Prospective cohort 20 years after endovascular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the factors associated with survival 20 years after endovascular treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a single center. METHODS: Prospective cohort of asymptomatic patients with an infrarenal aortic aneurysm treated with a bifurcated endovascular graft (Talent) between June 1997 and August 2008. Cox proportional hazard multivariable regression was used for analysis of independent risk factors for survival. Kaplan-Meier curves were done with the long-rank test. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We followed 229 patients, 184 without an endoleak and 45 with an endoleak. Ages ranged between 52 and 89 years, and the mean diameter of the aneurysm was 59.51 ± 14.6 mm. Implantation of the endovascular graft was possible in 99% of the patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.4%. In the Cox regression, age <73 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.64), aneurysm size ≤55 mm (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.95), male sex (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05-0.52), American Society of Anesthesiologists surgical risk category I and II vs III and IV (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34-0.75), and aneurysm size reduction ≤3 mm after treatment (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.11-4.51) were significantly correlated with the survival of the patients followed in this long-term case series. CONCLUSIONS: This 20-year prospective cohort included patients with an AAA treated with a bifurcated endovascular graft (Talent) at a university hospital in Brazil. This study supports that sex, age, aneurysm size, aneurysm size reduction, and American Society of Anesthesiologists surgical risk category are significantly correlated with patient survival after endovascular treatment of the AAA.

Proximal endovascular blood flow shunt for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurism without total aortic clamping.

The authors present a surgical approach to type III and IV Crawford aneurysms that does not need total aortic clamping, which allows the more objective prevention of direct ischemic damage, as well as its exclusion by the endoprosthesis implantation, shunting the flow to the synthetic graft.

Proximal endovascular blood flow shunt for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurism without total aortic clamping / Desvio de fluxo sanguineo endovascular proximal para derivaçao cirúrgica de aneurisma toracoabdominal sem clampeamento total da aorta

The authors present a surgical approach to type III and IV Crawford aneurysms that does not need total aortic clamping, which allows the more objective prevention of direct ischemic damage, as well as its exclusion by the endoprosthesis implantation, shunting the flow to the synthetic graft.

Os autores apresentam uma abordagem cirúrgica aos aneurismas do tipo III e IV de Crawford em que não é necessário o pinçamento total da aorta, o que permite a prevenção do dano isquêmico direto de forma mais objetiva, assim como sua exclusão por implante de endoprotese desviando o fluxo para o enxerto sintético

Increased Levels of Metalloproteinase 10 and Hemostatic Markers in Patients With Noncomplicated Primary Varicose Veins.

The purpose of the study was to analyze a systemic activation of hemostasis and concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP-10) in patients with primary varicose veins (PVVs). A study group consisted of 41 patients with noncomplicated PVVs. A control group consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals without varicose veins. The concentration of d-dimers (DD), prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 (F1+2), antigen of von Willebrand factor (vWF), and activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in plasma and concentration of MMP-10 in serum were analyzed. In patients with PVVs, higher concentrations of DD (P < .001), F1+2 (P < .001), vWF (P = .027), MMP-10 (P = .006), and higher activity of PAI-1 (P < .001) were observed. However, no correlation between the concentrations of MMP-10 and prothrombotic markers was found. Noncomplicated PVVs are associated with systemic, prothrombotic activation of hemostasis and increased concentration of MMP-10, suggesting a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state.

Renal autotransplant for subsequent endovascular exclusion of the thoracoabdominal aorta.

In the last 20 years, endovascular procedures have radically altered the treatment of diseases of the aorta. The objective of endovascular treatment of dissections is to close the entry point to redirect blood flow toward the true lumen, thereby achieving thrombosis of the false lumen. In extensive chronic dissections that have evolved with the formation of a large aneurysm, the dissection is maintained from the end of the endoprosthesis due to multiple orifices, or reentries, that communicate with the lumens. In addition, one of the primary limitations of this technique is when the visceral arteries have disease involvement. In this report we present a case where, despite having treated the entire length of the descending thoracic aorta, the dissection was maintained distally, leading to progression of the diameter of the aneurysm. After reviewing the literature, and to the best of our knowledge, we describe the first case in which renal autotransplant was performed to allow for subsequent exclusion of the aorta at the thoracoabdominal level using a fenestrated endoprosthesis for the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery.

