Accelerated Measurement of Carotid Plaque Volume Using Artificial Intelligence Enhanced 3D Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Carotid plaque volume (CPV) can be measured by 3D ultrasound and may be a better predictor of stroke than stenosis, but analysis time limits clinical utility. This study tested the accuracy, reproducibility, and time saved of using an artificial intelligence (AI) derived semiautomatic software to measure CPV ("auto-CPV"). METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images for 121 individuals were analyzed by 2 blinded operators to measure auto-CPV. Corresponding endarterectomy specimen volumes were calculated by the validated saline suspension technique. Inter-rater and intrarater agreement plus accuracy compared with the volume of the endarterectomized plaque were calculated. Measurement times were compared with previous manual CPV measurement. RESULTS: The mean difference between auto-CPV and surgical volume was small at (±s.d.) [95% confidence interval [CI]] 0.06 (0.24) [-0.41 to 0.54] cm3. The intraclass correlation (ICC) was strong at 0.91; 95% CI 0.86-0.94. Interobserver and intraobserver error was low with mean difference (±s.d.) [95%CI] 0.01 (0.26) [-0.5 to 0.5] cm3 and 0.03 (0.19) [-0.35 to 0.40] cm3 respectively. Both showed excellent ICC with narrow confidence intervals, ICC = 0.90; 95% CI (0.85-0.94) and ICC = 0.95; 95% CI (0.92-0.96). Auto-CPV measurement took 43% the time of manual planimetry; median (IQR) 05:39 (01:58) minutes compared to 13:05 (04:15) minutes, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, P < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Auto-CPV assessment is accurate, reproducible, and significantly faster than manual planimetry. Improved feasibility means that the utility of CPV can be assessed in large population studies to stratify risk in asymptomatic carotid disease or assess response to medical treatment.

Pelvic vein incompetence and chronic pelvic pain: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and pelvic vein incompetence (PVI) or pelvic varices. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Gynaecology and vascular surgery services in two teaching hospitals in north-west England. SAMPLE: A total of 328 premenopausal women (aged 18-54 years), comprising 164 women with CPP and 164 matched controls with no history of CPP. METHODS: Symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires and transvaginal duplex ultrasound for PVI and pelvic varices. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Venous reflux of >0.7 s in the ovarian or internal iliac veins (primary outcome) and presence of pelvic varices (secondary outcome). Statistical analysis compared the prevalence of PVI between women with and without CPP using the two-sided chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of having PVI and pelvic varices between women with and without CPP. RESULTS: Pelvic vein incompetence was found on transvaginal duplex ultrasound in 101/162 (62%) women with CPP, compared with 30/164 (19%) asymptomatic controls (OR 6.79, 95% CI 4.11-11.47, p < 0.001). Forty-three of 164 (27%) women with CPP had pelvic varices compared with three of 164 (2%) asymptomatic women (OR 18.9, 95% CI 5.73-62.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between PVI, as detected by transvaginal duplex imaging, and CPP. Pelvic varices were strongly associated with CPP and were infrequently seen in control patients. These results justify further evaluation of PVI and its treatment in well-designed research.

Transvenous occlusion of incompetent pelvic veins to treat chronic pelvic pain in women: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of transvenous occlusion of incompetent pelvic veins in women presenting with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in improving symptoms and quality of life. DESIGN: Patient-blinded randomised controlled trial with objective outcome measures. Results were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. SETTING: Gynaecology and Vascular Surgery Services of two teaching hospitals in northwest England. POPULATION: Sixty women aged 18-54 years presenting with CPP after exclusion of other pathology, and who were found to have pelvic vein incompetence. METHODS: Participants were randomised and assigned to contrast venography alone or contrast venography plus transvenous occlusion of the incompetent pelvic veins. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was change in pain score measured using the short-form McGill Pain Score (SF-MPQ) and the Visual Analogue Score (VAS) recorded at 12 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life using the EQ-5D instrument, symptomatic improvement and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Sixty participants were randomised to transvenous occlusion of incompetent pelvic veins or venography only. At 12 months, median pain scored 2 (3-10) in the intervention group versus 9 (5-22) in controls (p = 0.016). Pain on the VAS scored 15 (0-3) versus 53 (20-71), respectively (p = 0.002). Median EQ-5D improved after intervention from 0.79 (0.74-0.84) to 0.84 (0.79-1.00; p = 0.008) over 12 months. No major complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Transvenous occlusion of pelvic vein incompetence reduced pain scores, improved quality of life and diminished symptom burden with no major reported complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 15091500.

