Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Aspiration Thrombectomy and Ultrasound Accelerated Thrombolysis for Management of Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis (USAT) in pulmonary embolism (PE) management by performing a systematic review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed database was searched to identify articles on Inari's FlowTriever and Penumbra's Indigo mechanical thrombectomy devices (Group A) and the Ekos Endovascular system (Group B). Outcomes variables analyzed include pre- and post-procedure RV/LV ratio, pre- and post-procedure pulmonary artery pressure, hospital length of stay, technical success, specific complications, and mortality rate. Mean values were calculated using the weighted mean approach. RevMan Version 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used to perform the meta-analysis for this study. Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) approach was used to perform a quality assessment of the included articles in order to verify the validity and reliability of the research. RESULTS: 27 studies were in Group A and 28 studies pertained to Group B. There were 1662 patients in Group A and 1273 patients in Group B. Both groups had similar technical success (99.6% vs 99.4%). Thrombectomy showed longer mean procedure time (73.03 ± 14.57 min vs 47.35 ± 3.15 min), lower mean blood loss (325.20 ± 69.15 mL vs 423.05 ± 64.95 mL), shorter mean ICU stay (2.35 ± 1.64 days vs 3.22 ± 1.27 days), and shorter mean overall hospital stay (6.94 ± 4.38 days vs 7.23 ± 2.31 days). EKOS showed greater mean change in Miller Index (9.05 ± 3.35 vs 4.91 ± 3.70) and greater mean change in pulmonary artery pressure (14.17 ± 6.35 mmHg vs 8.11 ± 4.39 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis and percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy are effective therapies for pulmonary embolism with comparable clinical outcomes.

Academic Metrics and Demographics and NIH Grant Funding in Interventional Radiology.

The goal of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between academic productivity and NIH grant funding among academic interventional radiologists. A database containing board-certified US interventional radiologists was previously created for a study evaluating h-index in 2021. The Scopus database was used to add the h-index values for 2023. The NIH RePORTER system was queried to collect any NIH grant funding received by each interventional radiologist. Among the 832 interventional radiologists, 37 physicians received NIH grant funding (33 male; 4 being female). Bivariate analysis showed that h-index and length of publication range were both positively and significantly correlated with NIH grant funding (coefficient= $731,696, p<0.001 and coefficient= $2,957,922, p<0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences between NIH grant funding found between academic ranks (p = 0.430) or genders (p = 0.906). H-index is significantly associated with higher NIH grant funding received by interventional radiologists.

Association of Scholarly Impact to Industrial Contributions Among Academic Interventional Radiologists.

OBJECTIVE: The Physician Sunshine Act of 2010 aimed to increase public awareness of physician-industry relationships. Our objective was to evaluate whether there is an association between scholarly impact and industry funding among academic interventional radiologists. METHODS: A database from a prior study with our group was used in which we had investigated H-indices among US interventional radiologists; academic rank, gender, institution, and geographic location were obtained. The Scopus database was queried to determine all physicians' H-index. The CMS Open Payments database was used to determine industry payments from 2015 to 2021 for each interventional radiologist. RESULTS: H-index and professor rank positively and significantly correlated with industrial funding (H-index coefficient = $6,977, P < .001 and professor rank coefficient = $183,902, P = .003). Industry funding was found to be significantly different between all ranks. Among 830 academic interventional radiologists, the mean industrial funding of male physicians was $130,034, which was significantly higher than female physicians' $28,166 (P = .00013). By academic rank, male primary investigators of associate professor and unranked position had higher industrial funding than female primary investigators (Wilcoxon test, P = .029 and P= .039, respectively). Professor and assistant professor ranks had no significant difference in industrial funding between male and female physicians (Wilcoxon's test, P = .080 and P = .053, respectively). CONCLUSION: Scholarly activity as defined by the H-index and academic rank seem to have a positive association with industry funding of academic interventional radiologists.

Molecular binding mechanism and novel antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive bioactive peptides from fermented camel milk with anti-inflammatory activity in raw macrophages cell lines.

