Prevalence and Burden of Carotid and Femoral Atherosclerosis in Subjects Without Known Cardiovascular Disease in a Large Community Hospital in South-America.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical guidelines recommend measurement of arterial (carotid and femoral) plaque burden by vascular ultrasound (VUS) as a risk modifier in individuals at low or moderate risk without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of carotid and femoral plaques by age and sex, the burden of subclinical atherosclerosis (SA), and its association with classic CVRF in subjects over 30 years of age without ASCVD. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 5775 consecutive subjects referred for cardiovascular evaluation and determined the prevalence and burden of SA using 2D-VUS in carotid and femoral arteries. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent were men with a mean age of 51.3 (SD 10.6) years. Overall, plaque prevalence was 51% in carotid arteries, 39.3% in femoral arteries, 62.4% in carotid or femoral arteries, and 37.6% in neither. The prevalence of plaques and SA burden showed an increasing trend with age, being higher in men than in women and starting before the age of 40, both in the carotid and femoral sites. There was also an increasing prevalence of plaques according to the number of CVRF, and interestingly we found a high prevalence of plaques in subjects with 0 or 1 classic CVRF. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increased prevalence and burden of carotid or femoral SA, higher in men, beginning before the fourth decade of life and increasing with age. Despite a significant association with classic CVRF, a significant number of subjects with low CVRF were diagnosed with SA.

Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Superficial Femoral Artery Velocity Measurements in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal associations of noninvasive 2-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D-PC-MRI) velocity markers of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) were analyzed along with the characteristics of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We hypothesized that the 2-year differences in MRI-based measures of SFA velocity were associated with longitudinal changes in markers of PAD. METHODS: A total of 33 (11 diabetic, 22 nondiabetic) patients with PAD with baseline and 2-year follow-up MRI scans were included in this secondary analysis of the Effect of Lipid Modification on Peripheral Artery Disease after Endovascular Intervention Trial (ELIMIT). Electrocardiographically gated 2D-PC-MRI was performed at a proximal and a distal location of the distal SFA territory. SFA lumen, wall, and total vessel volumes and the normalized wall index (NWI) were analyzed. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics did not differ between diabetic and nondiabetic PAD patients. Maximum proximal and distal SFA velocity measures did not differ between baseline and 2 years (41.98 interquartile range (IQR) (23.58-72.6) cm/s vs. 40.31 IQR (26.69-61.29) cm/s; P = 0.30). Pooled analysis (N = 33) showed that the 24-month change in the NWI was inversely associated with the 24-month change in the proximal maximal SFA velocity (beta = -168.36, R2 = 0.150, P value = 0.03). The 24-month change of the maximum velocity differences between the proximal and distal SFA locations was inversely associated with the 24-month changes in peak walking distance (beta = -0.003, R2 = 0.360, P value = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The 2-year change of SFA plaque burden is inversely associated with the 2-year change of proximal peak SFA blood flow velocity. 2D-PC-MRI measured SFA velocity may be of interest in assessing PAD longitudinally.

