Knowledge of the monkeypox 2022 outbreak among dental hygienists and students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of monkeypox infection among dental hygiene professionals and students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of dental hygiene professionals (n = 259). The questionnaire was developed based on previous literature, and descriptive analysis and a Chi-square test were performed. RESULTS: A total of 159 dental hygienists responded to the questionnaire. Results indicated that only 1.7% had good knowledge, 7.7% had moderate knowledge and 90.6% had low knowledge of the monkeypox outbreak. The mean knowledge scores varied among dental hygiene students, practitioners and faculty members. Significant group differences were observed for some questions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that dental hygienists had moderate to low level of knowledge of the monkeypox infection and its implications for oral health and patient care, indicating a need for more education on the subject.

Manometric perfusion test in biliary strictures treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the biliary manometric perfusion test (BMPT) for evaluating success in treating benign biliary strictures. METHODOLOGY: During 2003 to 2010, 29 patients were subjected to BMPT after percutaneous balloon dilatation treatment. Intrabiliary pressure less than 20cm of water was considered the success threshold. Results of BMPT evaluation were retrospectively compared with a similar group where the standard clinical test was used for evaluating treatment success. The clinical test group included 21 patients treated for biliary strictures from 1994 to 2006. RESULTS: The two groups were statistically similar by age and gender. The BMPT group was tested without complications and pressure inside the biliary tree was less than 20cm of water in 27 of 29 patients. Subsequently, catheters were removed from all 27. Three patients required re-interventions 13 days, 11 months and 32 months later. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the probability of biliary patency at 3 year was 82.2%. There was no significant difference between groups by this measure (log rank test, p=0.624). CONCLUSIONS: The manometric test is an alternative for evaluating success in treating benign biliary strictures. It is simple, less time-consuming, economical, safe, effective and more comfortable for patients than the clinical test.

Is endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms with simultaneous unilateral revascularization of internal iliac artery by branched iliac stentgraft sufficient?

AIMS: The coverage / occlusion of internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms (AIA) can be associated with risk of ischemic complications. To reduce these complications, unilateral or bilateral iliac branch device implantation (IBDI) has been reported. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of simultaneous unilateral IBDI in the treatment of AIAs and comparing our results with literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2010 to December 2019, 27 patients (25 men, 2 women, range 54-84 years) were treated for aorto-iliac/isolated common iliac aneurysms with simultaneous unilateral revascularization of IIA and surgical / endovascular occlusion of contralateral IIA. 27 iliac-branched devices were implanted in 27 patients. The results including ischemic complications were evaluated and compared with literature. RESULTS: The technical success was 100% with no perioperative mortality and morbidity of 3.7%. Primary internal iliac branch patency at a median follow-up of 52 months (range 1-118 months) was 96.42%. Secondary endoleak was observed in 6 patients (Type 1a [1], Type 1b [1], Type II [4]) and inflammatory complication in 1 patient. The incidence of buttock claudication one year after the procedure was 11.1%. Except for buttock claudication no other ischemic complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Unilateral flow preservation in the IIA territory using IBDI is associated with a lesser, but a certain risk of ischemic complications. Bilateral IBDI with bilateral flow preservation of IIAs increases the complexity, procedure -/ fluoroscopy times, contrast agent volume and cost, however, may further reduce these ischemic complications.

Spleno-adrenal fusion mimicking an adrenal metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma: A case report and embryological background.

