Aortobifemoral bypass vs covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation.

BACKGROUND: Covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation (CERAB) is increasingly used as a first line-treatment in patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). We sought to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent CERAB compared with the gold standard of aortobifemoral bypass (ABF). METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for patients who underwent ABF or CERAB from 2009 to 2021. Propensity scores were generated using demographics, comorbidities, Rutherford class, and urgency. The two groups were matched using 5-to-1 nearest-neighbor match. Our primary outcomes were 1-year estimates of primary patency, major adverse limb events (MALEs), MALE-free survival, reintervention-free survival, and amputation-free survival. Standard statistical methods were used. RESULTS: A total of 3944 ABF and 281 CERAB cases were identified. Of all patients with AIOD, the proportion of CERAB increased from 0% to 17.9% between 2009 and 2021. Compared with ABF, patients who underwent CERAB were more likely to be older (64.7 vs 60.2; P < .001) and more often had diabetes (40.9% vs 24.1%; P < .001) and end-stage renal disease (1.1% vs 0.3%; P = .03). In the matched analysis (229 CERAB vs 929 ABF), ABF patients had improved MALE-free survival (93.2% [±0.9%] vs 83.2% [±3%]; P < .001) and lower rates of MALE (5.2% [±0.9%] vs 14.1% [±3%]; P < .001), with comparable primary patency rates (98.3% [±0.3%] vs 96.6% [±1%]; P = .6) and amputation-free survival (99.3% [±0.3%] vs 99.4% [±0.6%]; P = .9). Patients in the CERAB group had significantly lower reintervention-free survival (62.5% [±6%] vs 92.9% [±0.9%]; P < .001). Matched analysis also revealed shorter length of stay (1 vs 7 days; P < .001), as well as lower pulmonary (1.2% vs 6.6%; P = .01), renal (1.8% vs 10%; P < .001), and cardiac (1.8% vs 12.8%; P < .001) complications among CERAB patients. CONCLUSIONS: CERAB had lower perioperative morbidity compared with ABF with a similar primary patency 1-year estimates. However, patients who underwent CERAB experienced more major adverse limb events and reinterventions. Although CERAB is an effective treatment for patients with AIOD, further studies are needed to determine the long-term outcomes of CERAB compared with the established durability of ABF and further define the role of CEARB in the treatment of AIOD.

Multilayer Stent for Emergency Treatment of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: We report the case of an acute type B dissection with high-risk features treated with multilayer stent. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with an acute type B aortic dissection. Conservative medical treatment did control blood pressure but did not alleviate her dissection symptoms. She was treated endovascularly with multilayer stents extensively covering the whole dissected area. HThe aortic arch side branches, visceral arteries and renal arteries remained patent after treatment. The recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged the day after the intervention. At 6- and 12-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, the true lumen volume increased and all side branches remained patent. CONCLUSION: We present a case of the use of a multilayer stent for acute type B aortic dissection. This technique allows to treat the whole dissection with low risk of paraplegia or side branch occlusion. Long-term results of ongoing clinical studies should confirm the place of the multilayer stent as a treatment option for type B aortic dissection.

Limb salvage in octogenarians with critical limb ischemia after lower extremity bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral artery disease is a worldwide epidemic that affects millions of patients, especially the elderly. It has a prevalence of 20% in individuals >80 years old. Although peripheral artery disease affects >20% of octogenarians, information about limb salvage rates in this patient population is limited. Therefore, this study aims to understand the impact of bypass surgery on limb salvage in patients aged >80 years with critical limb ischemia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis by querying the electronic medical records at a single institution from 2016 through 2022 to identify the population of interest and analyzed their outcomes after lower extremity bypass. The primary outcomes were limb salvage and primary patency, with hospital length of stay and 1-year mortality as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 137 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The lower extremity bypass population was divided into two cohorts: <80 years old (n = 111) with a mean age of 66 or ≥80 years old (n = 26) with a mean age of 84 years. The gender distribution was similar (P = .163). No significant difference was found in the two cohorts when it came to coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes mellitus. However, when current and former smokers were grouped together, they were significantly more common in the younger cohort when compared with nonsmokers (P = .028). The primary end point of limb salvage was not significantly different between the two cohorts. Hospital length of stay was not significantly different between the two cohorts with 4.13 days vs 4.17 days in the younger vs octogenarian cohorts, respectively (P = .95). The 30-day all-cause readmissions were also not found to be significantly different between the two groups. The primary patency at 1 year was 75% and 77% (P = .16) for the <80-year-old and ≥80-year-old cohorts, respectively. Mortality was low in both cohorts, with two and three for the younger and octogenarian populations, respectively; thus, no analysis was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that octogenarians who undergo the same preoperative risk assessment as younger populations have similar outcomes when it comes to primary patency, hospital length of stay, and limb salvage when comorbidities were considered. Further studies need to be done to determine the statistical impact on mortality in this population with a larger cohort.

