Percutaneous treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysm with a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered nitinol stent-graft via a 10-F introducer sheath.

Two patients with dissecting (n = 1) and saccular (n = 1) aneurysms of the infrarenal abdominal aorta with very narrow proximal and distal aortic necks underwent treatment with percutaneous implantation of self-expandable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered nitinol stent-grafts on an off-label basis. The stent-grafts had maximum diameters of 13.5 mm and were deployed via 10-F introducer sheaths. Complete coverage of both aneurysms was achieved without evidence of endoleaks. The only complication observed was a pseudoaneurysm of the femoral access site in one patient, which was treated conservatively. Based on the experience described in this report, an aortic aneurysm with a narrow aortic neck can be safely treated with a PTFE-covered nitinol stent-graft.

Endovascular repair of arterial iliac vessel wall lesions with a self-expandable nitinol stent graft system.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic outcome after endovascular repair of iliac arterial lesions (IALs) using a self-expandable Nitinol stent graft system. METHODS: Between July 2006 and March 2013, 16 patients (13 males, mean age: 68 years) with a self-expandable Nitinol stent graft. A total of 19 lesions were treated: nine true aneurysms, two anastomotic aneurysms, two dissections, one arteriovenous fistula, two type 1B endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair, one pseudoaneurysm, and two perforations after angioplasty. Pre-, intra-, and postinterventional imaging studies and the medical records were analyzed for technical and clinical success and postinterventional complications. RESULTS: The primary technical and clinical success rate was 81.3% (13/16 patients) and 75.0% (12/16), respectively. Two patients had technical failure due to persistent type 1A endoleak and another patient due to acute stent graft thrombosis. One patient showed severe stent graft kinking on the first postinterventional day. In two patients, a second intervention was performed. The secondary technical and clinical success rate was 87.5% (14/16) and 93.8% (15/16). The minor complication rate was 6.3% (patient with painful hematoma at the access site). The major complication rate was 6.3% (patient with ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis). During median follow-up of 22.4 months, an infection of the aneurysm sac in one patient and a stent graft thrombosis in another patient were observed. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair of various IALs with a self-expandable Nitinol stent graft is safe and effective.

Artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography caused by dental materials.

BACKGROUND: Artifacts caused by dental restorations, such as dental crowns, dental fillings and orthodontic appliances, are a common problem in MRI and CT scans of the head and neck. The aim of this in-vitro study was to identify and evaluate the artifacts produced by different dental restoration materials in CT and MRI images. METHODS: Test samples of 44 materials (Metal and Non-Metal) commonly used in dental restorations were fabricated and embedded with reference specimens in gelatin moulds. MRI imaging of 1.5T and CT scan were performed on the samples and evaluated in two dimensions. Artifact size and distortions were measured using a digital image analysis software. RESULTS: In MRI, 13 out of 44 materials produced artifacts, while in CT 41 out of 44 materials showed artifacts. Artifacts produced in both MRI and CT images were categorized according to the size of the artifact. SIGNIFICANCE: Metal based restoration materials had strong influence on CT and less artifacts in MRI images. Rare earth elements such as Ytterbium trifluoride found in composites caused artifacts in both MRI and CT. Recognizing these findings would help dental materials manufacturers and developers to produce materials which can cause less artifacts in MRI and CT images.