Short term outcomes of carotid surgery: the real-world experience of a single teaching center.

Background: Surgical treatment of symptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis is well established for preventing neurological events and should adhere to optimal quality standards. However, there is growing concern as to whether results of controlled trials are replicable in real-world settings. Objectives: To assess a symptomatic carotid stenosis population that underwent surgery and its short-term outcomes in a real-world context at a professional training center. Methods: Observational study using data collected from medical records from January 2012 to January 2023. Patients undergoing operations for other carotid diseases and with concomitant heart surgery were excluded. Results: A total of 70 patients undergoing angioplasty or carotid endarterectomy were included. Population subsets undergoing angioplasty or endarterectomy were similar. Differences in anesthetic modality and a longer operative time in the carotid endarterectomy subgroup were statistically significant. There were 4 cases of stroke, only 3 of which (2 minor and 1 major) were related to the index lesion. Thus, the rate of major operation-related stroke was 1.43% and the rate of any lesion-related stroke was 4.29%. There was 1 case of AMI in the angioplasty group and there were no deaths in the sample. The overall rate of major adverse cardiovascular events was 5.71%. There were no statistical differences between the endarterectomy and angioplasty groups regarding the main outcomes. Conclusions: The rates of outcomes of ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, death, and major adverse cardiovascular events at this center are in line with the rates reported by randomized controlled trials, demonstrating the feasibility of carotid surgery in centers with teaching programs.

Desfechos de curto prazo da cirurgia de carótida: experiência no "mundo real" em um centro único de formação profissional / Short term outcomes of carotid surgery: the real-world experience of a single teaching center

Resumo Contexto A abordagem cirúrgica para estenose carotídea sintomática está consolidada na literatura para a prevenção de eventos neurológicos, devendo seguir padrões ótimos de qualidade. Entretanto, há uma crescente preocupação relacionada à possibilidade ou não de replicar os dados dos trabalhos controlados no mundo real. Objetivos Avaliar a população com estenose carotídea sintomática submetida a cirurgia e seus desfechos de curto prazo em um contexto de mundo real em um centro de formação profissional. Métodos Tratou-se de um estudo observacional realizado por meio de coleta de dados em prontuário de janeiro de 2012 a janeiro de 2023. Foram excluídos pacientes operados por outras etiologias e com cirurgia cardíaca concomitante. Resultados Foram incluídos 70 pacientes submetidos a angioplastia ou endarterectomia carotídea. Os subgrupos populacionais submetidos a angioplastia ou endarterectomia foram semelhantes. Houve diferença estatisticamente relevante quanto à modalidade anestésica e ao tempo cirúrgico maior para o subgrupo de endarterectomia carotídea. Houve quatro casos de acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico, e três deles estavam relacionados à lesão, sendo dois menores e um maior. Dessa forma, a taxa de acidente vascular encefálico maior relacionado à lesão foi de 1,43% e de qualquer acidente vascular encefálico relacionado à lesão, de 4,29%. A taxa total de eventos adversos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 5,71%. Houve um caso de infarto agudo do miocárdio no grupo angioplastia e nenhum óbito. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos de endarterectomia e angioplastia quanto aos desfechos principais. Conclusões Os desfechos acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico, infarto agudo do miocárdio, óbito e eventos adversos cardiovasculares maiores neste centro são semelhantes aos encontrados em estudos clínicos randomizados, demonstrando viabilidade da manutenção deste tratamento em centros com programas de ensino.