Analysis of obtaining apical patency indexes during endodontic treatments considering gender, age, pulpoperiradicular diagnosis and canal/tooth-A clinical study.

This study aimed to perform an analysis of obtaining apical patency indexes during endodontic treatments considering gender, age, pulpoperiradicular diagnosis and canal/tooth (n. 639/383). Following previous clinical procedures, a thin K-File (No. 20, 15, 10 or 08) was used to achieve apical patency. These specific data and some demographic and clinical information were submitted to the statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Significant statistical differences were not identified considering gender (p = 0.156) and age (p = 0.793). However, in 14.6% of the canals of vital teeth and 14.1% of the canals of necrotic teeth without periapical lesions, apical patency could not be achieved, which occurred in only 7% of the canals of necrotic teeth with periradicular disease (p = 0.009). Considering canal/tooth, apical patency was more challenging to obtain in canals of posterior teeth (p = 0.000). The pulpoperiapical diagnosis and canal/tooth significantly influenced the obtaining of apical patency.

Effects of statin use on primary patency, mortality, and limb loss in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUD: Peripheral arterial disease can progress to critical limb ischemia, which requires revascularization. The endovascular approach is associated with a lower long-term patency due to restenosis resulting from neointimal hyperplasia. Statins offer significant advantages in patients undergoing percutaneous interventions. However, there are few studies on statin therapy associated with improved clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment in this patients. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of statins (in comparison with no statin) on outcomes of lower-limb arterial angioplasty by evaluating patency, amputation and mortality. METHOD: We searched MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier and CINAHL using a predetermined search strategy from inception to September 21, 2022. Study selection (first by title and abstract and then by full text) and data extraction was conducted by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. According to data availability, we conducted meta-analysis using RevMan v.5.4. RESULTS: The search identified 841 relevant articles and included 10 studies with 43,543 patients. Statin use in patients before undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty was associated with improved primary patency at 12 (12.57%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.86-18.28, p < 0.0001) and 24 months (7.19%, 95% CI 1.02-13.37, p = 0.02), decreased mortality in 39% at 12 months (relative risk (RR): 0.61, 95% CI 0.55-0.74, p < 0.00001) and decreased limb loss in 23% in the studied patients (RR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.91, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Statin therapy before the procedure was associated with significantly improved patency and overall survival and decreased limb loss after lower-limb arterial angioplasty.

Oversized balloon angioplasty for endovascular maturation of arteriovenous fistulae to accelerate cannulation and to decrease the duration of catheter use.

BACKGROUND: The functional autologous arteriovenous fistula is considered the best vascular access for patients on hemodialysis. Some fistulae exhibit maturation problems after creation and do not reach adequate vessel diameter and flow in dialysis. The aim of this study was to describe our technique of oversized balloon angioplasty for assisted maturation of arteriovenous fistulae to accelerate the cannulation and to decrease the time of catheter use and its outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of balloon-assisted procedures for maturation failure was performed in a single center between October 2011 and January 2019. Patients underwent imaging procedures to identify stenosis, followed by angioplasty using oversized high-pressure balloons from the anastomosis to the deep venous outflow tract. The flow volume, time interval of use of the fistula and removal of the catheter, patency rates, and complications rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients underwent 124 balloon angioplasty procedures. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 91% of the cases. In patients in whom maturation was successful, the fistula was cannulated in a mean time of 5 days after the procedure (range, 1-20 days). On average, catheter removal was performed 14 days (range, 5-33 days) after the maturation procedure. The mean flow volume in the fistula before the procedure was 276 ml/min (range, 122-488 ml/min) and 24 h after the maturation was 1014 ml/min (range, 760-1800 ml/min).The primary patency rate at 3, 6, and 12 months was 87.3%, 66.2%, and 50.7%, respectively. Assisted primary patency was 100% at 3 months, 92.9% at 6 months, and 90.0% at 12 months. Minor complications occurred in 18% of cases, and major complications in 4.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The oversized balloon-assisted arteriovenous fistula maturation technique is safe and effective, allowing the cannulation of the fistulae a few hours or days after the procedure and decreasing the time of catheter use.

