A 20-Year Analysis of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Outcomes and Associated Factors in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Unlike western countries, which have reported distinct decreases in incidence of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) over the last few decades, epidemiologic studies in Korea have not shown significant changes in incidence or mortality of rAAA. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in rAAA treatment outcomes and various associated risk factors over the past 2 decades. METHODS: A 20-year retrospective multicenter review for rAAA cases from the period of January 2000 to December 2020 was undertaken. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative clinical data were extracted for patients diagnosed with rAAA. For analysis, outcomes from the early era, defined as patients treated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010, were compared with outcomes from the late era, defined as patients treated between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. RESULTS: The total in-hospital mortality was 34.1% in the early era compared to 44.8% in the late era. Patients in the late era were older than those in the early era (75.2 ± 10.3 years vs. 70.3 ± 8.9 years; P = 0.009). Treatment with rAAA endovascular aneurysm repair increased from 2.3% in early to 13.8% in late era (P = 0.031). In the early era, more patients were operated by experienced surgeons than the late era (78.1% vs. 45.9%; P = 0.002). The emergency room to operating room time did not show improvement over the 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that mortality rate of rAAA in Korea has not changed over the last 2 decades. The study suggests the need for national preventive strategies, improved systemic coordination, and potential centralization of vascular services to enhance survival rates for rAAA.

Vitis vinifera seed extract versus micronized purified flavonoid fraction for patients with chronic venous disease: a randomized, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Venoactive drugs (VADs) based on Vitis vinifera extract are widely used in Korea. However, studies on the clinical effects and head-to-head comparisons with other groups of VADs are limited. This trial aimed to evaluate whether Vitis vinifera seed extract was non-inferior to the micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in relieving venous symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: In this double-blind prospective randomized trial, patients from 13 hospitals, who were diagnosed with venous incompetence by duplex ultrasound and classified as clinical class 1, 2, or 3 in the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological classifications were enrolled. The primary outcome was the change in the Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) score at 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) at 4- and 8 weeks from baseline. Moreover, the change in leg circumferences was measured at 8 weeks and compared to baseline. RESULTS: In total, 303 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either Vitis vinifera seed extract (n = 154) or MPFF (n = 149). The CIVIQ-20 scores at 8 weeks were significantly reduced compared to those at baseline in both groups. No significant inter-group difference in the change of CIVIQ-20 at 8 weeks from baseline was observed (-8.31 ± 14.63 vs. -10.35 ± 14.38, P = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.65 to 5.72). The lower limit of the 95% CI was within the predefined noninferiority margin of 6.9. Furthermore, the AVVQ, VAS, and VCSS scores significantly decreased at 4- and 8 weeks after randomization compared with baseline in both groups. No significant differences were observed in the reduction of each score between groups. The calf circumference measured at 8 weeks was significantly reduced compared to that at baseline in patients receiving Vitis vinifera seed extract. CONCLUSIONS: Vitis vinifera seed extract was non-inferior to MPFF in relieving venous symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with CVD.

Outcomes of vein reconstruction using bovine pericardial patch.

BACKGROUND: The bovine pericardium is a good alternative material to the autogenous vein in vascular reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the results of angioplasty in venous reconstruction using bovine pericardium and identify the risk factors for significant complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the demographic data, clinical characteristics, and complications of patients who underwent vessel repair using bovine pericardium between February 2012 and December 2020. Univariate analysis was used to compare complication frequencies within several categories. RESULTS: There were 36 cases of patch angioplasty using bovine pericardium. The median age was 65 years; 61% of them were men. Of the 36 venous repairs, 31 (86.1%) were from cancer surgery and five (13.9%) were from iatrogenic injury. Patch shape was used in 27 cases (75.0%), while tube shape was used in nine cases (25.0%). The incidence of occlusion and partial thrombus was five (13.9%) and three (8.3%) cases, respectively. Of the nine tube-shaped angioplasties, four (44.4%) required reoperation due to early thrombosis (three cases) and hematoma (one case). CONCLUSION: The use of a bovine pericardial patch in the reconstruction of a damaged vein from tumor invasion or iatrogenic injury is feasible. However, the complication rate of vessel patency remains substantial, especially in cases of iatrogenic injury or when a tube-shaped form is used for repair.

