The role of vacuum-assisted mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acutely thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the mechanical thrombectomy with the Indigo System in the treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. METHODS: A retrospective search of endovascular procedures performed from November 2018 to June 2020 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: acute arteriovenous fistula or graft thrombosis that underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy with Indigo System. The following information was collected from each case: sex, age, fistula modality, fistula location, treatment modality, and outcomes. Endpoints evaluated were: technical and clinical success rates; primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates; complication rates. RESULTS: Twenty-six mechanical thrombectomy procedures for declotting of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis, using the Indigo System, were performed in 22 patients. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 23/26 cases (88%). Mean follow-up was 9 months (range 11-539 days). The 6-month primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 71%, 86%, 93% and the 12-month primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 71%, 72%, 80%, respectively. No technical or device-related complications were observed during thrombectomy, however two venous ruptures occurred on the angioplasty of the underlying stenosis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vacuum-assisted thrombectomy of acutely thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas and grafts with Indigo System is safe and effective, providing good short term patency rates.

Isolated iliac artery aneurysm in association with congenital pelvic kidney treated with iliac branch device: case report.

BACKGROUND: Association of abdominal aortic aneurysm with congenital pelvic kidney is rare and association with isolated iliac artery aneurysm is not yet described in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of successful repair of an isolated common iliac artery aneurysm associated with a congenital pelvic kidney treated by an endovascular technique. A 75-year-old man was referred for the treatment of an asymptomatic left common iliac artery aneurysm. A computed tomography angiography revealed an isolated left common iliac artery aneurysm and a left pelvic kidney. The maximum diameter of the aneurysm was 32 mm. The congenital pelvic kidney was supplied by three small superior polar arteries that emerged from the proximal non-aneurysmal portion of the common iliac artery and the main artery that arose from the left internal iliac artery. The aneurysm exclusion was accomplished by using an iliac branch device (Gore Excluder Iliac Branch, Flagstaff, AZ). The 1 and 6 months computed tomography angiography after the procedure demonstrated complete exclusion of the aneurysm and preservation of all renal arteries. CONCLUSION: Treating patients with an association of iliac artery aneurysms and pelvic kidneys can be a challenge due the variable arterial anatomy. The use of iliac branch device is a safe and effective alternative in selected cases.

An alternative approach to treatment of inferior vena cava filter perforation.

We report a case of inferior vena cava filter perforation immediately after filter implantation, recognized intraoperatively in a patient undergoing laparotomy for resection of locally advanced ovarian cancer. We describe an alternative approach with strut resection, less invasive than filter removal, enabling the device to be maintained and bleeding to be controlled.

Relatamos um caso de perfuração de veia cava inferior imediatamente após o implante de um filtro. A complicação foi reconhecida no intraoperatório de uma laparotomia para ressecção de um câncer de ovário localmente avançado. Descrevemos uma abordagem alternativa, menos invasiva do que a remoção do filtro, consistindo na ressecção das hastes do dispositivo. Essa abordagem permitiu a manutenção do filtro e o controle efetivo do sangramento.

An alternative approach to treatment of inferior vena cava filter perforation / Tratamento alternativo para perfuração de veia cava inferior por filtro

Abstract We report a case of inferior vena cava filter perforation immediately after filter implantation, recognized intraoperatively in a patient undergoing laparotomy for resection of locally advanced ovarian cancer. We describe an alternative approach with strut resection, less invasive than filter removal, enabling the device to be maintained and bleeding to be controlled.

Resumo Relatamos um caso de perfuração de veia cava inferior imediatamente após o implante de um filtro. A complicação foi reconhecida no intraoperatório de uma laparotomia para ressecção de um câncer de ovário localmente avançado. Descrevemos uma abordagem alternativa, menos invasiva do que a remoção do filtro, consistindo na ressecção das hastes do dispositivo. Essa abordagem permitiu a manutenção do filtro e o controle efetivo do sangramento.

Long-term outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma that underwent chemoembolization for bridging or downstaging.

