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Biomedical subjects

P Desgranges

Publications and source records attributed to P Desgranges.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Late reoperations after surgical and endovascular lower limb revascularisation.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the rate of late reoperations after primary lower limb revascularisation. METHODS: a prospectively collected database of 639 consecutive patients, undergoing 763 primary arterial reconstruction for lower limb occlusive disease during the five-year period 1989 through 1993, was analysed with regard to the rates and locations of late (after 30 days) re-operation. The reconstruction was supra-inguinal in 527 (69%) cases, surgical in 391 (Group IA) and endovascular in 136 (Group IB). Infra-inguinal reconstruction had been performed in 236 (31%) cases, surgical in 160 (Group IIA) and endovascular in 76 (Group IIB). The 499 men and 140 women were followed during an average of 32 (range 1-122) months. RESULTS: the 5-year cumulative reoperation rates were 25% after supra-inguinal surgery and 28% after supra-inguinal angioplasty, respectively (NS). The rates were 47% and 33% after infra-inguinal surgery and angioplasty, respectively ( p=0.04). CONCLUSION: limbs treated for occlusive arterial disease carry a high risk of late reoperation whether the initial procedure is open surgery or angioplasty. Reoperations were twice as common for infra-inguinal procedures.

Actuarial Analysis↗

[Feasibility of ambulatory endovenous laser for the treatment of greater saphenous varicose veins: one-month outcome in a series of 20 outpatients].

The purpose of this feasibility study was to demonstrate that endovenous laser can be a useful alternative to conventional surgery for ambulatory treatment of advanced varicose veins. We assessed an open, non-randomized series of patients treated in one center by the same operator. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee. Twenty patients with stage II or III varicose veins in the Porter classification gave their informed consent to participate in the study. The patients were treated with endovenous laser by the first author in the outpatient clinic of the Henri Mondor University Hospital vascular surgery department. All procedures were conducted under local anesthesia. A 980 nm laser diode optic fiber was introduced into the vein percutaneously. Laser beams were fired from the sapheno-femoral junction to just under the genu, withdrawing the fiber 3 mm every 1.5 sec. Clinical evaluation with a quality-of-life questionnaire and duplex-scan was performed at days 3, 8 and 30 post-op. Complete occlusion and retraction of the treated vein was observed at day 3 and 30, from the point of introduction to the sapheno-femoral junction in 18 of the 20 patients. The branches of the greater saphenous vein remained patent with physiological flow in the stump which remained patent 1 to 2 cm upstream from the sapheno-femoral junction. The length of the patent stump dependend on the level of the anterior or posterior branch. There were no adverse effects related to the local anesthesia. Pain was low to mild during treatment and the days following the procedure, requiring 8 tablets of acetominophen at most. Hematomas were minimal and had completely resolved by the end of the first month. No work stoppage was required for the 14 patients with occupational activities. There were no cases of deep or superficial vein thrombosis. Complete occlusion and retraction of the varicose vein at one month suggests this treatment has a long-lasting effect. Long-term evaluation is required. Treatment of advanced varicose veins with endovenous laser can be an alternative to surgical treatment providing the advantage of outpatient ambulatory treatment.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

[Endoprostheses for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. A technical innovation, a cultural revolution].

FACTS: A revolutionary technology has totally renovated the treatment of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Classical "dissection-graft" procedures require a wide abdominal incision with clamping and declamping times, and often major blood loss. Perioperative mortality varies from 3% to 7% depending on the team's experience and the presence of comorbidities. Complications occur in 30% of the patients; often benign they can be quite serious. As direct consequence of the development of peripheral stents, endoprostheses can now be introduced via the femoral route through a short inguinal incision. Operative trauma is considerably reduced, greatly shortening the recovery time. Mortality is low, of around 1%, and postoperative complications are much less frequent and much less severe. There is also a 3-fold reduction in the duration of the hospital stay. PREREQUISITES: All aneurysms cannot be treated with this method. The anatomy of the aneurysm and the iliac arteries is a determining factor. The iliac vessels must be large enough and devoid of important obstruction (kinks, atheromatous plaques) in order to access the aorta. The subrenal collar must measure at least 1 cm and be free of severe calcifications or thrombi. A rigorous preoperative exploration, using CT-scan with 3D reconstruction and graduated arteriography, is necessary. The length and diameter of the prosthesis is calculated from the results and must be perfectly adapted to avoid failure. UNKNOWNS: Long-term outcome remains unknown. The endoprosthesis excluded the aneurysm from the blood stream, depressurizing the aneurysmal sac. Endoprosthetic leakage can occur in case of defective application or by reflux from lumbar or inferior mesenteric arteries or due to leakage of the endoprosthesis itself. In such cases, the aneurysm can continue to progress. This explains the need for careful follow-up with duplex Doppler and/or CT-scan in treated patients. If the treatment is incomplete, complementary procedures may be necessary, often via an endovascular route or in some cases with conversion to conventional surgery. EVALUATIONS: Improved prosthetic design and durability is an important point. Randomized studies organized in France, as well as in England and Holland and the United States, are currently assessing the contribution of this new technique and its relative role compared with conventional surgery.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗

Beneficial use of fibroblast growth factor 2 and RGTA, a new family of heparan mimics, for endothelialization of PET prostheses.

We have studied the endothelialization of polyethylene terephtalate (PET) prostheses coated with collagen by adult human saphenous endothelial cells (EC) under various in vitro conditions. Collagenous PET was impregnated either by Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2), heparin, a synthetic heparan sulfate mimic named RGTA 11 (for ReGeneraTing Agent), or combinations of these products. RGTA 11 belongs to a new family of drugs, which have been previously described as stabilizer and protector of heparin binding growth factors (HBGF), and to act in vivo as to stimulate wounded tissue repair. As endothelialization of prosthesis can be obtained in vivo after EC seeding and/or by transanastomotic, as well as by transprosthetic EC migrations, we have designed in vitro models to study the growth of EC seeded on PET, the EC colonization of an acellular area on PET, and the migration of EC from a collagen gel through the prosthesis. The combinations of either RGTA11 or heparin with FGF2 enhanced after a week by 5-fold the growth of seeded EC compared to RGTA or heparin alone and by 3-fold compared to FGF2 alone (p < 0.05). More than 80% of the colonization of an acellular area was achieved within 6 days when FGF2 was combined with RGTA11 or heparin. In contrast, colonization was only of 20% promoted in presence of FGF2 alone and not promoted in the presence of RGTA or heparin alone (p < 0.05). In addition, transprosthetic migration of EC and endothelialization of the luminal side were observed only when gel contained RGTA11 or heparin in combination with FGF2. The present work did strongly indicate that RGTA11 could be used in vivo as to improve endothelialization and should be the focus of continued investigation.

Adult↗

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with ischemic tissue necrosis is worthwhile.

PURPOSE: Ischemic tissue necrosis is usually associated with long or sequential arterial obstructions. As a result, the role of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), which addresses only short lesions, in patients presenting with trophic changes remains questionable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PTA in diabetic and non-diabetic patients presenting with grade 4 Fontaine's classification. METHOD: Between January 1992 and December 1997, 1352 patients with aorto-iliac and/or infrainguinal occlusive diseases were admitted to our institution. Three hundred and ten patients who presented with distal gangrene (95.5%) or ischemic ulcers (4.5%) were identified. The patients consisted of 117 diabetics and 193 non-diabetics. PTA alone was performed in 26 diabetics (group 1) and in 30 non-diabetics (group 2). Their charts were retrospectively reviewed and the patients were recalled for clinical examination and non-invasive monitoring. RESULTS: Follow-up was available for all patients and ranged from 1 to 4 years. The survival rate was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients (96% vs 77% at 1 year; p<0.05 and 91% vs 66% at 3 years; p<0.05). In group 1, the primary cumulative patency rate at 1 and 3 years was 76%. In group 2, the primary cumulative patency rate at 1 and 3 years were 85% and 80%, respectively. Three patients in group 1 required a redo PTA at 4 months, resulting in an assisted primary patency rate at 1 and 3 years of 88%. In contrast, no patients in group 2 required additional PTA. In group 1, the limb salvage rate at 1 and 3 years was 84%; and in group 2, 80% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of PTA in both groups were encouraging. Dilation of one or two short stenoses, despite multiple distal lesions, may improve distal flow sufficiently to promote wound healing. Thus, this procedure may be recommended in selected patients suffering from ischemic tissue loss. However, during the first 6 months following PTA, diabetic patients should be followed carefully with Duplex as they are prone to early restenosis.

