Journal of vascular surgery
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Improved hemodynamic effectiveness and associated clinical correlations of a new intermittent pneumatic compression system in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
A new intermittent pneumatic compression device (SCD Response System) has recently been shown in healthy volunteers to have the ability to detect the postcompression refilling of the calf veins and to respond by initiating the subsequent cycle when these veins are full. This has proven to be more effective in expelling blood proximally than the conventional intermittent pneumatic compression device (SCD Sequel System). The aim of this study was to test the influence of venous disease on the postcompression refill time detected by means of the SCD Response and the effectiveness of the new system in expelling blood in patients who have venous reflux caused by post-thrombotic syndrome or varicose veins. ⋯ The deflation settings of the new SCD Response System are able to be adjusted selectively, correlating with the physiological severity of chronic venous insufficiency. By achieving more frequent compression cycles, the new system is more effective than the current one in expelling blood proximally, confirming our earlier findings in healthy volunteers. Further studies testing a possible improved efficacy in preventing deep venous thrombosis in this high-risk group are justified.
-
The long-term results of Greenfield inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement have been well documented in adults; however, similar data do not exist for pediatric patients. The potential for growth and the increased life expectancy in younger patients may contribute to a difference in the natural history of filters placed in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of pediatric patients with IVC filters. ⋯ In long-term follow-up there were no instances of pulmonary embolism, IVC thrombosis, significant postphlebitic symptoms, or significant filter migration among 14 pediatric patients with Greenfield IVC filters. This suggests a safety profile and efficacy similar to that seen in adults.
-
We reviewed our institutional experience with paradoxical embolus (PDE) during a recent 10-year period to define the clinical presentation, method of diagnosis, and results of treatment. ⋯ Our institutional experience with PDE suggests the following: (1) saline solution contrast echocardiography is a useful noninvasive method to demonstrate PFO with right-left shunt that permits presumptive antemortem diagnosis; (2) recommendations for treatment vary with the certainty of diagnosis and should be individualized; (3) paradoxical embolus may account for a significant minority of acute arterial occlusions in the absence of a clear cardiac or proximal arterial source.
-
Primary chylous disorders (PCDs) are rare. Rupture of dilated lymph vessels (lymphangiectasia) may result in chylous ascites, chylothorax, or leakage of chyle through chylocutanous fistulas in the lower limbs or genitalia. Chyle may reflux through incompetent lymphatics, causing lymphedema. To assess the efficacy of surgical treatment, we reviewed our experience. ⋯ More than half of the patients with PCDs require surgical treatment, and surgery should be considered in patients with significant symptoms of PCD. Lymphangiography is recommended to determine anatomy and the site of the lymphatic leak, especially if lymphovenous grafting is planned. All patients had initial benefit postoperatively and two thirds of patients demonstrated durable clinical improvement after surgical treatment.
-
Comparative Study
Impact of endovascular repair on open aortic aneurysm surgical training.
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an endovascular stent-graft program on vascular training in open aortic aneurysm surgery. ⋯ Introduction of an endovascular aneurysm stent-graft program significantly increased the total number of aneurysms treated. Although the number of open aneurysm repairs has remained the same, the complexity of the open aneurysm experience has increased significantly for vascular fellows in training.