Foci of splenic tissue separated from the spleen can occur as a congenital anomaly. Isolated nodules of splenic tissue are called accessory spleens or spleniculli. However, nodules of splenic tissue can merge with other organs during embryonic development, in which case we speak of spleno-visceral fusions: most often, they merge with the tail of the pancreas (thus forming spleno-pancreatic fusion or an intrapancreatic accessory spleen), with the reproductive gland (i.e., spleno-gonadal fusion), or with the kidney (i.e., spleno-renal fusion). Our case report describes the fusion of heterotopic splenic tissue with the right adrenal gland, which was misinterpreted as a metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spleno-adrenal fusion. Spleno-visceral fusions usually represent asymptomatic conditions; their main clinical significance lies in the confusion they cause and its misinterpretation as tumors of other organs. We believe that the cause of retroperitoneal spleno-visceral fusions is the anomalous migration of splenic cells along the dorsal mesentery to the urogenital ridge, together with primitive germ cells, at the end of the fifth week and during the sixth week of embryonic age. This theory explains the possible origin of spleno-visceral fusions, their different frequency of occurrence, and the predominance of findings on the left side.

Feasibility and safety of automated CO2 angiography in peripheral arterial interventions.

ABSTRACT: Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is an established alternative to iodine contrast during angiography in patients with risk of postcontrast acute kidney injury and in those with history of iodine contrast allergy. Different CO2 delivery systems during angiography are reported in literature, with automated delivery system being the latest. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and learning curve of an automated CO2 injection system with controlled pressures in peripheral arterial interventions and also to study the patients' tolerance to the system.From January 2018 to October 2019 peripheral arterial interventions were performed in 40 patients (median age-78 years, interquartile range: 69-84 years) using an automated CO2 injection system with customized protocols, with conventional iodine contrast agent used only as a bailout option. The pain and tolerance during the CO2 angiography were evaluated with a visual analog scale at the end of each procedure. The amount of CO2, iodine contrast used, and radiation dose area product for the interventions were also systematically recorded for all procedures. These values were statistically compared in 2 groups, viz first 20 patients where a learning curve was expected vs the rest 20 patients.All procedures were successfully completed without complications. All patients tolerated the CO2 angiography with a median total pain score of 3 (interquartile range: 3-4), with no statistical difference between the groups (P = .529). The 2 groups were statistically comparable in terms of comorbidities and the type of procedures performed (P = .807). The amount of iodine contrast agent used (24.60 ±â€Š6.44 ml vs 32.70 ±â€Š8.70 ml, P = .006) and the radiation dose area product associated were significantly lower in the second group (2160.74 ±â€Š1181.52 µGym2 vs 1531.62 ±â€Š536.47 µGym2, P = .043).Automated CO2 angiography is technically feasible and safe for peripheral arterial interventions and is well tolerated by the patients. With the interventionalist becoming familiar with the technique, better diagnostic accuracy could be obtained using lower volumes of conventional iodine contrast agents and reduction of the radiation dose involved.

Association between negative preoperative axillary node staging and surgical sentinel node biopsy in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer: A retrospective analysis.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the preoperative ultrasound findings in patients with minimal or almost no morphological changes of axillary lymph nodes (LN) and to correlate these findings with the results of sentinel node (SN) biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and September 2018, 289 female patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and negative preoperative axillary staging were examined with preoperative ultrasound evaluation of axillary LNs. Patients with no evidence of LN metastases underwent primary surgical treatment with SN biopsy. Negative predictive value (NPV) of preoperative ultrasound was evaluated and the histopathological findings in positive SN biopsies were correlated with tumour type and preoperative ultrasound LN imaging. RESULTS: Of 289 patients with negative preoperative axillary staging who had primary surgical treatment, 268 patients had negative SN biopsy while SN metastases were detected in 21 patients. Of patients with positive SN biopsies, 2 patients had negative core biopsy of axillary LN before surgery. The preoperative ultrasound examination was negative in the remaining 19 patients with SN metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative ultrasonography is very accurate in the detecting of axillary LN metastases. Patients with primary tumour size ≥ 1 cm, with grade ≥ 2 no special type carcinomas (NST - no special type, also known as invasive ductal carcinoma) or multicentric lobular invasive cancer should undergo a more thorough ultrasound evaluation.

Are X-ray Safety Glasses Alone Enough for Adequate Ocular Protection in Complex Radiological Interventions?

