Pulsatile mass in the scrotum in a man with the Leriche syndrome.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Alan B Lumsden.
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PURPOSE: This report describes the authors' initial experience with the Excluder thoracic endoprosthesis (W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz) and the thoracic Talent endoprosthesis (Medtronic AVE, Sunrise, Fla) and their safety and efficacy in the primary endovascular repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). In addition, comparison with a historic nonrandomized cohort of patients that had undergone open repair of descending TAAs is reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Repair of TAA (mean diameter, 68 +/- 22 mm) was attempted in 19 patients with the Excluder (n = 14) and the Talent (n = 5) endoprostheses between March 1999 and January 2000. This group was compared with a historic nonrandomized cohort of 10 patients that had undergone open repair of anatomically similar descending TAA (mean diameter, 74 +/- 22 mm) between January 1996 and January 1998. The mean age in the endovascular group was 70.6 +/- 5.3 years versus 70.1 +/- 4.5 years in the historic open group. All the procedures were performed in a standard operating room with angiographic capabilities. In the historic open group, each standard tube graft repair of descending TAA was performed by one of three staff surgeons. RESULTS: Endograft deployment was successful in 18 patients (95%). The procedure was aborted in one patient (Excluder) because of small iliac arteries and access difficulty. The average operative time was 155 +/- 62 minutes, with a mean blood loss of 325 +/- 353 mL (versus 256 +/- 102 minutes and 1205 +/- 1493 mL, respectively, in the open group). Eight patients needed the planned use of more than one component for enhanced sealing or additional length in the endovascular group. No type I endoleaks were identified on the intraoperative completion angiography. One perioperative mortality occurred in the endovascular group and the open group. In the endovascular group, other complications included retroperitoneal hematoma and external iliac artery dissection (n = 1), lymphocele (n = 1), and common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). In the open group, other complications included ischemic colitis (n = 1), severe renal insufficiency (n = 2), wound infection (n = 1), and stroke (n = 1). In the endovascular group, the length of stay was 6.2 +/- 3.3 days (range, 1 to 13 days), with only nine patients needing intensive care, whereas in the open group, the length of stay was 16.3 +/- 6.7 days, with all patients needing intensive care. Endoleaks, graft migrations, or ruptures were not seen on the 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up computed tomographic scans in the endovascular group. On the average, aneurysm size decreased from 68 +/- 22 mm to 58 +/- 13 mm, to 51 +/- 14 mm, and to 49 +/- 12 mm at 1, 6, and 12 months after endovascular repair, respectively. No spinal cord ischemia was seen in either group. CONCLUSION: The endoluminal repair was effective in exclusion of descending TAAs from the systemic circulation in this selected group of patients. In this short-term follow-up, compared with the nonrandomized historic cohort of open descending TAA repair, the endovascular group had significantly shorter operating times and hospital and intensive care unit stays and lower operative blood loss. Further follow-up and continued assessment of the long-term durability of these devices in elective and emergency circumstances are warranted.
Interventional radiologist rather than vascular surgeons have become the predominant clinicians placing inferior vena cava (IVC) filters since the percutaneous device was introduced more than a decade ago. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 592 patients treated at a single institution between 1987 and 2000 to determine the indications, referral pattern, and clinical outcome of IVC filter placement between the radiologist and surgeon groups. Before 1989 all filters were placed by surgeons in the operating room. The adoption of the percutaneous delivery method by radiologists in 1989 led to a dramatic increase in its practice volume accounting for 99 per cent of all filters placed from 1991 to 1993 (P < 0.001). The development of an endovascular program by the vascular surgeons in 1994 led to a steady increase in its IVC filter practice annually (P < 0.05) and accounted for 42 per cent of all filter placements in 2000. A distinct referral pattern also emerged as 74 per cent of all filter placements by surgeons were referred by surgical services. The proportion of filter placement for strict indications remained constant over time between the two groups (P = 0.86). The complications and survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.24). Percutaneous devices have dramatically increased the clinical volume of IVC filter placement by interventional radiologists. Vascular surgeons with endovascular interest are well suited to perform the procedure and can regain referral ground of IVC filter placement.