Abstract Background Surgical treatment of symptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis is well established for preventing neurological events and should adhere to optimal quality standards. However, there is growing concern as to whether results of controlled trials are replicable in real-world settings. Objectives To assess a symptomatic carotid stenosis population that underwent surgery and its short-term outcomes in a real-world context at a professional training center. Methods Observational study using data collected from medical records from January 2012 to January 2023. Patients undergoing operations for other carotid diseases and with concomitant heart surgery were excluded. Results A total of 70 patients undergoing angioplasty or carotid endarterectomy were included. Population subsets undergoing angioplasty or endarterectomy were similar. Differences in anesthetic modality and a longer operative time in the carotid endarterectomy subgroup were statistically significant. There were 4 cases of stroke, only 3 of which (2 minor and 1 major) were related to the index lesion. Thus, the rate of major operation-related stroke was 1.43% and the rate of any lesion-related stroke was 4.29%. There was 1 case of AMI in the angioplasty group and there were no deaths in the sample. The overall rate of major adverse cardiovascular events was 5.71%. There were no statistical differences between the endarterectomy and angioplasty groups regarding the main outcomes. Conclusions The rates of outcomes of ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, death, and major adverse cardiovascular events at this center are in line with the rates reported by randomized controlled trials, demonstrating the feasibility of carotid surgery in centers with teaching programs.

Brazilian guidelines on diagnosis and management of traumatic vascular injuries.

Trauma is a leading cause of death, permanent disability, and health care cost worldwide. The young and economically active are the most affected population. Exsanguination due to noncompressible torso hemorrhage is one of the most frequent causes of early death, posing a significant challenge to trauma and vascular surgeons. The possibility of limb loss due to vascular injuries must also be considered. In recent decades, the approach to vascular injuries has been significantly modified. Angiotomography has become the standard method for diagnosis, endovascular techniques are currently incorporated in treatment, and damage control, such as temporary shunts, is now the preferred approach for the patients sustaining physiological derangement. Despite the importance of this topic, few papers in the Brazilian literature have offered guidelines on vascular trauma. The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has developed Projetos Diretrizes (Guideline Projects), which includes this publication on vascular trauma. Since treating trauma patients is a multidisciplinary effort, the Brazilian Trauma Society (SBAIT) was invited to participate in this project. Members of both societies reviewed the literature on vascular trauma management and together wrote these guidelines on vascular injuries of neck, thorax, abdomen, and extremities.

Tapered reinforced graft and vein cuff in the distal anastomosis as adjunct strategies for infrapopliteal prosthetic bypass graft in chronic limb-threatening ischemia: A case report.

The great saphenous vein is the optimal conduit for infrapopliteal bypass surgery in chronic limb-threatening ischemia. A prosthetic bypass graft is an acceptable option when the autologous vein is unavailable and the anatomy is not favorable for endovascular therapy. However, the low patency rate of prosthetic grafts calls for adjunct strategies to improve the outcomes. Tapered reinforced grafts and vein cuffs are proposed measures. We herein present a case of a 78-year-old man with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and an extensive necrotic lesion on the dorsum of the left foot. He was successfully treated with a prosthetic bypass using two adjunct strategies to help improve patency: a tapered reinforced graft and a vein cuff in the distal anastomosis. After debridement and partial skin grafting, the wound healed completely in 2 months. The bypass graft was patent for 1 year.

Adequacy of venous thromboembolism risk stratification and prophylaxis in a tertiary university hospital.

Background: Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease and the main cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients. Prophylaxis is still underused, despite well-established guidelines in the literature. Studies show a worldwide prophylaxis adequacy rate close to 50%. Objectives: To assess the adequacy of risk stratification and prophylactic measures for venous thromboembolism in a tertiary university hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, collecting data from medical records. Adult patients hospitalized by different specialties were enrolled and divided into surgical and clinical groups. The risk stratification of venous thromboembolism performed by the attending physicians was compared with stratification based on recent guidelines performed by the research physicians. Prophylaxis measures prescribed by the attending physicians were compared with guideline recommendations, thus obtaining the prophylaxis adequacy rate. Results: 400 patients were analyzed, 169 (42.3%) surgical and 231 (57.7%) clinical. The overall stratification adequacy rate was 50.8%. Adequacy rates were 39.1% and 59.3% in the surgical and clinical groups respectively (P < 0.0001). The overall prophylaxis adequacy rate was 71.5%, with 78.1% in the surgical group and 66.7% in the clinical group (P=0.0137). Conclusions: Risk stratification adequacy is low, demonstrating a low awareness among prescribing physicians of the need for adequate stratification for prescription of prophylaxis. However, the prophylaxis prescription adequacy rates are higher than those in global data.

