A systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in the management of major exsanguination.

BACKGROUND: Circulatory collapse is a leading cause of mortality among traumatic major exsanguination and in ruptured aortic aneurysm patients. Approximately 40% of patients die before hemorrhage control is achieved. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an adjunct designed to sustain the circulation until definitive surgical or endovascular repair. A systematic review was conducted for the current clinical use of REBOA in patients with hemodynamic instability and to discuss its potential role in improving prehospital and in-hospital outcome. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis (1900-2017) using MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science and Central and Emcare using the keywords "aortic balloon occlusion", "aortic balloon tamponade", "REBOA", and "Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion" in combination with hemorrhage control, hemorrhage, resuscitation, shock, ruptured abdominal or thoracic aorta, endovascular repair, and open repair. Original published studies on human subjects were considered. RESULTS: A total of 490 studies were identified; 89 met criteria for inclusion. Of the 1436 patients, overall reported mortality was 49.2% (613/1246) with significant differences (p < 0.001) between clinical indications. Hemodynamic shock was evident in 79.3%, values between clinical indications showed significant difference (p < 0.001). REBOA was favored as treatment in trauma patients in terms of mortality. Pooled analysis demonstrated an increase in mean systolic pressure by almost 50 mmHg following REBOA use. CONCLUSION: REBOA has been used in trauma patients and ruptured aortic aneurysm patients with improvement of hemodynamic parameters and outcomes for several decades. Formal, prospective study is warranted to clarify the role of this adjunct in all hemodynamic unstable patients.

[Endovenous laser therapy: a new treatment for varicose veins]. / Endoveneuze lasertherapie: een nieuwe behandeling van varices.

Varicose veins are very common. For years the most commonly applied treatment for great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency was saphenofemoral junction ligation with saphenous vein stripping. Minimally invasive methods, such as the endovenous laser therapy, are increasingly used during the last few years. In endovenous laser therapy, a diode laser fibre is inserted percutaneously into the GSV using ultrasonography to confirm the position. Thermal laser energy is applied to the endothelium ofthe GSV, resulting in local venous occlusion. The procedure has rapidly become popular with clinicians who treat varicose veins due to its relative simplicity and high rate of patient satisfaction. Efficacy outcomes are good with an occlusion rate of up to 100%. Recanalisation is rarely occurring even after several years. Pain, haematoma and phlebitis are common adverse events associated with endovenous laser therapy but in most cases are self-limiting. Serious adverse events, such as deep vein thrombosis, are uncommon. The advantages ofendovenous laser therapy are the lack of surgical wounds, so infection and scarring are avoided, and that the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting using local anaesthesia. Endovenous laser therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for refluxing varicose veins.

[A man with abdominal pain and subsequently a periumbilical haematoma]. / Een man met buikpijn en daarna een navelhematoom.

A 71-year-old male presented with periumbilical ecchymosis formed after acute onset of abdominal pain and near collapse. At the time of presentation the haematoma was the only symptom. Following a CT scan, the diagnosis of a contained rupture of an iliac artery aneurysm was made. The patient was successfully treated with an endovascular stent graft.

A Pseudoaneurysm of the Deep Palmar Arch After Penetrating Trauma to the Hand: Successful Exclusion by Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Thrombin Injection.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudoaneurysm of the hand is a rare condition; most are treated surgically. Ultrasound guided thrombin injection has not previously been reported as a treatment option for pseudoaneurysms of the deep palmar arch. REPORT: A man was referred to the emergency department with a swollen, painful hand after penetrating trauma. On physical examination, a pulsating tumor was found on the dorsum of the hand. Imaging revealed a pseudoaneurysm vascularized by the deep palmar arch. Ultrasound guided percutaneous thrombin injection was successfully performed. CONCLUSION: Thrombin injection might be a safe alternative option in the treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the deep palmar arch.