Effects of tacrolimus intrapatient variability and CYP3A5 polymorphism on the outcomes of pediatric kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The intrapatient variability (IPV) of tacrolimus (Tac) is associated with the long-term outcome of kidney transplantation. The CYP3A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may affect the IPV of Tac. We investigated the impact of IPV and genetic polymorphism in pediatric patients who received kidney transplantation. METHODS: A total of 202 pediatric renal transplant recipients from 2000 to 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The IPV was calculated between 6 and 12 months after surgery. Among these patients, CYP3A5 polymorphism was analyzed in 67 patients. RESULTS: The group with high IPV had a significantly higher rate of de novo donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies (dnDSA) development (35.7% vs. 16.7%, p = .003). The high IPV group also had a higher incidence of T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR; p < .001). The high IPV had no significant influence on Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and BK virus viremia but was associated with the incidence of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (p = .003). Overall, the graft survival rate was inferior in the high IPV group (p < .001). The CYP3A5 SNPs did not significantly affect the IPV of Tac. In the CYP3A5 expressor group, however, the IPV was significantly associated with the TCMR-free survival rate (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The IPV of Tac had a significant impact on dnDSA development, occurrence of acute TCMR, and graft failure in pediatric patients who received renal transplantation. CYP3A5 expressors with high IPV of Tac showed worse outcomes, while the CYP3A5 polymorphism had no impact on IPV of Tac.

Editor's Choice - Paclitaxel Coated Balloon Angioplasty vs. Plain Balloon Angioplasty for Haemodialysis Arteriovenous Access Stenosis: A Systematic Review and a Time to Event Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to determine the effectiveness and safety of drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty compared with uncoated plain balloon (PB) angioplasty in treating arteriovenous access stenosis. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for RCTs comparing paclitaxel coated DCB and PB angioplasty for arteriovenous access stenosis. The last date of the literature search was 31 December 2020. Risk of bias of the retrieved studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB 2.0). The random effects model was used to estimate the risk of loss of target lesion patency (six and 12 months) and circuit patency (six and 12 months). Procedure related adverse events and mortality rate were also compared. Patency results were pooled using the time to event meta-analytical method and the quality of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Sixteen eligible trials, including 1 682 lesions, were included in the quantitative analysis for the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel coated DCBs. DCBs were associated with a lower risk of loss of target lesion patency at six months (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42 - 0.66) and 12 months (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.76), and were also associated with improved six and 12 month circuit patency. Overall quality of evidence was moderate to low. Procedural complications were rare, and the risk of death up to 12 months was similar between the two groups (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.68 - 1.56). CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel coated DCBs reduced the risk of loss of target lesion patency and circuit patency in arteriovenous access stenosis compared with PBs. Considering the heterogeneity of the included trials, there is a need to investigate optimal treatment regimens regarding drug dose and agent of the DCB and the treatment procedure.

Crucial Roles of Vascular Surgeons in Oncovascular and Non-Vascular Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular surgeons can be useful in non-vascular surgery cases, especially in oncology where complete resection is important. Such activity has been quantified at least locally, but maybe not adequately reported in a systematic manner, or studied prospectively. This study aimed to describe the roles of vascular surgeons in oncovascular surgery (OVS) and non-vascular surgery (NVS), and to analyse the yearly trends of consult surgery, early mortality and morbidity and risk factors for poor outcomes. METHODS: This study was a five year retrospective review of the role of vascular surgeons in various settings at a tertiary hospital. Electronic medical records and images were reviewed retrospectively. Between January 2014 and December 2018, the vascular surgery registry data of Seoul National University Hospital were reviewed for OVS or NVS assisted by vascular surgeons and operations primarily done by vascular surgeons. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, operative data, vascular related data and operative outcomes were collected. The operations were classified into primary surgery or consult surgery. Consult procedures were divided into planned or unplanned surgery. RESULTS: Of 564 cases, vascular surgeons performed 74 OVS as primary surgery, and retroperitoneal tumour was the most frequent diagnosis (n = 34). There were 490 intra-operative requests for a vascular surgeon's assistance, of which 109 were emergency calls. Total intra-operative consultations increased by 115.9% over five years, and the proportion of unplanned operations also increased. Unplanned assistance was most commonly requested for bleeding, whereas node dissection was the most common reason for planned surgery. The mortality rate was not different between the planned and unplanned surgery groups, but the latter showed worse outcomes in total operating time, length of hospital stay, post-operative consultations, and post-operative vascular related complications. CONCLUSION: Vascular surgeons have an essential role to play in the modern practice of cancer surgery. Oncovascular surgery enables gross resection of a tumour even in the presence of major vessel invasion. Emergency unplanned surgery had worse outcomes; therefore, pre-operative vascular consultation and multidisciplinary management are highly recommended for better patient outcomes.