Assessment of the level of difficulty of four techniques of endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein and the echogenicity of the tip of the working device in vivo.

BACKGROUND: To compare the level of difficulty of four techniques of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) of the great saphenous vein and the echogenicity of the tip of the working device in vivo. METHODS: Sixty patients qualified to the EVTA of the great saphenous vein were randomly assigned to treatment with an 810-nm axial diode laser [endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) 810] with two different delivery systems: 4-F introducer, 0.018" guidewire, 22-G needle (EVLA810-1) and 4-F introducer, 0.035" guidewire, 19-G needle (EVLA810-2); a 1470-nm radial diode laser (EVLA1470); or radiofrequency ablation (RFA; ClosureFAST). The level of difficulty of four stages of the procedure-cannulation of a vein, advancement of the working part to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), visualization of a tip of the working part at SFJ, and difficulty of performing the ablation and delivering the planned linear energy density-was subjectively assessed. An objective comparison of visibility of working parts in ultrasonography was performed with analysis of grayscale median. RESULTS: The cannulation of a distal segment of the obliterated vein was the most difficult in EVLA810-1, P = 0.015. The delivery of a working part to the SFJ was the least problematic in RFA and EVLA1470, P = 0.024. The visualization of the working tip at the SFJ was the most difficult in RFA, P = 0.028. The application of desired amount of energy was the easiest in RFA, P = 0.038. The EVLA1470 presented the best echogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: Although all the examined techniques have advantages and disadvantages, EVTA with the 1470-nm diode laser with radial optic fiber seems to be the easiest.

Preparation and characterization of collagen-based ADSC-carrier sheets for cardiovascular application.

The use of scaffolds composed of natural biodegradable matrices represents an attractive strategy to circumvent the lack of cell engraftment, a major limitation of stem cell therapy in cardiovascular diseases. Bovine-derived non-porous collagen scaffolds with different degrees of cross-linking (C0, C2, C5 and C10) were produced and tested for their mechanical behavior, in vitro biocompatibility with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and tissue adhesion and inflammatory reaction. Uniaxial tensile tests revealed an anisotropic behavior of collagen scaffolds (2×0.5cm) and statistically significant differences in the mechanical behavior between cross-linked and non-cross-linked scaffolds (n=5). In vitro, ADSCs adhered homogenously and showed a similar degree of proliferation on all four types of scaffolds (cells×10(3)cm(-2) at day 7: C0: 94.7±37.1; C2: 91.7±25.6; C5: 88.2±6.8; C10: 72.8±10.7; P=n.s.; n=3). In order to test the in vivo biocompatibility, a chronic myocardial infarction model was performed in rats and 1.2×1.2cm size collagen scaffolds implanted onto the heart 1month post-infarction. Six animals per group were killed 2, 7 and 30days after transplant. Complete and long-lasting adhesion to the heart was only observed with the non-cross-linked scaffolds with almost total degradation 1month post-transplantation. After 7 and 30days post-implantation, the degree of inflammation was significantly lower in the hearts treated with non-cross-linked scaffolds (day 7: C0: 10.2±2.1%; C2: 16.3±2.9%; C5: 15.9±4.8%; C10: 17.4±4.1%; P<0.05 vs. C0; day 30: C0: 1.3±1.3%; C2: 9.4±3.0%; C5: 7.0±2.1%; C10: 9.8±2.5%; P<0.01 vs. C0). In view of the results, the non-cross-linked scaffold (C0) was chosen as an ADSC-carrier sheet and tested in vivo. One week post-implantation, 25.3±7.0% of the cells transplanted were detected in those animals receiving the cell-carrier sheet whereas no cells were found in animals receiving cells alone (n=3 animals/group). We conclude that the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of the non-cross-linked collagen scaffolds make them a useful cell carrier that greatly favors tissue cell engraftment and may be exploited for cell transplantation in models of cardiac disease.