The investigation was to determine the effect of camel milk fermented with Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGL4 (MTCC 25515) on ACE-inhibiting, anti-inflammatory, and diabetes-preventing properties and also to release the novel peptides with antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive attributes with molecular interaction studies. Growth conditions were optimised on the basis of total peptide production by inoculating the culture in camel milk at different rates (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%) along with different incubation periods (12, 24, 36, and 48 h). However, after 48 h of fermentation with a 2.5% rate of inoculum, the highest proteolytic activity was obtained. Reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to calculate the % Rpa from permeates of 3 kDa and 10 kDa fractions. Molecular weight distributions of fermented and unfermented camel milk protein fractions were compared using SDS-PAGE. Spots obtained from 2D gel electrophoresis were separated on the basis of pH and molecular weight. Spots obtained from 2D gel were digested with trypsin, and the digested samples were subjected to RP-LC/MS for the generation of peptide sequences. The inhibition of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 during fermentation was studied using RAW 264.7 macrophages. In the study, fermented camel milk with KGL4 (CMKGL4) inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) by the murine macrophages. The results showed that the peptide structures (YLEELHRLNK and YLQELYPHSSLKVRPILK) exhibited considerable binding affinity against hPAM and hMGA during molecular interaction studies.

Inferior vena cava filter retrievals using advanced techniques: a systematic review.

This study aimed to assess the safety of complex inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval techniques through a systematic review of published literature. Using PubMed, a systematic review was conducted in line with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines to identify articles published through April 2020 that reported on complex IVC filter retrieval techniques in >5 patients. Case reports, review papers, and studies that did not report on primary outcomes or variables of interest were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment scale. Pooled success and complication rates were calculated for the overall number of complex retrieval attempts as well as for each filter type and each complex retrieval method. Sixteen fair-quality and three good-quality studies met the inclusion criteria, with 758 patients (428 female) who had undergone 770 advanced retrieval attempts. The mean age of the patients was 46.5 ± 7.1 years (range: 14.1-90), and the mean dwell time was 602.5 ± 388.6 days (range: 5-7336). Regarding filters, 92.6% (702/758) were retrievable and 7.4% (56/758) were permanent. Indications for complex retrieval included the failure of standard retrieval (89.2%; 676/758) and tilting or embedding in the caval wall (53.8%; 408/758); 92.6% (713/770) of the advanced retrieval attempts were successful. The pooled success rate was 92.0% (602/654) for retrievable filters and 96.4% (53/55) for permanent filters (P = 0.422). Only 2.8% (21/758) of patients experienced major complications, and the major complication rate was not significantly associated with filter type (P = 0.183). Advanced techniques for IVC filter retrieval appear safe for the retrieval of retrievable filters and certain permanent filters, with a low short-term major complication rate. Further studies on complex retrieval techniques used to remove permanent filters should be conducted to clarify their safety with respect to filter type.

Evaluation of h-index in Academic Interventional Radiology.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the association of h-index, a widely used bibliometric factor used to determine promotions and grant allocations, with academic ranking, sex, and geographic distribution in the interventional radiology community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database of all academic interventional radiologists in the US was created; academic rank, sex, institution, and geographic location were obtained. The Scopus database was used to determine the physicians' h-index. RESULTS: Our query identified 832 board-certified interventional radiologists. The mean h-index amongst all interventional radiologists was 10.81 ± 13.17 (median, 7; range, 0-167). H-indices were significantly different amongst assistant professors, associate professors, and professors (p < 0.0001). Our query identified 724 male interventional radiologists and 108 female interventional radiologists. The mean h-index amongst male interventional radiologists was 11.27 ± 13.69 (median, 7; range, 0-167) and amongst female interventional radiologists was 7.72 ± 8.33 (median, 5; range, 0-47). When stratified by rank, there was no statistically significant difference in h-index between male and female interventional radiologists. Multiple regression analysis identified sex is not significantly associated with h-index, but academic rank and region are. CONCLUSION: H-index in academic interventional radiology correlates significantly with faculty position and may be a factor in determining academic promotion. The sex-based differences in h-index seem to be due to the greater number of male faculty in senior academic positions who have been in the field for longer.

Exploring the potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11 on antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and ACE inhibitory effects of fermented dromedary camel milk (Camelus dromedaries) and the release of antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive peptides.