Optimal Prediction of the Central Venous Catheter Insertion Depth Targeting the Cavoatrial Junction.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters should be positioned at the cavoatrial junction or the right atrium. If catheters are inserted to a depth derived by adding the length between the needle insertion point and the clavicular notch and the length between the clavicular notch and the carina, the catheter tip can be placed near the carina. Based on this, we aim to make a formula to place a catheter tip near the cavoatrial junction. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized interventional study included patients who needed a central venous catheter from June 2017 to July 2018. The location of the cavoatrial junction was identified using a fluoroscopic technique. The following variables were measured: L1, the length between the needle insertion point and the clavicular notch; L2, the length between the clavicular notch and the carina; and α, the length between the carina and the cavoatrial junction. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 65.5 ± 11.6 years, and 62.9% were male. The mean L1 and L2 were 7.6 ± 1.4 and 7.0 ± 1.4 cm, respectively. The mean α was 4.4 ± 1.5 cm (95% CI 4.1-4.8), and it was not affected by demographic factors, such as sex, age, height or weight. CONCLUSIONS: Central venous catheters in adult patients can be placed near the cavoatrial junction using a simple formula: the distance between the insertion point and the clavicular notch + the distance between the clavicular notch to the carina + 4.4 cm.

Modified Brachio-basilic/brachial Arteriovenous Fistula Creation with Short-segment Elevation Preserving the Axilla.

BACKGROUND: Brachio-basilic/brachial transposition arteriovenous fistula has emerged as one of the autologous arteriovenous fistula options. However, there have not been many reports on the outcomes of basilic or brachial elevation of arteriovenous fistula compared with those of conventional transposition. We evaluated the efficacy of modified brachio-basilic and brachio-brachial arteriovenous fistula creation with short-segment elevation preserving the axillary area. METHODS: From March 2016 to August 2018, medical records of the patients who underwent short-segment elevation of brachio-basilic or brachio-brachial arteriovenous fistula in the upper arm (sBAE or sBRE) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 51 patients, 37 underwent sBAE and 14 underwent sBRE. Maturation failure occurred in two patients (3.92%), who underwent sBAE. Stenosis was the most common complication, which developed in 13 patients (25.5%), and there was no significant difference between the sBAE and the sBRE. In the 51 patients, cumulative primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were 88.3% and 69.1%, respectively. Assisted primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were 97.8% and 90.7%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were both 100%. There were no significant differences between the sBAE and the sBRE in 1-year primary patency (79.1% vs. 46.7%; P = 0.20), assisted primary patency (91.6% vs. 88.1%; P = 0.36), and secondary patency rates (100% vs. 100%). CONCLUSIONS: Brachio-basilic/brachial arteriovenous fistula with short-segment elevation preserving the axilla showed excellent 1-year patency rate, easier cannulation, and other future advantages, and therefore, is a logical modification of conventional transposition of arteriovenous fistula.

Outcomes after aortic aneurysm repair in patients with history of cancer: a nationwide dataset analysis.

BACKGROUND: Synchronous cancer in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) increases morbidity and mortality after AAA repair. However, little is known about the impact of the history of cancer on mortality after AAA repair. METHODS: Patients with intact AAA who were treated with endovascular aneurysm repair or open surgical repair were selected from the Health Insurance and Review Assessment data in South Korea between 2007 and 2016. Primary endpoints included the 30- and 90-day mortality and long-term mortality after AAA repair. The Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1999 patients (17.0%, 1999/11785) were diagnosed with cancer prior to the AAA repair. History of cancer generally had no effect in short-term mortality at 30 and 90 days. However, short-term mortality rate of patients with a history of lung cancer was more than twice that of patients without it (3.07% vs. 1.06%, P = 0.0038, 6.14% vs. 2.69%, P = 0.0016). Furthermore, the mortality rate at the end of the study period was significantly higher in AAA patients with a history of cancer than in those without a history of cancer (21.21% vs. 17.08%, P < .0001, HR, 1.31, 95% CI, 1.17-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: The history of cancer in AAA patients increases long-term mortality but does not affect short-term mortality after AAA repair. However, AAA repair could increase both short- and long-term mortality in patients with lung cancer history, and those cases should be more carefully selected.

