Tips and Tricks for Simple and Complex Below-the-Ankle Punctures.

CLINICAL IMPACT: When the standard endovascular crossing maneuvers have failed during CLTI recanalization procedures and the distal below-the-knee or proximal below-the-ankle retrograde access is not possible due to chronic occlusion of the vessels, mastering the more distal and complex retrograde BTA punctures may be advantageous.There are scanty reports regarding the retrograde puncture of the mid and forefoot vessels. The aim of this article is to review different tips and tricks related to these techniques to help operators to apply them in specific scenarios to eventually improve procedural success rate.

An unusual case of small bowel volvulus due to pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon condition characterized by intramural gas accumulation in the intestinal submucosa. Idiopathic or secondary is presented with non-specific clinical signs; in some cases, diagnosis is incidental. Its acute presentation is uncommon, and surgical management could be performed in selected cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an 85-year-old woman with 3 days of abdominal pain, 6 months of weight loss, and abdominal distension after meals. Abdominal computed tomography evidenced PCI at the small intestine with changes due to intestinal ischemia and internal mesenteric hernia. Intestinal resection and lateral-lateral mechanical anastomosis were performed with no complications after 90 days of follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: PCI is an infrequent and benign condition; pathophysiology is, to date, poorly understood. Idiopathic or secondary to other gastrointestinal pathologies are described. The final diagnosis is performed with histopathological analysis. Nevertheless, in some cases, the benign nature could be presented as an acute abdomen, and surgical management should be in the physician's armamentarium. CONCLUSION: PCI is an uncommon and benign entity. Nevertheless, in some cases, it could be presented as an acute abdomen. The surgical approach is appropriate, safe, and feasible.

Possible role of metformin as an antidepressant in diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Metformin (MET) is a drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes due to its insulin receptor sensitizing properties and anti-hepatic gluconeogenesis effect. One of the comorbidities in diabetes is the depression. This review aimed at summarizing the results of the available MET, depression and diabetes studies to clarify the possible role of MET in the depression during diabetes. METHODS: A bibliographic search on PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central for studies referring to MET, depression and diabetes. RESULTS: Several studies have associated depression to the chronic inflammation that characterizes diabetes. Additionally MET is an anti-inflammatory molecule that generally acts by activating AMPK and inhibiting the NF-kB factor. In the context of diabetes, MET can act directly as an anti-inflammatory drug as well as inhibiting other pro-inflammatory molecules. In this regard, MET may inhibit the pro-inflammatory effects of angiotensin II. By facilitating the action of insulin and reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis, MET reduces circulating glucose levels, decreasing the formation of advanced glycation end products and therefore inflammation. During diabetes, the gut microbiota and the permeability of the intestinal barrier are altered, causing high levels of circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which induce inflammation. MET can normalize the microbiota and the intestinal barrier permeability reducing the levels of LPS and inflammation. Clinical and experimental studies show the anti-depressant effect of MET mediated by different mechanisms both at the peripheral level and in the central nervous system. CONCLUSION: Therefore, MET as an anti-inflammatory drug can decrease symptoms of depression and represents a therapeutic approach to improve the psychological state of patients with diabetes. Additionally, insulin also has an anti-inflammatory effect that could act together with MET.

Angiotensin II and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a consequence of the infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. During this infection, various immunological processes generated by streptococcal antigens are triggered, such as the induction of antibodies and immune complexes. This activation of the immune system involves both innate and acquired immunity. The immunological events that occur at the renal level lead to kidney damage with chronic renal failure as well as resolution of the pathological process (in most cases). Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a molecule with vasopressor and pro-inflammatory capacities, being an important factor in various inflammatory processes. During PSGN some events are defined that make Ang II conceivable as a molecule involved in the inflammatory processes during the disease. CONCLUSION: This review is focused on defining which reported events would be related to the presence of this hormone in PSGN.

Stability Study Through Water Activity Measurements for Dispensed Powdered Raw Materials.