The goal of this investigation was to find antidiabetic peptides and inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (M11) fermented dromedary camel milk (Camelus dromedaries). According to the findings, the rate of antidiabetic activity increased along with the incubation periods and reached its peak after 48 hr of fermentation. The inhibitions of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase were 80.75, 59.62, and 65.46%, respectively. The inhibitory activity of ACE was 78.33%, and the proteolytic activity was 8.90 mg/mL. M11 at 0.25 mg/mL effectively suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and their mediators such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in RAW 264.7 cells. The rate of inoculum in the optimization phase was 1.5-2.5%, and the greatest proteolytic activity was observed after 48 hr of fermentation. The investigation of the above property in the ultrafiltered fermented milk exhibited the highest antidiabetic and ACE inhibition activities in the 3 kDa than 10 kDa fractions. The molecular weight was determined employing SDS-PAGE, and the six-peptide sequences were identified using 2D gel electrophoresis. Due to its high proteolytic activity, the L. paracasei strain has been reported to be useful in the production of ACE-inhibitory and antidiabetic peptides. Amino acid sequences such from ɑ1, ɑ2, and ß-caseins have been identified within fermented camel milk by searching on online databases, including BIOPEP (for antidiabetic peptides) and AHTPDB (for hypertension peptides) to validate the antidiabetic and ACE-inhibitory actions of several peptides. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study aims to identify antidiabetic peptides and inhibit ACE in dromedary camel milk fermented with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11. Maximum antidiabetic and ACE-inhibitory actions of the fermented camel milk were observed in 3 kDa permeate fractions. Fermented camel milk significantly reduced the excessive TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. RP-LC/MS was used to identify 6 bioactive peptides from dromedary fermented camel milk. This fermented camel milk could be used for the management of hypertension and diabetic related problems.

Biological and mechanical response of laser shock peening orthopaedic titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb).

This paper focuses on the evaluation of mechanical and biological properties of laser shock peening (LSP) orthopaedic grade Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. LSP surface treatment was conducted at laser energy of 3 to 7 J with overlaps of 33%-67%, and with a 3 mm laser spot size. Cell viability on laser shock peened surface was evaluated through in-vitro MTT assay, using osteoblast-like MG63 cells for the first-time. Residual stresses, microhardness, microstructure, sliding wear and wetting properties were investigated. Compressive residual stresses were found at various depths due to controlling the LSP parameters, compared to the as-received surface. The laser shock peened surfaces were hardened from 365HV0.05 to 405HV0.05, while the as-received surface was 320HV0.05. The average sub-grain size was refined from 14% to 36% after LSP. The wear resistance was also controllable by altering LSP parameters. The MTT results show that the cell viability on the laser shock peened surfaces was comparatively lower than that of the untreated surface after 24 h. However, after 72 h, the cell viability on modified surfaces were significantly improved. This work indicated that laser shock peened surfaces have a strong potential to decrease the pain from orthopaedic implant failures and promote the cytocompatibility between the bone and implant.

Quality and Reliability of YouTube Videos on Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of information available in YouTube videos on the treatment of uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DISCERN Scale Criterion was used to quantify the quality of YouTube videos on uterine fibroid embolization. The Video Power Index was used to quantify the popularity of videos on uterine fibroid embolization. RESULTS: Among the 31 videos identified in the study, the average total DISCERN score was 48.82 ± 14.48, indicative of average to poor quality. There was no correlation between a video's popularity and its quality. Popularity, as measured by Video Power Index, was not significantly different between videos containing a board-certified physician and those that did not. Videos with a board-certified interventional radiologist had a significantly lower Video Power Index than those without a board-certified physician. CONCLUSION: YouTube is not currently a high-quality source of information for uterine fibroid treatment options. Physicians should be aware of highly viewed material on YouTube to have informed discussions with patients about their treatment options and address misperceptions.

High incidence of large bore temporary hemodialysis catheter malfunction in patients with COVID-19 related kidney injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of large bore hemodialysis catheter malfunction in the setting of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent placement of a temporary hemodialysis catheter after developing kidney injury after COVID-19 infection at our institution. Data collected included demographic information, procedure related information, and incidence of replacement due to lumen thrombosis. Groups were compared using students t-test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for nominal variables. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (43M, mean age 63.2 ± 13.3) underwent placement of temporary hemodialysis catheter placement for kidney injury related to COVID 19 infection. Thirty-one (48.4%) of catheters were placed via an internal jugular vein (IJV) access and 33 (52.6%) of catheters were placed via a common femoral vein (CFV) access. Overall, 15 (23.4%) catheters required replacement due to catheter dysfunction. There were no differences in demographics in patients who required replacement to those who did not (p > 0.05). Of the replacements, 5/31 (16%) were placed via an IJV access and 10/33 (30.3%) were placed via a CFV access (p = 0.18). The average time to malfunction/replacement was 7.8 ± 4.8 days for catheters placed via an IJ access versus 3.4 ± 3.3 days for catheters placed via a CFV access (p = 0.055). CONCLUSION: A high incidence of temporary dialysis catheter lumen dysfunction was present in patients with COVID-19 infection. Catheters placed via a femoral vein access had more frequent dysfunction with shorter indwelling time.