The last decade has represented a time of fundamental change in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Potentially, vascular surgeons will either acquire catheter-based skills or relinquish the care for many patients with infrarenal AAA. We investigated AAA referral patterns and method of AAA repair after the establishment of an endovascular AAA program at our institution. We conducted a retrospective review of elective AAA repairs after the initiation of an endovascular AAA program in April 1994. Six vascular surgeons performed all procedures with a clear distinction between the surgeons (n=3) who performed traditional AAA repair only and those (n=3) who managed AAAs by means of either endovascular or traditional treatment. From April 1994 through December 2000, 740 elective AAA repairs were performed. During this time the mean number of AAA repairs has been 106/year ranging from 75 to 155/year. More notable however is the steady increase in the percentage of endovascular AAA repairs from 6 per cent of all AAA repairs in 1994 to 61 per cent in 2000. During this time traditional surgeons have experienced a plateau in total AAA repairs performed per year with their number of open repairs decreasing by 36 per cent. At the same time endovascular surgeons have seen a progressive rise in total AAA cases including an increase of 200 per cent in open repairs and of 1367 per cent in endovascular repairs. Our vascular surgeons who repair AAA utilizing both endovascular and open techniques have experienced an increase in aneurysm referrals since the advent of an endovascular AAA program. Those who have not adopted endovascular skills have seen a decline in their aneurysm practice. The larger question about whether or not to embrace new technology before the availability of long-term follow-up remains unanswered.
As the prevalence of vascular disease has continued to expand, the need for a suitable arterial replacement has prompted researchers to look beyond synthetic and autologous grafts toward the field of tissue engineering. Advances in vascular tissue engineering have utilized both mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells as a cell source in an attempt to create a fully engineered small-diameter graft. Stem cells offer enormous potential as a cell source because of their proliferative and growth potential, and the application of stem cell technology has far-reaching implications for future applications. The innovative use of stem cells for vascular tissue engineering has opened new possibilities for a fully engineered blood vessel. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current perspective on the use of stem cells for vascular tissue engineering. It focuses principally on the classes of stem cells used, techniques for differentiation scaffolding technology, and the successes and failures of models.
Atherosclerosis is a disease that begins in fetal life and represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality associated with significant socioeconomic consequences. A central concept with regard to its pathogenesis is that of endothelial cell dysfunction, which is associated with the release of a large number of mediators secreted by leukocytes that are present in large numbers at the sites of atheroma formation. Neutrophil peptides defensins and cathelicidins are essential elements of the innate immunity and have been present in high concentrations in atherosclerotic plaques in humans. Recently, their role as potential mediators of vascular disease was investigated. Defensins are involved in the lipoprotein metabolism in the vessel wall, favoring LDL and lipoprotein (a) accumulation and modification in the endothelium and the extracellular matrix. They also interfere with the vascular smooth muscle cell function, exhibit prothrombotic activity, and play an inhibitory role in various phases of angiogenesis. Cathelicidins were recently found to enhance endothelial proliferation in cultures, induce functionally significant angiogenesis in animal models, and regulate endothelial cell apoptosis. Further study of these peptides could provide useful insight in the relationship between inflammation and atherosclerosis and is anticipated to have therapeutic and prognostic ramifications.
Postoperative carotid artery pseudoaneurysms are rare. The traditional treatment of choice has been operative repair, which can present a significant technical challenge owing to the reoperative neck inflammation and potential cranial nerve injuries. The authors report 3 cases of postoperative carotid pseudoaneurysms that were successfully managed by use of various adjunctive endovascular techniques. The adjunctive endovascular maneuvers included the following: 1) endoluminal balloon placement for preoperative test occlusion and intraoperative proximal control to facilitate operative dissection in the first patient with a carotid pseudoaneurysm; 2) endoluminal stent-graft placement to exclude a large expanding carotid pseudoaneurysm in the second patient; and 3) endoluminal coil placement along with balloon occlusion to achieve complete hemostasis in the third patient, who presented with a hemorrhaging carotid pseudoaneurysm. Successful outcomes were achieved in all 3 patients by use of adjunctive endovascular techniques. These cases underscore the role of adjunctive endovascular treatment as an armamentarium for vascular surgeons in the treatment of complex carotid pseudoaneurysms.
Rupture of the abdominal aorta as the result of blunt trauma is uncommon, due in part to its protected position in the retroperitoneum. Isolated aortic rupture following blunt injury is even more rare. A case of isolated abdominal aortic rupture in a 6-year-old girl following blunt trauma due to an all-terrain vehicle accident is reported. The girl survived following an emergent aortoiliac reconstruction.
Carotid endarterectomy has been the mainstay of therapy for carotid occlusive disease in stroke prevention. Recent advances in endovascular technology has made carotid angioplasty and stenting a therapeutic modality in the treatment of carotid occlusive disease. The enthusiasm for this minimally invasive carotid intervention is hampered by the possibility of stent-related cerebral embolization, which can result in neurologic complications. Although current available data indicate that the results regarding success and complication rates are similar between carotid stenting and endarterectomy, numerous prospective clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy of carotid artery stenting using various forms of cerebral protection devices. This article reviews the current status of carotid stenting, including recent clinical studies and ongoing prospective trials. Strategies relating to cerebral embolization protection are also discussed.