Comparison of ultrasound guidance and palpation technique for femoral artery catheterization in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was compare the palpation technique and ultrasound-guidance for femoral artery catheterization in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective and randomized controlled study included American Society of Anesthesiologists III-IV 40 children who underwent congenital heart surgery. The patients were divided into two groups; ultrasound-guided catheterization group and palpation-guided catheterization group. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, access time, success rate, number of attempts, first-attempt success, number of trials, and failed cannulations were recorded. RESULTS: The diameter of the femoral artery was significantly shorter, access time and numbers of trials were significantly lower, and first-attempt success rate was significantly higher in the US group. The complication rate was significantly higher in the P group. The number of failed catheterization was higher in the P group. Total cost required for the procedure was significantly lower in the US group. CONCLUSION: We found that ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization increases the success rate and the number of successful catheterizations, while reducing the overall procedure time, incidence of complications, and cost. Therefore, we believe that the use of ultrasound guidance in arterial catheterization in pediatric cardiac surgery would be a better choice.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la técnica de palpación y ecoguiado para el cateterismo de la arteria femoral en pacientes pediátricos operados de cardiopatías congénitas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Este estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y controlado incluyó a 40 niños ASA III-IV que se sometieron a cirugía cardíaca congénita. Los pacientes se dividieron en 2 grupos; Grupo de cateterismo guiado por ecografía y grupo de cateterismo guiado por palpación. RESULTADOS: El diámetro de la arteria femoral fue significativamente más corto, el tiempo de acceso y el número de intentos fueron significativamente menores y la tasa de éxito del primer intento fue significativamente mayor en grupo estadounidense. La tasa de complicaciones fue significativamente mayor en el grupo P. El número de cateterismos fallidos fue mayor en el grupo P. El costo total requerido para el procedimiento fue significativamente menor en el grupo de EE. CONCLUSIONES: Encontramos que el cateterismo arterial guiado por ultrasonido aumenta la tasa de éxito y el número de cateterismos exitosos, al tiempo que reduce el tiempo total del procedimiento, la incidencia de complicaciones y el costo. Por tanto, creemos que el uso de guía ecográfica en cateterismo arterial en cirugía cardiaca pediátrica sería una mejor opción.

Outcomes of Aortobifemoral Bypass Based on Configuration of the Proximal Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) remains an important treatment modality in the revascularization of aortoiliac occlusive disease. Despite ABF being performed for decades, questions remain regarding the preferred technique for the proximal anastomosis, specifically whether an end-to-end (EE) or an end-to-side (ES) configuration is superior. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of ABF based on proximal configuration. METHODS: We queried the Vascular Quality Initiative registry for ABF procedures performed between 2009 and 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare perioperative and 1-year outcomes between EE and ES configurations. RESULTS: Of the 6,782 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 60.0 [54-66 years]) who underwent ABF, 3,524 (52%) had an EE proximal anastomosis and 3,258 (48%) had an ES proximal anastomosis. Postoperatively, the ES cohort had a higher frequency of extubation in the operating room (80.3% vs. 77.4%; P < 0.01), lower change in renal function (8.8% vs. 11.5%; P < 0.01), and lower use of vasopressors (15.6% vs. 19.1%; P < 0.01), but higher rates of unanticipated return to the operating room (10.2% vs. 8.7%; P = 0.037) compared with the EE configuration. At 1-year follow-up, the ES cohort had a significantly lower primary graft patency rate (87.5% vs. 90.2%; P < 0.01) and higher rates of graft revision (4.8% vs. 3.1%; P < 0.01) and claudication symptoms (11.6% vs. 9.9%; P < 0.01). The ES configuration was significantly associated with a higher rate of 1-year major limb amputations in univariate (1.6% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.01) and multivariate (odds ratio, 1.95, confidence interval, 1.18-3.23, P=<0.01) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: While the ES cohort seemed to have less physiologic insult immediately postoperatively, the EE configuration appeared to have improved 1-year outcomes. To our knowledge, this study is one of the largest population-based studies comparing the outcomes of the proximal anastomotic configurations. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine which configuration is optimal.