The Efficacy of Lymph Node Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Compared to Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Management of Symptomatic Lymphorrhea after Pelvic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of lymph node (LN) embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate versus ethanol sclerotherapy in the management of symptomatic postoperative pelvic lymphorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with 40 instances of symptomatic postoperative lymphorrhea were treated with either LN embolization or sclerotherapy at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2009 to July 2017 and were retrospectively included (LN embolization group: 24 lymphoceles of 19 patients, mean age of 59.29 years; sclerotherapy group: 16 lymphoceles of 14 patients, mean age of 60.95 years). The types of operations were hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 9), radical prostatectomy (n = 3), and renal transplantation (n = 2) for the sclerotherapy group and radical prostatectomy (n = 10) and hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 9) for the LN embolization group. The 3 most common indications of treatment were lower extremity edema (n = 11), pain (n = 11), and fever (n = 8). The amount of leak before treatment (initial daily drainage) and clinical outcomes, including the clinical success rate in 3 weeks, treatment period, and complication rate were compared between both groups. RESULTS: LN embolization showed a higher 3-week clinical success rate than sclerotherapy in a univariate analysis (83.3% and 43.8%, P = .026). There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment period and the complication rate (7.1 days and 12.3 days, P = .098; 8.3% and 25.0%, P = .184). CONCLUSIONS: LN embolization is more effective for treating postoperative pelvic lymphorrhea than sclerotherapy with similar safety.

The Use of Antithrombotics Is Not Beneficial for Conservative Management of Spontaneous Isolated Dissection of the Superior Mesenteric Artery: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatment is feasible in most patients with spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SID-SMA). However, the role of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants is not well defined in either symptomatic or asymptomatic SID-SMA. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis, including a single-arm study, comparing the resolution rate of conservative management with versus without antithrombotics for symptomatic and asymptomatic SID-SMA. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, on August 22nd, 2018, was performed to identify studies concerning SID-SMA. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the primary resolution rate, long-term aneurysmal change for symptomatic SID-SMA, and any event for asymptomatic SID-SMA. We calculated pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects model in studies with two arms and in studies with two arms or a single arm. RESULTS: We included data from 35 articles involving 727 patients with SID-SMA (symptomatic 693, asymptomatic 134). No significant differences were observed in the successful resolution rate between conservative management with and without antithrombotics (random-effects model, risk ratio [RR] 0.96; 95% CI, 0.87-1.05]). The pooled resolution rate from combining single-arm studies was 91% (95% CI, 85-95) and 95% (95% CI, 88-100) in conservative management with and without antithrombotic, respectively, which was not statistically significant (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.91-1.02). The pooled morphologic progression rate from combining single-arm studies was 3% (95% CI, 0-8) and 11% (95% CI, 2-26) in conservative management with and without antithrombotics, respectively, which was not statistically significant (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.12-1.64). The adverse event was 0% for both groups for asymptomatic SID-SMA. CONCLUSIONS: Additional antithrombotic therapy for both symptomatic and asymptomatic SID-SMA did not benefit the outcomes. We do not recommend the use of antithrombotics for SID-SMA, unless further evidence shows any beneficial effect.

Autologous arteriovenous fistula is associated with superior outcomes in elderly hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients with end-stage renal disease is increasing rapidly. The higher prevalence of comorbidities and shorter life expectancy in these patients make it difficult to decide on the type of vascular access (VA). We explored the optimal choice for VA in elderly hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We included elderly patients (> 65 years) visiting our VA clinic and divided them into three groups as follows: radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF), brachiocephalic AVF, and prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG). The primary outcomes were VA abandonment and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was maturation failure (MF). RESULTS: Of 529 patients, 61.2% were men. The mean age was 73.6 ± 6.0 years. The VA types were as follows: 49.9% radiocephalic AVF, 31.8% brachiocephalic AVF, and 18.3% AVG. Patients with an AVG tended to be older, female, and have a lower body mass index. More than half of patients (n = 302, 57.1%) started dialysis with central catheters, but the proportion of predialysis central catheter placement was not different among the VA types. Radiocephalic AVF was significantly superior to AVG in terms of VA abandonment (P = 0.005) and all-cause mortality (P < 0.001) in spite of a higher probability of MF. Brachiocephalic AVF was associated with a shorter time to the first needling and fewer interventions before maturation than radiocephalic AVF. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous AVF was suggested as the preferred VA choice in terms of long-term outcomes in elderly patients.

