Journal of vascular surgery
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Comparative Study
The incidence of microemboli to the brain is less with endarterectomy than with percutaneous revascularization with distal filters or flow reversal.
Current data suggest microembolization to the brain may result in long-term cognitive dysfunction despite the absence of immediate clinically obvious cerebrovascular events. We reviewed a series of patients treated electively with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS) with distal filters, and carotid stenting with flow reversal (FRS) monitored continuously with transcranial Doppler scan (TCD) during the procedure to detect microembolization rates. ⋯ CEA is associated with lower rates of microembolization compared with carotid stenting. Flow reversal may represent a procedural modification with potential to reduce microembolization during carotid stenting; further investigation is warranted to determine the relationship between cerebral protection strategies and outcomes associated with carotid stenting.
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Approval of the primary certificate in vascular surgery eliminated the requirement for certification in general surgery before vascular surgery certification. New training paradigms for training in vascular surgery have emerged driven by the desire to offer greater flexibility of training and to shorten the length of training. ⋯ This report presents the evolution and challenges to the current vascular surgical training model and then argues for a more rigorous and scientific approach to training in vascular surgery. It presents an analysis of potential avenues for placing education and training in vascular surgery on the forefront of modern surgical education.
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Delayed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is a well recognized complication of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We wanted to evaluate the frequency, etiology, and outcomes of delayed AAA rupture following EVAR, and identify treatment options that facilitate improved survival. ⋯ Delayed AAA rupture following EVAR can be successfully managed in most patients by open surgical conversion or secondary EVAR. The approach to each patient should be individualized; complete stent graft explant is not necessary in most patients; a secondary EVAR for delayed AAA rupture with or without an elective conversion to open surgical repair remains a viable option. Vigilant routine follow-up is needed for all patients after EVAR.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Standardization is superior to traditional methods of teaching open vascular simulation.
Standardizing surgical skills teaching has been proposed as a method to rapidly attain technical competence. This study compared acquisition of vascular skills by standardized vs traditional teaching methods. ⋯ This study demonstrates the feasibility of open vascular simulation to assess the effect of differing teaching methods on performance outcome. Findings from this report suggest that for simulation training, standardized may be more effective than traditional methods of teaching. Transferability of simulator-acquired skills to the clinical setting will be required before open simulation can be unequivocally recommended as a major component of resident technical skill training.