ABSTRACT: The maximum annual radiation ocular dose limit for medical staff has been reduced to 20 mSv in the current European directive 2013/59/Euratom. This multi-centric study aims at reporting the protected and unprotected eye lens doses in different fluoroscopically guided interventions and to evaluate any other factors that could influence the ocular dose. From July 2018 to July 2019, ocular radiation doses of six interventionists of four departments during complex interventions were recorded with a thermoluminescent dosimeter in front of and behind radiation protection glasses to measure the protected and unprotected doses. The position of personnel, intervention type, fluoroscopy time, total body dose and use of pre-installed protection devices like lead acrylic shields were also systematically recorded. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the doses at 2 y and 5 y. The annual unprotected/protected ocular doses of six interventionists were 67/21, 32.7/3.3, 27.4/5.1, 7/0, 21.8/2.2, and 0/0 mSv, respectively. The unprotected dose crossed the 20-mSv annual limits for four interventionists and protected dose for one less experienced interventionist. The estimated 5-y protected ocular dose of this interventionist was 101.318 mSv (95%CI 96.066-106.57), also crossing the 5-y limit. The use of a lead acrylic shield was observed to have a significant effect in reducing ocular doses. The annual unprotected and protected ocular doses for interventionists dealing with complex interventions could cross the present permitted yearly limit. The measurement of significant protected ocular dose behind the radiation protection glasses emphasizes the additional indispensable role of pre-installed radiation protection devices and training in reducing radiation doses for complex procedures.

Role of Endoluminal Techniques in the Management of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection and Intramural Haematoma.

Twenty-five years ago, optimal medical management was the mainstay of treatment in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) and intramural haematoma (IMH), with surgery being reserved for cases with rupture or critical branch vessel ischaemia. Less invasive endoluminal management of TBAD and IMH has developed rapidly over the past two and a half decades, thus changing the treatment algorithm in these patients. Today the focus has shifted to primary management with a combination of endoluminal intervention and optimal medical treatment. The purpose of this article is to describe the various interventional techniques, discuss the indications for intervention, and present the results in the current literature regarding clinical (rupture, branch vessel ischaemia) as well as morphological response (aortic remodelling), complications, and morbidity/mortality associated with endoluminal intervention.

Stentless Root Replacement versus Tissue Valves in Infective Endocarditis - A Propensity-Score Matched Study.

INTRODUCTION: People with aortic/prosthetic valve endocarditis are a high-risk cohort of patients who present a challenge for all medically involved disciplines and who can be treated by various surgical techniques. METHODS: We analyzed the results of treatment of root endocarditis with Medtronic Freestyle® in full-root technique over 19 years (1999-2018) and compared them against treatment with other tissue valves. Comparison was made with propensity score matching, using the nearest neighbor method. Various tests were performed as suited for adequate analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients in the Medtronic Freestyle group (FS group) were matched against 54 complex root endocarditis patients treated with other tissue valves (Tissue group). Hospital mortality was 9/54 (16.7%) in the FS group vs. 14/54 (25.6%) in the Tissue group (P=0.24). Cox regression performed for early results demonstrated coronary heart disease (P=0.004, odds ratio 2.3), among others, influencing early mortality. Recurrent infection was low (1.8% for FS and Tissue patients) and freedom from reoperation was 97.2% at a total of 367 patient-years of follow-up (median of 2.7 years). CONCLUSION: The stentless xenograft is a viable alternative for treatment of valve/root/prosthetic endocarditis, demonstrating a low rate of reinfection. The design of the bioroot allows for complex reconstructive procedures at the outflow tract and the annular level with at an acceptable operative risk. Endocarditis patients can be treated excluding infective tissue from the bloodstream, possibly with benefits, concerning bacteremia and recurrent infection. Furthermore, the use of the stentless bioroot offers varying treatment options in case of future valve degeneration.

Unusual Access for the Treatment of Iliac Artery Aneurysm in Association with Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Repair of an Aortoiliac Aneurysm.

Internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAAs), although rare, are associated with a significant risk of mortality, if they rupture. Endovascular approach with exclusion of the aneurysm sac from antegrade and retrograde perfusion is proved to be a feasible treatment option. However, this option is not always technically possible with a preexisting endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or surgical aortoiliac reconstruction with ligation of internal iliac artery origin. We report another safe treatment option of an enlarging IIAA associated with a type II endoleak after EVAR and a standard endovascular treatment was not possible. The access to the aneurysm sac was achieved retrograde via percutaneous access to the superior gluteal artery under fluoroscopy followed by treatment with embolization of the inflow and outflow vessels.

Personal Radiation Protection and Corresponding Dosimetry in Interventional Radiology: An Overview and Future Developments. / Persönliche Strahlenschutzmittel und Dosimetrie des medizinischen Personals in der interventionellen Radiologie: Aktueller Status und neue Entwicklungen.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of minimally invasive fluoroscopy-guided interventions is likely to result in higher radiation exposure for interventional radiologists and medical staff. Not only the number of procedures but also the complexity of these procedures and therefore the exposure time as well are growing. There are various radiation protection means for protecting medical staff against scatter radiation. This article will provide an overview of the different protection devices, their efficacy in terms of radiation protection and the corresponding dosimetry. METHOD: The following key words were used to search the literature: radiation protection, eye lens dose, radiation exposure in interventional radiology, cataract, cancer risk, dosimetry in interventional radiology, radiation dosimetry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Optimal radiation protection always requires a combination of different radiation protection devices. Radiation protection and monitoring of the head and neck, especially of the eye lenses, is not yet sufficiently accepted and further development is needed in this field. To reduce the risk of cataract, new protection glasses with an integrated dosimeter are to be introduced in clinical routine practice. KEY POINTS: · A combination of personal radiation protection devices and optimized dosimetry improves the safety of medical staff.. CITATION FORMAT: · König AM, Etzel R, Thomas RP et al. Personal Radiation Protection and Corresponding Dosimetry in Interventional Radiology: An Overview and Future Developments. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2019; 191: 512 - 521.

Hospital Results of a Single Center Database for Stentless Xenograft Use in a Full Root Technique in Over 970 Patients.

Our aim was to analyse the hospital outcome for the worldwide largest series of stentless bioroot xenografts (Medtronic Freestyle) as full root replacement in a single centre over a period of 18 years. Retrospective data analysis was performed for the entire cohort of patients undergoing aortic root surgery with the Medtronic Freestyle valve prosthesis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse predictors of in-hospital mortality. 971 patients underwent aortic full root replacement with the Medtronic Freestyle valve in the period from 1999-2017, with an average age of 68.8 ± 10.3y and gender distribution of 608:363 (male:female). Concomitant surgery was performed in 693 patients (71.4%). In-hospital all-comers mortality was 9.8% (95 patients), with the respective highest risk profiles including dissections (6.4%), endocarditis (5.6%) and re-do procedures (12.5%). In-hospital mortality for elective patients was 7.6% while isolated aortic root replacement demonstrated a mortality of 3.6%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated age (OR 1.05, p = 0.005), dissection (OR 5.78, p < 0.001) and concomitant bypass surgery (OR 2.68, p < 0.001) as preoperative risk factors for the entire cohort. Postoperative analysis demonstrated myocardial infarction (OR 48.6, p < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (OR 20.2, p < 0.001) to be independent risk factors influencing mortality. This analysis presents a work-through of all patients with stentless bioroot treatment without positive selection in a high-volume clinical center with the largest experience world-wide for this form of complex surgery. Isolated aortic root replacement could be performed at acceptable operative risk for this technically-challenging procedure.

Will X-ray Safety Glasses Become Mandatory for Radiological Vascular Interventions?