Open surgical repair has been considered the mainstay of therapy for thoracic aortic aneurysms, both elective and emergency procedures alike. Recent advances in endovascular technology have made endovascular stentgraft placement a therapeutic modality that is minimally invasive and potentially a safer treatment for aneurysmal disease of the descending thoracic aorta. Moreover, this technology may be appropriate for other diseases of the thoracic aorta, including traumatic disruptions and dissections. There appears to be an increase in the diagnosis, and therefore incidence, of these various thoracic aortic pathologies, owing both to improvement in imaging capabilities and longer life expectancies. In distinction to endovascular repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms, the evolution of thoracic stentgrafts has progressed more slowly as there has yet to exist a clinically proven device after 10 years of clinical trials. However, the enthusiasm for this technology persists, for it may indeed hold the potential for the greatest patient benefit as conventional open surgical repair continues to offer serious morbidity and mortality rates. This paper reviews the current status of thoracic aortic stentgrafts, including recent clinical studies, device failures and refinements, and future directions.
The technical success of an endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair depends on the endograft exclusion of the aneurysm along with preservation of flow to major aortic branches, such as the renal or hypogastric artery. A proximally malpositioned aortic endograft may result in inadvertent renal artery occlusion, which may lead to renal infarction with irreversible loss of the renal function. In this report, the authors describe an endovascular rescue technique to salvage a proximally maldeployed aortic endograft that inadvertently covered the renal artery orifice. Physicians performing endovascular aneurysm procedures should be aware of such a salvage maneuver in the event an aortic endograft is proximally maldeployed and occludes the renal artery orifice.
Although many current series document the safety of carotid angioplasty and stenting procedures (CAS), several acknowledge clinically significant hemodynamic disturbances in 25-71% of patients. We report herein the safety and efficacy of prophylactic percutaneous temporary transvenous cardiac pacemaker insertion during CAS for the prevention of hemodynamic changes. At a community-based institution, 48 patients undergoing 51 attempted CAS procedures from March 1999 to August 2002 for carotid artery occlusive disease were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-one percent of patients had procedures performed for either recurrent disease or a history of neck radiation; 62.5% had significant coronary disease. Temporary transvenous pacemakers were inserted as an adjunctive procedure in the authors' CAS protocol. The pacers were set to capture a heart rate decrease below 60 beats per minute. Demographics, cardiac risk, and outcomes were analyzed. CAS was successfully performed in 96% (49 lesions). In the intent-to-treat group, the patients had a mean age of 71 +/-9 years and angiographic stenoses of 88 +/-8%, with 29% having symptomatic lesions. Significant bradycardia or asystole to trigger ventricular pacing occurred in 11 (22%) procedures, thus, triggering ventricular pacing. Pharmacologic support for concomitant hypotension was temporarily necessary in only 4 (8%) cases. No patient required prolonged pacing or medication therapy following CAS. Neither presence of carotid-related symptoms nor disease etiology was related to need for intraprocedural pacing. Furthermore, there was no occurrence of pacemaker failure or other complication secondary to venous catheterization. Hemodynamic changes may occur during mechanical dilation of the carotid artery and bulb, with reports in the literature of the need for prolonged pharmacologic support. In selected patients, the prophylactic placement of a transvenous pacemaker is a safe, feasible, and expeditious method to treat periprocedural hemodynamic changes with a decrease in additional pharmacologic support during CAS.
Enlargement of a previously bypassed popliteal aneurysm is rare. However, the possibility exists for persistent aneurysm expansion via geniculate collaterals. The authors report herein a patient who underwent successful endovascular treatment of a ruptured popliteal aneurysm that had been previously bypassed and presumably excluded.
Iatrogenic injury to the iliac vein or inferior vena cava (IVC), which may occur during abdominal operations or posterior orthopedic procedures, can have devastating consequences. Operative management is challenging and may be associated with significant morbidity. The authors report herein 3 cases of iatrogenic pelvic vein injuries that were managed with different treatment approaches. Both traditional open surgical therapy and endovascular techniques are described.
The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who require maintenance hemodialysis has risen sharply in the past 2 decades. It is estimated that more than 60% of all patients with ESRD who require chronic hemodialysis are accessed through an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG), and the incidence is increasing at a rate of 2% to 4% per year. The long-term patency rate of an upper extremity AVF or AVG for hemodialysis access remains suboptimal owing in part to progressive stenosis at the venous anastomosis. This article reviews the causative factors of dialysis access-related anastomotic stenosis, or intimal hyperplasia. This article also reviews the clinical experience of various anastomotic strategies to ameliorate the hemodynamic environment in an effort to improve the clinical outcome of hemodialysis access. These strategies include the use of (1) vein cuff at the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-venous anastomosis of AVG, (2) cuffed ePTFE dialysis AVG, and (3) anastomotic devices that create an interrupted anastomosis with staples or clips.
