciente submetida à radioterapia para tratamento de neoplasia de mama, tratada com a revascularização convencional, com interposição de enxerto de politetrafluoretileno (PTFE). Na revisão da literatura realizada, foram encontrados doze casos descritos que evidenciaram diferentes opções terapêuticas. Concluímos que a arterite actínica de artéria subclávia é uma doença incomum, entretanto sua hipótese deve ser aventada em todos os pacientes com isquemia de membro superior já submetidos a tratamento de radioterapia.

Several complications may occur as a consequence of adjuvant radiotherapy for cancer. One of these complications is actinic lesions of the subclavian artery in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer; however, there are few reported cases. In the present case report, we describe a case of right subclavian artery occlusion in a patient undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Occlusion was treated by means of conventional artery bypass with interposition graft with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Our extensive review of the literature revealed 12 reported cases showing the different treatment options performed. We concluded that actinic arteritis of the subclavian artery is an uncommon condition; however, its presence should be considered in all patients with upper limb ischemia who underwent radiotherapy.

Mycotic aneurysm of the tibioperoneal trunk: a first manifestation of an infected endocarditis / Aneurisma micótico de tronco tíbio-fibular: a primeira manifestação de uma endocardite infecciosa

Infrapopliteal mycotic aneurysm resulting from endocarditis is rare, with only a few reported cases. We describe the case of a 28-year-old male patient who was suffering with pain and edema in the right leg. The ultrasound revealed an aneurysm of the right tibioperoneal trunk and a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The patient was admitted and developed acute congestive heart failure, being diagnosed with possible endocarditis. A pseudo-aneurysm was revealed by arteriography. Aggressive antibiotic treatment was initiated, and open surgery confirmed a mycotic pseudo-aneurysm of the tibioperoneal trunk. To our knowledge, this is the 8th case reported of an infected aneurysm in this particular location.

Aneurisma micótico infra-poplíteo resultante de endocardite infecciosa é raro, com apenas alguns casos relatados. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente de 28 anos do sexo masculino que apresentou dor e edema na perna direita. A ultrassonografia demonstrou um aneurisma do tronco tíbio-fibular e trombose venosa profunda do membro inferior direito. O paciente foi internado e desenvolveu falência cardíaca aguda, sendo diagnosticado de endocardite bacteriana. Um pseudo-aneurisma foi evidenciado na arteriografia. Antibioticoterapia agressiva foi iniciada e cirurgia aberta confirmou um pseudo-aneurisma micótico do tronco tibio-fibular. Para o nosso conhecimento, este é o oitavo caso relatado de aneurisma infectado localizado especificamente nesta região.

Correção endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal e artéria ilíaca comum esquerda em paciente com hemofilia C grave / Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm and left common iliac artery in a patient with severe hemophilia C

A deficiência do fator XI, também conhecida como hemofilia C, é uma doença hematológica hereditária rara, que se manifesta clinicamente com hemorragia persistente após cirurgias, traumas, menorragias e extrações dentárias. Neste artigo, relatou-se a correção endovascular de um paciente com aneurisma de aorta e de artéria ilíaca comum esquerda em um paciente portador de deficiência major do fator XI (atividade do fator XI inferior a 20%). O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso, com o manuseio do distúrbio da coagulação por meio da infusão de plasma fresco no pré-operatório imediato e no pós-operatório, e controle laboratorial da coagulação do paciente.

Factor XI deficiency, also known as hemophilia C, is a rare hereditary blood disease that manifests with persistent bleeding after surgery, trauma, menorrhagia, and dental extractions. This article reports an endovascular repair of a patient diagnosed with an aortic and left common iliac aneurysm, with severe factor XI deficiency (factor XI activity below 20%). The procedure was successfully performed with management of the coagulation disorder by preoperative and postoperative infusion of plasma and laboratory control of the coagulation.

Determinação do impacto do oversizing da endoprótese sobre a aorta torácica. Estudo experimental em porcos / Impact of stent-graft oversizing on the thoracic aorta: experimental study in a porcine model

Introdução: A utilização da técnica endovascular para tratar as diversas afecções da aorta têm suplantado as técnicas abertas tradicionais, sendo particularmente promissora no trauma 1. A ruptura traumática da aorta é a segunda causa de morte por acidente de trânsito 2,3; e o reparo endoluminal dessas lesões com endopróteses apresenta menor taxa de mortalidade e paraplegia quando comparada a cirurgia aberta, no entanto os resultados a longo prazo ainda não estão disponíveis2-7. As próteses aprovadas e comercialmente disponíveis, até o momento desse estudo, foram desenhadas para doença aneurismática, com diâmetro muito superior ao diâmetro da aorta de jovens (vítimas de trauma). Esse sobredimensionamento (oversizing) pode levar a alteração mecânica na interação da prótese com a parede aórtica, comprometendo a vascularização e aumento o risco de complicações relacionadas ao implante de endopróteses 8-12. Objetivos: Analisar, a partir de um modelo animal experimental, o efeito biomecânico e histopatológico de quatro níveis diferentes de sobredimensionamento de endopróteses sobre a aorta não aterosclerótica, semelhante às encontradas em pacientes jovens vítimas de trauma. Método: O diâmetro da aorta torácica suína é semelhante ao da aorta de jovens adultos (18-20 mm), desta forma 25 porcos foram randomizados em 5 grupos: 1 controle (sem stent) e 4 grupos de sobredimensionamento (A: 10% -19 %, B: 20% -29%, C: 30% -39%, e D: >40% de sobredimensionamento). Dois tipos de testes biomecânicos foram realizados em todas as aortas 4 semanas após a implantação da endoprótese: " z" endoprótese; e o teste de biomecânica propriamente dito dos fragmentos aórticos coletados. Os fragmentos foram, então, submetidos a uma análise histológica e imunohistoquímica. Resultados: Os resultados do teste de destacamento, que avaliou a força necessária para remover o stent da aorta, foram semelhantes nos quatro grupos (A: 42 N, B: 41 N, C: 46 N e D: 46 N, p= 0,881204)...