Stenting performs better than drug-coated balloon angioplasty in popliteal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common and highly morbid disease. Although there have been recent advancements in the endovascular modalities to treat PAD, comparisons of these strategies, especially in the popliteal region, remain underinvestigated. The objective of this study was to compare midterm outcomes in patients with PAD undergoing treatment with both novel and SS compared with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. METHODS: All patients at a multi-institution health system treated for PAD in the popliteal region from 2011 to 2019 were identified. Presenting features, operative details, and outcomes were included in the analysis. Patients who underwent popliteal revascularization with stents were compared with DCB. SS were compared separately with novel dedicated stents. Two-year primary patency was the primary outcome. RESULTS: We included 408 patients (72.7 ± 11.8 years old; 57.1% men) in the analysis. There were 221 (54.7%) patients who underwent popliteal stenting and 187 (45.3%) who underwent popliteal DCB. There were high rates of tissue loss in both groups (57.9% vs 50.8%; P = .14). Stented patients had longer lesions (112.4 ± 3.2 vs 100.2 ± 5.8 mm; P = .03) and higher rates of concomitant superficial femoral artery treatment (88.2% vs 39.6%; P < .01). Chronic total occlusions accounted for the majority of lesions treated (stent 62.4%, DCB 64.2%). Perioperative complications were similar between groups. Primary patency for the stented group was higher at two years than the DCB group (61.0% vs 46.1%; P = .03). When evaluating stented patients only, SS had higher 2-year patency than novel stents in the popliteal segment (69.6% vs 51.4%; P = .04). On multivariable analysis, stenosis, as opposed to chronic total occlusion, was associated with improved patency (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.96; P = .04), whereas novel stents were associated with worse primary patency (hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.73; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: In a population of patients with severe vascular disease, stents do not have inferior patency and limb salvage rates compared with DCB angioplasty when treating the popliteal region. For patients with advanced vascular disease, and especially tissue loss, stents and DCB are both beneficial when treating popliteal lesions.

Superficial Femoral Artery in-Stent Restenosis Treated with Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Angioplasty - Results of Three-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis remains a common and important complication after endovascular treatment of superficial femoral artery peripheral artery disease. It occurs in 14 to 35% of cases in 1 year and there is still no efficient treatment for this condition. Paclitaxel-coated balloons have shown promising results. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the 3 year results of superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty, using the Lutonix™ 035 device. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study with patients with symptomatic (Rutherford 2 to 5) superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis, that were treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty using the Lutonix™ 035 device, in a single center from January 2016 to December 2020. Duplex scan was used to follow the patients. Primary patency was obtained through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Mortality, and amputation rates were also evaluated. RESULTS: 105 patients were included. Two patients had technical failure and required an additional stent, and were thus excluded. 103 patients were analyzed. Primary patency was 91.26, 80.47, and 67.71%, respectively, in the first, second, and third year after the procedure. There were no deaths 30 days after the procedure. There were no major amputations during the 3 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with the Lutonix™ 035 device was a safe and effective treatment to superficial femoral artery in-stent restenoses. The results were maintained along the 3 year follow-up.

Novel Common Femoral Artery Lesion Classification in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Revascularization.

PURPOSE: Common femoral artery (CFA) is a critical segment of the lower-limb arterial tree. We sought to propose an extensive classification in order to appraise a diagnostic and therapeutic approach. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of CFA lesions with endovascular therapy was evaluated. We appraised the extension, the degree of stenosis and the calcium burden. A new group "IV" included lesions that started at the external iliac artery or common iliac artery extending into the CFA and affecting its bifurcation. The primary outcome was the need for a retrograde bailout access after failed anterograde access and the procedural time. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2020, a total of 58 lower limbs in patients with CFA lesions were included. New proposed group IV compromised 36% of lesions. Additionally, procedural time was significantly longer in group IV lesions compared with the rest (76.9 ± 32.23 min vs 47.67 ± 17.93 min, p < 0.01), as was the requirement of retrograde bailout access (23.8 vs 2.6%, p = 0.03). Occlusive lesions were associated with longer procedural times and bailout retrograde access compared to stenotic lesions (74.7 ± 33.6 min vs 48.29 ± 16 min, p < 0.001 and 26.1 vs 0%, p = 0.006, respectively), as well as heavy calcification compared to mild or moderate calcification (73.18 ± 28.15 vs 51.86 ± 25.1, p = 0.06 and 29.4 vs 2.4%, p = 0.009, respectively). Secondary clinical outcomes and target lesion revascularization did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our classification includes a new group of extensive and frequent lesions, which did not fit in previous classifications.

