Sodium Hydrosulfide Treatment During Porcine Kidney Ex Vivo Perfusion and Transplantation.

Background: In rodents, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves renal graft function after transplantation. Here, we hypothesized that the benefits of H2S are conserved in pigs, a more clinically relevant model. Methods: Adult porcine kidneys retrieved immediately or after 60 min of warm ischemia (WI) were exposed to 100 µM sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (1) during the hypothermic ex vivo perfusion only, (2) during WI only, and (3) during both WI and ex vivo perfusion. Kidney perfusion was evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. MRI spectroscopy was further employed to assess energy metabolites including ATP. Renal biopsies were collected at various time points for histopathological analysis. Results: Perfusion for 4 h pig kidneys with Belzer MPS UW + NaHS resulted in similar renal perfusion and ATP levels than perfusion with UW alone. Similarly, no difference was observed when NaHS was administered in the renal artery before ischemia. After autotransplantation, no improvement in histologic lesions or cortical/medullary kidney perfusion was observed upon H2S administration. In addition, AMP and ATP levels were identical in both groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, treatment of porcine kidney grafts using NaHS did not result in a significant reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury or improvement of kidney metabolism. Future studies will need to define the benefits of H2S in human, possibly using other molecules as H2S donors.

Systematic hybrid laparoscopic and endovascular treatment of median arcuate ligament syndrome: A single-center experience.

Background: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is caused by celiac trunk (CT) compression by the median arcuate ligament. Clinically, this pathology varies from postprandial pain (Dunbar syndrome) to a life-threatening hemorrhage because of a rupture of a gastroduodenal artery aneurysm (GAA). Due to the low prevalence of this disease, there is no standard management for MALS. Material and method: This was a single-center, retrospective study of 13 patients. Two groups were identified on the basis of the initial clinical presentation: those operated for a GAA rupture (bleeding group-BG) and those operated electively for Dunbar syndrome (Dunbar syndrome group-DG). The primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative complications of a systematic laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament and stenting during the same procedure. Results: Seven patients (54%) underwent elective surgery. Six patients (46%) underwent semiurgent repair under elective conditions post-embolization for GAA bleeding. The total operative time was longer in the BG (p = 0.06). Two patients in the BG suffered early major complications and needed reintervention, and those in the DG had a lower comprehensive complication index. No mortality was reported at 30 days. Overall median length of stay was 5 days (IQR: 3.5-15.3). Patients in the DG had a significantly shorter length of stay (p = 0.02). At 6 months, the primary and secondary CT stent patencies were 82% and 100%, respectively. There were no high-flow GAA recurrences. Conclusions: A combined approach of laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament and stenting during the same procedure is feasible and safe, and this approach must be systematically discussed in symptomatic patients.

Combined approach of carotid endarteriectomy and transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve implantation as a minimally invasive one-step treatment of aortic stenosis: a case report.

Background: Despite the gold-standard approach for transaortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains transfemoral (TF), alternative approaches are needed in patients who present contraindications to transfemoral access. Case summary: We report the case of a 79-year-old female with a symptomatic high-gradient severe aortic stenosis-mean gradient of 43 mmHg-and a significant supra-aortic trunk stenosis (left carotid artery: 90-99%; right carotid artery: 50-70%), and who was hospitalized for progressive dyspnoea New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage III. In this high-risk patient, it was decided to perform a TAVI. Because of a history of stenting of both common iliac arteries in a context of an arterial insufficiency of the lower limbs (Leriche classification stage III) and stenotic thoraco-abdominal aorta atheromatosis, an alternative approach to the transfemoral transaortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) one was needed. It was decided to perform a combined transcarotid-TAVI (TC-TAVI) with EDWARDS S3 23 mm valve with a left endarteriectomy during the same operating time. Discussion: Our case illustrates an alternative approach to perform a percutaneous aortic valve implantation, despite supra-aortic trunk stenosis, in a high-risk surgical patient contraindicated to a TF-TAVI. Transcarotid transaortic valve implantation remains a safe alternative when TF-TAVI is contraindicated, and the combined approach of carotid endarteriectomy and TC-TAVI offers a minimally invasive one-step treatment in high operative risk patients.