Introduction: The use of endovascular techniques to treat the various disorders of the aorta has supplanted traditional open techniques, and is particularly promising in trauma1. The traumatic rupture of the aorta is the second leading cause of death by traffic accident2, 3, and repair of these lesions with endoluminal stents has showed lower mortality and paraplegia when compared to open surgery, however the long-term results are not yet available2-7. The endoprosthesis approved and commercially available during this study were designed to aneurysmal disease, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the aorta of young people ( ) " z " prosthesis with the aortic wall, affecting the vascularization and raising the risk of complications related to stent-graft implantation8-12. Purpose: Analyze, from an experimental animal model, the biomechanical and histological effects of four different levels of stents-graft oversizing in non-atherosclerotic aortas; such as those aorta found in young individuals who undergo stent-graft repair for traumatic aortic injuries. Methods: The diameter of the porcine thoracic aorta is similar to the aorta of young adults (18-20 mm), so 25 pigs were randomized into 5 groups: 1 control (without stent-graft) and 4 oversizing groups (A: 10%-19%, B: 20%-29%, C: 30%-39%, and D: .40%). Two types of biomechanical tests were performed on all aortas 4 weeks after endoprosthesis deployment: The "detachment" of the stent, and the biomechanics test of aortic fragments collected. The fragments were submitted to a histological and an immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: The results of the detachment test, which analyzed the strength necessary to remove the stent-graft from the aorta, were similar in the 4 groups (A: 42 N, B: 41 N, C: 46 N e D: 46 N, p= 0,881204). The second test was performed in 3 aortic segments...

Tratamento da úlcera varicosa dos membros inferiores mediante cirurgia e bota de Unna: uma economia para o sistema de saúde brasileiro / Treatment of varicose ulcer of the lower limbs by surgery and Unna boot: savings for the Brazilian healthcare system

Objective: To perform an analysis of the costs of treatment of varicose ulcers by radical surgery of varices and the use of Unna boot. Methods: Fifteen outpatients were selected to receive treatment of varicose ulcers with radical surgery and Unna boot. The total cost of treatment was calculated (hospitalization, surgery, dressings, and outpatient?s follow-up visits) and compared to the cost of clinical follow-up with daily simple dressing changes. Results: The proposed treatment was on average 55.71% more economical than the management with daily dressings (approximately US$452.32 versus US$1,021.39). Conclusion: Radical varicose vein surgery associated with the useof the Unna boot proved meaningly less expensive for the public health system than clinical follow-up with daily dressings.

Objetivo: Realizar uma análise de custo do tratamento da úlcera varicosa mediante cirurgia radical de varizes e uso de bota de Unna. Métodos: quinze pacientes foram selecionados ambulatorialmente para receber o tratamento da úlcera varicosa com cirurgia radical de varizes e bota de Unna, sendo o custo total do tratamento contabilizado (internação, cirurgia, curativos e retornos ambulatoriais) e comparado ao custo do acompanhamento clínico com curativos simples trocados diariamente. Resultados: O tratamento proposto foi em média 55,71% mais econômico que o manejo com curativos diários (R$ 717,84 x R$ 1.620,95 ou aproximadamente US$ 452.32 x US$ 1,021.39). Conclusão: O emprego da cirurgia radical de varizes associado ao uso de bota de Unna provou-se expressivamente menos dispendioso para a saúde pública do que o acompanhamento clínico com curativos diários.

Angioplasty of a persistent sciatic artery: case report / Angioplastia de artéria isquiática persistente: relato de caso

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is a good choice for the treatment of lower limb arterial occlusion. Although there are some guidelines addressing its indications, some situations are so unusual that there is no consensus on their management. The presence of a persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital anomaly of the circulatory system and may be associated with early atheromatous degeneration and occlusion. The authors describe the case of an 81-year-old woman that presented with a history of rest pain, atrophic lesion and no distal pulses. Angiogram depicted a persistent sciatic artery with segmental occlusion and distal disease. The therapeutic option was balloon angioplasty of the occluded segment, with technical and clinical success at mid-term follow-up.