BACKGROUND: Prospective study of 200 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that underwent liver transplant (LT) after drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) for downstaging versus bridging. Overall survival and tumor recurrence rates were calculated, eligibility for LT, time on the waiting list and radiological response were compared. After TACE, only patients within Milan Criteria (MC) were transplanted. More patients underwent LT in bridging group. Five-year post-transplant overall survival, recurrence-free survival has no difference between the groups. Complete response was observed more frequently in bridging group. Patients in DS group can achieve post-transplant survival and HCC recurrence-free probability, at five years, just like patients within MC in patients undergoing DEB-TACE. AIM: To determine long-term outcomes of patients with HCC that underwent LT after DEB-TACE for downstaging vs bridging. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 200 patients included from April 2011 through June 2014. Bridging group included patients within MC. Downstaging group (out of MC) was divided in 5 subgroups (G1 to G5). Total tumor diameter was ≤ 8 cm for G1, 2, 3, 4 (n = 42) and was > 8 cm for G5 (n = 22). Downstaging (n = 64) and bridging (n = 136) populations were not significantly different. Overall survival and tumor recurrence rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Additionally, eligibility for LT, time on the waiting list until LT and radiological response were compared. RESULTS: After TACE, only patients within MC were transplanted. More patients underwent LT in bridging group 65.9% (P = 0.001). Downstaging population presented: higher number of nodules 2.81 (P = 0.001); larger total tumor diameter 8.09 (P = 0.001); multifocal HCC 78% (P = 0.001); more post-transplantation recurrence 25% (P = 0.02). Patients with maximal tumor diameter up to 7.05 cm were more likely to receive LT (P = 0.005). Median time on the waiting list was significantly longer in downstaging group 10.6 mo (P = 0.028). Five-year post-transplant overall survival was 73.5% in downstaging and 72.3% bridging groups (P = 0.31), and recurrence-free survival was 62.1% in downstaging and 74.8% bridging groups (P = 0.93). Radiological response: complete response was observed more frequently in bridging group (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Tumors initially exceeding the MC down-staged after DEB-TACE, can achieve post-transplant survival and HCC recurrence-free probability, at five years, just like patients within MC in patients undergoing DEB-TACE.

Twenty years of experience in vascular reconstructions associated with resection of malignant neoplasms in a single cancer center.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular invasion is no longer considered to be an absolute contraindication to tumor removal, and complex reconstructions are part of the daily activity of vascular surgeons in specialized cancer centers. Our aim was to report a single-center experience of complex vascular reconstructions involving en bloc resection of tumors and patients' long-term survival and graft patency outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest report of vascular reconstructions published to date, with the longest follow-up. METHODS: Between September 1997 and January 2016, there were 91 patients who underwent 92 arterial and 47 venous reconstruction procedures in this retrospective cohort study. Long-term survival and patency outcomes were analyzed for all study patients and individually assessed in different body segments (head and neck, thorax, upper limbs, abdomen, and lower limbs). RESULTS: The estimated mean and median follow-up times were 112.66 and 100 months, respectively. The 24- and 60-month survival estimates for the patients overall were 55.3% and 31.1%, respectively. Survival estimates were significantly lower in the head and neck cases compared with the other body segments. The primary arterial patency rates at 24 and 60 months were 96.7% and 84.9%, respectively, and they were similar in all body segments. The venous patency rates were 71.4% and 64.2% at 24 and 60 months, respectively. Seven cases (7.6%) of arterial vascular complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular reconstruction performed in conjunction with oncologic resection is a feasible treatment option for tumors with vessel involvement. When surgery is performed in specialized centers, low perioperative morbidity and long-term patency rates are expected irrespective of the vascular territory undergoing intervention.

Intra-arterial fibrinolysis for the management of acute ischemia on a below-knee amputation stump. Case report.

Preservation of the knee joint has enormous advantages in terms of mobility and rehabilitation of an amputee. Any cause of breakdown requiring revision to an above-knee amputation is a major setback because it reduces the patient's rehabilitative potential. We report a case of intra-arterial thrombolysis use to save a below-knee amputation stump with acute ischemia. A 56-year-old man who sought the emergency department with 1-day history of acute pain on his right below-knee stump. The angiography confirmed popliteal artery occlusion. Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, with Aspirex (rotational catheter to restore blood flow in occluded vessel, by removing occlusion material from the vessel) and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, was performed. After 9 years of follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic, capable of independent ambulation with prosthetic limb. Intra-arterial fibrinolysis seems to be a safe and effective treatment for cases of acutely ischemic amputation stump.

Aspects of images in magnetic resonance of liver tumors treated with transarterial selective internal radiotherapy with yttrium-90.