Aneurysm Geometry Analyzed by the Novel Three-Dimensional Tomographic Ultrasound Relates to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are increasingly screen-detected and many small aneurysms enter surveillance. Computed tomography identifies characteristics that can predict subsequent AAA growth but ionizing radiation and nephrotoxic contrast disadvantage its use in surveillance. We investigated whether duplex and 3-dimensional tomographic ultrasound identified features associated with AAA growth in patients on AAA surveillance. METHODS: Duplex and three-dimensional tomographic ultrasound imaging was performed independently by 2 vascular scientists in 128 AAA surveillance patients who all had AAA growth measured over at least 2 years. Diameter, cross-sectional area, length, volume, wall thickness/volume, and intraluminal thrombus were measured. Pulsatility using maximum systolic and minimum diastolic diameters corrected for diameter and distensibility (consisting of strain and stiffness) were also calculated. RESULTS: AAA growth rate correlated with AAA diameter (r 0.43), volume (r 0.46), and cross-sectional area (r 0.42) (P < 0.01). Measuring wall thickness was inaccurate, but wall volume (corrected for AAA volume) inversely related to growth rate (r -0.43, P < 0.01). On a multivariate analysis, diameter and wall volume (r2adjusted 0.22, P < 0.01) improved prediction of growth rate compared with diameter alone (r2adjusted 0.18, P < 0.01). Intraluminal thrombus volume, strain distensibility, and elastic distensibility were not significantly associated with AAA growth. CONCLUSIONS: AAA growth most strongly related to AAA volume and inversely to wall volume. AAA volume and wall volume may prove useful in the prediction of AAA growth rates.

Evaluating Potential Autologous Bypass Grafts with Tomographic Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Compared with Standard Color Duplex.

BACKGROUND: Vein mapping using duplex ultrasound (DUS) is a routine in selecting optimal autologous bypass grafts (aBG) but is time consuming and operator-dependent. Tomographic three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (tUS), using free-hand electromagnetic tracking, allows cardiac and vascular surgeons to view 3D images of the entire length of the potential bypass graft. This study compares tUS with DUS in the evaluation of potential autologous grafts for coronary and lower limb bypass. METHODS: Both DUS and tUS imaging of 434 potential autologous grafts (364 long, 22 short saphenous veins, and 48 radial artery) immediately before bypass surgery were compared. The time in minutes to evaluate each aBG was recorded. Surgeons scored the quality of the aBG at operation. A score of 5 was in complete agreement with preoperative imaging with scores of 4 considered "good". RESULTS: Most operating surgeons (113, 57%) preferred interpreting the tUS images and felt that this technology could replace DUS completely. The choice of aBG would have been changed as a result of tUS images in 64 (32%) cases. DUS imaging took a mean (+/-sd) of 08:26 ± 04:44 minutes compared with only 01:00 ± 00:25 minutes for tUS (P < 0.001). However, processing the tUS images, which is currently done manually by the vascular scientist, took significantly longer at 19:31 ± 12:41 minutes compared with 09:03 ± 09:12 minutes for reporting DUS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons preferred to see tUS images of the potential aBG themselves rather than relying on DUS reports. tUS images were significantly quicker than DUS to acquire but needed more processing time.