Aged↗

Follow-up evaluation of endoluminally treated abdominal aortic aneurysms with duplex ultrasonography: validation with computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: A growing number of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms are currently being offered endoluminal treatment. However, the incidence of endoleaks, stenosis, and thrombosis is around 25% to 30%. As a result, a strict post procedure imaging surveillance protocol is necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare duplex ultrasonography (DU) and computed tomography (CT) for the follow-up of endoluminally treated aortic aneurysms. METHODS: A total of 89 patients were followed up with serial CT and DU at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after endoluminal treatment. Special attention was directed toward the presence of endoleaks and aneurysm diameter evolution. Preoperative CT and DU were also reviewed to assess aneurysm diameter correlation. RESULTS: With DU, 14 type I and 21 type II endoleaks were identified. In one case the DU did not visualize a type II endoleak present on CT, and CT did not confirm three type II leaks identified with DU. There was only one false positive for type I endoleak with DU. The sensitivity of DU was 96% with a specificity of 94%, when compared with CT. A linear regression analysis of the diameters obtained with DU and CT revealed a good correlation. However, variability was high, indicating poor agreement. Regarding diameter evolution, the range was identical in 45%, and the trend was similar in 73%. However, in 9% of the cases, DU showed a decrease in diameter, whereas CT showed a significant increase. CONCLUSION: DU is an accurate tool for the diagnosis of endoleaks, but is less valuable for diameter measurements, when compared with CT. Currently, DU is a useful tool, but CT remains a key part of the postoperative evaluation after endoluminal treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. At institutions where DU is used for follow-up, researchers should perform quality control studies to avoid potentially significant errors.

Aged↗

Technical aspects and current results of carotid stenting.

PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience with carotid stenting (CS), focusing on technical evolution and results. METHODS: From September 1995 to February 2000, 77 patients with 83 internal (n = 68) and common carotid artery lesions (n = 15) were selected for CS. This patient population was categorized into three consecutive periods based on patient selection, material, and technical skills. For internal carotid artery lesions, period I included 11 patients treated by means of direct carotid puncture with balloon expandable stents; period II included 42 patients treated by means of a femoral approach with self-expandable stents; and period III included 15 patients in whom monorail system and cerebral protection devices were used. Common carotid artery lesions were treated by means of carotid puncture in five patients and by means of a femoral approach in 10 patients. In only two of the latter cases, cerebral protection devices were used. RESULTS: The overall immediate success rate, defined as successfully treated stenosis with no neurological events, was 89.7% for internal carotid artery lesions and 100% for common carotid artery lesions. All neurological events, which consisted of reversible events (4.4%), minor stroke (1.5%), and major stroke (2.9%), occurred during periods I and II. In periods I, II, and III, the rate of surgical conversion was 18%, 9.5%, and 0%, respectively, the rate of transient ischemic attack and reversible ischemic neurologic deficit was 0%, 7%, and 0%, respectively, and the rate of minor and major stroke was 0%, 7%, and 0%, respectively. All major strokes were cleared with intra-arterial thrombolysis. At discharge, the success rates defined by means of the absence of conversion and neurological events were 82% during period I, 76% during period II, and 100% during period III. The freedom from neurological deficits rates were 100%, 97.6%, and 100%, respectively. During follow-up, six significant asymptomatic restenoses were detected with duplex scanning; however, only one patient required reintervention. CONCLUSION: Technical skills and technological improvement, including low-profile balloon and catheter, cerebral protection device, and intra-arterial rescue techniques, may reduce the rate of neurological events associated with CS. Technical improvements should be given careful consideration before the initiation of randomized trials comparing CS and carotid endarterectomy.

Adult↗

The underestimated advantages of iliofemoral endarterectomy.

Iliofemoral endarterectomy was invented 50 years ago, but it is seldom practiced today for two reasons. The first is that it is technically challenging and the second is that outcome in early series was poor. Our preliminary experience having been more encouraging, we have continued to perform iliofemoral endarterectomy for the past 20 years. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate our results and compare them with results of alternative techniques described in recent literature. We have performed a total of 176 iliofemoral endarterectomies in patients with normal or nearly normal aortas. The procedure involved the entire network including the common iliac artery, external iliac artery, and common femoral artery in 108 cases (group I), the common iliac artery with or without the external iliac artery in 40 cases (group II), and the external iliac arteries and the common femoral artery with or without the deep femoral artery in 28 cases (group III). From our results we conclude that iliofemoral endarterectomy should be used as a first-choice modality in patients with normal or nearly normal aortas who present with iliac lesions that are either too long for balloon angioplasty or impossible to recanalize. It eliminates the risk of graft infection and false aneurysm. Restenosis can be treated by balloon angioplasty. It also saves the cost of a prosthesis.