Safety and efficacy of the patency capsule.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The patency capsule is an effective diagnostic method for preventing video capsule retention in the small bowel during capsule endoscopy. The most frequently associated complication when using the patency capsule is symptomatic retention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of patency capsules administered to patients at a tertiary care hospital center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted that included all the patients with confirmed Crohn's disease that were administered a patency capsule, within the time frame of January 2019 and December 2020. PC diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated, in relation to capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy findings. Complications associated with the patency capsule were also identified. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included, in whom the patency capsule had 83% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 96% negative predictive value, with a diagnostic yield of 96.7%. There was one complication (3.3%) and it resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: The patency capsule is a safe and effective method for reducing video capsule retention during capsule endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease.

Stenting across inferior vena cava filters can be a safe and effective alternative to complex retrieval.

OBJECTIVE: Venous stenting for acute and chronic venous disease has been increasingly used as more evidence has accumulated on the efficacy and durability of these interventions for symptomatic patients. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters that could have been present for years will often be implicated in the obstructive pathology and removal can be challenging. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether stenting across an indwelling IVC filter is a safe and effective alternative to removal. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had undergone iliocaval stenting at our institution from 2007 to 2020 were identified and divided into groups stratified by the presence of an IVC filter. The operative notes, venography findings, and the electronic health records were queried to obtain the operative details, patient characteristics, postoperative outcomes, stent patency, and survival outcomes. The primary end point was iliocaval stent patency. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of an IVC filter with or without overstenting. We used the χ2 test and survival analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 224 consecutive patients were identified, of whom 71 were found to have undergone iliocaval stenting (age, 48 ± 18 years; 47.9% male; body mass index, 31 ± 9 kg/m2). Of the 71 patients, 15 had had stents placed across an indwelling IVC filter (overstented group) and 56 had not had an IVC filter present (non-overstented group). No differences were found in presentation between the overstented group (acute occlusion, 4 of 15 [26.7%]; chronic occlusion, 8 of 15 [53.3%]; and nonocclusive lesions, 3 of 15 [20%]) and the non-overstented group (acute occlusion, 29 of 56 [52%]; chronic occlusion, 18 of 56 [32%]; nonocclusive lesions, 9 of 56 [16%]; P = .2). Comparisons between the two groups revealed no differences in the baseline characteristics except for age (overstented, 57 ± 15 years; non-overstented, 46 ± 18 years; P = 0.03), preoperative anticoagulation therapy (overstented, 66.6%; non-overstented, 26.9%; P = .01), and bilateral leg symptoms (overstented, 86.7%; non-overstented, 23.2%; P < .001). Primary patency at 30 months was 85.6% in the overstented group and 86.1% in the non-overstented group (P = .78). At follow-up, no adverse events related to filter crushing were reported, and no differences were found in 30-month survival. CONCLUSIONS: In our single-center, retrospective study of iliocaval stenting, patients who had undergone overstenting across an indwelling IVC filter had had patency rates similar to those whose stents had been placed with no IVC filter in place. Thus, complex IVC filter removal, when not possible or when the risk of operative complications is too high, can be forgone in favor of stenting across the IVC filter, with no implications on midterm patency or adverse events.

Vein and artery diameter influence on arteriovenous fistula maturation and patency in a Mexican population.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus of the optimal arterial and venous sizes on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) function and patency. The purpose of our study was to determine the influence of vein and artery sizes on maturation and patency in autologous first time AVF in a vascular access clinic of Mexican Social Security. METHODS: Approved IRB single-center retrospective study in patients referred for their first AVF from 01/2018/ to 04/2020. Perianastomotic inner vein diameter and single inner artery diameter was recorded by duplex ultrasound. Outcomes were: failure to mature (FTM) and cumulative primary patency survival. RESULTS: Eighty-six AVF's were created (mean age 45.5 ± 15.1 years; 62.8% male; mean BMI 25.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2). About 86% were brachiocephalic AVF. Eight (8.1%) AVF had FTM. Mean follow-up was 19.7 ± 8.5 months. Two-year patency survival was 81.4%. FTM vein and artery diameters (2.1 ± 0.3 and 2.8 ± 0.7 mm respectively) were smaller than successful AVF's (3.1 ± 0.9 and 3.5 ± 0.6 mm) (p < 0.05). ROC curve calculated a 2.15 mm vein diameter cutoff (AUC: 0.86) and a 2.95 mm artery diameter cutoff (AUC: 079) for FTM AVF's (83% sensitivity, 72% specificity both) (p < 0.05). AVF's created with a vein diameter <2.15 mm and <2.95 mm artery diameter had statistically significant lower patency survival than AVF's with larger vein and artery diameters (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vein diameter <2.15 mm and artery diameter <2.95 mm influences AVF maturation and patency in a Mexican population.