PURPOSE: The annual permissible radiation ocular lens dose has been reduced to 20 millisieverts (mSv) in the current European directive 2013/59/Euratom. The aim of this study was to evaluate the personal radiation dose for vascular interventions with special focus on ocular lens dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2016 to October 2016, the personal radiation doses of two interventionists and four technicians were prospectively recorded during 206 vascular interventions. The position of personnel, intervention type and fluoroscopy time were recorded. Parameters evaluated were total body dose measured by film dosimeter, hand dose measured by ring thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and ocular lens dose measured by TLD placed in front of the safety glasses. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the dose at 2 and 5 years. RESULTS: The ocular lens dose, hand and total body dose of the two interventionists were 11/5, 56/47 and 0.6 mSv each, respectively. The estimated 5-year ocular dose was 113.08 mSv (95% CI 38.2-187.97)/40.95 (95% CI 16.9-64.7). Similarly, hand dose was 608.4 mSv (95% CI 442.78-774.38)/514.47 (95% CI 329.83-699.10) and body dose 6.07 mSv (95% CI 4.70-8.22)/5.12 (95% CI 3.65-6.59), respectively. Amongst four technicians, only the first assistant showed recordings of 0.3 mSv body dose, 2 mSv ocular lens dose and 5 mSv hand dose. CONCLUSION: The yearly ocular lens dose, particularly for interventionists dealing with complex interventions, could cross the permitted yearly limit set by the new Euratom directive. Therefore, X-ray safety glasses would become mandatory for complex radiological vascular interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

Retrograde type a dissection in a 24th gestational week pregnant patient - the importance of interdisciplinary interaction to a successful outcome.

BACKGROUND: Type A Dissection in pregnancy is a devastating medical condition with 2 lives at stake and unclear strategy at early gestational stages. We describe a successful outcome, clearly dependent on the coordination of all involved disciplines. CASE PRESENTATION: This case history describes a 28 year old female with a 24th week pregnancy gravida 2 para 0 with a DeBakey Type I aortic dissection, diagnosed via ultrasound. Surgery was perfomed on the day of diagnosis. After conferral with the mother, caesarean section was performed and a 690 g fetus could be delivered and was immediately transferred to the neonatal unit. Subsequent aortic repair was performed after hysterectomy, with replacement of the ascending aorta and hemiarch treatment. Intraoperatively no entry in the ascending aorta or transverse arch could be demonstrated, so that a retrograde Type A with entry distal to the left subclavian had to be postulated. We decided to perform subsequent computer tomography, demonstrating multiple entry sites in the descending aorta distal to the left subclavian artery. Successful endovascular treatment could be performed with a Medtronic Valiant Stent via a transfemoral approach. The further hospital stay was uneventful and the patient could be discharged on the 18th postoperative day. The baby demonstrated fighter qualities and could be discharged home after a 3 month hospital stay to be reunited with his mother. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis, precise coordination between all involved subspecialties and ultimately, as in this case, definitive treatment in consensus with operative and interventional departments have led to a successful outcome and encourages us in our daily struggle in this often demanding surgery.

Total aortic arch replacement using elephant trunk or frozen elephant trunk technique: a case-control matching study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of aortic arch diseases is one of the most challenging issues in cardiovascular surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome after frozen elephant trunk (FET) with conventional elephant trunk (ET) technique. METHODS: Out of a total of 551 patients after thoracic aortic surgery, we analyzed 70 consecutive patients, who underwent aortic arch replacement with ET or FET technique between 2001 and 2017 in our institution. The patients were case-control matched in regard to such variables as age, sex, presence of an acute aortic dissection and necessity for concomitant procedures. The analysis included 25 patient pairs. RESULTS: Among the 25 FET patients, eleven patients were female, the median age was 69, 15 (60%) patients had an aortic dissection and thirteen needed various concomitant procedures. In the second group, treated with conventional ET technique, 10 (40%) patients were female, the median age was 66 years, thirteen presented with an aortic dissection and 16 (64%) underwent concomitant procedures. These and other characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. In-hospital mortality was statistically similar: 5 (20%) in the FET group vs. 8 (32%) for ET group (P=0.52). The incidence of stroke, acute renal failure and postoperative bleeding was comparable. The length of stay in the intensive care unit did not differ between the cohorts (P=0.258). Predictors of in-hospital mortality were length of the operation, bleeding postoperatively, and acute renal failure. The one-year survival rates were higher in the FET cohort compared to the conventional approach (60% vs. 38%), however without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In regard to the short- and mid-term outcome, there were only slight differences between both techniques. In patients with extensive aneurysmal aortic disease, conventional ET and FET procedures seem to be associated with acceptable satisfactory mid-term outcome.