Adult↗

[Surgery of the internal carotid: locoregional or general anesthesia?].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the advantages of regional anesthesia over general anesthesia in carotid artery surgery. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 1989 to December 1998, 670 patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis were operated in the same center and were classified into two groups according to the type of anesthesia: group I, general anesthesia (n = 312) and group II, regional anesthesia (n = 358). Characteristics of the two groups were almost similar except for a higher rate of unstable heart disease in group I and bypass grafts in group II. RESULTS: A shunt was used in 16.3% of cases in group I and in 8.4% in group II. Complications resulting from the use of a shunt and intraoperative complications observed with regional anesthesia were reported. There was a conversion from regional to general anesthesia in 6 patients. Median duration of clamping was longer in group II (30 min vs 25 min). Cardiac complication rates were similar in the two groups, particularly cardiac mortality (0.6%). There were more pulmonary and miscellaneous complications in group I. Neurological complications were more frequent in group I, particularly fatal strokes (1% versus 0%). Neurological mortality and morbidity cumulative rates were 3.1% and 1.5%, respectively, not significantly different. CONCLUSION: These results, in agreement with those of the literature, confirm that carotid artery endarterectomy is associated with a low rate of neurological mortality and morbidity. Although regional anesthesia was associated with a lower rate of complications, we are not allowed to conclude to its superiority, as the present study was retrospective and the difference was not statistically significant.

Aged↗

Placement of a fenestrated Palmaz stent across the renal arteries. Feasibility and outcome in an animal study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of placing stents across renal arteries. Design we have studied in pigs: (i) the feasibility of accurately placing a fenestrated stent in front of one renal ostium; (ii) the short-term effects on renal arteries and function after the placement of such a fenestrated stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight fenestrated Palmaz stents were placed over pigs' renal ostia under fluoroscopy. Five weeks later, angiograms were performed and the animals were sacrificed. Proliferation of the healing tissues over the ostia was measured and analysed by microscopy. Serum creatinine was measured prior to all angiograms and at 5 weeks. RESULTS: All eight stents were correctly placed. One stent later migrated and was excluded from the study. One pig died at day 1. Gross examination confirmed the correct placement of the fenestrations in four pigs out of seven (57%). In the six remaining pigs, at 5 weeks, there was no angiographic evidence of stent misplacement and all the kidneys were fully perfused. Nine renal ostia were covered by struts and neointima with a mean area of coverage of 38+/-5% altogether. No tissue proliferation was observed over the three renal ostia located in front of the fenestration. Serum creatinine did not significantly increase at 5 weeks. CONCLUSION: Creating a fenestration in a stent for renal arteries may be worth while in order to avoid neointimal covering of the renal ostia. However, accurate placement of such a fenestrated stent remains a difficult task.

Animals↗

Peroperative factors influencing the outcome of elective abdominal aorta aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To identify perioperative variables which may influence mortality of elective abdominal aneurysm repair (AAA). METHOD: prospective study of patients undergoing elective AAA repair between 1986 and 1997. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy patients (438 men, 32 females) with a mean age of 69.4+/-13 years and aneurysms with a diameter of 60+/-3 mm were operated on with a 1-month mortality rate of 5.3%. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for mortality: age >70 (p<0.0001), a past history of myocardial infarction (p<0.0001), preoperative renal insufficiency (p<0.0001), reoperation (p<0.0001), colonic necrosis (p<0.0001), and severe postoperative medical complications (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Intra- and postoperative events affect the outcome of AAA repair, independently of preoperative factors, and should be described when presenting the results of AAA repair.

Aged↗

Mid-term results of endovascular versus open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients anatomically suitable for endovascular repair.