BACKGROUND: Holding times for raw materials are relevant, since they enable us to understand the allowable time that a raw material can be kept under ideal storage conditions before the start of the manufacturing process without its quality attributes being affected. The quantification of water activity can be used as an indicator of the microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic stability of a specimen, since low water activity retards autohydrolysis and microbiological growth. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this investigation was to test the stability of powdered raw materials for a maximum holding time of 8 days through water activity measurements. Thus microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic measurements were carried out in parallel and simultaneously in order to experimentally establish a relationship between the status of the water activity of processed raw materials and the microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic results. RESULTS: The raw materials were stored for a maximum holding time of 8 days, in accordance with USP monographs. For all the raw materials tested, water activity measurements were performed using the dew point chilled-mirror method on days 0, 3, and 8. On days 0 and 8, microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic assessments were performed. It was established that under these storage conditions, the processed raw materials exhibited water activity below 0.60 during the entire holding time. However, there were statistically significant differences in water activity levels between days 0, 3, and 8 (ANOVA P < 0.05). Despite observing statistically significant differences between days, the microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic features were within specification at those water activity levels, below 0.60. CONCLUSION: Water activity below 0.60 does not allow the growth of microorganisms, and the organoleptic and physicochemical features remain unperturbed. The results indicate that water activity can be used as an indicator of the microbiological load and chemical stability of the raw materials tested.

Uso de dispositivos móviles y alteraciones cervicales en estudiantes universitarios / Use of mobile devices and cervical disorders in university students / Uso de dispositivos móveis e distúrbios cervicais em estudantes universitários

Las alteraciones cervicales son un problema multifactorial que afecta a la sociedad moderna. Posturas viciosas, traumatismos y defectos congénitos relacionados con la columna cervical pueden desarrollar inestabilidad, pinzamiento radicular, cervicoartrosis y cervicalgias. Objetivo. Relacionar el uso de dispositivos móviles con las alteraciones cervicales en estudiantes universitarios. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional, que se realizó entre los meses de mayo y julio del 2023, cuya muestra fue de 172 estudiantes universitarios que se obtuvo aplicando la fórmula para el cálculo muestral de poblaciones conocidas, mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Se utilizó el test goniométrico para medir el rango articular, el test postural para identificar las alteraciones posturales, la técnica de palpación para identificar dolor inespecífico, prueba de resistencia para los músculos flexores (NFMET) y extensores (NEET), por último, se realizó la prueba de Spurling para identificar casos de radiculopatías. Resultados. Aunque las relaciones estadísticas no fueron consistentes, se observó que quienes utilizaron más tiempo los teléfonos celulares (87,0%) mostraron más limitaciones cervicales que los usuarios menos frecuentes (73,5%). La movilidad articular fue limitada en el 84,3% de la población, especialmente en varones (93,5%); la resistencia muscular normal en extensión fue más prevalente en el caso de los hombres (84,9%), mientras que la resistencia alterada en flexión fue más prevalente en mujeres (94,9%). Conclusiones. Según los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación, no se encontró suficiente evidencia para determinar una relación estadísticamente significativa (P˃0,05) entre las alteraciones cervicales y el uso de teléfonos celulares, aunque se observó una mayor limitación en el caso de quienes más tiempo utilizaban el dispositivo móvil.

Cervical disorders are a multifactorial problem affecting modern society. Vicious postures, trauma and congenital defects related to the cervical spine can develop instability, radicular impingement, cervicoarthrosis and cervicalgia. Objective. To relate the use of mobile devices with cervical disorders in university students. Materials and methods. Descriptive, observational study carried out between May and July 2023, with a sample of 172 university students obtained by applying the formula for the sample calculation of known populations, by means of non-probabilistic sampling. The goniometric test was used to measure joint range, the postural test to identify postural alterations, the palpation technique to identify non-specific pain, resistance test for flexor (NFMET) and extensor (NEET) muscles, and finally, the Spurling test was performed to identify cases of radiculopathy. Results. Although the statistical relationships were not consistent, it was observed that those who used cell phones longer (87.0%) showed more cervical limitations than less frequent users (73.5%). Joint mobility was limited in 84.3% of the population, especially in men (93.5%); normal muscular endurance in extension was more prevalent in men (84.9%), while impaired endurance in flexion was more prevalent in women (94.9%). Conclusions. According to the results obtained in this investigation, there was not enough evidence to determine a statistically significant relationship (P˃0.05) between cervical alterations and cell phone use, although a greater limitation was observed in the case of those who used the mobile device the longest.