Pseudoaneurisma e fístula arteriovenosa da artéria femoral profunda após rotura completa do músculo vasto medial: tratamento endovascular / Pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula of the deep femoral artery after complete rupture of the vastus medialis muscle: endovascular treatment

Resumo A artéria femoral profunda, devido às suas características anatômicas, se encontra protegida da maioria dos traumatismos vasculares. Relatamos um caso de pseudoaneurisma de ramo perfurante da artéria femoral profunda, associado à fístula arteriovenosa, secundário a rotura completa do músculo vasto medial em paciente jogador de futebol. A ressonância magnética demonstrou lesão muscular associada a pseudoaneurisma, e a angiotomografia confirmou a presença de pseudoaneurisma associado a fístula arteriovenosa de ramo da artéria femoral profunda. Foi realizado tratamento endovascular da fístula através da embolização com micromolas fibradas e drenagem cirúrgica do hematoma muscular. O paciente evoluiu bem, sem queixas clínicas no 30º dia de pós-operatório e também após 1 ano.

Abstract Due to its anatomical characteristics, the deep femoral artery is protected from most vascular injuries. We report a case of a soccer player with pseudoaneurysm of a perforating branch of the deep femoral artery, associated with an arteriovenous fistula and secondary to complete rupture of the vastus medialis muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging showed muscle damage associated with a pseudoaneurysm and angiotomography confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm associated with a deep arteriovenous fistula of a branch of the deep femoral artery. Endovascular treatment of the fistula was performed by embolization with fibrous microcoils and surgical drainage of the muscle hematoma. The patient recovered well, was free from clinical complaints on the 30th postoperative day and also after 1 year.

Common Femoral Artery Stenting: Computed Tomography Angiography Based Long-Term Patency.

BACKGROUND: Despite considerable morbid-mortality rates, common femoral endarterectomy is still considered the gold standard for atherosclerotic common femoral artery (CFA) disease. The aim of this study was to demonstrate computed tomography angiography based long-term patency after CFA stent placement and to analyze associated risk factors for restenosis. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study was carried out in consecutive patients treated with endovascular stent placement in CFA lesions. A clinical follow-up and imaging study was performed using MD-CTA to assess different degrees of in stent restenosis (ISR) and primary, assisted, and secondary patency rates. RESULTS: In a 5-year period, 35 extremities were treated in 33 patients with self-expandable nitinol stents. The technical success was 100% without complications related to the procedure. The mean follow-up (FU) was 32.2 months, and 8 limbs were lost. The degree of CFA stenosis was reduced from 79.69 ± 26.47% to 11.23 ± 24.53%. ISR < 20%, 20-70%, and ≥ 70% was evident in 15 (55.6%), 9 (33.3%), and 3 (11.1%) limbs, respectively. Estimated primary, assisted, and secondary patency was 79.5, 96.3, and 96.3%, respectively, after 24 months and 79.5, 96.3, and 96.3%, respectively after 60 months, with a freedom of clinical driven target lesion revascularisation rate of 87.8%. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment with self-expandable nitinol stents in CFA lesions had a high technical success rate and was related to few complications. A mild form of intimal hyperplasia was observed in a considerable number of cases. However, long-term patency was high; therefore, CFA stent placement might be a suitable therapeutic alternative in selected patients.

Massive Pulmonary Embolism with Cardiac Arrest during Routine Tibial Bypass Surgery.

We report the case of a massive pulmonary embolism with intraoperative cardiac arrest in a 48-year-old male during routine surgical tibial bypass successfully managed by catheter-based interventions. Our experience supports the trending shift in pulmonary embolism therapy guidelines to include endovascular approaches and emphasizes the need for vascular surgeons to adapt their training protocols.