Eficácia e importância da patência foraminal em casos de dentes despolpados e em dentes com vitalidade pulpar / Efficacy and importance of apical foramen patency in procedures involving pulpless teeth and teeth with vital pulps

A ciência endodôntica possui um vasto conhecimento e com esse conhecimento os seus inúmeros questionamentos. Algumas teorias e conceitos mudam constantemente e trazem à tona contradições e divergências clínicas no âmbito biológico e prático. A patência foraminal é uma prática que permite que um instrumento de pequeno calibre ultrapasse o forame apical, com o intuito de limpar passivamente e prevenir o acúmulo de detritos e inibir a proliferação de microorganismos que podem causar infecções pós tratamento endodôntico. Essa prática gera discussão interna entre especialistas da área, mas as vantagens da técnica são inúmeras, principalmente no que diz respeito aos casos de polpa necrosada. Casos como esse não são solucionados com sucesso sem a utilização da patência apical. Por outro lado, existem contradições em relação aos casos em que a polpa está viva. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as vantagens e desvantagens da patência apical, bem como, se os benefícios excedem os possíveis danos que ela pode trazer(AU)

Endodontic science has vast knowledge and with this knowledge its countless questions. Some theories and concepts are constantly changing and bring to light clinical contradictions and divergences in the biological and practical scope. Foraminal patency is a practice that allows a small-caliber instrument to go beyond the apical foramen, in order to passively clean and prevent the accumulation of debris in the region and inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms that can cause infections after endodontic treatment. This practice generates internal discussion among specialists in the field, but the advantages of the technique are numerous, especially with regard to cases of necrotic pulp. Cases like this are not successfully resolved without the use of apical patency. On the other hand, there are contradictions regarding the cases where the pulp is alive. This work aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of apical patency, as well as whether the benefits exceed the harm it can bring(AU)

Angiographic Patency of Coronary Artery Bypass Conduits: An Updated Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

INTRODUCTION: The second best conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting is uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine the second best conduit according to graft patency results from randomized controlled trials using a network meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing the angiographic patency rate of the no-touch saphenous vein (NT-SV), the radial artery (RA), the right internal thoracic artery (RITA), and the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) in reference to the conventionally harvested saphenous vein (CON-SV). The primary outcome was graft occlusion, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 859 studies were retrieved, of which 18 were included. A total of 6,543 patients and 8,272 grafts were analyzed. The weighted mean angiographic follow-up time was 3.5 years. Compared with CON-SV, RA (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.74) and NT-SV (IRR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44-0.70) demonstrated lower graft occlusion. NT-SV and RA were ranked as the best conduits (rank score for NT-SV 0.88 vs. 0.87 for RA, 0.29 for GEA, 0.27 for CON-SV, and 0.20 for RITA). There was no significant difference in late mortality between different conduit types. CONCLUSION: RA and NT-SV are associated with significantly lower graft occlusion rates and are comparably ranked as the best conduit for patency.

Evaluations of Repaired Artery Patency in Forearm Wounds Using the Allen Test, Handheld Doppler and Doppler Ultrasonography.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the rate of patency in the postoperative period of arterial injuries of the forearm secondary to penetrating trauma. The injuries were subjected to primary repair and examined with the Allen test and a handheld Doppler device, and the results were later confirmed with Doppler ultrasonography. Methods Eighteen patients were included, with a total of 19 arterial lesions, 14 ulnar lesions, and 5 radial lesions; one patient had lesions on both forearms. All patients underwent surgery and three clinical evaluations: the Allen test and assessment of arterial blood flow by a handheld Doppler device at 4 and 16 weeks after surgery and Doppler ultrasonography performed at 12 weeks after surgery. Results At the first clinical evaluation, 77% of the patients had patency based on the Allen test, and 72% had a pulsatile sound identified by the handheld Doppler device. In the second evaluation, 61% of the patients had patency based on the Allen test, and the rate of pulsatile sound by the handheld Doppler device was 72%, similar to that observed 2 months earlier. Based on the Doppler ultrasonography evaluation (∼12 weeks after surgery), the success rate for arteriorrhaphy was 88%. Regarding the final patency (Doppler ultrasonography evaluation) and trauma mechanism, all patients with penetrating trauma had patent arteries. Conclusion We conclude that clinical evaluation using a handheld Doppler device and the Allen test is reliable when a patent artery can be palpated. However, if a patent artery cannot be located during a clinical examination, ultrasonography may be required.

