Journal of vascular surgery
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Comparative Study
Intracranial hemorrhage after carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting in the United States in 2005.
Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a rare but potentially devastating complication. The effect of more intense dual antiplatelet therapy required for CAS on the frequency of ICH has not been established. This study was undertaken to evaluate the nationwide occurrence of ICH associated with CAS vs CEA. ⋯ In the United States, patients undergoing CAS have not only significantly increased postoperative stroke and death rates compared with those undergoing CEA, but also a sixfold increased risk of ICH. Although ICH after CAS is extremely rare, its devastating nature and high mortality warrant further investigation to define specific risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.
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Saphenous vein grafts suffer from neointima formation following bypass surgery. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in this process. We examined MMP-3 for its therapeutic potential to prevent smooth muscle cell migration and neointima formation in venous bypass grafts using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. ⋯ MMP-3 overexpression inhibits formation of intimal hyperplasia in arterialized vein grafts. Adenovirus mediated gene transfer of MMP-3 may be of clinical use to prevent vein graft stenosis following bypass surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Dose-response of compression therapy for chronic venous edema--higher pressures are associated with greater volume reduction: two randomized clinical studies.
Two phase II clinical studies used an experimental, multi-chambered compression device with different cuff pressure combinations in subjects with leg edema and chronic venous insufficiency. The objective of each study was to evaluate the safety and the relative effects of different cuff pressure combinations to determine if edema reduction was dose-dependent. ⋯ Pneumatic compression was safe and well-tolerated, with a dose-response relationship between increased SPC/IPC pressures and reduced leg edema. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a dose-relationship in compression therapy: higher pressures are associated with greater volume reduction in subjects with chronic venous edema.
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Nutcracker syndrome, caused by compression of the left renal vein (LRV) between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, results in left renal and gonadal venous hypertension. Several treatment options have been described to relieve associated symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate late results of LRV transposition and identify risk factors affecting outcomes. ⋯ Evaluation of the clinical significance of radiologic LRV compression remains challenging, as does selection of patients for intervention. LRV transposition is a safe, effective procedure in selected patients with persistent, severe symptoms. Patients with progression to occlusion of the LRV should be considered for alternative therapeutic procedures. Varicoceles, in the setting of nutcracker syndrome, may need independent repair.
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Multicenter Study
Outcomes after carotid endarterectomy: is there a high-risk population? A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program report.
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the standard treatment of carotid stenosis for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS), however, has been proposed as alternative therapy for patients deemed at high-risk for CEA. This study examined 30-day adjudicated outcomes in a contemporary series of CEAs and assessed the validity of criteria used to define a potential high-risk patient population for CEA. ⋯ CEA is associated with favorable 30-day outcomes across a spectrum of patient comorbidity features including octogenarian status. Anatomic and technical features are the important predictors of perioperative stroke, whereas critical limb ischemia and poor functional status are important predictors of death for patients undergoing CEA. These data refute the concept that CAS is preferred for patients deemed high-risk by virtue of systemic comorbidities.