A angioplastia transluminal com balão tem se mostrado uma boa alternativa no tratamento de oclusões arteriais em membros inferiores. Embora já existam algumas diretrizes quanto à sua indicação, algumas situações ainda são inusitadas e carecem de consenso pela sua raridade. A presença de artéria isquiática persistente é uma anomalia congênita rara do sistema circulatório e pode estar associada com doença ateromatosa precoce e oclusão. Os autores apresentam um caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino de 81 anos, com história de dor de repouso, lesão trófica e ausência de pulsos distais. A arteriografia mostrou persistência de artéria isquiática com oclusão segmentar e doença distal. A abordagem terapêutica escolhida foi angioplastia do segmento ocluído, e o seguimento de médio prazo mostrou sucesso técnico e clínico com esta técnica.

Endovascular and open repair for blunt aortic injury, treated in one clinical institution in Brazil: a case series

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study is to analyze and compare the results of conventional surgical repair and endovascular treatment of blunt aortic injury over the past 8 years. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (25 male; mean age, 35 years) were treated for blunt aortic injury between April 2001 and March 2009 in a university hospital in Brazil. Twenty-six patients were included in the study: five were treated with operative repair (OR) and 21 with endovascular treatment (TEVAR). Two patients were excluded from analysis: one was managed conservatively, and one was treated with endovascular treatment for chronic dissection related to aortic trauma. RESULTS: Mean age was lower in the OR group than in the endovascular treatment group (17.8 vs. 38 years, P = .003). There was one death in the OR group and four deaths in the endovascular treatment group. Mean follow-up for the overall group was 33.6 months, with 48.7 months (range 8-83 months) for the OR group, and 29.8 months (range 2-91 months) for the TEVAR group. Mean time elapsed from injury to repair was 23.4 hours (range 8-48 h, median 20 h) for the OR group and 30.3 hours (range 2-240 h, median 18 h) for the TEVAR group (P = .374). The duration of surgery was shorter in the endovascular treatment group (142 versus 237 minutes; P = .005). There were no significant differences with respect to the number of postoperative days requiring mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU stay or duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis, endovascular treatment was a safe method for repair of blunt aortic trauma, with immediate and midterm results that were comparable to those results obtained with operative repair. No complications from the stent graft were identified during follow-up. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment.

Endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial injury with covered stents: an experimental study in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using endovascular repair to treat penetrating arterial injuries with covered stents. Feasibility was examined according to the circumferential extent of the injury. INTRODUCTION: Surgical trauma often increases the risk of major morbidity and mortality associated with vascular injury, and endovascular repair has many advantages in such situations. METHODS: Twenty white male domestic pigs weighing 28-38 kg with controlled vascular injuries were divided into four equal groups according to the circumferential extent of their vascular lesion (i.e., no lesion, lesion <50 percent, lesion >50 percent, and complete lesion). The left common carotid artery was dissected with proximal and distal control, and this procedure was followed by controlled sectioning of the arterial wall. Local manual compression was applied for 10 min and was followed by endovascular repair with the placement of a 5x50 mm VIABHAN TM covered stent using the femoral approach. We also monitored additional variables, such as the duration of the procedures (the mean was 56.3 ± 19.1 min), ultrasound parameters (e.g., maximum arterial diameter, peak systolic and diastolic velocity, and resistance index), arteriography findings, and fluctuations in vital signs (e.g., cardiac output, arterial pressure, and central venous pressure). RESULTS: The experimental procedure was found to be feasible and reproducible. Repairs were successful in all animals in the control (no lesion) and <50 percent lesion groups. Success was also achieved in four out of five pigs in the >50 percent group and in one pig in the complete lesion group. DISCUSSION: The endovascular repair of an arterial injury is possible, but success depends on the circumferential extent of the arterial lesion. The present experimental model, which involved endovascular techniques, highlighted important factors that must be considered in future studies involving similar animals and materials.

Tratamento endovascular de aneurismas da aorta em pacientes com doença de Behçet: relato de dois casos / Endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms in patients with Behcet's disease: report of two cases

A doença de Behçet, uma vasculite sistêmica de causa desconhecida, pode ser causa de doença aneurismática da aorta em alguns portadores dessa patologia. Nós apresentamos nossa experiência com dois casos de aneurismas aórticos em pacientes com doença de Behçet submetidos à terapêutica endovascular, descrevendo seus respectivos seguimentos. A terapêutica atual, a patofisiologia e os critérios diagnósticos vigentes foram revisados. Concluímos que a técnica endovascular é uma excelente opção terapêutica para certos pacientes com doença de Behçet e que esta deve ser acompanhada de tratamento imunossupressivo adequado.

Behcet's disease, a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, may be the cause of aortic aneurysmal diseases in some patients. We report our experience with two Behcet's disease patients who presented with aortic aneurysms and were submitted to endovascular therapy, and describe their respective follow-ups. Current pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment approaches were reviewed. Our experience suggests that the endovascular approach, combined with adequate immunosuppressive treatment, is an excellent therapeutic option for some patients with Behcet's disease suffering from aneurysms.