Cryopreserved amniotic membrane in chronic nonhealing wounds: a series of case reports.

A case series of the use of amniotic membrane (AM) for treating chronic nonhealing wounds. It presents five cases of polymorbid patients with a total of nine chronic nonhealing wounds. The patient group consisted of four men and one woman with various comorbidities, aged 45-72 years. The mean initial wound size was 15.8 cm2, and the mean time from the onset of the wound to the first application of AM was 122 weeks. The wounds were caused by chronic venous insufficiency and/or peripheral arterial disease. Wounds were treated in a standardized protocol. AM was applied weekly in the first month and then every two weeks. Photo documentation of the wound and microbiological colonization was carried out at each visit. In three out of five patients, the AM treatment effectively promoted healing up to complete wound closure. In two cases, the wounds stayed unhealed despite numerous AM applications. Pain relief was noted in all patients. The success of the treatment was closely tied to patient factors, such as adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen and individual patient characteristics. In some cases, treatment failure was observed, possibly due to underlying comorbidities, wound parameters, or poor patient compliance. AM treatment has the potential to become a viable treatment option for these nonhealing wounds. However, the effectiveness of the treatment may be influenced by various patient factors and the underlying cause of the wound. Therefore, it is crucial to have an individualized treatment plan that considers these particular factors.

Outcome of Application of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane Grafts in the Treatment of Chronic Nonhealing Wounds of Different Origins in Polymorbid Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) grafts and standard of care (SOC) in treating nonhealing wounds (NHW) through a prospective multicenter clinical trial, 42 patients (76% polymorbid) with 54 nonhealing wounds of various etiologies (mainly venous) and an average baseline size of 20 cm2 were included. All patients were treated for at least 6 weeks in the center before they were involved in the study. In the SOC group, 29 patients (36 wounds) were treated. If the wound healed less than 20% of the baseline size after 6 weeks, the patient was transferred to the AM group (35 patients, 43 wounds). Weekly visits included an assessment of the patient's condition, photo documentation, wound debridement, and dressing. Quality of life and the pain degree were subjectively reported by patients. After SOC, 7 wounds were healed completely, 1 defect partially, and 28 defects remained unhealed. AM application led to the complete closure of 24 wounds, partial healing occurred in 10, and 9 remained unhealed. The degree of pain and the quality of life improved significantly in all patients after AM application. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of cryopreserved AM grafts in the healing of NHW of polymorbid patients and associated pain reduction.

Inter-placental variability is not a major factor affecting the healing efficiency of amniotic membrane when used for treating chronic non-healing wounds.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) grafts in chronic wound healing, including the mean percentage of wound closure per one AM application, and to determine whether the healing efficiency differs between AM grafts obtained from different placentas. A retrospective study analyzing inter-placental differences in healing capacity and mean wound closure after the application of 96 AM grafts prepared from nine placentas. Only the placentas from which the AM grafts were applied to patients suffering from long-lasting non-healing wounds successfully healed by AM treatment were included. The data from the rapidly progressing wound-closure phase (p-phase) were analyzed. The mean efficiency for each placenta, expressed as an average of wound area reduction (%) seven days after the AM application (baseline, 100%), was calculated from at least 10 applications. No statistical difference between the nine placentas' efficiency was found in the progressive phase of wound healing. The 7-day average wound reduction in particular placentas varied from 5.70 to 20.99% (median from 1.07 to 17.75) of the baseline. The mean percentage of wound surface reduction of all analyzed defects one week after the application of cryopreserved AM graft was 12.17 ± 20.12% (average ± SD). No significant difference in healing capacity was observed between the nine placentas. The data suggest that if there are intra- and inter-placental differences in AM sheets' healing efficacy, they are overridden by the actual health status of the subject or even the status of its individual wounds.

The healing dynamics of non-healing wounds using cryo-preserved amniotic membrane.

We evaluated the effect of the application of cryo-preserved amniotic membrane on the healing of 26 non-healing wounds (18 patients) with varying aetiologies and baseline sizes (average of 15.4 cm2 ), which had resisted the standard of care treatment for 6 to 456 weeks (average 88.8 weeks). Based on their average general responses to the application of cryo-preserved AM, we could differentiate three wound groups. The first healed group was characterised by complete healing (100% wound closure, maximum treatment period 38 weeks) and represented 62% of treated wounds. The wound area reduction of at least 50% was reached for all wounds in this group within the first 10 weeks of treatment. Exactly 19% of the studied wounds responded partially to the treatment (partially healed group), reaching less than 25% of closure in the first 10 weeks and 90% at maximum for extended treatment period (up to 78 weeks). The remaining 19% of treated wounds did not show any reaction to the AM application (unhealed defects). The three groups have different profiles of wound area reduction, which can be used as a guideline in predicting the healing prognosis of non-healing wounds treated with a cryo-preserved amniotic membrane.