Intravascular ultrasound evaluation during iliofemoral venous stenting is associated with improved midterm patency outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination is increasingly used in the treatment of iliofemoral venous disease and provides more sensitive and specific detection of stenotic lesions when compared with traditional multiplanar venography alone. Correlations with deep venous stent patency, however, have not yet been investigated. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the use of IVUS examination in addition to multiplanar venography on iliofemoral venous patency. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent stenting for symptomatic thrombotic or nonthrombotic iliofemoral venous lesions (NIVLs) between 2014 and 2020 at a single institution were identified and divided into two groups based on whether IVUS examination was used before stent deployment in addition to multiplanar venography compared with venography alone. A retrospective review of demographic, operative, and follow-up data was performed. Thirty-day and 2-year stent patency were measured as primary end points. χ2 analysis, logistic regression models, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to determine outcomes. Technical details and outcomes were additionally examined among patients treated for acute deep venous thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome, or NIVLs separately on subgroup analysis. RESULTS: We identified 150 patients (173 limbs, 23 bilateral) who underwent iliofemoral stenting during the study period at our institution (mean age: 48.8 ± 16.8 years, 61% female). Adjunctive IVUS utilization before stent deployment was reported in 69 of 173 (39.9%) treated limbs. IVUS examination was more likely to be used in patients who underwent stenting for NIVLs compared with thrombotic disease (41.0% vs 11.2%, P < .01). There was no difference in the number of stents deployed between IVUS and non-IVUS cohorts. However, IVUS examination was associated with the increased total length of the stent deployed (126 ± 56 vs 112 ± 48 mm, P = .04) and a higher rate of infrainguinal stent extension (17.4% vs 6.7%, P = .03). In addition, mean stent diameter was significantly higher when IVUS examination was performed before stent placement (16.3 ± 3.7 vs 15.2 ± 1.9 mm, P < .01). Both 30-day (98.5% vs 89.4%, P = .02) and 2-year (90.3% vs 78.7%, P = .03) primary patency were significantly higher in the IVUS cohort. Adjunctive IVUS use was found to significantly protect against stent reintervention at 2 years on adjusted Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio: 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.71, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive IVUS utilization is associated with differences in stent diameter and length selections as well as landing segments in the treatment of thrombotic and nonthrombotic iliofemoral venous disease. IVUS examination before stent deployment significantly protects against 30-day and 2-year stent reintervention when compared with the use of multiplanar venography alone. These data provide stronger evidence for routine IVUS use in addition to venography before iliofemoral venous stenting.

Evaluations of Repaired Artery Patency in Forearm Wounds Using the Allen Test, Handheld Doppler and Doppler Ultrasonography / Avaliações do lúmen da artéria reparada em lesões do antebraço usando o teste de Allen, Doppler portátil e ultrassonografia com Doppler

Abstract Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the rate of patency in the postoperative period of arterial injuries of the forearm secondary to penetrating trauma. The injuries were subjected to primary repair and examined with the Allen test and a handheld Doppler device, and the results were later confirmed with Doppler ultrasonography. Methods Eighteen patients were included, with a total of 19 arterial lesions, 14 ulnar lesions, and 5 radial lesions; one patient had lesions on both forearms. All patients underwent surgery and three clinical evaluations: the Allen test and assessment of arterial blood flow by a handheld Doppler device at 4 and 16 weeks after surgery and Doppler ultrasonography performed at 12 weeks after surgery. Results At the first clinical evaluation, 77% of the patients had patency based on the Allen test, and 72% had a pulsatile sound identified by the handheld Doppler device. In the second evaluation, 61% of the patients had patency based on the Allen test, and the rate of pulsatile sound by the handheld Doppler device was 72%, similar to that observed 2 months earlier. Based on the Doppler ultrasonography evaluation (~12 weeks after surgery), the success rate for arteriorrhaphy was 88%. Regarding the final patency (Doppler ultrasonography evaluation) and trauma mechanism, all patients with penetrating trauma had patent arteries. Conclusion We cde that clinical evaluation using a handheld Doppler device and the Allen test is reliable when a patent artery can be palpated. However, if a patent artery cannot be located during a clinical examination, ultrasonography may be required.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a taxa de perviedade pós-operatória de lesões arteriais do antebraço secundárias a traumatismo penetrante. As lesões foram submetidas a reparo primário e examinadas com o teste de Allen e um dispositivo Doppler portátil; posteriormente, os resultados foram confirmados à ultrassonografia com Doppler. Métodos Dezoito pacientes foram incluídos, com um total de 19 lesões arteriais, 14 lesões ulnares e 5 lesões radiais; um paciente tinha lesões em ambos os antebraços. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à cirurgia e três avaliações clínicas: o teste de Allen e a avaliação do fluxo sanguíneo arterial com um dispositivo portátil de Doppler na 4ª e 16ª semanas após a cirurgia e ultrassonografia com Doppler 12 semanas após o procedimento. Resultados Na primeira avaliação clínica, 77% dos pacientes apresentavam perviedade segundo o teste de Allen e 72% apresentavam som pulsátil identificado pelo Doppler portátil. Na segunda avaliação, 61% dos pacientes apresentaram perviedade com base no teste de Allen e a taxa de som pulsátil ao Doppler portátil foi de 72%, semelhante à observada 2 meses antes. À ultrassonografia com Doppler (cerca de 12 semanas após a cirurgia), a taxa de sucesso da arteriorrafia foi de 88%. Em relação à perviedade final (avaliação por ultrassonografia com Doppler) e mecanismo de trauma, todos os pacientes com traumatismo penetrante apresentavam artérias pérvias. Conclusão Concluímos que a avaliação clínica com um dispositivo Doppler portátil e o teste de Allen é confiável caso a artéria pérvia possa ser palpada. No entanto, a ultrassonografia pode ser necessária em caso de impossibilidade de localização de uma artéria pérvia durante o exame clínico.