Current Trends and Applications of Food-derived Antihypertensive Peptides for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease.

Food-derived antihypertensive peptides are considered a natural supplement for controlling hypertension. Food protein serves as a macronutrient and acts as a raw material for the biosynthesis of physiologically active peptides. Food sources, like milk and milk products, animal proteins such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and plant-derived proteins from food products like soy, rice, wheat, mushroom, and pumpkins contain higher quantities of antihypertensive peptides. The food-derived antihypertensive peptides can suppress the action of renin and the angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE), which are mainly involved in the regulation of blood pressure by RAS. ACE inhibitory peptides enhance endothelial nitric oxide's biosynthesis, which increases nitric oxide production in vascular walls and encourages vasodilation. The peptides also inhibit the interaction between angiotensin II and its receptor, which helps reduce hypertension. This review explores the novel sources and applications of food-derived peptides for the management of hypertension.

Inferior vena cava filter fracture with strut migration on CT with volume rendering.

We present the computed tomography findings in a patient with a fractured IVC filter and migration of a broken strut to the right lower quadrant. The filter morphology and strut fragment are well demonstrated on volume rendered images confirming the value of volumetric 3D computed tomography imaging to evaluate IVC filter integrity and identify migrated filter fragments.

Perioperative Blood Loss after Preoperative Prostatic Artery Embolization in Patients Undergoing Simple Prostatectomy: A Propensity Score‒Matched Study.

PURPOSE: To assess perioperative blood loss following prostatic artery embolization (PAE) before surgery in patients undergoing simple prostatectomy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was used to identify 63 patients (mean age, 65.3 ± 8.0 years) with prostatic hypertrophy and severe lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent prostatectomy from September 2014 to December 2019, 18 (28.5%) of whom underwent PAE before surgery. Demographic data, pertinent laboratory results, procedural or operative information, hospital course details, and pathology reports were obtained. A 2:1 propensity score‒matching analysis was performed to compare intraoperative blood loss in patients who underwent prostatectomy alone with intraoperative blood loss in those who first underwent bilateral PAE before surgery. RESULTS: Sixteen (89%) of the 18 patients underwent bilateral PAE before surgery. Thirty-two patients who underwent prostatectomy without embolization before surgery were selected for the 2:1 propensity score‒matched analysis based on age, race, surgery type, prostate gland size, and comorbidities. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) for prostatectomy alone was 545 ± 380 mL (mean ± standard deviation). There was a statistically significant reduction in the EBL for patients who underwent bilateral PAE (303 ± 227 mL, P < .01). The operative time was also significantly decreased for patients who underwent PAE before surgery (P < .05). For patients who underwent PAE, there were no complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral PAE before surgery appears to be safe and may be effective in reducing perioperative bleeding and operative time.

Preoperative embolization of renal cell carcinoma prior to partial nephrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative renal artery embolization of renal cell carcinoma in reducing intraoperative blood loss during subsequent partial nephrectomy through a systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for articles published from 1970 to 2018 describing patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent partial nephrectomy with and without preoperative embolization of the tumor. Demographic data, procedural techniques, and surgical outcomes were obtained when available. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to determine estimated blood loss in both groups of patients. RESULTS: The literature search identified 14 relevant articles for systematic review, of which 4 articles provided sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. 270 patients (173 males, 97 females) underwent partial nephrectomy for RCC, of whom 222 received pre-operative embolization. There were 48 patients in our cohort that underwent partial nephrectomy for RCC without preoperative embolization. Random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference between EBL in patients undergoing RAE prior to partial nephrectomy vs partial nephrectomy without preoperative embolization, with EBL of 154.0 ± 22.6 mL (n = 222) and 353.4 ± 69.6 mL (n = 478), respectively (p < 0.0001). Major complications occurred in 4.9% of patients undergoing pre-operative embolization followed by partial nephrectomy, whereas major complications occurred in 10.9% of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy without embolization (p = 0.01). Minor complications occurred in 5.8% of patients undergoing embolization and partial nephrectomy and in 19.0% of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy without embolization (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Renal artery embolization prior to surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma is safe and significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