Monitoring of systemic inflammatory response in diabetic patients with deep foot infection treated with negative pressure wound therapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish the safety of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of acutely debrided, deep diabetic foot infections (DDFI) and to determine the value of inflammatory markers in monitoring of treatment of these infections with negative pressure wound therapy. METHODS: A group of ten patients with DDFI treated by radical surgical debridement and simultaneous NPWT was prospectively studied. During the debridement, a deep tissue sample was obtained and sent for microbiological testing. The patients were followed clinically for 10 days and NPWT dressings were changed every 2 to 3 days or sooner when indicated. The peripheral blood samples were obtained before the radical debridement and 3 and 10 days afterwards and concentrations of white blood cell, neutrophils, lymphocytes and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. The changes in concentration of inflammatory markers were analyzed with a Friedman test. RESULTS: In all but one patient the presence of DDFI was confirmed by the culture results. At baseline, the elevated WBC and neutrophil concentrations were observed only in half of the patients while the CRP concentration was elevated in nine patients. During followup, all patients showed a favorable clinical evolution and statistically significant decrease of WBC, neutrophils and CRP (p<0.001). There were not statistically significant changes in lymphocyte count. CONCLUSION: NPWT can be safely applied in acutely debrided DDFI. CRP seems to be the most adequate parameter for both diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of DDFI.

Renal function in patients treated with abdominal aortic stentgraft implantation with an intentional occlusion of accessory renal artery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze renal function in patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with intentional occlusion of accessory renal artery (ARA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of six patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent an abdominal stentgraft implantation with intentional occlusion of at least one ARA was performed. The mean age of the patients was 71 (53-84) years. None of the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (according to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation 4) lower than 60 mL/min/m(2). Before the intervention, a possible influence of the occlusion of ARA was assessed with a renal scintigraphy and percentage value of a renal mass at risk. After the intervention, a control renal scintigraphy was performed, and percentage value of lost renal mass was determined. Data on the renal function before the intervention and 1, 3, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention were collected. RESULTS: There were no deaths, and none of the patients required hemodialysis in the follow-up period. In an early postoperative period, five patients had pain in the lumbar region that ceased with analgesics. An increase of the serum creatinine concentration occurred between 24 and 72 hours after the procedure and, except for 1 patient, started to decrease thereafter. After 30 and 90 days, all the patients presented serum creatinine concentrations similar to the basal values. The mean value of renal mass at risk was 18.5% (13.5-26%), and the mean value of lost renal mass was 18.4% (9.6-22.5%). CONCLUSION: The endovascular aneurysm repair with an intentional occlusion of ARA is a safe therapeutic option of treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm in the patients without preexisting renal disease. The renal scintigraphy seems to be useful in determining loss of functional renal mass.

A prospective comparison of four methods of endovenous thermal ablation.

The aim of the study was to compare clinical and duplex Doppler results of treatment of varicose veins with four methods of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA).Material and methods. The results of treatment of varicose veins with 980 nm laser (EVLA980) in 67 extremities, with a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in 43 extremities, with 810 nm laser (EVLA810) in 46 extremities and with 1470 nm laser (EVLA1470) in 15 extremities were prospectively analyzed. The data on patients' demographics, weight, stage of the venous disease, type of anesthesia, duration of the procedure, linear energy density (LED) applied, intra- and postoperative complications were collected. Thromboprophylaxis was not routinely administered. The patients were followed clinically and with duplex Doppler for 12 (1-24) months.Results. Technical success was achieved in 99% of limbs. The procedure was carried out under local anesthesia in 140 (91%) of patients. In 17 patients bilateral procedure was performed. There were one gastroenemius muscle vein thrombosis and one protruding thrombus from sapheno-femoral junction in EVLA810. No other serious complications were observed. A median LED was higher in EVLA810 than in EVLA980 and EVLA1470, 86.8 (82-94), 59.2 (45.4-74.4) and 58.8 (53-67.7) J/cm, respectively (p<0.001), though only in EVLA980 was below the intended range. Recanalization rates were 7% after EVLA980, 2% after EVLA810 and 0% after RFA and EVLA1470, p=0.14. The vein shrinking was fastest after EVLA1470. Neither neovascularization nor formation of arteriovenous fistulas was observed. Permanent saphenous nerve paresthesia occurred in two patients after RFA.Conclusions. All methods of ambulatory EVTA are safe and effective once the adequate linear energy density is applied.

