Journal of vascular surgery
-
This study evaluated virtual reality (VR) simulation for endovascular training of medical students to determine whether innate perceptual, visuospatial, and psychomotor aptitude (VSA) can predict initial and plateau phase of technical endovascular skills acquisition. ⋯ Simulator-based training in endovascular skills improved performance in medical students. There were significant correlations between initial endovascular skill and fine motor dexterity as well as with image recall at end of the training period. In addition to current recruitment strategies, VSA may be a useful tool for predictive validity studies.
-
To determine diversity in the membership and analyze representation of private practitioners and ethnic and racial minorities/women in senior leadership roles in a regional vascular society. ⋯ Ethnic and racial minorities and women are under represented in the membership compared with the general population, medical school graduates, and faculty. PPs and non-white male academics are under represented in senior leadership positions. With changing demographics, a predicted shortage of vascular surgeons, the need for role models in leadership positions and a push to culturally competent care, regional and national societies must change course and promote a more diverse membership and representative senior leadership.
-
The presence of penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) of the descending thoracic aorta has been associated with a poor long-term prognosis. Although early results have suggested acceptable outcomes for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for PAU, few studies have described the late outcomes of this approach. ⋯ TEVAR can be safely accomplished for patients presenting with PAU. The presence of associated intramural hematoma may adversely affect the late outcomes of therapy, highlighting the need for careful planning, prudent balancing of the benefits of immediate vs delayed treatment of the fragile aortic wall, and the imperative nature of attentive follow-up in patients with PAU.
-
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) improves after superficial venous surgery for varicose veins, but the effect of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy on HRQOL is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine changes in HRQOL after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for great and small saphenous varicose veins leads to significant improvements in generic and disease-specific HRQOL for at least 12 months after treatment.
-
Intravenous leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle cell tumor of uterine origin that may grow into the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava. It usually affects premenopausal women and the majority (90%) are parous. Because cardiac involvement is present in up to 10% of cases, it may be misdiagnosed as a primary cardiac tumor or a venous thrombus-in-transit. We describe a case of intravascular leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension and the morphological particularities of the removed tumor.