Urgent Endovascular Treatment for Non-traumatic Descending Thoracic Aortic Rupture.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of endovascular repair of non-traumatic rupture of the descending thoracic aorta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to August 2017, 22 consecutive patients (16 men, mean age 73.7 years, range 63-92 years) with non-traumatic rupture of the descending thoracic aorta were treated endovascularly. Thirty-day mortality as well as procedure-related morbidity including stroke, renal, pulmonary and spinal complications were retrospectively assessed. Median follow-up was 29 months (range 6-65 months). RESULTS: Nine patients had type B dissections, and 13 had atherosclerotic aortic aneurysms. The technical success was 100%; 86.3% of patients (19/22) were treated percutaneously. Thirteen patients (59%) received a single endograft, 8 (36%) received 2 endografts, and 1 received 3 endografts. The endograft diameters ranged between 28 and 46 mm. Two dissection patients received additional distal bare metal true lumen stents. Eleven patients required additional drainage of thoracic hematoma. Three primary percutaneous sites (15.7%) required surgical revision. No spinal cord ischemic or renal complications were observed. Stroke was observed in 2 patients (9%), both with full coverage of left subclavian artery origin. Four patients (18%) required tracheostomy with prolonged respiratory support (range 10-15 days). The median intensive care unit stay was 5 days (range 1-27 days). The 30-day mortality was 18.1% (4/22). CONCLUSION: Endoluminal repair of non-traumatic rupture of the descending thoracic aorta can be performed percutaneously. It showed a 30-day mortality of 18.1%, and no spinal cord injury or renal complications were observed in surviving patients at follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, case series.

Percutaneous treatment of benign biliary strictures and biliary manometric perfusion test.

BACKGROUND: Benign biliary strictures are usually treated surgically or endoscopically. When these strictures are not accessible by endoscope or when open repair is not possible, percutaneous dilatation treatment is indicated. The efficacy of treatment is usually evaluated by clinical trial which includes leaving a small non-functional catheter in situ and following liver function tests. The evaluation may be effectively done by the biliary manometric perfusion test. AIM: The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance of percutaneous dilatation treatment of benign biliary strictures with focus on the role of the biliary manometric perfusion test and its future prospects. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on the literature and our own experience, this article gives a short overview of percutaneous treatment of benign biliary strictures, indications, techniques, complications and results. The treatment of these strictures has an overall success rate between 60 to 90%. This article also explains the biliary manometric test, the technique and its importance in evaluation of treatment success. CONCLUSION: Benign biliary strictures of the hepatic duct junction or bilio-enteric anastomosis are difficult to treat surgically and are endoscopically inaccessible. Percutaneous treatment by balloon dilatation and long term external-internal drainage is feasible in the majority of these patients. It is minimally invasive, safe and effective. The evaluation of the treatment success may be more effectively done by the manometric perfusion test. It is easy, reliable, less time-consuming giving immediate results, and relatively safe.

Acute aorta, overview of acute CT findings and endovascular treatment options.