Comparison Between Below Knee Contrast Enhanced Tomographic 3D Ultrasound and CT, MR or Catheter Angiography for Peripheral Artery Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Clear imaging of below knee and foot arteries is essential to plan distal reconstructions. Contrast enhanced tomographic 3D ultrasound (CEtUS) is novel and entirely safe with no exposure to ionising radiation or nephrotoxic contrast. In the present study, inter- and intra-observer agreement of CEtUS was calculated, and compared with below knee angiography. METHODS: In the same week as computed tomography, magnetic resonance or catheter angiography, CEtUS was performed using intravenous 1.2 mL bolus injections of Sonovue with a maximum of 5 mL administered per patient. CEtUS was reported by a vascular scientist blinded to the angiograms reported by a consultant radiologist. Images were compared using a modified Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) runoff score. RESULTS: Of the 181 patients recruited with peripheral arterial disease, 20 were excluded from analysis as they withdrew consent, could not be cannulated, or their images were non-diagnostic. In the remaining 161 patients, there were 175 comparative patient images split into two groups: 81 had calf imaging and 94 had pedal imaging representing 405 and 198 imaged arteries, respectively. Weighted quadratic kappa/ICC values for intra- and inter-observer agreement were excellent (κ/ICC = 0.83 to 0.95) and had narrow confidence intervals in both groups. When comparing angiography and CEtUS, weighted quadratic κ/ICC agreement was moderate with acceptable confidence intervals in both groups (Calf κ/ICC = 0.54; Pedal κ/ICC = 0.53). Agreement decreased from popliteal to pedal vessels as diameter decreased. Agreement between CEtUS and digital subtraction angiography was best, and computed tomography angiography the weakest. CONCLUSION: CEtUS is a novel imaging modality with strong observer agreement that achieves clear peripheral and foot images without ionising radiation exposure or nephrotoxic X-ray contrast media. CEtUS enhances visualisation of runoff vessels, which may play a role in planning of limb salvage or targeted assessment.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Assisted by CO2 Digital Subtraction Angiography and Intraoperative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography: Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to iodinated contrast (IC) agent and advanced chronic kidney disease are major limitations to endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). We describe our experience combining CO2-assisted EVAR with intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in an attempt to avoid contrast-induced allergy or nephropathy. METHODS: Observational cohort study using prospectively acquired data on patients undergoing CO2-assisted EVAR in single institution. EVAR planning was performed using computed tomographic angiography or magnetic resonance aortography in patients contraindicated for IC. Patients were considered if their estimated glomerular filtration rate was <40 mL/min and anatomically suitable for conventional infrarenal EVAR. Outcomes of interest included technical success rate and reintervention rates, total radiation dose, length of hospital stay, and graft kinking or migration. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (10 male) were treated across a 5-year period. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Completely IC-free EVAR was performed in 9 cases, whereas the remaining 6 required IC administration for adjunct procedures. CO2 completion angiography detected all type I endoleaks (2 Ia and 1 Ib) but was less sensitive to type II. Intraoperative CEUS confirmed all type I and 2 cases of type II endoleaks. Median hospital stay was 4 days. No significant deterioration in renal function was seen postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and with contraindication for IC, a combined approach of using CO2 digital subtraction angiography and CEUS can be used safely and efficiently to minimize or obviate the need for IC agents with satisfactory mid-term results.

Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair using the Ovation Stent Graft System in Adverse Anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was the evaluation of mid-term efficacy and safety outcome measures for the Ovation (Endologix, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) stent graft system in the management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAA) with adverse anatomy. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all patients undergoing elective iAAA repair was carried out from 2012 to 2017 using Ovation Prime or iX stent grafts with a minimum of 3 months follow-up at a single UK vascular centre. Post-operative surveillance involved computed tomography scans at 3 months and 1 year, with duplex ultrasound yearly thereafter. Outcome measures were established with retrospective analysis of pre- and post-operative imaging, and included peri-operative mortality, major adverse events, limb complications, aneurysm diameter change, and endoleak rates. All patients were within Ovation instructions for use (IFU), and assessment was made to determine whether aneurysms had anatomical features considered adverse for other commonly used stent graft platforms. RESULTS: Ovation stent grafts were implanted in 52 patients (79% male, mean age 75.7 years) with a mean aneurysm diameter of 62.5 mm (range 55-107 mm). There was 100% technical deployment success. The 30 day mortality was 0% and there was no aneurysm related mortality during follow-up (median 24 months, range 3-48 months). There were no type I or III endoleaks, but 19% developed type II endoleaks with one patient requiring re-intervention. No iliac limb occlusions were identified but one case required relining for limb kinking. All 52 cases were within the IFU for Ovation but only 12% met the IFU criteria for the Cook and Medtronic devices. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term experience with Ovation demonstrates safe, durable treatment of iAAAs, including those with unfavourable anatomy, frequently off IFU for other commonly used devices.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves endoleak detection and classification after endovascular aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (3D-CEUS) is a novel technology allowing surgeons to view duplex ultrasound images in three dimensions with ultrasound contrast highlighting blood flow in endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). It potentially reduces the need for computed tomography angiography (CTA) and catheter angiography. This study compares 3D-CEUS with both CTA and the final vascular multidisciplinary team (MDT) diagnosis using all available imaging. Interoperator variability for detection of endoleak and the influence of 3D-CEUS on patient management were studied. METHODS: A consecutive 100 patients undergoing CTA for EVAR surveillance were invited to undergo standard CEUS and 3D-CEUS on the same day, with 3D-CEUS reported independently by two blinded vascular scientists. Presence and type of endoleak were compared between CTA, standard CEUS, 3D-CEUS, and the final diagnostic decision made in the vascular MDT meeting. Interoperator reliability of 3D-CEUS was analyzed using the κ statistic. RESULTS: The 100 paired CTA, CEUS, and 3D-CEUS studies were analyzed. Compared with CTA, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 3D-CEUS to endoleak were 96%, 91%, 90%, and 96%, respectively. Compared with the MDT decision with access to all imaging modalities, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 3D-CEUS were 96%, 100%, 100%, and 96%. The κ statistic for interoperator agreement was 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-CEUS was more sensitive and accurate than CTA for endoleak detection and classification after EVAR. 3D-CEUS is now our initial investigation of choice in cases of sac expansion during duplex ultrasound follow-up or if there is diagnostic uncertainty on standard duplex ultrasound or CTA.