Perioperative blood loss after embolization of hypervascular musculoskeletal tumors outside of the spine: A single-center ten year experience and systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes following trans-arterial embolization of hypervascular appendicular bony tumors in patients undergoing orthopedic resection by performing a systematic review including data from the authors' institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2008 to August 2018, 73 patients (59 males, mean age 58.1 years) with musculoskeletal tumors presented for embolization for preoperative devascularization prior to orthopedic surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify demographic, procedural and surgical data. A systematic review of the Pubmed, Medline, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify studies in which pre-operative embolization was performed of appendicular MSK tumors, and with measurements of estimated blood loss. All the variables listed above were recorded. A patient level analysis was performed to determine average estimated blood loss. RESULTS: 58 patients (47 men, 11 women, range 21-84 years) were included in our institutional analysis. The median EBL was 500 mL (range 100-3000). There was no difference in EBL between RCC (719.6 ± 626.1) and non-RCC groups (855.6 ± 657.5); p = 0.44. The median intra-operative transfusion requirement was 1.0 unit (range 0-8 ± 2.06). From 1984 to 2015, 9 studies were identified that provided data for a total of 118 patients (46 males, 42 females, range 10-82 years). The mean and median post-surgical EBL across all patients was 976.9 ± 78.5 (SE) and 725 mL (range 10-7000), respectively. There were no complications related to non-target embolization. CONCLUSION: Preoperative trans-arterial embolization of hypervascular MSK neoplasms appears to be safe and effective in minimizing peri- and post-operative bleeding while keeping transfusion requirements low.

Percutaneous Ablative Therapies for the Management of Osteoid Osteomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of percutaneous ablative therapy for the treatment for osteoid osteomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed database, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were searched from their inception until November 2019 for articles describing osteoid osteoma. Demographic data, success rates, pre- and post-procedure VAS scores, and complications were recorded. A random-effects meta-analyses of the VAS pain score at various time points were calculated. RESULTS: For radiofrequency ablation, VAS scores for pain at pre-procedure, 24-48 h, and 3-6 months yielded cumulative pain scores of 7.64 +/- 0.175, 0.78 +/- 0.186, and 0.02 +/- 0.0196, respectively. For cryoablation, VAS scores at pre-procedure, 24-48 h, and 3-6 months yielded cumulative pain scores of 8.46 +/- 0.549, 0.975 +/- 0.66, and 0.112 +/- 0.08, respectively. For laser ablation, VAS scores at pre-procedure and 24-48 h yielded cumulative pain scores of 4.94 +/- 1.42, and 0.506 +/- 0.268, respectively. For microwave ablation, VAS scores at pre-procedure, 24-48 h, and 3-6 months yielded cumulative pain scores of 6.14 +/- 1.07, 1.636 +/- 1.215, and 0 +/- 0.0, respectively. All ablation methods resulted in significant immediate and lasting pain reduction (p < 0.001). Technical and clinical success rates and major complications for RFA, microwave ablation, laser ablation, and cryoablation did not differ significantly. Overall recurrence of bone pain at the same site occurred in 4.06% of all patients an average of 11 months post-procedure. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ablative therapies are safe and result in significant and lasting pain reduction as demonstrated through visual analog scale pain scores.

Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment of Portal Vein Stenosis in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of Angioplasty and Stent Placement for the treatment of Portal Vein Stenosis in Liver Transplant Recipients by performing a systematic review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed Database was extensively searched for articles describing Portal Vein Stenosis (PVS) as a complication in Liver Transplant (LT) patients. The initial database search yielded 488 unique records published in the PubMed Database, 19 of which were deemed to meet the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were separated into 2 groups (Group A included patients with primary angioplasty, Group B included patients with primary stent placement), and further subdivided into Adult and Pediatric populations. RESULTS: Group A included a total of 282 LT patients with portal vein stenosis. The population was predominantly pediatric (n = 243). Group B included a total of 111 LT patients with portal vein stenosis. This population was predominantly adult (n = 66). Technical success was significantly higher in both Group B pediatric (100%) and adults (97%) compared to Group A (69.5%) and (66.7%) respectively. Re-stenosis rates were significantly lower in Group B pediatric group compared to Group A (2.3% vs 29.7%, χ2 = 13.9; p < 0.001). Overall major (3.1%) and minor complications rates (1.5%) were low. CONCLUSION: Primary stent placement appears to have higher technical success in both populations and lower re-stenosis rates for treatment of PVS in pediatric populations.