Acute aortic pathologies include acute aortic syndrome (aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcer), impending rupture, aortic aneurysm rupture and aortic trauma. Acute aortic syndrome, aortic aneurysm rupture and aortic trauma are life-threatening conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The basic imaging modality for "acute aorta" is CT angiography with typical findings for these aortic pathologies. Based on the CT, it is possible to classify aortic diseases and anatomical classifications are essential for the planning of treatment. Currently, endovascular treatment is the method of choice for acute diseases of the descending thoracic aorta and is increasingly indicated for patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Retrospective Evaluation of Percutaneous Access for TEVAR and EVAR: Time to Make it the Standard Approach?

Introduction To evaluate the safety of percutaneous endovascular aortic repair and the relationship of access site characteristics to complications Materials and Methods All patients undergoing percutaneous TEVAR, EVAR and FEVAR procedures from January 2010 to May 2016 were retrospectively analysed for incidence of complications and their relationship to various access site characteristics like access artery size, degree of vessel calcification, skin to artery distance and sheath to artery ratio. Hemostasis occurring within 15 min after suture closure with or without manual compression was defined as primary hemostasis. Results 92 patients with 142 femoral access sites were included in the study. Median follow-up was 28.13 months (range 2.5 - 76.7 months, Mean 32.39, SD - 21.66 months). Introducer system size ranged from 12F to 25F. Primary haemostasis was achieved in 97.1 % (138/142) of the total femoral access sites. Four access sites (2.8 %) had to be closed surgically; in all 4 cases the introducer systems was ≥ 18F. Two of these access sites had been operated upon previously. Late complications including inguinal hematoma (n = 7), wound infection (n = 1), scrotal hematoma (n = 1), pseudoaneurysm (n = 4) and late bleeding (n = 4) occurred in 17 access sites (11.9 %), of which 13 were managed conservatively. On account of the low complication rate, no correlation between the evaluated variables and observed complications could be established. Conclusion Percutaneous endovascular aortic repair is feasible and safe irrespective of the size of the introducer sheath and the nature of aorto-iliac pathology. The technical success rate is high and the incidence of complications is low. Early complications are most often associated with sheath sizes ≥ 18 F. The majority of the late complications can be treated conservatively. Key points: · Percutaneous endovascular aortic repair is feasible and safe.. · Technical success rate is high and complication rate is low.. · Vascular closure device failure in the occasional patient may necessitate surgical intervention.. Citation Format · Thomas RP, Kowald T, Schmuck B et al. Retrospective Evaluation of Percutaneous Access for TEVAR and EVAR: Time to Make it the Standard Approach?. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 347 - 355.

Stentless root replacement versus tissue valves in infective endocarditis - a propensity-score matched study

Abstract Introduction: People with aortic/prosthetic valve endocarditis are a high-risk cohort of patients who present a challenge for all medically involved disciplines and who can be treated by various surgical techniques. Methods: We analyzed the results of treatment of root endocarditis with Medtronic Freestyle® in full-root technique over 19 years (1999-2018) and compared them against treatment with other tissue valves. Comparison was made with propensity score matching, using the nearest neighbor method. Various tests were performed as suited for adequate analyses. Results: Fifty-four patients in the Medtronic Freestyle group (FS group) were matched against 54 complex root endocarditis patients treated with other tissue valves (Tissue group). Hospital mortality was 9/54 (16.7%) in the FS group vs. 14/54 (25.6%) in the Tissue group (P=0.24). Cox regression performed for early results demonstrated coronary heart disease (P=0.004, odds ratio 2.3), among others, influencing early mortality. Recurrent infection was low (1.8% for FS and Tissue patients) and freedom from reoperation was 97.2% at a total of 367 patient-years of follow-up (median of 2.7 years). Conclusion: The stentless xenograft is a viable alternative for treatment of valve/root/prosthetic endocarditis, demonstrating a low rate of reinfection. The design of the bioroot allows for complex reconstructive procedures at the outflow tract and the annular level with at an acceptable operative risk. Endocarditis patients can be treated excluding infective tissue from the bloodstream, possibly with benefits, concerning bacteremia and recurrent infection. Furthermore, the use of the stentless bioroot offers varying treatment options in case of future valve degeneration.