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.

Adequação da estratificação de risco e da profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso em hospital universitário terciário / Adequacy of venous thromboembolism risk stratification and prophylaxis in a tertiary university hospital

Resumo Contexto O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) é a terceira doença cardiovascular mais comum e a principal causa de óbito evitável em pacientes internados. Apesar de diretrizes bem estabelecidos na literatura, a profilaxia dessa afecção ainda é subutilizada. Estudos apontam taxa de adequação da profilaxia próxima de 50% mundialmente. Objetivos Avaliar a adequação da estratificação de risco e da prescrição de medidas de profilaxia do TEV em um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos Estudo transversal observacional realizado através da coleta de dados de prontuário. Foram incluídos pacientes adultos internados em diferentes especialidades e divididos em grupos cirúrgico e clínico. A estratificação de risco de TEV realizada pelos médicos assistentes foi comparada com a realizada pelos médicos pesquisadores, com base nas diretrizes recentes. A prescrição de medidas de profilaxia realizadas pelos médicos assistentes foi comparada com as recomendações das diretrizes, obtendo assim a taxa de adequação da profilaxia. Resultados Foram avaliados 400 pacientes, sendo 169 (42,3%) cirúrgicos e 231 (57,7%) clínicos. A taxa geral de adequação da estratificação foi de 50,8%. Nos grupos cirúrgico e clínico, as taxas de adequação foram respectivamente 39,1% e 59,3% (p < 0,0001). A taxa geral de adequação da profilaxia foi de 71,5%, enquanto no grupo cirúrgico foi de 78,1% e no grupo clínico de 66,7% (p = 0,0137). Conclusões A adequação da estratificação de risco para TEV foi baixa, demonstrando a pouca conscientização dos médicos assistentes sobre esse problema. No entanto, as taxas de adequação da prescrição de medidas de profilaxia estão superiores às de dados globais.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease and the main cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients. Prophylaxis is still underused, despite well-established guidelines in the literature. Studies show a worldwide prophylaxis adequacy rate close to 50%. Objectives To assess the adequacy of risk stratification and prophylactic measures for venous thromboembolism in a tertiary university hospital. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, collecting data from medical records. Adult patients hospitalized by different specialties were enrolled and divided into surgical and clinical groups. The risk stratification of venous thromboembolism performed by the attending physicians was compared with stratification based on recent guidelines performed by the research physicians. Prophylaxis measures prescribed by the attending physicians were compared with guideline recommendations, thus obtaining the prophylaxis adequacy rate. Results 400 patients were analyzed, 169 (42.3%) surgical and 231 (57.7%) clinical. The overall stratification adequacy rate was 50.8%. Adequacy rates were 39.1% and 59.3% in the surgical and clinical groups respectively (P < 0.0001). The overall prophylaxis adequacy rate was 71.5%, with 78.1% in the surgical group and 66.7% in the clinical group (P=0.0137). Conclusions Risk stratification adequacy is low, demonstrating a low awareness among prescribing physicians of the need for adequate stratification for prescription of prophylaxis. However, the prophylaxis prescription adequacy rates are higher than those in global data.