Evaluation of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block in endoluminal laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein.

BACKGROUND: Endoluminal laser ablation has emerged as a new method for treating greater saphenous vein insufficiency. However, the procedure is not completely painless and requires applying tumescent anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block in patients subjected to endoluminal laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein. METHODS: Two consecutive groups of 25 patients subjected to ambulatory endoluminal laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein were analyzed in this study. Tumescent anesthesia only was applied in the first group. In the second group, before applying tumescent anesthesia, ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block was performed with 20 mL of 1% lidocaine. The pain during the application of tumescent anesthesia and vein ablation was evaluated by the patients using a 5-point scale. The heart rate and blood pressure was monitored during the procedures. The duration of the postprocedure stay in the recovery area was also recorded. The results were analyzed using statistical methods. RESULTS: No complications associated with performing the femoral nerve block were observed. The pain associated with applying the tumescent anesthesia and that of performing the ablation was more intense in group 1 (p > 0.001). The volume of tumescent anesthesia solution was lower in group 2, 240 (±73) mL, compared to 399 (±137) mL in group 1, (p < 0.001). The group 2 patients had less hemodynamic changes during the procedure (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block was shown to be a safe and effective option to decrease intraoperative discomforts associated with tumescent anesthesia and endoluminal laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein.

El sistema de cierre asistido al vacío en el tratamiento del pie diabético avanzado / Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in the treatment of advanced diabetic foot

Introducción Las lesiones profundas del pie diabético constituyen un importante problema terapéutico. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar la experiencia resultante de la utilización del sistema de cierre asistido al vacío (VAC) en el tratamiento del pie diabético avanzado y complicado. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de 5 casos de pie diabético avanzado tratados mediante VAC. Del total, a 3 pacientes se los diagnosticó de insuficiencia renal, entre ellos uno que recibió tratamiento inmunosupresor debido a un trasplante renal. En 4 de los casos se habían realizado intervenciones quirúrgicas locales sin éxito. Conforme a la clasificación de Wagner, las lesiones se catalogaron como de grado 3 o 4. En todos los casos se realizó un desbridamiento extenso, que en 4 de los pacientes dio lugar a amputaciones menores abiertas a la altura del metatarso, mientras que en uno se tradujo en una resección de la articulación metatarsofalángica. En el mismo acto, en cada uno de los pacientes se colocó VAC. La mediana de seguimiento posprocedimiento fue de 9 meses. Resultados Se consiguió salvar la extremidad en todos los casos. La mediana de cambios de VAC fue de 16 durante un período mediano de 8 semanas. La mitad de los cambios se realizó de modo ambulatorio. No ocurrieron complicaciones mayores. En ningún caso se produjeron signos clínicos de la infección. En uno de los pacientes, antes de comenzar el tratamiento con VAC, se llevó a cabo una angioplastia de arteria ilíaca y femoral superficial. Se necesitaron otros procedimientos adicionales: 2 revascularizaciones distales y 2 amputaciones parciales del antepié, después de que se iniciara el tratamiento con VAC. Conclusione El sistema VAC parece ser muy eficaz en el tratamiento del pie diabético avanzado (AU)