Os distúrbios cervicais são um problema multifatorial que afeta a sociedade moderna. Posturas viciosas, traumas e defeitos congênitos relacionados à coluna cervical podem levar a instabilidade, impacto radicular, cervicoartrose e cervicalgia. Objetivo. Relacionar o uso de dispositivos móveis com distúrbios cervicais em estudantes universitários. Materiais e métodos. Estudo descritivo, observacional, realizado entre maio e julho de 2023, com uma amostra de 172 estudantes universitários obtida pela aplicação da fórmula para o cálculo de amostras de populações conhecidas, por meio de amostragem não probabilística. Foram utilizados o teste goniométrico para medir a amplitude articular, o teste postural para identificar alterações posturais, a técnica de palpação para identificar dores inespecíficas, o teste de resistência para músculos flexores (NFMET) e extensores (NEET) e o teste de Spurling para identificar casos de radiculopatia. Resultados. Embora as relações estatísticas não tenham sido consistentes, observou-se que aqueles que usavam telefones celulares por mais tempo (87,0%) apresentavam mais limitações cervicais do que os usuários menos frequentes (73,5%). A mobilidade articular foi limitada em 84,3% da população, especialmente no sexo masculino (93,5%); a resistência muscular normal em extensão foi mais prevalente no sexo masculino (84,9%), enquanto a resistência prejudicada em flexão foi mais prevalente no sexo feminino (94,9%). Conclusões. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa, não houve evidências suficientes para determinar uma relação estatisticamente significativa (P˃0,05) entre os distúrbios cervicais e o uso de telefones celulares, embora tenha sido observada uma limitação maior no caso daqueles que usaram o dispositivo móvel por períodos mais longos.

Apoptosis in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and mechanisms for failed of inflammation resolution.

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a condition resulting from infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The main mechanism involves the formation of immune complexes formed in the circulation or in situ on the glomerular basement membrane, which activates complement and causes various inflammatory processes. Cellular mechanisms have been reported in the induction of kidney damage represented by the infiltration of innate cells (neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages) and adaptive cells (CD4 + lymphocytes and CD8 + lymphocytes) of the immune system. These cells induce kidney damage through various mechanisms. It has been reported that nephritogenic antigens are capable of inducing inflammatory processes early, even before the formation of immune complexes. Usually, this disease progresses towards clinical and renal normalization; however, in a smaller number of patients, it evolves into chronicity and persistent kidney damage. Hypotheses have been proposed regarding the mechanisms underlying this progression to chronicity including failure to induce apoptosis and failure to phagocytose apoptotic cells, allowing these cells to undergo membrane permeabilization and release pro-inflammatory molecules into the environment, thereby perpetuating renal inflammation. Other mechanisms involved include persistent infection, genetic background of the host's complement system, tubulointerstitial changes, and pre-existing kidney damage due to old age and comorbidities.

Angiotensin II and dengue.

Dengue is a disease caused by a flavivirus that is transmitted principally by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito and represents a major public-health problem. Many studies have been carried out to identify soluble factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of this infection. Cytokines, soluble factors, and oxidative stress have been reported to be involved in the development of severe disease. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a hormone with the ability to induce the production of cytokines and soluble factors related to the inflammatory processes and coagulation disorders observed in dengue. However, a direct involvement of Ang II in this disease has not been demonstrated. This review primarily summarizes the pathophysiology of dengue, the role of Ang II in various diseases, and reports that are highly suggestive of the involvement of this hormone in dengue.

Efficacy Comparison of an Automated Growth-Based System and Plate-Count Method on the Detection of Yeasts and Molds in Personal Care Products.