Review and current update of robotic-assisted laparoscopic vascular surgery.

The field of vascular surgery is constantly evolving and is unsurpassed in its innovation and adoption of new technologies. Endovascular therapy has fundamentally changed the treatment paradigms for aneurysm and occlusive disease. As we continue to make advances in not only endovascular therapy, but also robotic surgery, artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive surgery, it is important that the vascular community stay at the forefront. Topics include the advantages of laparoscopic and robotic surgery over open surgery for aortic procedures, robotic versus laparoscopic aortic surgery, patient candidacy for robotic-assisted aortic surgery, and how to increase training and adoption of robotic-assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery. Future growth includes the development of new platforms and technologies, creation and validation of curriculum and virtual simulators, and conduction of randomized clinical trials to determine the best applications of robotics in vascular surgery.

Current vascular allograft procurement, cryopreservation and transplantation techniques in the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND: Vascular allotransplantations are performed worldwide in selected patients suffering from vascular prosthesis infection or critical limb ischemia. Either fresh or cryopreserved vascular allograft may be used. OBJECTIVES: In various points, we address several aspects (allograft procurement, cryopreservation and transplantation technique) of the program of vascular allotransplantations in the Czech Republic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vascular grafts retrieval has been done within multiorgan harvests using no-touch technique. Very short time of cold ischemia is achieved due to close cooperation with Tissue Establishment where the following processing of cryopreservation is performed. Meeting all necessary quality criteria is a prerequisity for releasing grafts for clinical application. Standardized thawing protocol and surgical handling aims to minimize microfractures before implantation. RESULTS: Based on experimental and clinical work, the first validation of cryopreserved arterial and venous grafts for clinical use was performed between 2011 and 2013 in the Czech Republic. The developement of storage of vascular tissue in banks was stimulated in 2000-2010 by the issue of EU directives and national harmonized norms, aimed at assurance of high quality and safety of cells and tissues used for transplantations in humans. CONCLUSIONS: There are several crucial moments affecting final quality, including graft retrieval within a multiorgan harvest, short ischemic time, cryopreservation and thawing technique used. The recommended surgical handling during implantation may also affect results and graft-related complications.

Organization model for allotransplantations of cryopreserved vascular grafts in Czech Republic.

The transplantation of fresh or cryopreserved vascular allografts in patients with a prosthetic graft infection or critical limb ischemia is necessary for their limb salvage and, in many cases, represents a lifesaving procedure. While transplantation of fresh allografts has a long history in the Czech Republic, the standard use of cryopreserved vascular allografts was introduced into the clinical practice in 2011 as a result of the implementation of EU Directive 2004/23/EC into national legislation (Human Cell and Tissue Act No. 296/2008 Coll.). The authors present an organizational model based on cooperation between the majority of Czech Transplant Centers with a tissue establishment licensed by the national competent authority. In various points, we are addressing individual aspects of experimental and clinical studies which affect clinical practice. Based on experimental and clinical work, the first validation of cryopreserved arterial and venous grafts for clinical use was performed between 2011 and 2013. The growing number of centers participating in this programme led to a growing number of patients who underwent transplantation of vascular allografts. In 2015 the numbers of transplanted fresh versus cryopreserved allografts in the Czech Republic were almost equal. Cooperation of the participating centers in the Czech Republic with the licensed Tissue Establishment made it possible to achieve a full compliance with the European Union Directives, and harmonized national legal norms and assured a high quality of cryopreserved vascular allografts.

Combination of Steroids and Azathioprine in the Treatment of Ormond's Disease--A Single Centre Retrospective Analysis.

