YouTube as a potential source of information on deep venous thrombosis.

Background No work has been reported on the use of video websites to learn about deep vein thrombosis and the value of education using them. We examined the characteristics and scientific accuracy of videos related to deep vein thrombosis on YouTube. Methods YouTube was surveyed using no filter and the key words 'deep vein thrombosis' and 'leg vein clot' in June 2016. The videos evaluated were divided into three groups in terms of their scientific content, accuracy, and currency: useful, partly useful, and useless. Results Of the 1200 videos watched, 715 (59.58%) were excluded with the exclusion criteria. Although most of the videos uploaded (22.9%, n = 111) were created by physicians, the number of views for website-based videos was significantly higher (p = 0.002). When the uploaded videos were assessed in terms of their usefulness, videos from physicians and hospitals were statistically more useful than other videos (p < 0.001). Conclusions For videos created by medical professionals to be of higher quality, we believe they should be more up-to-date and comprehensive, and contain animations about treatment modalities and early diagnosis in particular.

YouTube as a source of information on varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: There has been little investigation of videos related to varicose veins in Internet media. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and scientific accuracy of the videos related to varicose veins which were uploaded to the youtube.com website. METHODS: The YouTube site was searched in October 2014 using the keywords varicose vein, varicose veins, and varicosis with no filter. The contents of the reviewed videos were assigned to three groups as useful, partly useful, and not useful by using the criteria including the scientific contents of the videos, contemporariness and accuracy of the insight, and presentation of the data particularly regarding the visual features. The statistical analysis was based only on the videos rated as 'useful.' RESULTS: In total, 1519 (84.4%) of 1800 videos evaluated were excluded. Many of the sources uploading videos to the website were healthcare professionals (32.7% n = 92). Regarding the source of the upload, those from official institutions/associations were viewed statistically significantly more often than videos uploaded by all others (p = 0.001). The rated usefulness was significantly higher for videos uploaded by official institutions/associations (100%) than those uploaded by others (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Official institutions/associations should be encouraged to produce and upload videos including up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding the disease. Likewise, additional search tools would be useful to locate videos uploaded by academic figures and institutions.

Effects of endovenous laser ablation on vascular tissue: molecular genetics approach.

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a treatment option for lower extremity varicose veins. In the present study, we investigate to the genetic changes and possibility of living tissue in the saphenous vein wall after the EVLA procedure. METHODS: Eleven saphenous vein grafts were randomized in two groups: (1) 4 cm SVG segments of performed EVLA procedure in study group, (2) 4 cm segments of SVG none performed EVLA procedure in control group. SVG were taken from the remnants of distal saphenous vein grafts prepared for the bypass procedure but not used. SVG was approximately 8 cm in length and was divided into two parts 4 cm in length. One half was exposed to laser energy, while the other half of the same vein graft was untreated as a control. EVLA was performed on complete saphenous veins in the study group. Abnormal genetic changes of the SVG were observed with a Tri-Reagent method and quantified with a Nanodrop™ spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Histopathological changes indicated that the intima including the endothelium was completely necrotized in the study group. It was observed that intimal thermal-energy-induced injury did not reach the media. Histopathological examination showed that homogenous eosinophilic discoloration and coagulation necrosis characterized the laser related thermal damage as well. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, we found that living tissue remained in the SVG wall after application of laser ablation, and we also detected abnormal genetic changes in the study group compared with the control group.

Surgical treatment of giant cardiac aneurysm with pseudoaneurysm in a colon carcinoma patient.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare and lethal condition associated with a high risk of rapid enlargement and rupture. It develops after transmural myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac surgery, trauma, or infection. When a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is detected, surgical repair is recommended due to the high possibility of rupture. In this report, we present surgical treatment of a giant cardiac pseudoaneurysm that occurred after MI in a colon carcinoma patient.

Does the direction of tumescent solution delivery matter in endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the two different directions of tumescent solution delivery (from distal to proximal knee to the saphenofemoral junction [SFJ] or proximal to distal SFJ to the knee) in terms of differences in tumescent volume, number of punctures, and pain and comfort scores of patients. METHODS: A total of 100 patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) under local anesthesia between August 2013 and October 2013. These 100 patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, tumescent solution was delivered in a proximal to distal direction. In group 2, the tumescent solution was delivered in a distal to proximal direction. In each group, the great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter, delivered total energy, treated GSV length, delivered tumescent volume, number of punctures, and pain and comfort scores were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: All patients were treated unilaterally. EVLA was performed with 100% technical success in all patients. There was no difference statistically between group 1 and group 2 according to GSV diameter, delivered total energy, and treated GSV length. Average tumescent volume, number of punctures, and pain scores in group 2 were lower than in group 1 (p = 0.0001; p < 0.05). Also, the average comfort score was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.0001; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that delivering the tumescent solution in a distal to proximal direction increases the comfort of both patient and surgeon with lower tumescent volume during the EVLA of the GSV.