Diretrizes brasileiras de diagnóstico e tratamento de lesões vasculares traumáticas / Brazilian guidelines on diagnosis and management of traumatic vascular injuries

Resumo Trauma é uma causa importante de morbimortalidade, que acomete principalmente jovens. A hemorragia incoercível é o principal mecanismo de óbito precoce nessas vítimas, e as lesões vasculares não compressíveis representam grandes desafios para os cirurgiões. O traumatismo vascular impacta diretamente a viabilidade de membros traumatizados, aumentando o risco de amputação. Nas últimas décadas, muitas condutas de diagnóstico e tratamento de lesões vasculares traumáticas foram modificadas. A angiotomografia suplantou a angiografia como padrão ouro para diagnóstico, as técnicas endovasculares foram incorporadas ao arsenal terapêutico e o conceito de "controle de danos" foi estabelecido. No entanto, há lacunas na literatura nacional sobre a normatização de condutas em trauma vascular, principalmente considerando as limitações do Brasil. Por isso, a Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular e a Sociedade Brasileira de Atendimento Integrado ao Traumatizado revisaram a literatura disponível sobre trauma vascular e organizaram diretrizes sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento dessas lesões.

Abstract Trauma is a leading cause of death, permanent disability, and health care cost worldwide. The young and economically active are the most affected population. Exsanguination due to noncompressible torso hemorrhage is one of the most frequent causes of early death, posing a significant challenge to trauma and vascular surgeons. The possibility of limb loss due to vascular injuries must also be considered. In recent decades, the approach to vascular injuries has been significantly modified. Angiotomography has become the standard method for diagnosis, endovascular techniques are currently incorporated in treatment, and damage control, such as temporary shunts, is now the preferred approach for the patients sustaining physiological derangement. Despite the importance of this topic, few papers in the Brazilian literature have offered guidelines on vascular trauma. The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has developed Projetos Diretrizes (Guideline Projects), which includes this publication on vascular trauma. Since treating trauma patients is a multidisciplinary effort, the Brazilian Trauma Society (SBAIT) was invited to participate in this project. Members of both societies reviewed the literature on vascular trauma management and together wrote these guidelines on vascular injuries of neck, thorax, abdomen, and extremities.

Inpatient consultations with the vascular and endovascular surgery team at an academic tertiary hospital.

Background: Inpatient consultations are a fundamental component of practice in tertiary care centers. However, such consultations demand resources, generating a significant workload. Objectives: To investigate the profile of inpatient consultations requested by other specialties and provided by the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery team at an academic tertiary hospital. Methods: Prospective observational study. Results: From May 2017 to May 2018, 223 consultations were provided, representing 2.2% of the workload. Most consultations were requested by Oncology (16.6%), Hematology (9.9%), Nephrology (9.0%), and Cardiology (6.3%). The leading reasons for inpatient consultation were: need for vascular access (51.1%) and requests to evaluate a vascular disease (48.9%). Acute venous diseases accounted for 19.3% of consultations, chronic arterial diseases for 14.8%, acute arterial diseases for 7.2%, diabetic feet for 5.4%, and chronic venous diseases accounted for 2.2%. Surgical treatment was performed in 57.0%, either conventional (43.9%) or endovascular (13.0%). Almost all (98.2%) patients' issues were resolved. Conclusions: Inpatient consultations with the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery team in a tertiary academic hospital accounted for 2.2% of the team's entire workload. Most patients were elective and underwent low-complexity elective surgical procedures. There may be an opportunity to improve healthcare, redirecting these patients to the outpatient flow.

Introdução: Interconsultas são um componente fundamental da prática clínica em centros de atendimento terciários. No entanto, esse tipo de consulta requer recursos, resultando em uma alta carga de trabalho. Objetivo: Investigar o perfil das interconsultas solicitadas por outros departamentos e realizadas pela equipe de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular em um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo. Resultados: De maio de 2017 a maio de 2018, foram realizadas 223 consultas, correspondendo a 2,2% da carga de trabalho. A maioria das consultas foram solicitadas pelos departamentos de Oncologia (16,6%), Hematologia (9,9%), Nefrologia (9,0%) e Cardiologia (6,3%). As principais razões das interconsultas foram a necessidade de acesso vascular (51,1%) e de avaliação de doenças vasculares (48,9%). As doenças venosas agudas corresponderam a 19,3% das avaliações; as doenças arteriais crônicas, a 14,8%; as doenças arteriais agudas, a 7,2%; o pé diabético, a 5,4%; e as doenças venosas crônicas corresponderam a 2,2%. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico em 57,0% dos casos, tanto convencional (43,9%) quanto endovascular (13,0%). Foram resolvidos os problemas de quase todos os pacientes (98,2%). Conclusão: As interconsultas realizadas pela equipe de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular em um hospital universitário terciário corresponderam a 2,2% da carga de trabalho total. A maioria dos pacientes eram eletivos e foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos de baixa complexidade. O redirecionamento desses pacientes para o atendimento ambulatorial poderia auxiliar na melhoria dos serviços de saúde.

