VASA. Zeitschrift für Gefässkrankheiten
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Perioperative use of aspirin for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
This study was initiated to evaluate the cardiovascular benefit of perioperative use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in patients undergoing carotid surgery. ⋯ Perioperative use of ASA for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy is associated with a lower risk of cardiac and neurological events without significant increase of postoperative bleeding necessitating revision.
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Open surgical repair of lesions of the descending thoracic aorta, such as aneurysm, dissection and traumatic rupture, has been the "state-of-the-art" treatment for many decades. However, in specialized cardiovascular centers, thoracic endovascular aortic repair and hybrid aortic procedures have been implemented as novel treatment options. ⋯ Clinical decision-making is generally based on the experience of the vascular center as well as on individual factors, such as life expectancy, comorbidity, aneurysm aetiology, aortic diameter and morphology. This article will review and discuss recent publications of open surgical, hybrid thoracic aortic (in case of aortic arch involvement) and endovascular repair in complex pathologies of the descending thoracic aorta.
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We present a case of combined celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery embolism in a 70-year-old patient that was examined in emergency department for atrial fibrillation and diffuse abdominal pain. Standard abdominal x-ray showed air in the portal vein. CT scan with contrast showed air in the lumen of the stomach and small intestine, bowel distension with wall thickening, and a free gallstone in the abdominal cavity. ⋯ Acute visceral thromboembolism should always be excluded first if a combination of atrial fibrillation and abdominal pain exists. Determining the serum levels of d-dimers and lactate, combined with CT scan with contrast administration can, in most cases, confirm the diagnosis and lead to faster surgical intervention. It is crucial to act early on clinical suspicion and not to wait for the development of hard evidence.
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Carotid artery stenting (CAS) from the femoral approach can be anatomically very difficult and the incidence of complications is higher in patients with anatomical variations of the aortic arch, difficulties related to peripheral vascular disease and/or with access site complications. Because the typical morphology in patients with a bovine- or type-III aortic arch applies for an arterial access from the right upper extremity (e.g. radial, brachial) we evaluated success rates and safety of the right transradial access in a prospective study. ⋯ CAS using the right transradial approach for left CAS in bovine-type aortic arch or the right transradial approach in type-III aortic arch for right CAS appears to be safe and technically feasible.
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Three-dimensional (3D) angiography is increasingly used in the diagnostics of brain aneurysms. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3D angiograms with respect to its value for preoperative planning of aneurysm clipping. ⋯ The 3D images enabled a perfect preoperative planning through the operation by illuminating the aneurysm anatomy, neck localisation and shape and relation of the aneurysm to neighbouring vessels. Operative approach, use of an accurate clip and avoidance of clipping arteries close to the aneurysm have become predictable and safer by the use of 3D angiography.