Journal of vascular surgery
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The Greenfield filter (Medi-tech/Boston Scientific, Watertown, Mass) is widely used for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. The latest version is a stainless steel over-the-wire filter. ⋯ To prevent this complication, the guidewire should be removed completely before releasing this type of filter. The potential risk of tilting the filter does not outweigh the risk of guidewire entrapment.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role and efficacy of the tourniquet in lower limb revascularization. ⋯ The use of a tourniquet for lower limb revascularization is safe and effective and improves visualization of the operative field. Less dissection of the target vessels is required. With a combination of the nonuse of clamps and other occluding devices, we project a decrease in host hyperplastic response that will, in turn, impact favorably on patency rates. The possibility exists that early failure may be prevented by avoiding the application of traumatic forces to diseased and brittle or calcified arteries. In this study, tourniquet time had no impact on overall operative procedural time, although certain phases of the operation were clearly shortened and facilitated, particularly in complex and difficult reconstructions. Histochemical changes found in muscle biopsy specimens did not adversely impact patients clinically, but further investigation is required to elucidate subcellular events.