Short-Term Outcomes of Transfemoral Carotid Artery Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients: Data from a Multicentric Prospective Registry in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are alternative strategies for stroke prevention in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. Because their main objective is to prevent future ischemic events, regular reassessment of the outcomes is mandatory for providing the best therapy. The purpose of this study was to describe the practice and the outcomes of TF-CAS and CEA in symptomatic patients in public university hospitals in Brazil, using data from a prospective multicentric registry. METHODS: A prospective 8-year observational study of patients with symptomatic carotid artery atherosclerotic disease that underwent TF-CAS and CEA in 5 public university hospitals affiliated with the RHEUNI (Registry Project of Vascular Disease in the Public University Hospitals of São Paulo). All consecutive procedures were included. The indications for the procedures were determined by each surgeon's individual discretion, in accordance with a preoperative risk evaluation. The outcome measures were any 30-day follow-up death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and their combined outcome (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]). The registration of the study was made at clinicaltrials.gov NCT02538276. RESULTS: From January 2012 through December 2019, 376 consecutive and symptomatic patients were included in the study records. There were 152 TF-CAS procedures (40.4%) and 224 CEA procedures (59.5%). All completed the 30-day follow-up period. Occurrence of death (TF-CAS: 0.66% × CEA: 0.66%, P = 0.99), stroke (TF-CAS: 4.61% × CEA: 4.46%, P = 0.99), and MI (TF-CAS: 0.66% × CEA: 0%, P = 0.403) were similar in both groups, without statistically significant differences. MACE rate did not differ in both groups (TF-CAS: 5.92% × CEA: 4.46%, P = 0.633). CONCLUSIONS: Data from a prospective registry of 5 Brazilian university hospitals showed that TF-CAS and CEA in symptomatic patients had similar 30-day perioperative rates of death, stroke, and MI and their combination.

Inpatient consultations with the vascular and endovascular surgery team at an academic tertiary hospital / Interconsultas realizadas pela equipe de cirurgia vascular e endovascular em um hospital universitário terciário

ABSTRACT Background Inpatient consultations are a fundamental component of practice in tertiary care centers. However, such consultations demand resources, generating a significant workload. Objectives To investigate the profile of inpatient consultations requested by other specialties and provided by the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery team at an academic tertiary hospital. Methods Prospective observational study. Results From May 2017 to May 2018, 223 consultations were provided, representing 2.2% of the workload. Most consultations were requested by Oncology (16.6%), Hematology (9.9%), Nephrology (9.0%), and Cardiology (6.3%). The leading reasons for inpatient consultation were: need for vascular access (51.1%) and requests to evaluate a vascular disease (48.9%). Acute venous diseases accounted for 19.3% of consultations, chronic arterial diseases for 14.8%, acute arterial diseases for 7.2%, diabetic feet for 5.4%, and chronic venous diseases accounted for 2.2%. Surgical treatment was performed in 57.0%, either conventional (43.9%) or endovascular (13.0%). Almost all (98.2%) patients' issues were resolved. Conclusions Inpatient consultations with the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery team in a tertiary academic hospital accounted for 2.2% of the team's entire workload. Most patients were elective and underwent low-complexity elective surgical procedures. There may be an opportunity to improve healthcare, redirecting these patients to the outpatient flow.