We present a retrospective analysis of patients treated in our Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Immunology, Na Homolce Hospital, during 1997-2013 for Ormond's disease. We analyse the clinical history, diagnostic approaches, surgical, and immunosuppressive therapies and their subsequent effect on our patients. 28 patients treated for Ormond's disease were included. Patients with established disease activity (26 patients) were given immunosuppressive treatment, using corticosteroids in combination with azathioprine. Treatment response was evaluated using clinical symptomatology, inflammatory parameters and imaging methods. In the cohort as a whole, immunosuppressive therapy was applied in 26 patients; in two patients it was not used as no inflammatory activity was found with the disease. In all 26 patients, computed tomography showed that immunosuppressive treatment resulted in partial or complete regression of inflammatory infiltrate. Out of the total number of 26 patients, two patients experienced disease exacerbation 7 and 16 months after the immunosuppressive treatment was discontinued. The longest follow-up period was 16 years; the shortest one was 21 months. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis--Ormond's disease--is a disease with serious complications. Standard treatment involves a combination of surgery and immunosuppressive treatment. The combination of corticosteroids and azathioprine represents a potentially safe and useful method of treatment.

Ormond's Disease--IgG4-related Disease.

Ormond's disease is a relatively rare disease with unclear etiology, characterized by chronic periaortitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis. The inflammatory process affects the infrarenal part of the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries, and the presence of infiltrates encasing the ureters and inferior vena cava. This disease is currently classed as an IgG4-related disease. In our review we analyse the clinical history, diagnostic approaches, surgical and immunosuppressive therapies.

Robotic technology in cardiovascular medicine.

Robotic technology has been used in cardiovascular medicine since the late 1990s. Interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, endovascular surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and laparoscopic vascular surgery are all fields of application. Robotic devices enable endoscopic reconstructive surgery in narrow spaces and fast, very precise placement of catheters and devices in catheter-based interventions. In all robotic systems, the operator manipulates the robotic arms from a control station or console. In the field of cardiac surgery, mitral valve repair, CABG surgery, atrial septal defect repair, and myxoma resection can be achieved using robotic technology. Furthermore, vascular surgeons can perform a variety of robotically assisted operations to treat aortic, visceral, and peripheral artery disease. In electrophysiology, ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation can be carried out with robotic support. In the past few years, robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention and abdominal aortic endovascular surgery techniques have been developed. The basic feasibility and safety of robotic approaches in cardiovascular medicine has been demonstrated, but learning curves and the high costs associated with this technology have limited its widespread use. Nonetheless, increased procedural speed, accuracy, and reduced exposure to radiation and contrast agent in robotically assisted catheter-based interventions, as well as reduced surgical trauma and shortened patient recovery times after robotic cardiovascular surgery are promising achievements in the field.

The application of robotic surgery in vascular medicine.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of robotically assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery has already been adequately demonstrated. Our clinical experience with robot-assisted aortoiliac reconstruction for occlusive diseases, aneurysms, and hybrid procedures performed using the Da Vinci system is described below. METHODS: Between November 2005 and November 2011, we performed 225 robot-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac procedures. One hundred seventy-four patients were prospectively evaluated for occlusive diseases, 43 patients for abdominal aortic aneurysm, two for common iliac artery aneurysm, two for splenic artery aneurysm, three for hybrid procedures, and one for endoleak II treatment after endovascular aneurysm repair. The robotic system was applied to construct the vascular anastomosis for thromboendarterectomy, for aortoiliac reconstruction with a closure patch, for dissection of the splenic artery, and for posterior peritoneal suturing. A combination of conventional laparoscopic surgeries and robotic surgeries was routinely included. A modified fully robotic approach without laparoscopic surgery was used in the last 55 cases in our series. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen cases (96%) were successfully completed robotically; one patient's surgery was discontinued during laparoscopy because of heavy aortic calcification. In seven patients (3%), conversion was necessary. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.4%, and nonlethal postoperative complications were observed in 10 patients (4.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery has demonstrated the feasibility of this technique for aortoiliac vascular and hybrid procedures. Compared with purely laparoscopic techniques, the Da Vinci robotic system facilitated the creation of the aortic anastomosis and shortened the aortic clamping time.

[Minimally invasive operations in vascular surgery]. / Minimálne invazivní výkony v cévní chirurgii.

Minimally invasive surgery provides an attractive alternative compared with conventional surgical approaches and is popular with patients, particularly because of its favourable cosmetic results. Vascular surgery has taken its inspiration from general surgery and, over the past few years, has also been reducing the invasiveness of its operating methods. In addition to traditional laparoscopic techniques, we most frequently encounter the endovascular treatment of aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta and, most recently, robot-assisted surgery in the area of the abdominal aorta and pelvic arteries. Minimally invasive surgical interventions also have other advantages, including less operative trauma, a reduction in post-operative pain, shorter periods spent in the intensive care unit and overall hospitalization times, an earlier return to normal life and, finally, a reduction in total treatment costs.

