Journal of vascular surgery
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Independent audits have been proposed to improve carotid endarterectomy (CEA) effectiveness. This study used the online registry Modification of Outcomes by Lowering Ischemic Events after Reconstruction of Extracranial Vessels (MOLIERE) to evaluate the effectiveness of CEA in the Province of Quebec. The concept of MOLIERE is that surgeon involvement in a prospective manner is a prerequisite for them to evaluate, compare, and improve their practice. ⋯ MOLIERE is the first Canadian online prospective registry allowing surgeons to audit CEA results. The SDRs for participating surgeons were valid and within standards. Scientific vascular societies played a key role in supporting this project. Such audits allow surgeons and medical stroke experts to examine the appropriateness and results of CEAs in their institutions to improve them. The future of MOLIERE is in validation of its concept, increased participation by surgeons, and integration of a multidisciplinary approach.
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Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is an effective method of leg inflow enhancement and amelioration of claudication in patients with peripheral arterial disease. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of IPC in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia, tissue loss, and nonhealing wounds of the foot after limited foot surgery (toe or transmetatarsal amputation) on whom additional arterial revascularization had been exhausted. ⋯ IPC used as an adjunct to wound care in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia and nonhealing amputation wounds/tissue loss improves the likelihood of wound healing and limb salvage when established treatment alternatives in current practice are lacking. This controlled study adds to the momentum of IPC clinical efficacy in critical limb ischemia set by previously published case series, compelling the pursuit of large scale multicentric level 1 studies to substantiate its actual clinical role, relative indications, and to enhance our insight into the pertinent physiologic mechanisms.
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To determine the feasibility of endovascular treatment of inflow stenoses in arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) through retrograde venous access catheterization. ⋯ Retrograde venous access puncture and catheterization, as an alternative to a potentially more hazardous brachial artery or more invasive femoral artery approach, should be considered for the visualization of the arterial inflow and endovascular treatment of inflow stenoses.
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Percutaneous angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) is emerging as a therapeutic option for patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia. This study evaluated patency and mortality, and their relationship between degree of vessel occlusion (stenotic or totally occluded), stent characteristics, and comorbidities in patients who were treated with PTAS of the visceral vessels for chronic mesenteric ischemia. ⋯ For patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia, the results of endovascular treatment of occluded mesenteric arteries are indistinguishable from those treated for stenotic vessels. Patients requiring bowel resection are less likely to survive, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or who had femoral access have higher reintervention rates.