Management of novel oral anticoagulants in emergency and trauma surgery.

BACKGROUND: The compelling safety, efficacy and predictable effect of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is driving a rapid expansion in their therapeutic indications. Management of the increasing number of patients on those new agents in the setting of emergency or trauma surgery can be challenging and the absence of specific reversal agents has been a matter of concern. This review summarises the key principles that underpin the management of those patients with a particular emphasis on the recent development of specific antidotes. FINDINGS: As of 2015, a new line of antidotes, specific for these drugs, are at different stages of their development with their release imminent. However, as NOACs are innately reversible due to their short half-life, the use of reversal agents will probably be restricted to a few exceptional cases. Post-marketing surveillance will be paramount to better clarify the role of these promising drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Management of patients on NOACs in the context of emergency or trauma surgery relies on best supportive care in combination with the blood products and/or specific antidotes as required. Familiarity with the new reversal agents is essential but further evidence on their indications, safety and efficacy as well as consensus guidelines are warranted prior to widespread adoption.

Use of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced duplex ultrasound imaging during endovascular aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Iodinated contrast during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is used with caution in patients with chronic kidney disease. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging using nonnephrotoxic sulphur hexafluoride microbubble contrast is a novel imaging modality that accurately identifies and characterizes endoleaks during EVAR follow-up. We report our initial experience of using three-dimensional (3D) CEUS imaging intraoperatively as completion imaging after endograft deployment. Our aim was to compare intraoperative 3D CEUS against uniplanar angiography in the detection of endoleak, stent deformity, and renal artery perfusion during EVAR. METHODS: The study enrolled 20 patients undergoing elective conventional infrarenal EVAR, after which a completion angiogram was performed and the presence of endoleak, renal artery perfusion, or device deformity were recorded. With the patient still under anesthetic, a vascular scientist blinded to angiographic findings performed 3D CEUS and reported on the same parameters. RESULTS: Three endoleaks, one type I and two type II, were detected on uniplanar angiography and 13 endoleaks, 11 type II and two type I, were found using 3D CEUS imaging. Of note, one of these type I endoleaks was not seen on angiography, and this patient underwent balloon moulding of the neck with resolution of the endoleak on repeat imaging. Of the 11 type II endoleaks seen with 3D CEUS imaging, the inflow vessel was identified in nine cases. No graft deformity or limb kinking was seen in any patient. Both renal arteries could be visualized in 10 patients, whereas the target renal artery was seen in 11 patients. In the remaining patients, the renal arteries could not be visualized, mainly due to intra-abdominal gas or patient body habitus. CONCLUSIONS: 3D CEUS imaging detected endoleaks not seen on uniplanar digital subtraction angiography, including a clinically important type I endoleak, and was also more sensitive than 2D CEUS imaging for the detection of the source of endoleak. This technology has the potential to supplement or replace digital subtraction angiography for completion imaging to reduce the use of x-ray contrast. Intraoperative 3D CEUS has been applied to allow safe EVAR with ultralow or no iodinated contrast usage in selected cases, without compromising completion imaging.