Less painful tumescent solution for patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine, prilocaine, and bupivacaine used in tumescent solution during endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) on intraoperative and postoperative pain. METHODS: This prospective randomized study included 90 patients. The patients were divided into 3 groups including 30 patients in each group, according to the content of local anesthetics in tumescent solution. All patients received EVLT treatment with lidocaine in group 1, prilocaine in group 2, and bupivacaine in group 3. Visual analog scale was used for the evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative pain. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative pain score was 2.27 ± 1.53 in group 1, 1.97 ± 1.54 in group 2, and 3.05 ± 0.73 in group 3. On the first day postoperatively, the mean pain score was 2.57 ± 1.7 in group 1, 3.27 ± 1.23 in group 2, and 1.13 ± 0.94 in group 3 (P = 0.0001). Intraoperative and postoperative mean pain scores during first day follow-up were significantly lower in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Tumescent anesthesia is the most critical component of EVLT to improve comfort by reducing the pain. Therefore, we conclude that bupivacaine is an optimal alternative to lidocaine and prilocaine in tumescent anesthesia and can be used safely.

The effect of iloprost and N-acetylcysteine on skeletal muscle injury in an acute aortic ischemia-reperfusion model: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of iloprost and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle, following the occlusion-reperfusion period in the abdominal aorta of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group 1: control group. Group 2 (IR): aorta was occluded. The clamp was removed after 1 hour of ischemia. Blood samples and muscle tissue specimens were collected following a 2-hour reperfusion period. Group 3 (IR + iloprost): during a 1-hour ischemia period, iloprost infusion was initiated from the jugular catheter. During a 2-hour reperfusion period, the iloprost infusion continued. Group 4 (IR + NAC): similar to the iloprost group. FINDINGS: The mean total oxidant status, CK, and LDH levels were highest in Group 2 and lowest in Group 1. The levels of these parameters in Group 3 and Group 4 were lower compared to Group 2 and higher compared to Group 1 (P < 0.05). The histopathological examination showed that Group 3 and Group 4, compared to Group 2, had preserved appearance with respect to hemorrhage, necrosis, loss of nuclei, infiltration, and similar parameters. CONCLUSION: Iloprost and NAC are effective against ischemia-reperfusion injury and decrease ischemia-related tissue injury.

Rapidly occurring carotid artery aneurysm in a patient with Behcet disease.

Behcet disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcerations, üveitis, and skin lesions. Vascular system involvement is common in BD. Aneurysm formation appears to be more common than arterial occlusion. Extracranial carotid aneurysms in BD are extremely rare. In this report, we present rapidly expanding carotid pseudoaneurysm in a BD patient and its surgical treatment.

Endovenous laser ablation for saphenous vein insufficiency: short- and mid-term results of 230 procedures.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endovenous laser ablation with a 1470-nm laser and to analyze the short- to mid-term results of endovenous laser ablation procedures to treat great saphenous vein insufficiency. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 200 patients (230 limbs) with symptomatic varicose veins secondary to great saphenous vein insufficiency treated with 1470-nm endovenous laser ablation were studied. Patients were evaluated clinically on the first day, first week, first month, and sixth month after the operation. Treated limbs were evaluated as separate treatment events. RESULTS: The short-term occlusion rate was 99% and mid-term occlusion rate was 100%. Induration or swelling was the most common minor complication (13%). No major complication such as deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus occurred. Preoperatively documented mean venous clinical severity score significantly reduced from 4.9±2.3 to 2.5±1.1 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser ablation procedure of great saphenous vein with a 1470-nm diode laser is a minimally invasive, safe, and efficient treatment option in all-suitable patients with high short- and mid-term success rate.

The effect of combined hyperbaric oxygen and iloprost treatment on the prevention of spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been shown to be effective in preventing neurological injuries in animal models of ischaemia, whereas iloprost (IL) prevents ischaemia-related mitochondrial dysfunction and reduces infarction size after focal cerebral ischaemia in animal models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of combined HBO and IL treatment on spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury by neurological, histopathological and biochemical methods in an experimental study. METHODS: Eighty New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly allocated into one of five study groups. The HBO group received a single session of HBO treatment and the IL group received an infusion of 25 ng/kg/min IL; the HBO + IL group received both HBO and IL and the control group received only 0.9% saline; the fifth group was the sham group. Levels of S100ß protein, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured at onset, at the end of ischaemia period and at the 24th and 48th hour of reperfusion. Physical activity was assessed using Tarlov criteria 24, and the spinal cords of the sacrificed rabbits were evaluated histopathologically. Additionally, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities [total superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were assessed. RESULTS: Neurological scores in the HBO, IL and HBO + IL groups were statistically significantly better compared with the control group at the 24th (P = 0.001 for all) and 48th hour (P = 0.001 for all). Histopathological scores in the HBO, IL and HBO + IL groups were also significantly better compared with the control group (P = 0.003, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Whereas MDA, NSE, S100ß protein and NO concentrations were significantly lower, CAT and GSH-PX levels were significantly higher in either sham or treatment groups compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Since we demonstrated beneficial effects on spinal cord IR injury, we think that both HBO and IL, either alone or in combination, may be reasonable in the treatment of IR injury. Furthermore, there did not appear to be synergistic effects with combined treatment. More research is needed for practical application in humans, following thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