RESUMO Introdução Interconsultas são um componente fundamental da prática clínica em centros de atendimento terciários. No entanto, esse tipo de consulta requer recursos, resultando em uma alta carga de trabalho. Objetivo Investigar o perfil das interconsultas solicitadas por outros departamentos e realizadas pela equipe de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular em um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos Estudo observacional prospectivo. Resultados De maio de 2017 a maio de 2018, foram realizadas 223 consultas, correspondendo a 2,2% da carga de trabalho. A maioria das consultas foram solicitadas pelos departamentos de Oncologia (16,6%), Hematologia (9,9%), Nefrologia (9,0%) e Cardiologia (6,3%). As principais razões das interconsultas foram a necessidade de acesso vascular (51,1%) e de avaliação de doenças vasculares (48,9%). As doenças venosas agudas corresponderam a 19,3% das avaliações; as doenças arteriais crônicas, a 14,8%; as doenças arteriais agudas, a 7,2%; o pé diabético, a 5,4%; e as doenças venosas crônicas corresponderam a 2,2%. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico em 57,0% dos casos, tanto convencional (43,9%) quanto endovascular (13,0%). Foram resolvidos os problemas de quase todos os pacientes (98,2%). Conclusão As interconsultas realizadas pela equipe de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular em um hospital universitário terciário corresponderam a 2,2% da carga de trabalho total. A maioria dos pacientes eram eletivos e foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos de baixa complexidade. O redirecionamento desses pacientes para o atendimento ambulatorial poderia auxiliar na melhoria dos serviços de saúde.

Surgical treatment of cervical rib-associated arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

The arterial form of thoracic outlet syndrome is rare and is associated with anatomic anomalies, generally a cervical rib. It has a varied range of manifestations. The aim of this article is to describe two cases with different clinical presentations: microembolization and aneurysm. A cervical rib was present in both cases. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history, physical examination, postural maneuvers, and X-rays. Computed tomography angiography provided the anatomic detail necessary to plan surgery. Surgical treatment was performed via supraclavicular access, successfully, in both cases.

Contemporary Management of Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (aTOS) is characterized by compression of the subclavian artery as it exits the thoracic girdle. Chronic and repetitive compression leads to several degrees of arterial wall damage. The treatment is varied and depends on the presentation severity. This study aimed to describe the contemporary experience in managing arterial thoracic outlet syndrome at a large tertiary hospital. METHODS: We conducted a single-institution retrospective review of aTOS cases from January 2009 to January 2020. Demographic data, clinical presentation, medical images, operative notes, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Thirteen aTOS cases were identified. The mean age was 43 ± 10 years, and 11 (85%) were women. Both sides were equally affected: right (7 cases, 54%) and left (6 cases, 46%). The most common clinical presentation was arm claudication (7 cases, 54%). Other presentations were: acute arm ischemia, pulsatile neck mass and distal embolization. Cervical ribs were identified by plain X-rays in most cases. All patients were submitted to surgical decompression through the supraclavicular approach. Patients with early disease stages were not submitted to arterial reconstruction and were followed with duplex scan. Arterial reconstruction was done in advanced disease stages (5 cases, 38%): end-to-end anastomosis, interposition graft, and bypass graft. The mean follow-up duration was 32,6 ± 25 months. In all patients, the subclavian artery/graft was patent, and the vascular symptoms were entirely resolved. There were no deaths or amputations. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome has a varied clinical presentation. Cervical ribs are the most common anatomic abnormalities. The diagnosis was based on history, physical examination, and imaging exams. Surgery consisted of supraclavicular decompression, arterial resection, and vascular reconstruction, according to the disease stage. The outcomes were excellent.

Transcervical Access for Endograft Exclusion of a Postendarterectomy Carotid Pseudoaneurysm in a Patient With Type III Aortic Arch.

Postendarterectomy carotid pseudoaneurysms are infrequent. The endovascular treatment is less invasive, with a minor risk of complications. However, the presence of a highly angulated aortic arch (type III) is a challenge, since the navigation of endovascular devices is not favorable. Through transcervical access, it is possible to deliver the devices directly into the carotid artery. We herein present a case of a postendarterectomy carotid pseudoaneurysm in a patient with type III aortic arch that was successfully treated with transcervical endograft exclusion.