Concordance and prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in different vascular territories.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) in the carotid, femoral, and coronary territories is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular (CV) events. Whether it is sufficient to assess SA in a single vascular territory in early-stage disease is uncertain. We aimed to determine the prevalence and concordance of SA in these vascular beds in asymptomatic patients without known CV disease. METHODS: We enrolled patients aged 35 to 75 years who were asymptomatic, without known CV disease, and had undergone carotid and femoral Doppler ultrasonography and calcium scoring. Those receiving statins were excluded. SA was defined as the presence of plaques in the carotid and/or femoral arteries or the presence of calcium in the coronary arteries (Agatston score >0). RESULTS: A total of 212 patients were identified with a mean age of 53 ± 7 years, of which 60% (128 patients) were men. The prevalence of SA was 62%. The distribution of SA between the three territories was similar, involving the carotid territory in 38% of cases, the femoral in 31%, and the coronaries in 37%. The concordance between the different vascular territories was weak, with a k index of 0.21 between the coronary and carotid territories, 0.27 between the coronary and femoral territories, and 0.34 between the carotid and femoral territories. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SA in asymptomatic patients without known CV disease is high. The concordance in the presence of SA between the three vascular territories is weak. Therefore, all three vascular beds need to be investigated.

ZILVERPASS Study: ZILVER PTX Stent vs Bypass Surgery in Femoropopliteal Lesions.

Purpose: To report the 12-month results of a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial to determine if the ZILVER PTX paclitaxel-eluting stent was noninferior in terms of safety and efficacy compared with surgical bypass. Materials and Methods: This is a study in symptomatic TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D femoropopliteal lesions comparing endovascular ZILVER PTX stenting vs surgical bypass surgery using a prosthetic graft (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01952457). Between October 2013 and July 2017, 220 patients (mean age 68.6±10.5 years; 159 men) were enrolled and randomized to the ZILVER PTX treatment group (113, 51.4%) or the bypass treatment group (107, 48.6%). Most of the lesions were occlusions (208, 94.5%); the mean lesion length was 247.1±69.3 mm. The primary outcome measure was primary patency at 12 months, defined as no evidence of binary restenosis or occlusion within the target lesion or bypass graft based on a duplex-derived peak systolic velocity ratio <2.4 and no clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) in endovascular cases or reintervention to restore flow in the bypass. Results: The estimated 12-month primary patency rate was 74.5% (95% CI 66.3% to 82.7%) for the ZILVER PTX group vs 72.5% (95% CI 63.7% to 81.3%) for the bypass arm (p=0.998). Freedom from TLR at 12 months was 80.9% (95% CI 73.3% to 88.5%) for the ZILVER PTX group vs 76.2% (95% CI 68.0% to 84.4%) for the bypass group (p=0.471). The 30-day complication rate was significantly lower in the ZILVER PTX group (4.4% vs 11.3%, p=0.004). Also, procedure time and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the ZILVER PTX group (p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: With noninferior patency results, a lower complication rate, and shorter procedures and hospital stays, paclitaxel-eluting stenting might become a recommended treatment for long TASC C and D femoropopliteal lesions.

Implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica transcatéter por vía femoral en paciente joven con obesidad extrema / Trans femoral TAVI in extremely obese patient with severe aortic stenosis

RESUMEN:TAVI transfemoral en una paciente con obesidad extrema y estenosis aórtica severa. Una mujer extremadamente obesa (IMC 62.5 Kg/M2) con estenosis aórtica severa fue descartada para cirugía bariátrica y reemplazo valvular aórtico. Se efectuó una TAVI por vía transfemoral, sin anestesia general. Se describen cuidadosas técnicas para efectuar la punción femoral y su sellado posterior. La paciente se recuperó sin incidentes, la gradiente transvalvular aórtica se redujo significativamente y hubo mínima insuficiencia valvular.

ABSTRACT: An extremely obese woman (BMI 62.5 Kg/M2) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis was discarded for bariatric surgery or aortic valve replacement. A transfemoral TAVI was performed, without general anesthesia. Careful techniques to perform and seal the transfemoral puncture are described. The patient recovered uneventfully with a significant decrease in aortic valve gradient and minimal aortic insufficiency.