A Gardening Session Turns Into a Life Threatening Aortic Transection.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating injuries to the sub-diaphragmatic aorta are challenging, with high mortality rates. Most penetrating aortic trauma results from gunshots or stab wounds. This case reports a successful aortic bypass, following partial aortic transection caused by an accidental fall on a utility knife. REPORT: A healthy 82 year old woman was admitted to the emergency department following penetrating abdominal trauma following an accidental fall on an 18 cm long utility knife. On admission, the patient was haemodynamically stable, with no neurological deficit. Computed tomography angiography revealed multiple abdominal injuries to the stomach, duodenum, L4-L5 left vertebrae, and infrarenal abdominal aorta. The patient underwent urgent midline laparotomy, followed by successful aortic repair using a 14 mm polyester graft. The gastric and duodenal lesions were repaired with an omental patch. The post-operative course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Penetrating abdominal trauma with visceral lesions and aortic transection are high risk injuries, albeit rarely described in the literature. A low threshold for imaging, and multidisciplinary management by vascular and visceral surgeons are essential for timely recognition and successful intervention.

Trapped by the Entrapment.

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal entrapment syndrome results from extrinsic compression of the popliteal artery by the surrounding musculotendinous structures and is a rare cause of limb ischaemia. The purpose of this report is to highlight potential mistakes in the management of popliteal entrapment. REPORT: In 2000, a 23 year old man underwent a popliteal to popliteal artery bypass surgery for what was initially diagnosed as a traumatic popliteal artery thrombosis. After being initially lost to follow up for 13 years, this "unspecified traumatic" thrombosis led to several inappropriate endovascular and open procedures misinterpreted as being caused by late graft failure. These included thrombectomy, aneurysmorrhaphy, polytetrafluoroethylene covered stent graft, a redo femoropopliteal bypass, and bypass thrombolysis. The diagnosis was reached 19 years after the initial surgery, when the patient underwent a redo bypass using a retrogeniculate approach. An abnormal lateral insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle medial head, and its accessory slip, constricted the artery, and also involved the popliteal vein (Type V), thus explaining previous revascularisation failures. Surgery consisted of resecting the accessory slip and the aneurysmal bypass. The artery was reconstructed with the cephalic vein. The patient was discharged on clopidogrel 75 mg, with no further complication, and a patent bypass at six months. Based on post-operative imaging (duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging), with forced plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, asymptomatic popliteal entrapment was also present on the contralateral side. DISCUSSION: The finding of an isolated popliteal artery lesion in a young individual should be considered to be caused by popliteal artery entrapment, unless proven otherwise. Definitive surgical release of the popliteal artery should be favoured over other strategies.

Venous thromboembolism in critically Ill patients with COVID-19: Results of a screening study for deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused more than 3.9 million cases worldwide. Currently, there is great interest to assess venous thrombosis prevalence, diagnosis, prevention, and management in patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill patients with COVID-19, using lower limbs venous ultrasonography screening. METHODS: Beginning March 8, we enrolled 25 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. The presence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was systematically assessed by ultrasonography between day 5 and 10 after admission. The data reported here are those available up to May 9, 2020. RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation) age of the patients was 68 ± 11 years, and 64% were men. No patients had a history of VTE. During the ICU stay, 8 patients (32%) had a VTE; 6 (24%) a proximal DVT, and 5 (20%) a pulmonary embolism. The rate of symptomatic VTE was 24%, while 8% of patients had screen-detected DVT. Only those patients with a documented VTE received a therapeutic anticoagulant regimen. As of May 9, 2020, 5 patients had died (20%), 2 remained in the ICU (8%), and 18 were discharged (72%). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections, DVT screening at days 5-10 of admission yielded a 32% prevalence of VTE. Seventy-five percent of events occurred before screening. Earlier screening might be effective in optimizing care in ICU patients with COVID-19.