Transarterial selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90, also known as radioembolization, is a therapy based on the administration of resin or glass microspheres loaded with the radioisotope yttrium-90, via selective arterial catheterization of tumor-feeding vessels. It is classified as a type of locoregional therapy and its main goal is to treat patients with primary or secondary hepatic lesions that are unresectable and not responsive to other therapies. Since it is a new technology still restricted to very few hospitals in Brazil, but used in patients throughout the country, it is necessary to demonstrate the main aspects of hepatic lesions treated with selective internal radiation therapy found in magnetic resonance imaging, and to make specific considerations on interpretation of these images. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the main aspects of magnetic resonance imaging of unresectable primary or secondary hepatic lesions, in patients submitted to transarterial selective internal radiation therapy.

Aspects of images in magnetic resonance of liver tumors treated with transarterial selective internal radiotherapy with yttrium-90 / Aspectos de imagens em exames de ressonância magnética de tumores hepáticos tratados com radioterapia interna seletiva transarterial com ítrio-90

ABSTRACT Transarterial selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90, also known as radioembolization, is a therapy based on the administration of resin or glass microspheres loaded with the radioisotope yttrium-90, via selective arterial catheterization of tumor-feeding vessels. It is classified as a type of locoregional therapy and its main goal is to treat patients with primary or secondary hepatic lesions that are unresectable and not responsive to other therapies. Since it is a new technology still restricted to very few hospitals in Brazil, but used in patients throughout the country, it is necessary to demonstrate the main aspects of hepatic lesions treated with selective internal radiation therapy found in magnetic resonance imaging, and to make specific considerations on interpretation of these images. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the main aspects of magnetic resonance imaging of unresectable primary or secondary hepatic lesions, in patients submitted to transarterial selective internal radiation therapy.

RESUMO A radioterapia interna seletiva transarterial com ítrio-90, também conhecida como radioembolização, é uma terapia baseada na administração de microesferas de resina ou vidro carregadas com o radioisótopo ítrio-90, via cateterismo arterial seletivo dos vasos nutridores do tumor. É classificada como um tipo de terapia locorregional e seu principal objetivo é tratar pacientes portadores de lesões hepáticas primárias ou secundárias irressecáveis e não responsivas a outras terapias. Por se tratar de uma nova tecnologia, portanto ainda restrita a pouquíssimos hospitais no Brasil (ainda que utilizada em todo país), é necessário demonstrar os principais aspectos de imagem das lesões hepáticas tratadas com radioterapia interna seletiva transarterial encontrados em exame de ressonância magnética, além de delinear considerações específicas de interpretação destas imagens. O objetivo deste relato é demonstrar os principais aspectos encontrados em ressonância magnética de lesões hepáticas irressecáveis, primárias ou secundárias, de pacientes submetidos à radioterapia interna seletiva transarterial.

Intra-arterial fibrinolysis for the management of acute ischemia on a below-knee amputation stump. Case report / Fibrinólise intra-arterial para tratamento da isquemia aguda em coto de amputação infrapatelar. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT Preservation of the knee joint has enormous advantages in terms of mobility and rehabilitation of an amputee. Any cause of breakdown requiring revision to an above-knee amputation is a major setback because it reduces the patient's rehabilitative potential. We report a case of intra-arterial thrombolysis use to save a below-knee amputation stump with acute ischemia. A 56-year-old man who sought the emergency department with 1-day history of acute pain on his right below-knee stump. The angiography confirmed popliteal artery occlusion. Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, with Aspirex (rotational catheter to restore blood flow in occluded vessel, by removing occlusion material from the vessel) and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, was performed. After 9 years of follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic, capable of independent ambulation with prosthetic limb. Intra-arterial fibrinolysis seems to be a safe and effective treatment for cases of acutely ischemic amputation stump.