Efficacy and Safety of "Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Angiography" with Right Transradial Access versus Left Transradial Access and Femoral Access: a Retrospective Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past 10 years, the rate of patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has increased twofold in cases of coronary angiography. Today, transradial access is the first choice for coronary angiography. We aimed to compare the efficacy and reliability of radial versus femoral access for coronary angiography in post-CABG surgery in this study. METHODS: Data from 442 patients who underwent post-CABG surgery between 2012-2017 were retrospectively compared. The right radial route was used in 120 cases, the left radial route in 148, and femoral route in 174. These three pathways were compared in terms of procedure time and fluoroscopy time, efficacy, and complication development. Comparisons among the three groups were performed with Bonferroni test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for nominal variables as a binary. RESULTS: Comparison results indicate that femoral access was better than left radial access and the left radial access was better than right radial access in terms of fluoroscopy time (10.71±1.65, 10.94±1.25, 16.12±5.28 min, P<0.001) and total procedure time (17.28±1.68, 17.68±2.34, 23.04±5.84 min, P<0.001). The left radial pathway was the most effective way of viewing left internal mammary artery (LIMA). No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups in other graft visualizations, all minor complications, total procedure and fluoroscopy time "Except LIMA imaging". Mortality due to processing was not observed in all three groups. CONCLUSION: The left radial route is preferred over right radial access for post-CABG angiography because the left radial pathway is close to the LIMA and is similar to the femoral pathway. In LIMA graft imaging, right radial access is a reliable route, even though it is not as effective as other pathways. We hope that the right radial pathway will improve with physician experience and innovations.

Efficacy and safety of "coronary artery bypass graft angiography" with right transradial access versus left transradial access and femoral access: a retrospective comparative study

Abstract Objective: Over the past 10 years, the rate of patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has increased twofold in cases of coronary angiography. Today, transradial access is the first choice for coronary angiography. We aimed to compare the efficacy and reliability of radial versus femoral access for coronary angiography in post-CABG surgery in this study. Methods: Data from 442 patients who underwent post-CABG surgery between 2012-2017 were retrospectively compared. The right radial route was used in 120 cases, the left radial route in 148, and femoral route in 174. These three pathways were compared in terms of procedure time and fluoroscopy time, efficacy, and complication development. Comparisons among the three groups were performed with Bonferroni test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for nominal variables as a binary. Results: Comparison results indicate that femoral access was better than left radial access and the left radial access was better than right radial access in terms of fluoroscopy time (10.71±1.65, 10.94±1.25, 16.12±5.28 min, P<0.001) and total procedure time (17.28±1.68, 17.68±2.34, 23.04±5.84 min, P<0.001). The left radial pathway was the most effective way of viewing left internal mammary artery (LIMA). No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups in other graft visualizations, all minor complications, total procedure and fluoroscopy time "Except LIMA imaging". Mortality due to processing was not observed in all three groups. Conclusion: The left radial route is preferred over right radial access for post-CABG angiography because the left radial pathway is close to the LIMA and is similar to the femoral pathway. In LIMA graft imaging, right radial access is a reliable route, even though it is not as effective as other pathways. We hope that the right radial pathway will improve with physician experience and innovations.

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity and hemodynamic responses to venous distension: does sex play a role?