OBJECTIVE: The present investigation studies the efficacy of an automated growth-based system for a quantitative determination of Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis in several personal care products. The main purpose of this validation study was to prove that the alternative method's entire performance is not inferior to the conventional pour-plate method for a quantitative determination of yeasts and molds. Thus, a performance equivalence was established in accordance with the United Stated Pharmacopeia (USP-NF) Validation of Alternative Microbiological Methods ˂1223˃. METHODS: C. albicans and A. brasiliensis were pooled to use as inoculum (equivalent to 1.0 × 108 CFU/mL) in the suitability of the method test. PCP's preservatives were chemically neutralized leading to the yeast and mold recovery by means of the alternative microbiological method (AMM) and the pour-plate method. A correlation curve was generated for each PCP by plotting DTs relative to the corresponding log CFU values. RESULTS: Thirty PCPs have been tested for quantification of yeasts and molds using an AMM. An equivalence of results was made through the construction of correlation curves that allowed the establishment of numerically equivalent results between the enumeration data from the reference method (CFU) and the alternative method (Detection times, DTs). Thus, following the guidelines of USP Ch.1223, essential validation parameters were tested, such as equivalence of results (Correlation coeficient, CC >0.95), linearity (R2 >0.9025), accuracy (% recovery >70%), operating range, precision (CV <35%), ruggedness (one-way ANOVA, P > 0.05), specificity, LOD, and LOQ. CONCLUSION: It was shown that all the test results obtained from the alternative method were in statistical agreement with the standard plate-count method (PCM). Thus, this new technology was found to meet all the validation criteria needed to be considered for an alternative method for yeast and mold quantification in the PCPs tested. HIGHLIGHTS: In accordance with the United Stated Pharmacopeia (USP-NF) Validation of Alternative Microbiological Methods ˂1223˃, the implementation of alternative methods can offer benefits in execution and automation while improving accuracy, sensitivity, and precision and reduce the microbiological process time compared to the traditional ones.

Validation of a Rapid Microbiological Method for the Detection and Quantification of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex in an Antacid Oral Suspension.

BACKGROUND: Despite the broad adoption of Soleris® technology in the food industry as semiquantitative method, it is almost completely unexplored in the pharmaceutical industry as a quantitative method for quantification of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of an automated growth-based system for a quantitative determination of the Bcc in an antacid oral suspension was studied. The main purpose of this validation study was to prove that the alternative method's entire performance is not inferior to the conventional method for a quantitative determination of Bcc. METHOD: The antacid oral suspension's preservatives were neutralized, leading to the Burkholderia complex's recovery by means of the alternative method and the reference method. A calibration curve was generated for each strain by plotting DTs relative to the corresponding log CFU values. An equivalence of results was done through the construction of calibration curves that allowed the establishment of numerically equivalent results between the enumeration data from the reference method and the alternative method. RESULTS: Thus following the guidelines of USP, essential validation parameters were shown, such as equivalence of results (CC >0.95), linearity (R2 >0.9025), accuracy (% recovery >70%), operating range, precision and ruggedness (DS <5 and CV <35%), specificity (inclusivity and exclusivity), limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that all the test results obtained from the alternative method were in statistical agreement with the standard method. Thus this new technology was found to meet all the validation criteria needed to be considered as an alternative method for the quantification of the Burkholderia complex in the antacid oral suspension tested. HIGHLIGHTS: As outlined in USP chapter <1223> and demonstrated in this research the implementation of alternative methods can offer benefits in execution and automation while improving accuracy, sensitivity, and precision and can reduce the microbiological process time compared to the traditional ones.

Performance Equivalence and Validation of a Rapid Microbiological Method for Detection and Quantification of Yeast and Mold in an Antacid Oral Suspension.

Alternative and rapid microbiological methods can be effective replacements for more traditional plating approaches for ensuring quality and safety in the pharmaceutical industry. This article compares the efficacy of the Soleris automated method and the traditional plate-count method for the quantitative detection of yeasts and molds at three different microbial bioburden levels. Validation testing was carried out using an antacid oral suspension (aluminum hydroxide 4% + magnesium hydroxide 4% + simethicone 0.4%). Equivalence of data between detection time and colony-forming units was established for both the alternative and the conventional methodologies. Using probability of detection, linear Poisson regression, Fisher's test, and multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), all results from the rapid method were shown to be in statistical agreement with the those of the reference plating procedures. The limits of detection and quantification were statistically similar for both methods (Fisher's exact test, P > 0.05), showing that the alternative method is not inferior in performance to the reference method. Essential validation parameters such as precision (standard deviation <5, coefficient of variance <35%), accuracy (>70%), linearity (R2 >0.9025), ruggedness (ANOVA, P < 0.05), operative range, and specificity were determined. It was shown that all the test results obtained using the alternative method were in statistical agreement with the those of the standard plate-count method. Thus, this new technology was found to meet all the validation criteria needed to be considered as an alternative method for yeast and mold quantification in the antacid oral suspension tested. However, taking into account that the present validation was carried out utilizing A. brasiliensis and C. albicans as suitable models for yeasts and molds and with an antacid oral suspension as a pharmaceutical matrix, further investigation will be required to qualify Soleris technology for other environmental isolates and recovery of these isolates from production batches.