Introduction Deep diabetic foot lesions pose an enormous therapeutic problem. The purpose of this study was to present the experience of the use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in the treatment of advanced and complicated diabetic foot lesions. Material and methods Five cases of advanced diabetic foot that were treated with VAC were prospectively studied. Three patients were diagnosed with renal failure, including one with renal transplant, who were receiving immunosuppression therapy. Four patients had undergone local foot surgery. The foot lesions were classified as grade 3 or 4 according to the Wagner classification. In all patients extensive debridement was performed that resulted in open minor amputations in four cases and resection of the metatarsophalangeal joint in one case. The VAC was applied during the same procedure. The median follow-up period of the patients was 9 months. Results Foot salvage was achieved in all cases. The median number of changes of VAC was 16 within median period of 8 weeks. Half of the changes were performed as an outpatient procedure. There were no major complications or clinical signs of infection observed. In one case before treatment with VAC began, angioplasty of the iliac artery and superficial femoral artery was performed. Other interventions carried out after the treatment was started were, two distal revascularizations and two partial transmetatarsal amputations. Conclusions VAC appears to be very useful in the treatment of advanced diabetic foot lesions (AU)

[Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in the treatment of advanced diabetic foot]. / El sistema de cierre asistido al vacío en el tratamiento del pie diabético avanzado.

INTRODUCTION: Deep diabetic foot lesions pose an enormous therapeutic problem. The purpose of this study was to present the experience of the use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in the treatment of advanced and complicated diabetic foot lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five cases of advanced diabetic foot that were treated with VAC were prospectively studied. Three patients were diagnosed with renal failure, including one with renal transplant, who were receiving immunosuppression therapy. Four patients had undergone local foot surgery. The foot lesions were classified as grade 3 or 4 according to the Wagner classification. In all patients extensive debridement was performed that resulted in open minor amputations in four cases and resection of the metatarsophalangeal joint in one case. The VAC was applied during the same procedure. The median follow-up period of the patients was 9 months. RESULTS: Foot salvage was achieved in all cases. The median number of changes of VAC was 16 within median period of 8 weeks. Half of the changes were performed as an outpatient procedure. There were no major complications or clinical signs of infection observed. In one case before treatment with VAC began, angioplasty of the iliac artery and superficial femoral artery was performed. Other interventions carried out after the treatment was started were, two distal revascularizations and two partial transmetatarsal amputations. CONCLUSIONS: VAC appears to be very useful in the treatment of advanced diabetic foot lesions.

Endovascular treatment of carotid stenosis associated with incidental intracranial aneurysm.

The coexistence of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and intracranial aneurysm, although uncommon, can be a therapeutic dilemma. We present a case of a 73-year-old woman with a history of arterial hypertension and diabetes who had a severe symptomatic ICA stenosis (>90%) and an incidental ipsilateral cerebral aneurysm. The carotid stenosis was treated with angioplasty and stenting using a distal cerebral protection system. The patient was anticoagulated and maintained on antiplatelet therapy according to a standard protocol. Microcoil embolization of the aneurysm was performed 5 months after an intracranial stent was implanted. No growth has been observed in the aneurysm of the arterial lumen since the carotid intervention. There were no complications after the procedures during the postoperative period. This case shows that the incidental presence of an ipsilateral intracranial aneurysm does not appear to be a contraindication for the endovascular treatment of a carotid artery stenosis.

A 10-year single-center prospective study of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with the talent stent-graft.