Approach to the vascular complications of lumbar disc surgery.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the role of major surgery on patients presenting with vascular complications after lumbar disc surgery. A retrospective analysis of seven cases treated surgically in two tertiary care centers between August 2001 and June 2010 was carried out. The average age of patients (three women and four men) was 35.8 ± 7.2. The most common vessel injured was the left common iliac artery occurring in five patients (71.4%), followed by the left common iliac vein injury detected in two patients (28.5%). Transperitoneal approach was preferred in all cases and primary suturing, graft interposition and end-to-end anastomoses were the surgical methods used for the repair of vascular injury. No mortality was seen in our series during the follow-up period of two years; however, the most noteworthy complication was paraplegia occurring in one patient. Vascular injury occurring at lumbar discus surgery has a considerable potential for morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis. In hemodynamically instable patients, the transperitoneal approach provides better exposure and more effective control of hemorrhage, while minimal angiography and endovascular intervention should be preserved for hemodynamically stable cases.

Simultaneous hybrid peripheral re-vascularization: early results.

Endovascular and open surgical interventions may be combined in treatment of peripheral arterial disease. In this study, we presented our simultaneous hybrid peripheral interventions under the light of current literature data. Eleven patients who were operated for occlusive peripheral arterial disease without aneurysms between June 2008 and November 2010 at our hybrid operating room were investigated retrospectively. Generally, endovascular intervention was performed initially, and then followed by surgery. After hybrid interventions, control angiograms were held during the same session. None of the patients experienced either stent or graft occlusion during early postoperative period. Primary patency rate was found to be 100% for the postoperative first six months. Ankle-brachial indices (ABI) increased significantly during postoperative period and clinical symptoms were relieved in all patients (mean preoperative ABI: 0.43 ± 0.08, mean postoperative sixth month ABI: 0.87 ± 0.08). Peripheral hybrid interventions may be performed both in separate sessions and also simultaneously by experienced teams if an angiography device is available within the operating room.

A comparison of three tumescent delivery systems in endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Different systems for delivering tumescent solution exist in endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). This study evaluated three different tumescent delivery systems in patients with primary varicose veins due to great saphenous vein reflux who were treated with EVLA. In this prospective non-randomized study, 60 patients with isolated GSV varicose veins were divided into three groups. All patients received EVLA treatment. Three different tumescent solution delivery systems were used. Systems consisted of a needle and a syringe in Group 1, a needle connected to an infusion bag system in Group 2 and a peristaltic infiltration pump in Group 3. Tumescent delivery durations were in Group 1: 6.56 SD 1.18 minutes, Group 2: 6.05 SD 2.19 minutes and Group 3: 5.19 SD 1.15 minutes (P = 0.014). In the outcomes of the study there were no significant difference between groups. Although peristaltic pump systems might provide shorter tumescent delivery durations without hand fatigue, shorter duration does not have any practical importance (about 1 minute and also it is not cost-effective. For delivering tumescent solutions in EVLA procedures, there was no major superiority between systems.

α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in early postoperative period of cardiopulmonary bypass.

AIM: To investigate whether α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid have effect on the suppression of inflammation in the early postoperative period after open heart surgery. METHODS: A total of 59 patients who had undergone cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of a tertiary center between June 2008 and December 2008 were retrospectively investigated. The study group consisted of 34 patients (25 men, 9 women) to whom ascorbic acid (500  mg/day) and α-tocopherol (300  mg/day) were administered on the day of operation (0th day) and the first four consecutive postoperative days. In contrast, 25 controls (20 men, 5 women) received no additional anti-inflammatory medications. The two groups were compared in terms of demographics, blood parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count, and durations of cross-clamp and CPB. RESULTS: In the control group, CRP levels were found to be increased on the first postoperative day (P < 0.001) and CRP levels were correlated with triglyceride levels on the day of operation (P = 0.009) and the first postoperative day (P = 0.021). On the second postoperative day WBC count was found to be decreased (P = 0.008) and correlated with glucose level (P < 0.005). In the study group, CRP levels were found to be inversely correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.049) on the first postoperative day and directly correlated with triglyceride levels on the second postoperative day (P = 0.017). Blood glucose levels were found to be increased on the first postoperative day (P = 0.021) and a correlation was detected between WBC count on the fourth postoperative day and doses of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Suppression of the systemic inflammatory response to CPB is a double-edged sword and whether this suppression aids in the attenuation of morbidity and mortality is obscure. In this respect, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol seem to display some anti-inflammatory effect, but further studies are necessary to reveal the actual therapeutic potential and the complex mechanism related to biochemical and inflammatory parameters.