RESUMO A preservação da articulação do joelho tem grandes vantagens para a mobilidade e a reabilitação de um amputado. Qualquer causa que exija revisão para uma amputação acima do joelho é um grande revés, porque reduz o potencial de reabilitação do paciente. O objetivo aqui foi descrever o uso de trombólise intra-arterial para salvar um coto de amputação abaixo do joelho com isquemia aguda. Homem, 56 anos, procurou pronto atendimento de nosso hospital com histórico de 1 dia de dor aguda em seu coto de amputação infrapatelar direito. A angiografia confirmou oclusão da artéria poplítea. Foi realizada trombectomia farmacomecânica com Aspirex (cateter rotativo para restabelecer o fluxo sanguíneo em vasos ocluídos, removendo material de oclusão do vaso) e ativador do plaminogênio tecidual recombinante. Após 9 anos de seguimento, o paciente permanecia assintomático, capaz de deambulação independente com membro protético. A fibrinólise intra-arterial parece ser um tratamento seguro e eficaz para casos selecionados de coto de amputação com isquêmica aguda.

Liver Metastases in Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma Treated with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy with Y-90 Resin Microspheres.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) is a rare tumor. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice when feasible, but there are no clear recommendations for patients with advanced disease. Liver-directed therapy with Y-90 selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has been used to treat hepatic metastases from pancreatic tumors. We describe a case of PACC liver metastases treated with SIRT. CASE REPORT: 59-year-old man was admitted with an infiltrative, solid lesion in pancreatic tail diagnosed as PACC. Lymph nodes in the hepatic hilum were enlarged, and many metastatic liver nodules were observed. After partial pancreatectomy, the left and right lobes of the liver were separately treated with Y-90 resin microspheres. Follow-up imaging revealed that all hepatic nodules shrank by at least 50%, and 3 nodules disappeared completely. Lipase concentration was 8407 U/L at baseline, rose to 12,705 U/L after pancreatectomy, and declined to 344 U/L after SIRT. Multiple rounds of chemotherapy in the subsequent year shrank the hepatic tumors further; disease then progressed, but a third line of chemotherapy shrank the tumors again, 16 months after SIRT treatment. CONCLUSION: SIRT had a positive effect on liver metastases from PACC. In conjunction with systemic therapy, SIRT can achieve sustained disease control.

Occurrence of Vascular Lake Phenomenon as a Predictor of Improved Tumor Response in HCC Patients That Underwent DEB-TACE.

PURPOSE: To evaluate incidence and predictive factors for the vascular lake phenomenon (VLP), as well as to compare local and overall tumor response in patients with and without VLP induced during DEB-TACE for HCC. METHODS: A total of 200 consecutive patients with 323 HCC nodules underwent first-session DEB-TACE from 2011 to 2014. Patients were divided in two groups, according to the presence of the VLP during DEB-TACE. Pre- and post-treatment imaging studies (CT or MRI) were performed. Primary endpoint was assessment of tumor response, evaluated by mRECIST. Comparison of response rates between the VLP group and the non-VLP group was performed. Secondary endpoints were the determination of incidence rate and predictive factors for the VLP. RESULTS: The VLP was observed in 39/323 (12.1%) of the nodules treated. At multivariate logistic regression analysis, tumor size ≥3 cm in diameter (OR 13.95; 95% CI 3.60-54.05), presence of a pseudocapsule (OR 6.67; 95% CI 1.45-30.59) and alpha-fetoprotein levels (OR 1.004; 95% CI 1.000-1.007) remained predictive for the VLP occurrence. On a nodule-based analysis (p < 0.001), target lesion response analysis (p = 0.003) and overall response analysis (p = 0.004) the VLP group presented a higher objective response rate than the non-VLP group. CONCLUSION: VLP is observed in 12% of the patients and happens more frequently in large and encapsulated tumors. It seems to be associated with better local and overall responses in HCC patients who underwent DEB-TACE.

Oral Rivaroxaban for the Treatment of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in 400 Patients With Active Cancer: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban-a direct oral anticoagulant-use in patients with active cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 400 patients with active cancer and associated VTE, defined as deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. This single-center study was carried out from January 2012 to June 2015. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety, using the incidence of recurrent symptomatic VTE and major bleeding, respectively, throughout the treatment with rivaroxaban. RESULTS: Of the 400 patients enrolled, 223 (55.8%) were female. A total of 362 (90.5%) patients had solid tumors and 244 (61%) had metastatic disease. A total of 302 (75.5%) received initial parenteral therapy with enoxaparin (median: 3, mean: 5.6, standard deviation [SD]: 6.4 days) followed by rivaroxaban. Ninety-eight patients (24.5%) were treated with on label rivaroxaban treatment. Recurrence rates were 3.25% with major bleeding occurring in 5.5% during the anticoagulant therapy (median: 118, mean: 163.9, SD: 159.9 days). CONCLUSION: Rivaroxaban can be an attractive alternative for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis.