[Pedal bypass occupies an irreplaceable position in the spectrum of vascular surgery interventions]. / Pedální bypass a jeho role v záchrane kriticky ischemické koncetiny.

BACKGROUND: Pedal bypass grafting has been the method of choice at Na Homolce Hospital's Vascular Surgery Department since 2008. METHODS AND RESULTS: During the period from June 2008 to December 2011, 29 pedal bypass procedures were performed in 27 patients. No perioperative mortality was recorded. Early occlusion of the graft occurred in three patients and two patients experienced delayed occlusion. Loss of the limb as a result of graft occlusion was unavoidable in two cases and one amputation had to be performed despite a patent graft. The primary patency rate for the period under review is 82.75%, and we were able to salvage the limb in 89.65% of cases. Follow-up results for our cohort are comparable with those from other centres dealing with the same problem. CONCLUSIONS: Pedal bypass has excellent early and long-term results and makes a significant contribution to reducing the number of major amputations of the lower limbs.

The seven-year' secondary patency of a fresh arterial allograft in the femorocrural position in a heart transplant recipient.

Critical limb ischemia in patients with diabetes at the organ complication stage represents a considerable challenge in vascular medicine. Because of the complexity of the disease and the often symmetric involvement of both lower limbs, a discrepancy between suitable vascular conduit availability and the actual requirement can occur: notably, the prevalence of multilevel and diffuse arterial disease often limits the possibilities of endovascular treatment, and, in surgical cases, frequently prohibits the effective use of prosthetic material. In our patient with bilateral critical limb ischemia and previous coronary artery bypass graft followed by cardiac transplantation, only one great saphenous vein remained available. That was used in its entirety to salvage one limb as a sequential femorocrural bypass. A similar surgical procedure with a fresh arterial allograft retrieved from a deceased donor was performed on the other extremity . ABO compatibility as well as the chronic immunosuppressive therapy in a heart transplant recipient may have contributed to the favorable long-term clinical outcome of the allogeneic arterial reconstruction.

Robot-assisted aortoiliac reconstruction: A review of 30 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of laparoscopic aortic surgery with robotic assistance has been sufficiently demonstrated. Reported is the clinical experience of robot-assisted aortoiliac reconstruction for occlusive disease and aneurysm performed using the da Vinci system. METHODS: Between November 2005 and June 2006, 30 robot-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac procedures were performed. Twenty-seven patients were prospectively evaluated for occlusive disease, two patients for abdominal aortic aneurysm, and one for common iliac artery aneurysm. Dissections of the aorta and iliac arteries were performed laparoscopically using a transperitoneal direct approach technique, a modification of the Stádler method. The robotic system was used to construct anastomoses, to perform thromboendarterectomies and, in most of the cases, for posterior peritoneal suturing. RESULTS: Robot-assisted procedures were successfully performed in all patients. The robot was used to perform both the abdominal aortic and common iliac artery aneurysm anastomoses, the aortoiliac reconstruction with patch, and to complete the central, end-to-side anastomosis in another operation. Median operating time was 236 minutes (range, 180 to 360 minutes), with a median clamp time of 54 minutes (range, 40 to 120 minutes). Operative time is defined as the time elapsed from the initial incision to final skin closure. Median anastomosis time was 27 minutes (range, 20 to 60 minutes), and median blood loss was 320 mL (range, 100 to 1500 mL). No conversion was necessary, 30-day survival was 100%, median intensive care unit stay was 1.8 days, and median hospital stay was 5.3 days. A regular oral diet was resumed after a mean time of 2.5 days. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a feasible technique for aortoiliac surgery. The da Vinci robotic system facilitated the creation of the aortic anastomosis and shortened aortic clamp time in comparison with our laparoscopic techniques.

Diagnosis of vascular prosthesis infection with FDG-PET/CT.

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is on the verge of becoming an established imaging tool in the fields of clinical oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Because of the high glucose uptake of inflammatory cells, FDG scanning is an appropriate tool for use in tracing suspected inflammation or to evaluate infection. PET, although highly sensitive, often lacks the ability to define the precise anatomic location of abnormal FDG accumulation. The new PET/computed tomography (CT) technology provides precise registration of metabolic and structural imaging data in a single session. We report positive FDG-PET/CT findings in an infected vascular prosthesis 6 months after grafting. Our experience and a few available case reports support the hypothesis that FDG-PET/CT may have a promising role in future noninvasive diagnosis of infected vascular grafts.