Rapid Carotid Screening by Duplex: A Prospective Single Centre Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: A novel carotid quick scan (CQS) protocol was developed to rapidly screen for carotid atherosclerosis greater than 50% stenosis in a vascular outpatient setting. This study assessed accuracy and time saved. MATERIAL & METHODS: The CQS was developed by consensus agreement between vascular surgeons and accredited clinical vascular scientists through a modified Delphi technique. The protocol comprised a rapid B-mode then colour flow transverse sweep of the common and internal carotid arteries, with internal carotid artery velocity assessment. One hundred outpatients attending with peripheral artery disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm were recruited. CQS sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was assessed against a conventional full carotid duplex study, performed to UK and ESVS guidelines. RESULTS: Twenty four percent of patients (n = 100) had >50% carotid NASCET stenosis. CQS achieved an excellent accuracy of 96.5% in detecting >50% stenosis when compared to full duplex; Cohen's ƙ = .88, (95%CI .79-.97; P < .001), sensitivity 91.4%, specificity 97.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) 88.9% and negative predictive value (NPV) 98.2%. Median (IQR) time to complete the CQS was 13 sec (±12) per side, compared to 151 sec (±78) per side for the full carotid duplex. In the presence of >50% carotid disease, median CQS time was 25 sec (±31) per side compared to 214 (±104) by full scan. CONCLUSION: CQS as a carotid screening tool is rapid, accurate and acceptable to the population and workforce. It would be simple to roll out in all vascular laboratories to reduce the time and cost burden of excluding significant carotid disease in any group.

Chimney stent technique for treatment of severe abdominal aortic atherosclerotic stenosis.

Application of the "chimney" stent technique is described in a case of complex multilevel atherosclerotic disease involving the juxtarenal aorta. A patient with significant comorbidities was unsuitable for major open reconstructive surgery. He was treated with a combined procedure consisting of chimney stent placement in the juxtarenal aorta, iliac "kissing" stent placement, and right-sided common femoral artery (CFA) replacement. This case shows that the chimney stent technique can be a feasible alternative to leaving a safety wire in the renal arteries and observation during primary angioplasty in complex atherosclerotic lesions of the abdominal aorta.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: The carotid approach.

We present the case of a 61-year-old man with a 5.8 cm infrarenal aortic aneurysm with extensive iliac disease that did not permit conventional EVAR, who was also judged to be too high risk for open surgery. Despite these factors, the aneurysm was still successfully repaired using endovascular means and an alternative access technique. This involved a specially commissioned Zenith aorto-uniliac endograft reverse mounted onto a TX2 delivery device, delivered via the carotid artery.

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA): past and present.

AIM: The aim of the study is to determine whether presentation and outcomes of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) have changed over the last five decades. METHODS: Comparison of current outcomes (January 2001 to December 2007) with results of the earliest report from our unit in 1972. RESULTS: In contemporary series, 421 patients underwent AAA repair; 38 (9%) were IAAA. In 58% patients, IAAA was an incidental finding, whereas 42% patients were symptomatic with abdominal or back pain. Of those, 32% were ruptured IAAA. Male-to-female ratio was 12:1. Thirty-day mortality was 13%; elective 11.5%; emergency 17%. Comparison with 1972 study showed no change in the incidence and gender predilection. Presentation as an incidental finding and rupture increased 4- and 2-folds, respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence and gender predilection of IAAA have remained unchanged. The 4-fold increase in the presentation as an incidental finding reflects current trends in patient evaluation.

Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Tomographic 3-D Ultrasound Against Rotational Angiography Imaging Immediately After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

This proof of principle study assesses the utility of contrast-enhance ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced tomographic 3-D ultrasound (CEtUS), as an intra-procedural imaging tool after endovascular-aneurysm repair (EVAR), compared with rotational angiography. A total of 20 consecutive patients undergoing infra-renal EVAR underwent immediate post-deployment rotational angiography, followed by CEUS and CEtUS scans. Outcomes were presence of endoleak, renal artery patency and endograft deformity. CEUS and CEtUS detected 12 endoleaks, 8 of which were not detected by rotational angiography. CEUS and CEtUS classify 7 or 8 type IIb endoleaks not detected by rotational angiography. CEUS/CEtUS could not identify 12 and 13 renal arteries, respectively, detected by rotational angiography. Rotational angiography and CEtUS both identified 1 endograft limb deformity, corrected immediately. CEUS and CEtUS are more sensitive to type II endoleak than rotational angiography, although there is a lower detection of renal arteries. CEUS or CEtUS has the utility for immediate post-EVAR endoleak detection where reduction of contrast agent is indicated.

An Ex Vivo Evaluation of Tomographic 3-D Ultrasound, B-Mode Ultrasound, CT And MR Imaging to Measure Artery Diameter, Length and Wall Volume.

Precise measurement of luminal diameter in arteries is important when planning interventional vascular procedures in patients. Measuring wall volume may be important in detecting early artery disease and in the assessment of treatments to prevent atherosclerosis. An ex vivo phantom using porcine arteries was used to evaluate the accuracy with which (i) B-mode ultrasound, (ii) 3-D tomographic ultrasound (tUS), (iii) computed tomography (CT) and (iv) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measured length, diameters and volume. The mean error in inner-to-inner diameter measurements by B mode, tUS, CT and MRI were 0.08 ± 0.26, -0.73 ± 0.96 mm, 0.09 ± 0.55 and 0.60 ± 1.01 mm, respectively. The mean error in outer-to-outer diameter measurements by B mode, tUS, CT and MRI were -1.33 ± 0.61, -1.03 ± 0.35, 0.02 ± 1.00 and -0.47 ± 1.32 mm, respectively. The mean error in volume measurements by B mode, tUS, CT and MRI were -0.54 ± 0.62, -0.06 ± 0.09, 0.01 ± 0.18 and -0.20 ± 0.32 cm3, respectively. Errors in length and diameters remain within clinically acceptable thresholds where MRI was the least accurate. tUS was the most accurate method of volume measurement.

The effects of stretch on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype in vitro.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) situated in the tunica media of veins and arteries are central to maintaining conduit integrity in the face of mechanical forces inherent within the cardiovascular system. The predominant mechanical force influencing VSMC structural organisation and signalling is cyclic stretch. VSMC phenotype is manipulated by externally applied stretch which regulates the activity of their contractile apparatus. Stretch modulates cell shape, cytoplasmic organisation, and intracellular processes leading to migration, proliferation, or contraction. Drug therapy directed at the components of the signalling pathways influenced by stretch may ultimately prevent cardiovascular pathology such as myointimal hyperplasia.

Upper dorsal endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy: a comparison of one- and two-port ablation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Facial blushing and hyperhidrosis, particularly in the facial, axillary or palmar distribution, are socially, professionally, and psychologically debilitating conditions. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy can be carried out through multiple ports or by using a single port and a modified thoracoscope with integrated electrocautery. We reviewed our own experience to compare outcomes between these methods. METHODS: One hundred and nine consecutive endoscopic thoracic sympathectomies performed on 96 patients (M:F, 30:66) were examined with respect to operative method, symptom control, and patient satisfaction. Complete follow-up was available on 144 treated sides in 77 patients (80.2%), 38 treated with two ports, 39 performed by a one-port procedure. Mean age was 32.6 years (range 18-63) with a median follow-up of 25 months (range 5-85). Pooled data showed that the mean duration hospital stay was 1.6 nights with no deaths, conversions, or neurological injuries. RESULTS: The one-port group showed superior outcomes in terms of hospital stay, rate of postoperative pneumothorax, and the need for chest drain insertion; however, there was no correlation between number of ports and patient satisfaction. The mean overall satisfaction rating out of 5 was 3.3 with 76.6% of patients rating the outcome as 3 or more. 90.9% had an initial improvement in symptoms, although 21 patients (27.3%) described a late return of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy can be safely and effectively carried out using a single port with similar results to the traditional two-port procedure. The one-port procedure may allow for a shorter duration of stay and lower complication rate.