Balloon-Assisted Retrograde Puncture of Distal Vessels in Patients Unsuitable for a Conventional Transpedal Approach.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel bailout technique to approach below-the-knee chronic total occlusions after a failed bidirectional recanalization attempt using the plantar loop maneuver in patients who are poor candidates for a retrograde puncture. TECHNIQUE: After a failure of recanalization of the opposite tibial artery using the plantar loop maneuver, an assisted direct retrograde transpedal approach can be performed regardless of poor vessel caliber or even arterial occlusion. After crossing the plantar arch, a low profile angioplasty balloon is used as a landmark for the pedal puncture and to give guidance for the wire advancement from the new access. CONCLUSION: A balloon-assisted retrograde transpedal approach may be considered for below-the-knee recanalization after standard plantar loop technique failure in patients who are not candidates for conventional retrograde puncture.

Retrograde Balloon-Assisted Approach to Prevent Distal Embolization During Complex Recanalization Procedures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to describe a bailout technical strategy to prevent below-the-knee (BTK) distal embolization during procedures with increased inherent risk using universally-available "off-the-shelf" devices. TECHNIQUE: A conventional retrograde access is obtained of the BTK target vessel where embolization protection is sought. Before starting any potential proximal maneuver with an associated significant risk of distal embolization (eg, atherectomy and mechanical thrombectomy), a low-profile balloon is inserted and inflated through the distal retrograde access, so that any debris resulting from the recanalization procedure is blocked by the stagnant column of blood generated by the inflated balloon. Once the revascularization procedure has been completed, a 4F curved catheter is antegradely advanced down to the distally-inflated balloon, and in case of distal embolization the debris is aspirated in a standard fashion way. CONCLUSION: A retrograde balloon-assisted "off-the-shelf" embolic protection approach may be considered for BTK revascularization procedures where there is an inherent increased risk of distal trash, especially in the presence of distal single-vessel runoff. CLINICAL IMPACT: Distal embolization following endovascular procedures can have devastating consequences and there is a general recommendation for selective use of EPDs in high-risk-scenarios. The increased cost and low availability of the current EPD devices for BTK/BTA arteries have prohibited their widespread use. The retrograde balloon-assisted "off-the-shelf" EPD prevents distal embolization during procedures with increased risk of distal trash using inexpensive, nonspecific equipment available in any basic endovascular suite.

Analysis of clinical indicators of teledentistry management for the elderly population during the covid-19 pandemic in Chile / Análisis de indicadores clínicos del manejo de la teleodontología para la población adulta mayor durante la pandemia del covid-19 en Chile

Objective: To analyze clinical indicators of teledentistry management for the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. Material and Methods:A pilot teledentistry project was developed for dental care of the elderly in 5 regions of Chile. The data obtained were recorded on the TEGO Platform to be subsequently selected and analyzed by the researchers in terms of clinical management indicators: degree of installed occupancy, degree of available occupation, degree of real occupation, interconsultation indicator per patient attended, urgencies according to reason for consultations, unpostponable prosthetic treatment according to reason for consultations, prevention in relation to granted benefits, prevention in relation to the patients cared for, and project absenteeism indicator. Results: The clinical management indicators obtained were as follows: The average degree of installed occupancy was 67%. The average degree of available occupancy was 78%, which accounts for the clinical time in which there are dental chairs and dentists willing to work. The average real occupancy degree was 86%. The average interconsultation indicator per patient observed was 25%. The indicator of urgencies according to the reason for the consultation was 95%, which indicates that the purpose of the study was fulfilled. The average unpostponable prosthetic treatment according to the reason for consultations was 5%. The prevention in relation to granted benefits reached 39%. Finally, the average indicator of absenteeism was 17%. Conclusion: The measurement of clinical management indicators contributes to meet the Chilean Ministry of Health Explicit Health Guarantees (GES), which are: Access, Timely Attention, Quality and Financial Protection.