Alternative autologous and biologic conduits have worse outcomes than prosthetic grafts for infrainguinal bypass in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Single segment great saphenous vein (GSV) is the preferred conduit in infrainguinal bypass. Alternative autologous conduits (AAC) and nonautologous biologic conduits (NABC) are thought to be a better alternative to traditional prosthetic conduits (PC) in the absence of GSV. In this study we analyzed the outcomes of these alternative conduits in lower extremity bypasses (LEB) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative LEB database from 2003 to 2020 was queried for this study, to identify LEB in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Primary outcomes were graft patency, major adverse limb events (MALE), and MALE-free survival at 1 year. Standard statistical methods were used as appropriate. RESULTS: We identified 22,671 LEB procedures (12,810 GSV, 6002 PC, 1907 AAC, and 1952 NABC). Compared with the GSV group, the other conduit patients were significantly older, had more comorbidities, had an increased rate of prior lower extremity interventions, had a higher rate of infrageniculate bypass targets, and were less ambulatory at baseline. The PC, AAC, and NABC groups had significantly higher rates of postoperative morbidity compared with the GSV group. The PC group had a higher 30-day mortality compared with the GSV, AAC, and NABC groups (3% PC vs 2% GSV, 2% AAC, 2% NABC; P = .049). Both PC and NABC had higher 1-year mortality compared with GSV and AAC (13% PC and 13% NABC vs 10% GSV, 10% AAC; P = .02). In an adjusted Cox regression model (stratified by infrageniculate target and adjusted for age, comorbidities, and prior vascular interventions) PC was not significantly different from GSV, but AAC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.67; P < .001) and NABC (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.61-2.25; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of loss of primary patency. A similar association with MALE was observed: both AAC (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.15-1.58; P < .001) and NABC (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.53-2.11; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of MALE compared with GSV; PC was not significantly different from GSV. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of GSV, alternative conduits (autologous or nonautologous biologic) do not confer a benefit with regard to graft patency or MALE compared with PCs. Increased operating time or costs associated with the use of these conduits is not justified based on this study.

Revascularizações em pacientes submetidos à pancreatectomia cefálica com invasão vascular: resultado de 10 anos de experiência em um único centro oncológico / Revascularizations in patients having undergone cephalic pancreatectomy with vascular invasion: outcome of 10 years of experience in a single cancer center