Brachial insertion of fully implantable venous catheters for chemotherapy: complications and quality of life assessment in 35 patients / Inserção braquial de cateteres venosos totalmente implantáveis para quimioterapia: complicações e avaliação da qualidade de vida em 35 pacientes

ABSTRACT Objective To prospectively evaluate the perioperative safety, early complications and satisfaction of patients who underwent the implantation of central catheters peripherally inserted via basilic vein. Methods Thirty-five consecutive patients with active oncologic disease requiring chemotherapy were prospectively followed up after undergoing peripheral implantation of indwelling venous catheters, between November 2013 and June 2014. The procedures were performed in the operating room by the same team of three vascular surgeons. The primary endpoints assessed were early postoperative complications, occurring within 30 days after implantation. The evaluation of patient satisfaction was based on a specific questionnaire used in previous studies. Results In all cases, ultrasound-guided puncture of the basilic vein was feasible and the procedure successfully completed. Early complications included one case of basilic vein thrombophlebitis and one case of pocket infection that did not require device removal. Out of 35 patients interviewed, 33 (94.3%) would recommend the device to other patients. Conclusion Implanting brachial ports is a feasible option, with low intraoperative risk and similar rates of early postoperative complications when compared to the existing data of the conventional technique. The patients studied were satisfied with the device and would recommend the procedure to others.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar prospectivamente segurança perioperatória, complicações precoces e grau de satisfação de pacientes submetidos ao implante de cateteres centrais de inserção periférica pela veia basílica. Métodos Foram acompanhados prospectivamente e submetidos ao implante de cateteres de longa permanência de inserção periférica, entre novembro de 2013 e junho de 2014, 35 pacientes consecutivos com doença oncológica ativa necessitando de quimioterapia. Os procedimentos foram realizados em centro cirúrgico por uma mesma equipe composta por três cirurgiões vasculares. Os desfechos primários avaliados foram as complicações pós-operatórias precoces, ocorridas em até 30 dias após o implante. A avaliação do grau de satisfação foi realizada com base na aplicação de um questionário específico já utilizado em estudos prévios. Resultados Em todos os casos, a punção ecoguiada da veia basílica foi possível, e o procedimento foi concluído com sucesso. As complicações precoces observadas incluíram um caso de tromboflebite de basílica e um de infecção de bolsa, ambos tratados clinicamente sem necessidade de retirada do dispositivo. Dos 35 pacientes interrogados, 33 (94,3%) recomendariam o dispositivo para outras pessoas. Conclusão A implantação do port braquial é uma opção factível, com baixo risco intraoperatório e taxas semelhantes de complicações pós-operatórias imediatas quando comparada a dados já existentes da técnica convencional. Os pacientes estudados apresentaram-se satisfeitos com o dispositivo e recomendariam o procedimento para outras pessoas.

Retrograde Proximal Anterior Tibial Artery Access for Treating Femoropopliteal Segment Occlusion: A Novel Approach.

Some challenges have been detected when there are long and complex lesions of femoropopliteal arterial occlusive disease, even with descriptions of the retrograde pedal approaches. The aim of this article is to describe the retrograde proximal anterior tibial artery access for treatment of femoropopliteal segment occlusion when antegrade recanalization failed (retrograde recanalization and rearranging the system into an antegrade position). Technical and clinical success was achieved in 100% of 4 cases, with an improvement of at least 2 Rutherford classes. Minor complication, small hematoma in an anterior compartment of the limb, occurred in 1 patient. No sign of compartmental syndrome was observed.

Percutaneous Treatment of Intrahepatic Biliary Leak: A Modified Occlusion Balloon Technique.

PURPOSE: To report a novel modified occlusion balloon technique to treat biliary leaks. METHODS: A 22-year-old female patient underwent liver transplantation with biliary-enteric anastomosis. She developed thrombosis of the common hepatic artery and extensive ischemia in the left hepatic lobe. Resection of segments II and III was performed and a biliary-cutaneous leak originating at the resection plane was identified in the early postoperative period. Initial treatment with percutaneous transhepatic drainage was unsuccessful. Therefore, an angioplasty balloon was coaxially inserted within the biliary drain and positioned close to the leak. RESULTS: The fistula output abruptly decreased after the procedure and stopped on the 7th day. At the 3-week follow-up, cholangiography revealed complete resolution of the leakage. CONCLUSION: This novel modified occlusion balloon technique was effective and safe. However, greater experience and more cases are necessary to validate the technique.