Outcomes after Arterial or Venous Reconstructions in Limb Salvage Surgery for Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Limb salvage surgery with vascular reconstruction is currently considered as the standard treatment for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS), showing equivalent oncologic outcome compared with amputation. In this retrospective study, the surgical and functional outcomes after arterial or venous reconstruction in limb salvage surgery for STS were analyzed. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent vascular resection and reconstruction as part of limb salvage surgery for extremity STS from July 2009 to June 2015 were included in this study. Incidence of surgical complication, graft patency, and patients' functional outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, 14 arteries and 13 veins were reconstructed in 17 patients (artery only in 4, vein only in 3, artery and vein in 10). Autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) was the most commonly used vascular conduit in both arterial and venous reconstruction (78.6% and 77.0%). The patency of synthetic graft was significantly lower than that of the autologous vein conduit (log rank test, P = 0.001). Among 15 patients with tumors in lower extremity, 13 were ambulatory after limb salvage surgery. During median follow up of 23.3 months (interquartile range 39.9 months), 2 patients (11.7%) needed amputation of the initially salvaged limb due to local recurrence. CONCLUSION: Limb salvage surgery of soft tissue tumor combined with vascular reconstruction showed favorable functional outcome with good local control. Autologous vein conduit is preferred over synthetic graft both in arterial and venous reconstruction.

Integrative Analysis of Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Mice.

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a strategy to induce resistance in a target organ against the oxidative stress and injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion (IR). RIPC harnesses the body's endogenous protective capabilities through brief episodes of IR applied in organs remote from the target. Few studies have analyzed this phenomenon in the kidney. Furthermore, the window of protection representing RIPC efficacy has not been fully elucidated. Here, we performed a multiomics study to specify those associated with protective effects of RIPC against the IR injury. A total of 30 mice were divided to four groups: sham, IR only, late RIPC + IR, and early RIPC + IR. We found that IR clearly led to tubular injury, whereas both preconditioning groups exhibited attenuated injury after the insult. In addition, renal IR injury produced changes of the metabolome in kidney, serum, and urine specimens. Furthermore, distinctive mRNA and associated protein expression changes supported potential mechanisms. Our findings revealed that RIPC effectively reduces renal damage after IR and that the potential mechanisms differed between the two time windows of protection. These results may potentially be extended to humans to allow non- or minimally invasive diagnosis of renal IR injury and RIPC efficacy.

Quantitative Assessment of Foot Blood Flow by Using Dynamic Volume Perfusion CT Technique: A Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of foot blood flow measurement by using dynamic volume perfusion computed tomographic (CT) technique with the upslope method in an animal experiment and a human study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. The animal study was approved by the research animal care and use committee. A perfusion CT experiment was first performed by using rabbits. A color-coded perfusion map was reconstructed by using in-house perfusion analysis software based on the upslope method, and the measured blood flow on the map was compared with the reference standard microsphere method by using correlation analysis. A total of 17 perfusion CT sessions were then performed (a) once in five human patients and (b) twice (before and after endovascular revascularization) in six human patients. Perfusion maps of blood flow were reconstructed and analyzed. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to prove significant differences in blood flow before and after treatment. RESULTS: The animal experiment demonstrated a strong correlation (R(2) = 0.965) in blood flow between perfusion CT and the microsphere method. Perfusion maps were obtained successfully in 16 human clinical sessions (94%) with the use of 32 mL of contrast medium and an effective radiation dose of 0.31 mSv (k factor for the ankle, 0.0002). The plantar dermis showed the highest blood flow among all anatomic structures of the foot, including muscle, subcutaneous tissue, tendon, and bone. After a successful revascularization procedure, the blood flow of the plantar dermis increased by 153% (P = .031). The interpretations of the color-coded perfusion map correlated well with the clinical and angiographic findings. CONCLUSION: Perfusion CT could be used to measure foot blood flow in both animals and humans. It can be a useful modality for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease by providing quantitative information on foot perfusion status.

