Journal of vascular surgery
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Patients with healed venous ulcers often experience recurrence of ulceration, despite the use of long-term compression therapy. This study examines the effect of closing incompetent superficial and/or perforating veins on ulcer recurrence rates in patients with CEAP 5 who have progressive lipodermatosclerosis and impending ulceration. ⋯ Patients with CEAP 5 healed venous ulcers that undergo endovenous ablation of incompetent superficial and perforating veins and maintain compression have reduced ulcer recurrence rates compared with historical controls that are treated with compression alone.
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This study investigated whether remote (rIPC) and local ischemic preconditioning (IPC) similarly limit skeletal muscle dysfunction induced by aortic cross-clamping. ⋯ Acute and chronic ischemia induce mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal muscles, and improving muscle mitochondrial function improves subjects’ status. Compared with local ischemic preconditioning (IPC), remote IPC (rIPC) appears easier to perform and is safer for the vessel and territory involved in ischemic injury. This study demonstrates that the muscle protection afforded by rIPC is equivalent to that achieved by IPC. Acknowledging that IPC procedures should be specifically adapted to patient characteristics to be successful, our results support a broader use of rIPC in the setting of vascular surgery.
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Methods of learning may differ between generations and even the level of training or the training paradigm, or both. To optimize education, it is important to optimize training designs, and the perspective of those being trained can aid in this quest. The Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery leadership sent a survey to all vascular surgical trainees (integrated [0/5], independent current and new graduates [5 + 2]) addressing various aspects of the educational experience. ⋯ For "an urgent need to know," the integrated trainees are especially turning to online texts rather than traditional textbooks, which suggests an opportunity for a shift in educational focus. Point-of-care is the best time for education and feedback, suggesting a continued need for dedicated faculty. The business side of training is underserved and should be addressed.
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Comparative Study
Mesenteric/celiac duplex ultrasound interpretation criteria revisited.
Several published studies with a small sample size have reported differing results of duplex ultrasound (DUS) utilizing different threshold velocities in detecting significant stenosis of superior mesenteric (SMA) or celiac arteries (CA). The present study is based on the largest number of mesenteric duplex/angiography correlations reported to date for the diagnosis of SMA/CA stenosis. ⋯ PSV values can be used in detecting ≥50% and ≥70% SMA/CA stenosis and were better than EDVs and ratios. Previously published data must be validated in individual vascular laboratories. Our results will need prospective validation.