Excimer laser atherectomy (LA) employs precision laser energy control (shallow tissue penetration) and safer wavelengths (ultraviolet as opposed to the infrared spectra in older laser technology), which decreases perforation and thermal injury to the treated vessels. Though extensively used by cardiologists for severe obstructive coronary artery disease, peripheral interventionalists have not accepted LA as a routine adjunctive technique for stenotic or occluded vessels. We report herein the technical and clinical outcomes with LA for complex peripheral vascular disease in patients deemed high-risk for conventional surgical revascularization. Over a 6-month period, 19 lesions in 15 high-risk patients (mean age 72 +/-10 years) were treated with LA (308-nm spectral wavelength) followed by balloon angioplasty for limb-threatening ischemia (n = 10) and severe disabling claudication (n = 5). The lesions were located at the superficial femoral artery (n = 8), popliteal artery (6), and/or tibial vessels (5). The mean occlusion length was 10.3 +/-2.3 cm. Laser catheter choice ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 mm depending on the target vessel diameter. Clinical examination, duplex ultrasound, and ankle-brachial indices were performed in follow-up visits. Immediate technical success was achieved in 16 (84%) lesions. In the 3 technical failures, inability to cross the lesion with a wire (n = 2) or vessel perforation (n = 1) precluded successful LA. Overall, primary patency as assessed by duplex was 57% (superficial femoral artery 71%, popliteal 60%, tibial vessels 25%). Clinical improvement was seen in 10 lesions (77%) that were successfully treated initially. One patient required below-knee amputation. At an average of 2-year follow-up, 6 patients who were initially successfully treated were alive (46%), including 3 patients (50%) with stable symptoms without the need for major amputation. Laser atherectomy is a useful adjunctive revascularization technique for high-risk patients with limb-threatening ischemia. This technique is especially beneficial in the treatment of ostial lesions, which may be prone to distal embolization, as well as total occlusions that can be traversed by a guide wire but not a balloon. Vascular surgeons should add LA to their endovascular armamentarium for the treatment of complex peripheral vascular disease in the high surgical risk patients. Further study of clinical outcome measures and comparison to other interventional techniques are warranted.
Patients with peripheral vascular disease are less likely to receive optimal medical management than patients with coronary artery disease. However, early medical treatment is critical because it is profoundly beneficial and the benefits are maximized. Even in patients with advanced disease requiring invasive intervention, medical management has been proven to improve outcome, prolong the success of the intervention, improve functional capacity, and prolong life. The vascular surgeon should be knowledgeable enough to initiate basic medical therapy and to define for their patients the goals that need to be met to optimize their medical management. The vascular surgeon should be instrumental in assuring that the peripheral vascular patient receives medical therapy of the same standard as the patient with coronary disease. The major modifiable risk factors in the vascular patient are: smoking, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes. In addition, the use of beta blockers for patients with coronary disease and antiplatelet therapy as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are recommended for all patients with peripheral vascular disease. Statins have favorable effects on multiple interrelated aspects of vascular biology important in atherosclerosis. In particular they have beneficial effects on inflammation, plaque stabilization, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis. Statins have also been shown to be beneficial in acute vascular events. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease regardless of the presence or absence of hypertension. A number of the pleiotropic effects of statins are shared by ACE inhibitors. In summary, patients with known vascular disease should be treated aggressively with a combination of a HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, an antiplatelet agent and a beta blocker if there is a history of coronary disease. They should also receive tight control of their blood pressure and blood sugar. Smokers should be encouraged to stop smoking and should be provided with pharmaceutical and emotional support by their physicians. All of these patients should have their body mass index as close to normal as possible and be on a therapeutic lifestyle diet. Regular aerobic exercise is also indicated. Patients with symptomatic claudication should be considered for cilostazol. Patients with multiple risk factors for vascular disease, but who do not have documented disease should also be on statin therapy. As more studies define the linear relationship between lower LDL-C levels and lowered risk of vascular events, indicating that the lower the LDL-C level, the lower the risk, experts are advocating more aggressive lipid-lowering therapy. In patients with peripheral arterial disease, some experts now advocate lowering the goal of LDL therapy to 70 mg/dL.
Aortic graft infections, albeit rare, pose a significant treatment challenge. Aortic stump disruption, in particular, is a potentially devastating complication. We describe a novel technique of using the parietal peritoneum to bolster a friable aortic stump in a 56-year-old man after an infected aortobifemoral graft was removed. The parietal peritoneal pedicle, in our experience, provides an effective alternative to reinforce an aortic stump when conventional coverage options have been exhausted.