Peripheral venous distension mechanically stimulates type III/IV sensory fibers in veins and evokes pressor and sympathoexcitatory reflex responses in humans. As young women have reduced venous compliance and impaired sympathetic transduction, we tested the hypothesis that pressor and sympathoexcitatory responses to venous distension may be attenuated in women compared with men. Mean arterial pressure (photoplethysmography), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV; Modelflow), cardiac output (CO = HR × SV), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), femoral artery blood flow, and femoral artery conductance (Doppler ultrasound) were quantified in eight men (27 ± 4 yr) and nine women (28 ± 4 yr) before [control (CON)], during (INF), and immediately after (post-INF) a local infusion of saline [5% of the total forearm volume (30 ml/min); the infusion time was 2 ± 1 and 1 ± 1 min ( P = 0.0001) for men and women, respectively] through a retrograde catheter inserted into an antecubital vein, to which venous drainage and arterial supply had been occluded. Mean arterial pressure increased during and after infusion in both groups (vs. the CON group, P < 0.05), but women showed a smaller pressor response in the post-INF period (Δ+7.2 ± 2.0 vs. Δ+18.3 ± 3.9 mmHg in men, P = 0.019). MSNA increased and femoral artery conductance decreased similarly in both groups (vs. the CON group, P < 0.05) at post-INF. Although HR changes were similar, increases in SV (Δ+20.4 ± 8.6 vs. Δ+2.6 ± 2.7 ml, P = 0.05) and CO (Δ+0.84 ± 0.17 vs. Δ+0.34 ± 0.10 l/min, P = 0.024) were greater in men compared with women. Therefore, venous distension evokes a smaller pressor response in young women due to attenuated cardiac adjustments rather than reduced venous compliance or sympathetic transduction. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that the pressor response to venous distension was attenuated in young women compared with age-matched men. This was due to attenuated cardiac adjustments rather than reduced venous compliance, sympathetic activation, or impaired transduction and vascular control. Collectively, these findings suggest that an attenuated venous distension reflex could be involved in orthostatic intolerance in young women.

Atherosclerotic plaque burden evaluated from neck to groin: effect of gender and cardiovascular risk factors.

We explored the impact of gender and cardiovascular risk factors (RF) in the distribution and burden of coronary and extra-coronary atherosclerotic plaques among patients undergoing ECG-gated thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) from the supra-aortic trunks to the femoral arteries. We included a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent ECG-gated thoracoabdominal aortic CTA from the supra-aortic trunks to the pubic symphysis. We evaluated the number of coronary segments with plaques [segment-involvement score (SIS)]; and the extra-coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden, comprising the aorta and supra-aortic trunks, iliofemoral arteries, and visceral arteries (extra-coronary SS). A total of 3400 vascular segments were evaluated in 100 patients (mean age 67.0 ± 12.6 years, 66% male). Seventy-two (72%) patients had evidence of atherosclerosis in the coronary tree (coronary SIS ≥ 1), of which 32% was extensive (coronary SIS > 5). Males had a significantly higher prevalence of coronary SIS ≥ 1 [53 (80%), vs. 19 (56%), p = 0.018], and coronary SIS > 5 [24 (36%) vs. 8 (24%), p = 0.035] than females. Extra-coronary SS was similar between genders (males 10.2 ± 5.8 vs. females 9.7 ± 5.4, p = 0.70), irrespective of the location along the different vascular beds. The number of coronary RF was significantly related to the coronary SIS (p = 0.038), and hypertension and diabetes were consistently related to coronary and extra-coronary plaque burden. In the present study involving analysis of multiple vascular beds from the supra-aortic trunks to the femoral arteries, we identified significant sex-related differences in coronary plaque burden, whereas extra-coronary plaque burden was similar between genders irrespective of the vascular bed assessed.

Fibrin sealant repair of a double-necked femoral pseudoaneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudoaneurysms are rare, but femoral artery false aneurysms have increased in recent decades. METHODS: They are related to endovascular procedures performed on patients with increased risk for this complication. Pseudoaneurysms generally present with only one neck. This paper describes a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm with two necks that occurred after an endovascular procedure and was successfully treated by duplex-guided fibrin sealant. RESULTS: Pseudoaneurysms are rare, but femoral artery pseudoaneurysms have increased with a discrepant incidence reported from 0.5% to almost 4%, mainly related to the increase of endovascular procedures in recent decades. CONCLUSIONS: The double-necked pseudoaneurysm identification was of utmost importance to guide the clinical decision-making and allowed good outcomes for the patient.