Endovascular repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm after endovascular aneurysm repair due type IB endoleak associated with a late fistula between the abdominal aorta and a retroaortic left renal vein.

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm after endovascular aneurysm repair with an arteriovenous fistula between the aneurysm sac and a retroaortic left renal vein is an extremely rare complication. This case describes an 81-year-old man who developed an aorto-left renal vein fistula owing to a type IB endoleak 2 years after endovascular aneurysm exclusion. The leak was repaired with a left endograft limb extension. Endovascular techniques are attractive and feasible alternatives and can play an essential role in reinterventions. This report is the first of an aorto-left renal vein fistula owing a type IB endoleak after an endovascular aneurysm repair.

Colonoscopy complications: experience with 8968 consecutive patients in a single institution. / Complicações em colonoscopia: experiência uni-institucional com 8968 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the incidence, epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis and evolution of patients who returned to the emergency care units of the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo/SP with signs and symptoms suggestive of colonoscopy complications up to 30 days after the procedure. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective, uni-institutional study of patients submitted to colonoscopy in 2014 who returned to the Emergency department (ED) within 30 days after the procedure. RESULTS: 8968 patients underwent colonoscopies, 95 (1.06%) of whom had complaints related to possible complications. Most of the procedures were elective ones. Minor complications (nonspecific abdominal pain/distension) were frequent (0.49%) and most of the patients were discharged after consultation at the ED. Severe complications were less frequent: perforation (0.033%), lower gastrointestinal bleeding (0.044%), and intestinal obstruction (0.044%). ED consultations in less than 24 hours after the procedure was associated with a higher index of normal colonoscopies (p=0.006), more diagnosis of fever (p=0.0003) and dyspeptic syndrome (p=0.043), and less diagnosis of colitis/ileitis (p=0.015). The observation of fever in patients treated at the ED was associated with the diagnosis of polyps at colonoscopy (p=0.030). CONCLUSION: the data corroborate the safety of the colonoscopy exam and points to a reduction in major complications rates.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a incidência, características epidemiológicas, diagnóstico e evolução dos pacientes que retornaram às unidades de pronto atendimento (UPA) do Hospital Albert Einstein em São Paulo/SP com sinais e sintomas sugestivos de complicações até 30 dias após realização de colonoscopia. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo uni-institucional de pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia em 2014 e que retornaram, em até 30 dias após o procedimento, a uma UPA. RESULTADOS: foram realizadas colonoscopias em 8968 pacientes, dos quais 95 (1,06%) tiveram queixa relacionada à possível complicação. A maioria dos procedimentos foi realizada eletivamente. Complicações menores (dor abdominal inespecífica/distensão) foram frequentes (0,49%) e a maioria dos pacientes recebeu alta após consulta na UPA. Complicações graves foram menos frequentes: perfuração (0,033%), hemorragia digestiva baixa (0,044%) e obstrução intestinal (0,044%). A procura à UPA em menos de 24 horas após o procedimento associou-se a maior índice de colonoscopias normais (P=0,006), mais diagnóstico de febre (P=0,0003) e síndrome dispéptica (P=0,043) e menos diagnóstico de colite/ileíte (P=0,015). A presença de febre em pacientes atendidos na UPA associou-se ao diagnóstico de pólipos na colonoscopia (P=0,030). CONCLUSÃO: os dados do presente estudo corroboram as evidências de segurança do exame de colonoscopia e apontam para redução nos índices de complicações mais graves deste exame.