Brachial insertion of fully implantable venous catheters for chemotherapy: complications and quality of life assessment in 35 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the perioperative safety, early complications and satisfaction of patients who underwent the implantation of central catheters peripherally inserted via basilic vein. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients with active oncologic disease requiring chemotherapy were prospectively followed up after undergoing peripheral implantation of indwelling venous catheters, between November 2013 and June 2014. The procedures were performed in the operating room by the same team of three vascular surgeons. The primary endpoints assessed were early postoperative complications, occurring within 30 days after implantation. The evaluation of patient satisfaction was based on a specific questionnaire used in previous studies. RESULTS: In all cases, ultrasound-guided puncture of the basilic vein was feasible and the procedure successfully completed. Early complications included one case of basilic vein thrombophlebitis and one case of pocket infection that did not require device removal. Out of 35 patients interviewed, 33 (94.3%) would recommend the device to other patients. CONCLUSION: Implanting brachial ports is a feasible option, with low intraoperative risk and similar rates of early postoperative complications when compared to the existing data of the conventional technique. The patients studied were satisfied with the device and would recommend the procedure to others. OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente segurança perioperatória, complicações precoces e grau de satisfação de pacientes submetidos ao implante de cateteres centrais de inserção periférica pela veia basílica. MÉTODOS: Foram acompanhados prospectivamente e submetidos ao implante de cateteres de longa permanência de inserção periférica, entre novembro de 2013 e junho de 2014, 35 pacientes consecutivos com doença oncológica ativa necessitando de quimioterapia. Os procedimentos foram realizados em centro cirúrgico por uma mesma equipe composta por três cirurgiões vasculares. Os desfechos primários avaliados foram as complicações pós-operatórias precoces, ocorridas em até 30 dias após o implante. A avaliação do grau de satisfação foi realizada com base na aplicação de um questionário específico já utilizado em estudos prévios. RESULTADOS: Em todos os casos, a punção ecoguiada da veia basílica foi possível, e o procedimento foi concluído com sucesso. As complicações precoces observadas incluíram um caso de tromboflebite de basílica e um de infecção de bolsa, ambos tratados clinicamente sem necessidade de retirada do dispositivo. Dos 35 pacientes interrogados, 33 (94,3%) recomendariam o dispositivo para outras pessoas. CONCLUSÃO: A implantação do port braquial é uma opção factível, com baixo risco intraoperatório e taxas semelhantes de complicações pós-operatórias imediatas quando comparada a dados já existentes da técnica convencional. Os pacientes estudados apresentaram-se satisfeitos com o dispositivo e recomendariam o procedimento para outras pessoas.

Evaluation and management of symptomatic isolated spontaneous celiac trunk dissection.

The purpose of this study is to describe 10 cases of symptomatic isolated spontaneous celiac trunk dissection (ISCTD) in order to evaluate the initial clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment modalities and outcomes. A retrospective search was performed from 2009 to 2014 and 10 patients with ISCTD were included in the study. Patients with associated aortic and/or other visceral artery dissection were excluded. The following information was collected from each case: sex, age, associated risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic method, anatomic dissection pattern, treatment modality and outcome. Most patients were male (90%), with an average age of 44.8 years, and the most common symptom was abdominal pain (100%). Hypertension and vasculitis (polyarteritis nodosa) were the most frequent risk factors (40% and 30%, respectively). Diagnosis was made in all patients with computed tomography. Dissection was limited to the celiac trunk in three patients and extended to celiac branches in the other seven. Initial conservative treatment was attempted in every case and was successful in nine patients. In one case, initial conservative treatment was unsuccessful and arterial stenting with coil embolization of the false lumen was performed. After successful initial treatment, late progression of the dissection to aneurysmal dilatation was observed in two patients and it was decided to perform endovascular treatment. Mean follow-up was 19 months, ranging from 2 to 59 months. In conclusion, initial conservative treatment seems adequate for most patients with ISCTD. Long-term follow-up is mandatory, owing to the risk of later progression to aneurysm.