Objetivo: Analizar indicadores clínicos del manejo de la teleodontología para la población de adultos mayores durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Chile. Material y Métodos: Se desarrolló un proyecto piloto de teleodontología para la atención odontológica del adulto mayor en cinco regiones de Chile. Los datos obtenidos fueron registrados en la plataforma TEGO para ser posteriormente seleccionados y analizados por los investigadores en cuanto a indicadores de gestión clínica: grado de ocupación instalada, grado de ocupación disponible, grado de ocupación real, indicador de interconsulta por paciente atendido, urgencias según motivo por consultas, tratamiento protésico improrrogable según motivo de consultas, prevención en relación a las prestaciones otorgadas, prevención en relación a los pacientes atendidos e indicador de ausentismo del proyecto. Resultados: Los indicadores de gestión clínica obtenidos fueron los siguientes: El grado medio de ocupación instalada fue del 67%. El grado medio de ocupación disponible fue del 78%, lo que da cuenta del tiempo clínico en el que hay sillones dentales y odontólogos dispuestos a trabajar. El grado de ocupación real promedio fue del 86%. El indicador medio de interconsultas por paciente observado fue del 25%. El indicador de urgencias según el motivo de la consulta fue del 95%, lo que indica que se cumplió con el propósito del estudio. El promedio de tratamientos protésicos impostergables según el motivo de consulta fue del 5%. La prevención en relación a las prestaciones otorgadas alcanzó el 39%. Finalmente, el indicador promedio de ausentismo fue de 17%. Conclusión: La medición de indicadores de gestión clínica contribuye a cumplir con las Garantías Explícitas en Salud (GES) del Ministerio de Salud de Chile, que son: Acceso, Oportunidad, Calidad y Protección Financiera.

Prescripción de ejercicio durante la rehabilitación cardiaca de pacientes con Insuficiencia Cardiaca / Exercise prescription in patients with heart failure during cardiac rehabilitation

Resumen La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es una patología cardiovascular con elevada morbi-mortalidad, sus causas más frecuentes se asocian a la cardiopatía isquémica y la hipertensión arterial. La rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) ha demostrado ser efectiva para mejorar la sintomatología, la capacidad funcional, el número de internamientos y la mortalidad en personas con dicha enfermedad. A pesar de esto, se ha documentado que la RC y el ejercicio físico como uno de sus componentes, siguen siendo subutilizados. Se revisa la evidencia científica y guías de práctica clínica disponibles, con el objetivo de valorar la seguridad, la respuesta y los beneficios del ejercicio en personas con IC, incluyendo las recomendaciones sobre prescripción, modalidades de entrenamiento (HIIT, músculos respiratorios y electroestimulación muscular funcional) y finalmente las consideraciones especiales durante el proceso de RC.

Abstract Exercise prescription in patients with heart failure during cardiac rehabilitation. Heart Failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. The most frequent causes are associated with ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to be an effective method in improving symptoms, functional capacity, also in reduce of the number of hospitalizations and mortality in people with this disease. Despite this, it has been documented that CR and physical exercise continue to be underused. The scientific evidence and available clinical practice guidelines are reviewed, in order to assess the safety, response, and benefits of exercise in people with HF, including recommendations on prescription, training modalities (HIIT, respiratory muscles, and functional muscle electrostimulation) and finally the special considerations during the CR process.

On-Site-Modified Sheath to Overcome the Undesirable Catheterization of the Profunda Femoris Artery During Antegrade Femoral Access.

Purpose: To present a simple method to avoid favored passage of a guidewire into the profunda femoris artery (PFA) after antegrade puncture of the common femoral artery. Technique: A 6-F conventional introducer sheath with a radiopaque distal marker is placed on the nurse's table with its side port orientated to the 12 o'clock position. A small (2-2.5 mm) oval fenestration is created on the superior aspect of the sheath about 3 cm from its tip with a size 11 surgical blade. The modified introducer is passed over the angled 0.035-inch guidewire into the PFA and gently retrieved until the tip marker is ~3 cm from the femoral bifurcation. The dilator is removed, and the guidewire is withdrawn to the level of the fenestration, manipulated through it, and advanced further into the superficial femoral artery under fluoroscopic guidance. Conclusion: When repeated passage of the guidewire down the PFA persists despite conventional manipulation of the wire or needle, an on-site modification of the sheath is an easy alternative approach for the catheterization of the superficial femoral artery.