Safety and Feasibility of Transradial Access in Patients Presenting With Traumatic Injuries: A Single Urban Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of transradial approach (TRA) for endovascular management of traumatic bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at a single level 1 trauma institution from August 2018 to July 2019. Patients presented to the interventional radiology department who were intended to be treating using TRA for the management of trauma-induced bleeding were selected. Demographics, indication for embolization, embolization site, preprocedural labs, hemodynamic stability, technical success, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Transradial approach was attempted in 29 (74.4%) of the 39 patients identified by operators who prefer TRA. Four patients received treatment using TRA on 2 separate occasions, for a total of 33 procedures completed with a technical success of 97% (32/33). Transradial approach was safely completed in 9 patients (27.3%) with preprocedural hemodynamically unstable status. For the 10 patients who received treatment via a transfemoral approach (TFA), traumatic disfiguration of the left upper extremity, preexisting arterial lines placed by the trauma team, and external iliac artery injuries requiring covered stent placement were the most common indications for TFA over TRA. There were no procedural or access site-related complications. CONCLUSION: Transradial approach for the endovascular management of bleeding in a trauma setting is safe and effective with a high technical success rate and no complications.

Trauma CT evaluation prior to selective angiography in patients with traumatic injuries: negative predictive power and factors affecting its utility.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive power of arterial injury detected on contrast-enhanced CT (trauma CT (tCT)) imaging obtained prior to selective angiography for treatment of patients with traumatic abdominal and pelvic injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent angiography after undergoing contrast-enhanced CT imaging for the evaluation/treatment of traumatic injuries to the abdomen and pelvis between March 2014 and September 2018. Data collection included demographics, pertinent history and physical findings, CT and angiography findings, treatment information, and outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-nine (63 males, mean age = 45.8 ± 20.5 years) patients that were found to have 102 traumatic injuries on tCT and subsequently underwent angiography met inclusion criteria for this study. Sixty-four injuries demonstrated evidence of traumatic vascular injury on initial tCT. A negative tCT was able to predict subsequent negative angiography in 83% of cases (negative predictive power = 83%). The ability of tCT to rule out a positive finding on subsequent angiography was also 83% (sensitivity = 83%). The average systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin concentration at the time of tCT were higher in patients who had positive tCT than in patients with negative tCT (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The average time to angiography was greater in patients whom had subsequent negative angiography than the patients who had subsequent positive angiography (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced CT imaging may be able to help stratify patients who may have subsequent negative angiograms. Hemodynamic factors may affect sensitivity of tCT. Shorter time to angiography may increase the chance of identifying the injury on subsequent angiography.

Readability Assessment of Internet-based Patient Education Materials Related to Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the current readability levels for online Internet-Based Patient Education Materials (IPEMs) related to treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and prostate artery embolization (PAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Google search engine we identified 40 IPEMs pertaining to TURP and PAE. Readability analysis was performed using the following algorithms: Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Formula (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and the Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook (GFOG). Scores are categorized by difficulty (FRES) and grade level (FKGL, SMOG, GFOG). RESULTS: Only 7.5% (3/40) websites met the United States Department of Health and Human Services recommendation of a sixth grade or lower comprehension levels, with FRES scores in the "fairly easy" category. Comparison of TURP to PAE groups showed that TURP readability scores with respect FRES and FKGL were significantly easier to read. According to SMOG and GFOG analysis there was no difference between the two groups by grade level, which demonstrated an average at the 12th grade reading level. Subgroup analysis of IPEM type, categorized as Health Networks (12), University Hospitals (14), Clinical Practices (6), and Miscellaneous (8), found no difference in reading level across all scoring systems. CONCLUSION: Currently available IPEMs pertaining to benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment options are written at a level that is too difficult for the average American to understand. Physicians and health networks should take United States Department of Health and Human Services recommendations into consideration when designing IPEMs to optimize accessibility of health information to improve patient compliance and outcomes.