PURPOSE: To report a 10-year prospective study of patients submitted to endovascular treatment for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: Between June 1997 and June 2007, 337 patients (284 men; mean age 72.5+/-7.4 years, range 52-89) with AAA underwent endovascular aneurysm treatment (EVAR) with implantation of Talent stent-grafts. The mean AAA diameter was 59.0+/-14.4 mm. All patients were clinically followed using computed tomography in the immediate post surgery period (15-30 days), after 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Plain abdominal radiography was performed yearly to assess the metallic components of the stent-grafts. Data concerning endoleaks, secondary procedures, and aneurysm diameter behavior were evaluated. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: Endoprosthesis implantations were successful in 99.1% (334/337). There were 2 surgical conversions, and the delivery system could not be inserted in 1 female patient. The perioperative mortality was 3.9% (n = 13). Nineteen (5.7%) aneurysms showed endoleaks during the first 30 days (6 type I and 13 type II); 5 type I and 3 type II endoleaks were repaired (secondary clinical success of 92.6%). Another 15 late endoleaks were detected (4 type I, 5 type II, 3 type III, 1 type IV, 2 endotension), for a total of 34 (10.2%) endoleaks. Follow-up (mean 58.7 months, range 12-120) was available in 273 (81.0%) patients. During this time, there were 2 (0.7%) aneurysm ruptures, 1 due to type III endoleak and the other to endotension. Over the course of the study, 75 patients died; the estimated survival rates by the Kaplan-Meyer analysis were 67.3% after 5 years and 54.2% after 7 years. The mean AAA diameter decreased to 45.7+/-18.4 mm (p<0.001 versus mean postoperative diameter) at 60 months and to 37.8+/-15.0 mm at 120 months (p<0.019). CONCLUSION: Endovascular aneurysm treatment with the Talent stent-graft has proven to be effective in the prevention of AAA rupture into the long term.

Embolização pré operatória de tumores renais com microparticulas esféricas de tecnologia nacional. (Spherus®-First line Brasil) / Pre operative embolization of renal tumors with microspherical particles of national technology (Spherus®-First line Brasil)

Os autores relatam pela primeira vez utilização de uma nova partícula para embolização, constituída de um núcleo de acetato de polivinil revestido por polivinil-álcool, de forma esférica (Spherus®-First Line Brasil), como preparo pré-operatório em três pacientes portadores de neoplasia renal, na intenção de diminuir o tamanho do tumor e prevenir complicações hemorrágicas durante o ato operatório. Estas novas partículas foram projetadas e elaboradas nos laboratórios da COPPE/UFRJ. A embolização intra-arterial pré-operatória com estas novas partículas ocasionou acentuada isquemia em todo o tecido tumoral facilitando o procedimento cirúrgico.

The authors report a brand new component for embolization composed by a polivinil acetate core and a polivinil-alcohol coat in a microspherical form ( Spherus®-First Line Brasil) used as preoperative management in three patients with renal tumors in an attempt to reduce the size of the tumors and to avoid hemorrhagic complications during the operations. This new component was developed in COPPE/UFRJ laboratories. The preoperative arterial embolization with this new component caused strong ischemia in the tumor tissue , facilitating the operative procedure.

Bilateral occlusion associated to steal phenomenon of internal carotid and left subclavian arteries: treatment by angioplasty and stenting.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of subclavian artery occlusion is still a matter of controversy due to the short- and long-term complications and patency issues. We report an unusual case of combined occlusion of the proximal segment of the left subclavian artery and subclavian steal phenomenon associated with bilateral occlusion of the internal carotid arteries. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 55-year-old male patient with previous history of myocardial infarction and hypertension presented with amblyopia and recurrent dizziness, mainly at work. Doppler fluxometry and digital subtraction angiography depicted proximal left subclavian artery occlusion and subclavian steal. Internal carotid arteries were occluded at the common carotid artery bifurcation. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) were successfully performed by the left radial artery approach without complications. The patient had no recurrence of the symptoms, and the angiographic follow-up at 1 year showed good patency of the subclavian artery and normal flow through the left vertebral artery. CONCLUSION: The planned approach for the case (PTAS) was performed without complications and evidence of restenosis in the angiography study at the completion of the first year of the treatment. The described strategy is safe and should be considered the first-choice procedure in the treatment of the subclavian occlusion.

Complex paraclinoidal and giant cavernous aneurysms: importance of preoperative evaluation with temporary balloon occlusion test and SPECT.