Introdução: A neoplasia de pâncreas é uma importante causa de mortalidade em nosso meio. A cirurgia é o melhor tratamento por permitir uma maior sobrevida livre da doença, porém menos de 20% dos casos são considerados ressecáveis no momento do diagnóstico. O grande desafio são os tumores com invasão vascular. Objetivos: Avaliamos os pacientes submetidos à pancreatectomia com invasão vascular num período de 10 anos (2008-2018), no A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, com necessidade de revascularização. Analisamos as técnicas usadas, taxa de perviedade, uso de anticoagulantes e mortalidade associada à doença. Metodologia: Realizamos uma coorte retrospectiva, com 67 pacientes, cujas informações foram obtidas pelo prontuário informatizado. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por meio do software IBM SPSS versão 25. Resultados: Identificamos uma maior incidência da doença no sexo feminino, 37 pacientes (55,2%). A idade média foi de 60,7 anos (DP: 10,5), a comorbidade mais frequente foi o diabetes mellitus em 26 pacientes (38,8%). O vaso mais restaurado foi a veia porta em 25 pacientes (37,3%). A revascularização mais realizada foi o reparo primário em 46 pacientes (68,7%) e o tratamento neoadjuvante com quimioterapia e radioterapia foi realizado em 37 (55%) e 23 pacientes (34,3%), respectivamente. O adenocarcinoma foi o tipo histológico mais prevalente, presente em 54 pacientes (81,8%). A margem tumoral livre da doença foi de 71,2% (47 pacientes). A taxa de perviedade entre os pacientes submetidos a exame de imagem, foi de 88,4% nos pacientes com adenocarcinoma submetidos ao reparo primário contra 54% dos pacientes com derivação com prótese e p=0,04. A sobrevida geral global em 5 anos é de 34,8%, de 31,8% quando avaliamos apenas os pacientes com neoplasia maligna e de 23,5% nos pacientes com adenocarcinoma.Conclusão: A perviedade precoce foi semelhante nas diversas modalidades de reconstrução, mas a tardia foi maior nos pacientes submetidos ao reparo primário. O uso de anticoagulante não determinou aumento da sobrevida. A sobrevida em 5 anos nos pacientes com adenocarcinoma foi de 23,5% e de 31,8% nos pacientes com neoplasia maligna.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is an important cause of mortality in the world. Surgery is the best treatment as it allows a longer disease-free survival, yet less than 20% of the cases are considered resectable at the time of diagnosis. The great challenge are tumors with vascular invasion. Objectives: We evaluated the patients who underwent pancreatectomy with vascular invasion over a period of 10 years (2008-2018), at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, which needed revascularization. We analyzed the techniques used, patency rate, use of anticoagulants and disease-associated mortality. Methodology: We performed a retrospective cohort with 67 patients, whose information were obtained from these patients' computerized medical records. Statistical analyzes were performed using the IBM SPSS software version 25. Results: We identified a higher incidence of the disease in females, 37 patients (55.2%). The mean age was 60.7 years (SD: 10.5), the most frequent comorbidity was diabetes mellitus in 26 patients (38.8%). The most repaired blood vessel was the portal vein in 25 patients (37.3%). The most performed type of revascularization was primary repair in 46 patients (68.7%) and neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy was performed in 37 (55%) and 23 patients (34.3%), respectively. Adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent histological type, present in 54 patients (81.8%). The disease-free tumor margin was 71.2% (47 patients). The patency rate among the 42 patients who underwent imaging examination was 88.4% in patients with adenocarcinoma underwent primary repair versus 54% in patients with prosthesis grafts, p=0.04. Overall 5-year overall survival is 34.8%, 31.8% when evaluating only patients with malignant neoplasia, and 23.5% in patients with adenocarcinoma.Conclusion: Early patency was similar in different reconstruction modalities, but late patency was better in patients who underwent primary repair. The use of anticoagulants did not determine an increase in survival rates. The 5-year survival in patients with adenocarcinoma was 23.5% and 31.8% in patients with other malignant tumors

Angiographic Patency of Coronary Artery Bypass Conduits: An Updated Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

ABSTRACT Introduction: The second best conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting is uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine the second best conduit according to graft patency results from randomized controlled trials using a network meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing the angiographic patency rate of the no-touch saphenous vein (NT-SV), the radial artery (RA), the right internal thoracic artery (RITA), and the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) in reference to the conventionally harvested saphenous vein (CON-SV). The primary outcome was graft occlusion, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 859 studies were retrieved, of which 18 were included. A total of 6,543 patients and 8,272 grafts were analyzed. The weighted mean angiographic follow-up time was 3.5 years. Compared with CON-SV, RA (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.74) and NT-SV (IRR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44-0.70) demonstrated lower graft occlusion. NT-SV and RA were ranked as the best conduits (rank score for NT-SV 0.88 vs. 0.87 for RA, 0.29 for GEA, 0.27 for CON-SV, and 0.20 for RITA). There was no significant difference in late mortality between different conduit types. Conclusion: RA and NT-SV are associated with significantly lower graft occlusion rates and are comparably ranked as the best conduit for patency.

Intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound blood flow and peak systolic velocity predict early patency in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem. Hemodialysis is the most common renal replacement therapy. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are a possible access option, but early failure rates remain high. OBJECTIVES: to investigate the value of intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound for predicting early AVF patency. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing AVF were assessed with vascular Doppler ultrasonography intraoperatively and on days 1, 7, 30, and 60. Patients were divided into groups according to presence or absence of primary and secondary patency. Blood flow (BF) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were compared. ROC curves were plotted and used to define the PSV and BF values that yielded greatest sensitivity (Sens) and specificity (Spec). RESULTS: 47 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Higher intraoperative PSV and BF values were observed in patients who had primary and secondary patency than in patients with access failure. The values with greatest sensitivity and specificity for predicting 30-day primary patency were 106 cm/s for venous PSV (Sens: 75% and Spec: 71.4%) and 290.5 ml/min for arterial blood flow (Sens: 80.6% and Spec 85.7%). Values for 30-day secondary patency were 106 cm/s for arterial PSV (Sens: 72.7%, Spec: 100%) and 230 ml/min for venous blood flow (Sens: 86.4%, Spec100%). Values for 60-day primary patency were 106 cm/s for venous PSV (Sens: 74.4%, Spec: 62.5%) and 290.5 ml/min for arterial blood flow (Sens: 80%, Spec: 75%). CONCLUSIONS: Peak systolic velocity and blood flow measured using intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound can predict early patency of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas.