Effect of graduated compression stockings on venous lower limb hemodynamics in healthy amateur runners.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of graduated compression stockings (GCS) on venous lower limb hemodynamics in healthy amateur runners. METHODS: Ten runners were evaluated during rest and after a 10-km run without and with knee-high GCS of 20 to 30 mm Hg. Air plethysmography evaluated venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction, and residual volume fraction (RVF) in both limbs. Capillary lactate level and heart rate were also measured. RESULTS: Right VFI was 1.38 mL/s during rest, 1.98 mL/s without compression, and 1.32 mL/s with compression (P = .006). Left VFI was 1.35 mL/s during rest, 1.64 mL/s without compression, and 1.21 mL/s with compression (P = .006). In both limbs, ejection fraction was not different in the three situations. Right RVF was 22.35% during rest, 19.40% without compression, and 10.50% with compression (P = .006). Left RVF was similar in all situations. Capillary lactate level increased in runners without compression (P = .004) but kept stable in those wearing compression. The difference between after-run and before-run capillary lactate levels was similar in runners with and without compression. Rest, peak, and after-run heart rates were similar in runners with and without compression. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy amateur runners had associated hemodynamic improvements when wearing knee-high GCS of 20 to 30 mm Hg during a 10-km treadmill run. VFI dropped in both limbs and RVF dropped at least in the right limb. There was no positive effect on calf muscle pump; capillary lactate variation; or rest, peak, and after-run heart rates.

Complicações em colonoscopia: experiência uni-institucional com 8968 pacientes / Colonoscopy complications: experience with 8968 consecutive patients in a single institution

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a incidência, características epidemiológicas, diagnóstico e evolução dos pacientes que retornaram às unidades de pronto atendimento (UPA) do Hospital Albert Einstein em São Paulo/SP com sinais e sintomas sugestivos de complicações até 30 dias após realização de colonoscopia. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo uni-institucional de pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia em 2014 e que retornaram, em até 30 dias após o procedimento, a uma UPA. Resultados: foram realizadas colonoscopias em 8968 pacientes, dos quais 95 (1,06%) tiveram queixa relacionada à possível complicação. A maioria dos procedimentos foi realizada eletivamente. Complicações menores (dor abdominal inespecífica/distensão) foram frequentes (0,49%) e a maioria dos pacientes recebeu alta após consulta na UPA. Complicações graves foram menos frequentes: perfuração (0,033%), hemorragia digestiva baixa (0,044%) e obstrução intestinal (0,044%). A procura à UPA em menos de 24 horas após o procedimento associou-se a maior índice de colonoscopias normais (P=0,006), mais diagnóstico de febre (P=0,0003) e síndrome dispéptica (P=0,043) e menos diagnóstico de colite/ileíte (P=0,015). A presença de febre em pacientes atendidos na UPA associou-se ao diagnóstico de pólipos na colonoscopia (P=0,030). Conclusão: os dados do presente estudo corroboram as evidências de segurança do exame de colonoscopia e apontam para redução nos índices de complicações mais graves deste exame.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the incidence, epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis and evolution of patients who returned to the emergency care units of the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo/SP with signs and symptoms suggestive of colonoscopy complications up to 30 days after the procedure. Methods: we conducted a retrospective, uni-institutional study of patients submitted to colonoscopy in 2014 who returned to the Emergency department (ED) within 30 days after the procedure. Results: 8968 patients underwent colonoscopies, 95 (1.06%) of whom had complaints related to possible complications. Most of the procedures were elective ones. Minor complications (nonspecific abdominal pain/distension) were frequent (0.49%) and most of the patients were discharged after consultation at the ED. Severe complications were less frequent: perforation (0.033%), lower gastrointestinal bleeding (0.044%), and intestinal obstruction (0.044%). ED consultations in less than 24 hours after the procedure was associated with a higher index of normal colonoscopies (p=0.006), more diagnosis of fever (p=0.0003) and dyspeptic syndrome (p=0.043), and less diagnosis of colitis/ileitis (p=0.015). The observation of fever in patients treated at the ED was associated with the diagnosis of polyps at colonoscopy (p=0.030). Conclusion: the data corroborate the safety of the colonoscopy exam and points to a reduction in major complications rates.