In the treatment of complex paraclinoidal and giant cavernous aneurysms, preservation of the patency of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is not always possible, and therapeutic occlusion of the carotid is still an important option for their management. A complete preoperative evaluation of the carotid reserve circulation, including the use of temporary balloon occlusion test and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) should be included in the current paradigms of paraclinoidal and intracavernous aneurysms management. We present a series of fifteen patients with sixteen giant or complex carotid cavernous or ophthalmic aneurysms that were treated following a protocol for our preoperative decision-making analysis. Extracranial to intracranial saphenous vein bypass was reserved to the cases where carotid occlusion would be associated with high risk of ischemic complications and was performed in three patients. Besides the difficulties in dealing with those complex aneurysms, good clinical outcome was possible in our experience with the designed paradigm.

Embolização intra-arterial pré-operatória de tumor do corpo carotídeo / Preoperative intraarterial embolization of carotid body tumor

Os autores relatam um caso de tumor de corpo carotídeo (paraganglioma) em um paciente de 74 anos de idade, submetido a embolização intra-arterial com micropartículas esféricas, de polivinil acetato, com casca de polivinil álcool (PVAc + PVA), previamente à ressecção do tumor. O estudo angiográfico demonstrou massa altamente vascularizada na bifurcação carotídea esquerda, sendo a embolização pré-operatória utilizada no intuito de diminuir a vascularização e reduzir a perda sangüínea, aumentando a segurança do tratamento cirúrgico. O estudo histopatológico confirmou a presença de trombose e isquemia tecidual.

The authors report a case of carotid body tumor (paraganglioma) in a 74-year-old male patient, submitted to intraarterial embolization with spherical core/shield polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVAc + PVA) microparticles prior to surgical excision. Angiography has demonstrated a highly vascularized mass in the left carotid bifurcation, and preoperative embolization was used in order to decrease vascularity, reduce blood loss and improve safety of surgical treatment. Microscopic study confirmed presence of thrombosis and tissue ischemia.

Complex paraclinoidal and giant cavernous aneurysms: importance of preoperative evaluation with temporary balloon occlusion test and SPECT / Aneurismas paraclinoideos complexos e cavernosos gigantes: importância da avaliação pré-operatória com teste de oclusão temporária com balão e SPECT

In the treatment of complex paraclinoidal and giant cavernous aneurysms, preservation of the patency of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is not always possible, and therapeutic occlusion of the carotid is still an important option for their management. A complete preoperative evaluation of the carotid reserve circulation, including the use of temporary balloon occlusion test and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) should be included in the current paradigms of paraclinoidal and intracavernous aneurysms management. We present a series of fifteen patients with sixteen giant or complex carotid cavernous or ophthalmic aneurysms that were treated following a protocol for our preoperative decision-making analysis. Extracranial to intracranial saphenous vein bypass was reserved to the cases where carotid occlusion would be associated with high risk of ischemic complications and was performed in three patients. Besides the difficulties in dealing with those complex aneurysms, good clinical outcome was possible in our experience with the designed paradigm.

No tratamento de aneurismas paraclinoideos complexos e cavernosos gigantes, a preservação da patência vascular nem sempre é possível, e a oclusão terapêutica da carótida ainda é uma opção importante no seu manejo. Uma avaliação pré-operatória completa da reserva circulatória carotídea, incluindo o uso do teste de oclusão temporária por balão associado à tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único (SPECT) podem ser de grande utilidade para definir a opção terapêutica a ser adotada. Nós apresentamos uma série de quinze pacientes com dezesseis aneurismas complexos ou gigantes do segmento oftálmico e cavernoso da artéria carótida, que foram tratados de acordo com determinado protocolo de investigação pré-operatória. Anastomose com enxerto de veia safena entre a carótida extra e intracraniana foi reservada para os casos em que a oclusão carotídea estaria associada a um alto risco de complicações isquêmicas e foi realizado em três pacientes. Apesar das dificuldades em lidar com aneurismas complexos como os aqui relatados, é possível obter um bom resultado clínico nestes pacientes com o paradigma desenhado.