Rhinomanometry Versus Computational Fluid Dynamics: Correlated, but Different Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Past studies reported a low correlation between rhinomanometry and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), but the source of the discrepancy was unclear. Low correlation or lack of correlation has also been reported between subjective and objective measures of nasal patency. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates (1) the correlation and agreement between nasal resistance derived from CFD (RCFD) and rhinomanometry (RRMN), and (2) the correlation between objective and subjective measures of nasal patency. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with nasal obstruction underwent anterior rhinomanometry before and after mucosal decongestion with oxymetazoline. Subjective nasal patency was assessed with a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS). CFD simulations were performed based on computed tomography scans obtained after mucosal decongestion. To validate the CFD methods, nasal resistance was measured in vitro (REXPERIMENT) by performing pressure-flow experiments in anatomically accurate plastic nasal replicas from 6 individuals. RESULTS: Mucosal decongestion was associated with a reduction in bilateral nasal resistance (0.34 ± 0.23 Pa.s/ml to 0.19 ± 0.24 Pa.s/ml, p = 0.003) and improved sensation of nasal airflow (bilateral VAS decreased from 5.2 ± 1.9 to 2.6 ± 1.9, p < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between VAS in the most obstructed cavity and unilateral airflow before and after mucosal decongestion (r = -0.42, p = 0.003). Excellent correlation was found between RCFD and REXPERIMENT (r = 0.96, p < 0.001) with good agreement between the numerical and in vitro values (RCFD/REXPERIMENT = 0.93 ± 0.08). A weak correlation was found between RCFD and RRMN (r = 0.41, p = 0.003) with CFD underpredicting nasal resistance derived from rhinomanometry (RCFD/RRMN = 0.65 ± 0.63). A stronger correlation was found when unilateral airflow at a pressure drop of 75 Pa was used to compare CFD with rhinomanometry (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CFD and rhinomanometry are moderately correlated, but CFD underpredicts nasal resistance measured in vivo due in part to the assumption of rigid nasal walls. Our results confirm previous reports that subjective nasal patency correlates better with unilateral than with bilateral measurements and in the context of an intervention.

Systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis impacts clinical outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas in comparison to other end-stage renal disease etiologies.

OBJECTIVES: Arteriovenous fistulas primary patency at one-year occurs in 43-85% of the patients with end-stage renal disease. The diagnosis attributable to end-stage renal disease has been suggested to impact arteriovenous fistulas outcomes. The objective was to compare primary patency at one week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-ups, among systemic lupus erythematosus patients and two control groups; additionally, we evaluated the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus to predict early patency loss. METHODS: A retrospective review of charts from arteriovenous fistulas created between 2008 and 2017 was performed. One-hundred thirty-four patients were identified and classified according to end-stage renal disease attributable diagnosis as: systemic lupus erythematosus cases (N = 14), control-group-1 (91 patients with primarily diabetes and hypertension), and control-group-2 (29 patients with idiopathic end-stage renal disease). A case-control matched design (1:2:1) was proposed. Logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves were used. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. RESULTS: More systemic lupus erythematosus patients lost primary patency at 3 (28.6%) and 12 months (71.4%) than patients from control-groups-1 (vs. 3.6% and 35.7%, respectively) and -2 (vs. 0% and 14.3%, respectively), (p ≤ 0.011 for both). Days of primary patency survival were shorter in systemic lupus erythematosus patients (p = 0.003). Systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis was the only factor associated with early patency loss, HR: 3.141, 95%CI: 1.161-8.493 (systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis vs. control-group-1) and HR: 12.582, 95%CI: 1.582-100.035 (systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis vs. control-group-2). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis attributable to end-stage renal disease has a major impact on arteriovenous fistula outcomes in patients. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients have an increased risk of arteriovenous fistulas patency loss within the first six months of follow-up. Patients with idiopathic end-stage renal disease had an excellent one year arteriovenous fistula patency survival.