A Modified Syringe Plunger Device Significantly Reduces Guidewire Threading Time Regardless of Experience Level or the Presence of Presbyopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a new guidewire threading instrument (GTI) in reducing guidewire threading times compared with the traditional freehand method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, controlled, single-center study recruited 100 subjects (mean age 45.2±11.3 years; 43 men) and divided them into 2 groups depending on their professional background: 50 experienced medical personnel (performed or assisted in >50 catheter-based procedures) and 50 medical personnel with no experience in endovascular techniques (inexperienced group). The threading time of both groups was recorded using the conventional freehand method and with the GTI for both 0.035- and 0.014-inch platforms. Users of eyeglasses for presbyopia were tested with and without glasses. Median values are reported with the interquartile range (IQR; Q1, Q3) in parentheses. RESULTS: The mean insertion times with both the 0.035-inch and 0.014-inch guidewires in the overall study group were significantly better with the use of the GTI compared with the traditional freehand method (p<0.001). Both the experienced and the inexperienced participants improved their insertion times using the GTI with both guidewire platforms (p<0.001). The threading time with the new device was also significantly reduced (p<0.001) for both participants with presbyopia and those without. When comparing the median absolute time improvement (difference between freehand/GTI insertion times) for the 0.014-inch platform, the inexperienced group showed a greater improvement in their performance [3.52 seconds (IQR 2.76, 5.12)] compared with the experienced group [1.87 seconds (IQR 1.37, 2.66), p<0.001]. The median "absolute time improvement" was also significantly greater for the presbyopic group [5.75 seconds (IQR 3.14, 8.20)] vs the group without age-related visual impairment [2.64 seconds (IQR 1.65, 3.36), p<0.001]. CONCLUSION: This simple and inexpensive homemade device facilitates wire threading of low-profile catheters and seems to be especially helpful for trainees with no experience and presbyopic operators.

Femoropopliteal CTO Subintimal Recanalization Using a Homemade Reentry Device.

A case of a femoropopliteal recanalization procedure using a new bailout technical maneuver to aid reentry into the true lumen is described. After a failed standard reentry attempt, at the level of the vessel reconstitution in the subintimal space, the guidewire was exchanged for a GooseNeck Snare Kit. A needle was inserted across the target artery, piercing both arterial walls and passing through the snare loop. Once the needle had exited the artery, a wire was inserted and the needle withdrawn. The snare was closed, withdrawn, and the wire externalized through the femoral access. Finally, a catheter was advanced from the antegrade sheath up to the arterial reconstitution. Selective injection at the site of reentry confirmed the intraluminal position, and the procedure was successfully completed from the antegrade sheath.

Homemade Device to Facilitate Percutaneous Venous Arterialization in Patients With No-Option Critical Limb Ischemia.

PURPOSE: To describe a maneuver to facilitate percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation during venous arterialization procedures in patients with no-option critical limb ischemia. TECHNIQUE: Following a failed arterial recanalization attempt, a balloon catheter is passed up to the tip of the guidewire. Venous access is gained distally, a 4-F sheath is antegradely passed, and a 4-mm GooseNeck snare is advanced through it. A fluoroscopic view that overlaps the snare and the inflated balloon is obtained. If the vein remains anterior with respect to the artery, a needle is inserted across the vein, passing through the snare loop and puncturing the intra-arterial balloon. A wire is inserted and placed inside the punctured balloon. The balloon is retrieved and the wire externalized through the femoral access. A catheter is advanced antegradely over this wire from the artery into the vein. If the vein remains posterior to the artery, a needle is inserted, puncturing the balloon and thereafter the vein (crossing through the snare). A wire is inserted, captured by the snare, and externalized through the vein sheath. A catheter is finally advanced over this wire from the vein into the artery. CONCLUSION: This maneuver is a simple alternative to create an arteriovenous fistula during venous arterialization procedures in patients with no-option critical limb ischemia.