Recurrent Vascular Access Dysfunction as a Novel Marker of Cardiovascular Outcome and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access (VA) is essential for hemodialysis (HD) patients, and its dysfunction is a major complication. However, little is known about outcomes in patients with recurrent VA dysfunction. We explored the influence of recurrent VA dysfunction on cardiovascular (CV) events, death and VA abandonment. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective study conducted in patients who underwent VA surgery between 2009 and 2014. VA dysfunction was defined as VA stenosis or thrombosis requiring intervention after the first successful cannulation. Patients with ≥2 interventions within 180 days were categorized as having recurrent VA dysfunction. Outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of 766 patients (ages 59.6 ± 14.3 years, 59.7% male), 10.1% were in the recurrent VA dysfunction group. Most baseline parameters after matching were similar between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups. A total of 213 propensity score-matched patients were followed for 28.7 ± 15.8 months, during which 46 (21.6%), 30 (14.1%) and 14 (6.6%) patients had de novo CV outcomes, died and abandoned VA, respectively. Recurrent VA dysfunction after adjustment remained an independent risk factor for CV events (adjusted hazards ratio (aHR), 2.71; 95% CI 1.48-4.98; p = 0.001). Moreover, recurrent VA dysfunction predicted composite all-cause mortality (ACM)/CV events (aHR 1.99; 95% CI 1.21-3.28; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent VA dysfunction was a novel independent risk factor for CV and composite ACM/CV events in HD patients, but not for VA abandonment. Patients with recurrent vascular dysfunction should be carefully monitored not only for VA patency but also for CV events.

Early Experience in the Management of Postoperative Lymphatic Leakage Using Lipiodol Lymphangiography and Adjunctive Glue Embolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lipiodol lymphangiography and 3 adjunctive N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue embolization techniques for the management of postoperative lymphatic leakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 27 patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage (17 with ascites, 3 with chylothorax, 6 with lymphoceles, and 1 with a skin fistula) who underwent Lipiodol lymphangiography for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in 3 tertiary referral centers between August 2010 and January 2016. Adjunctive glue embolization was performed as needed by using 3 different techniques: "lymphopseudoaneurysm" embolization, closest upstream lymph node embolization, or direct upstream lymphatic vessel embolization. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were observed to determine the therapeutic effect of lymphangiography, and 8 patients (50%) recovered without further embolization. In 16 patients, including 11 who underwent immediate embolization after lymphangiography and 5 who underwent delayed embolization, a total of 28 embolizations (12 lymphopseudoaneurysms, 14 lymph nodes, and 2 lymphatic vessels) were performed. The technical and clinical success rates of the adjunctive embolizations were 89% (25 of 28) and 94% (15 of 16), respectively. The overall clinical success rate was 85% (23 of 27). The median time from initial lymphangiography to recovery was 5 days. No procedure-related major complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Lipiodol lymphangiography and adjunctive glue embolization techniques appear safe and provide promising efficacy for the management of postoperative lymphatic leakage.

Portomesenteric vein thrombosis after gastric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) is a rare but potentially serious complication of gastric surgery. This study analyzed the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of PMVT following gastric surgery. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent gastric surgery between January 2007 and December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The risk factors of PMVT were analyzed by a logistic regression analysis with control group matched 1:4 by age, sex, and cancer stage and by a Poisson regression analysis with unmatched control group. The resolution rate of PMVT in 12 months was compared between the treatment group and the nontreatment group. RESULTS: The total incidence of PMVT after gastric surgery was 0.67 % (31/4611). Most (54.84 %) PMVT cases were detected within 1 month postoperatively. No accompanying deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was noted. Multivariate comparison with 1:4 matched control showed that combined splenectomy, synchronous malignancy, and intra-abdominal complication were independent risk factors. Advanced stage, combined splenectomy, and synchronous malignancy were independent risk factors in Poisson regression analysis using unmatched controls. The resolution rate of PMVT was not different from patients treated with anticoagulation (n = 6) or antiplatelet therapy (n = 1) and were not significantly different with those of the untreated group [85.7 % (6/7) vs. 82.3 % (14/17), p = 0.935] during 1-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: PMVT after gastric surgery was associated with advanced cancer stage, combined splenectomy, and synchronous malignancy, but it was not related to laparoscopy or DVT. Significant differences in the natural course of PMVT were not found between the treatment group and observation group.

Image-Guided Thromboembolectomy of Acute Arterial Occlusion in Children.

Acute arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is rare in childhood, but this medical emergency requires immediate treatment. Described herein are separate instances of lower extremity ATE in 2 children, both of whom were successfully managed through image-guided thromboembolectomy (IGT). One patient, a 34-month-old female child with nephrotic syndrome, developed bilateral iliac and popliteal thromboembolic arterial occlusions after high-dose steroid therapy. Another 9-year-old girl suffered an embolism of left popliteal artery due to infectious endocarditis. Both patients underwent IGT using over-the-wire Fogarty catheters. During follow-up, presenting symptoms resolved without significant complications.