OBJECTIVES: to prospectively evaluate the mid-term results of endovascular and open repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anatomically suitable for endovascular repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: between January 1995 and March 1999, among 438 patients treated for AAA, 180 (41%) were suitable for endovascular repair as assessed by computed tomography (CT) scan and angiogram. Seventy-three were treated by various commercially available endovascular grafts (EV) and 107 by open repair (OR). Postoperatively, patients were followed every 6 months with clinical examination, duplex scan and in the EV group, CT scans. Patients>> demographic data, intra- and postoperative events were recorded prospectively in a computerised database and compared for each group. RESULTS: median age, sex ratio, preoperative risk factors and aneurysm diameters were not statistically different between the two groups. Respectively in the EV and OR, the average duration of operation was 149+/-73 mn, and 133+/-44 mn (NS), blood loss 96 ml+/-28 and 985 ml+/-113 (p<0.01), duration of hospitalisation 7 days+/-2 and 13 days+/-7 (p<0.01). The one-month mortality was 2.7% (n=2) for EV and 2.8% (n=3) for OR. The rate of cardiac and pulmonary complications was significantly higher in the OR group (6. 9% versus 19.6%, p=0.017). At a mean follow-up of 1 year, the cumulative survival rate was 82.2%+/-7.5 for EV and 96%+/-2.12 for OR (log-rank test p=0.043). No patients died of rupture, but three patients had to be converted to open surgery. Twenty-two percent (n=16) patients in the EV and 7.5% (n=8) in the OR were submitted to a subsequent minor or major reintervention (p=0.007). At 1 year, the cumulative rates free of any reintervention were respectively 78. 8%+/-6.7% and 92.9%+/-2.7% (p=0.001). In the EV there were 17 early endoleaks (23.3%). At the end of patient's follow-up seven endoleaks (9.6%) persisted. The primary success rate defined by the absence of endoleak and the absence of reintervention was 54 (74%) with EV and 101 (94%) with OR (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: EV is a promising technique. However, with current devices and indications the immediate benefits, mainly less blood loss, fewer cardiac and pulmonary complications, and shorter hospitalisation time, are outweighed by a higher rate of reinterventions to treat endoleak, or to maintain patency of the graft.

Aged↗

Acute occlusion of popliteal and/or tibial arteries: the value of percutaneous treatment.

OBJECTIVES: to describe early and mid-term results with a percutaneous therapeutic protocol including thromboaspiration, thrombolysis, and correction of the underlying lesion by PTA. METHODS: thirty-three consecutive selected patients with recent (<1 month) reversible acute ischaemia associated with popliteal and/or tibial occlusion were studied. The primary endpoints were technical success (defined as residual mural thrombus less than 20% of the lumen and the presence of at least one tibial artery on angiogram), patient survival and limb salvage at 1 and 12 months. Secondary endpoints included complications, primary, assisted primary and secondary patency determined by duplex scan at 1, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: technical success was achieved in 27 patients (82%). Twenty patients were treated by thrombo- aspiration+/-thrombolysis only, and seven required additional PTA (26%). In six patients (18%), percutaneous techniques failed, and embolectomy was performed in two, bypass in one and major amputations in three (9%). For the entire series, the survival rate was 100% at 1 month and 94% at 1 year. The limb salvage rate was 91% at 1 month and 1 year. The cumulative primary patency, assisted primary patency and secondary patency rates were 81%, 81% and 86% respectively at 1 month and 66%, 72% and 77%, respectively, at 12 months. Early complications occurred in 10 patients (30%): five groin haematomas (15%), four compartment syndromes (12%) and one haemoglobinuria (3%). CONCLUSION: percutaneous techniques offer excellent early and mid-term results in selected patients presenting with acute ischaemia with popliteal and/or tibial arteries occlusion.

Acute Disease↗

Incidence and risk factors of late rupture, conversion, and death after endovascular repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms: the EUROSTAR experience. European Collaborators on Stent/graft techniques for aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: The EUROSTAR (European Collaborators on Stent/graft techniques for aortic aneurysm repair) Registry was established in 1996 to collect data on the outcome of treatment of patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysms with endovascular repair. To date, 88 European centers of vascular surgery have contributed. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of this treatment in the medium term (up to 4 years) according to the analysis of "hard" or primary end points of rupture, late conversion, and death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with aortic aneurysms suitable for endovascular aneurysm repair were notified to the EUROSTAR Data Registry Centre before treatment to eliminate bias due to selective reporting. The following information was collected on all patients: (1) demographic details and the anatomic characteristics of their aneurysms, (2) details of the endovascular device used, (3) complications encountered during the procedure and the immediate outcome, (4) results of contrast enhanced computed tomographic imaging at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after operation and at yearly intervals thereafter, and (5) all adverse events. Life table analysis was performed to determine the cumulative rates of (1) death from all causes, (2) rupture, and (3) late conversion to open repair. Risk factors for rupture and late conversion were identified through regression analysis. RESULTS: By March 2000, 2464 patients had been registered, and their mean duration of follow-up was 12.19 months (SD, 12.3 months). There were 14 patients with confirmed rupture of their aneurysms. The cumulative rate (risk) of rupture was approximately 1% per year. Emergency surgery was undertaken in 12 (86%) patients, of whom five (41.6%) survived. Two patients who were not treated surgically also died, which resulted in an overall death rate of 64.5% (9/14) of the patients. Significant risk factors for rupture were proximal type I endoleak (P =.001), midgraft (type III) endoleak (P =.001), graft migration (P =.001), and postoperative kinking of the endograft (P =.001). Forty-one patients underwent late conversion to open repair with a perioperative mortality rate of 24.4% (10/41). The cumulative rate (risk) of late conversion was approximately 2.1% per year. Risk factors (indications) for late conversion were proximal type I endoleak (P =. 001), midgraft (type III) endoleak (P =.001), type II endoleak (P =. 003), graft migration (P =.001), graft kinking (P =.001), and distal type I endoleak (P =.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms with the first- and second-generation devices that predominated in this study was associated with a risk of late failure, according to an analysis of observed hard end points of 3% per year. Action taken to address the risk factors identified by the study may improve results in the future.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗

New agents for the treatment of infarcted myocardium.

Local delivery of angiogenic growth factors for the treatment of myocardial ischemia has been well documented in various animal models, and clinical trials are now in progress. Our strategy was radically different, based on selective protection of some of the growth factors naturally present within the injured tissue. This protection was obtained by applying a chemically defined substitute for Dextran called RGTA11 (for ReGeneraTing Agent). RGTA is a family of agents, which has properties mimicking those of heparan sulfates toward heparin-binding growth factors (HBGF) and which stimulate tissue repair and protection. Indeed, we have previously shown that RGTA prevents most of the damage resulting from acute skeletal muscle ischemia [FASEB J. (1999) 13, 761-766]. We now show that the same agent can be used for the treatment of myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction was induced in pigs by ligation of the left circumflex artery. One hour later, a single injection of 10 mg of RGTA11 was made in the center of the infarcted area. Three weeks later we observed 1) recovery of 84% of the initial left ventricular ejection fraction (only 55% in saline-treated controls), 2) an almost 50% reduction in the infarct size, 3) a reduction in fibrotic tissue formation, 4) significant preservation of myocytes, and 5) an increase in the number of blood vessels. The treatment of ischemic heart disease with RGTA would have clear advantages over other therapies such as growth factor, gene, or cell transplants, based on a stable, simple, and easy-to-develop chemical product.

Actins↗

Percutaneous stenting of an latrogenic superior mesenteric artery dissection complicating suprarenal aortic aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To report endovascular repair of an iatrogenic superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection caused by a balloon occlusion catheter. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old man with a suprarenal aortic aneurysm underwent conventional prosthetic replacement, during which visceral artery back bleeding was controlled with balloon occlusion catheters. Six hours postoperatively, the patient experienced an episode of bloody diarrhea with abdominal pain and tenderness and mild metabolic acidosis. Colonoscopy revealed colitis (grade I) without necrosis of the right and left colon. An emergent abdominal computed tomographic scan showed signs of mesenteric ischemia with bowel dilatation and SMA wall hematoma; angiography identified a dissection 1 cm distal to the SMA origin. An Easy Wallstent was deployed percutaneously, successfully reestablishing SMA patency. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remains asymptomatic with a patent SMA stent and aortic graft at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: latrogenic SMA dissection should be suspected after suprarenal aortic aneurysm repair if signs of mesenteric ischemia arise. Prompt and thorough imaging studies are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the potential for an endoluminal treatment.

Aged↗

[Radiation-induced aorto-ilio-femoral arterial arteritis. Mediocrity of the long-term results after conventional surgery].

OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term outcome after surgical cure of radiation-induced aorto-ilio-femoral arterial occlusion and to deduce therapeutic indications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 20-year period, 15 patients were treated for occlusion of the aorto-ilio-femoral vessels 4 to 28 years after receiving radiotherapy. Primary treatment was medical (n=1), balloon dilatation (n=5), anatomic revascularization (n=5), and extra-anatomic bypass (n=4). Mean follow-up was 6.8 years. RESULTS: Among the 5 balloon dilatations, there was one failure requiring right axillofemoral bypass that was followed shortly by fatal septic shock; the 4 others have remained patent at 2 to 15 years, one having required stent dilatation at 6 months. Among the 5 patients who had anatomic revascularization, excepting on patient who died shortly after surgery from her cancer, all have required revision; 2 patients died of infection at 9 and 10 years; the two others are alive at 5 and 18 years. Among the 4 patients with extra-anatomic bypass (one aortothoracic-bifemoral bypass, two axillofemoral bypasses and one cross-over bypass), 2 died with prosthetic sepsis at 3 and 7 years and 2 others have had a bypass replacement. Overall, at last follow-up, half of the operated patients have died from infection (n=5) or cancer (n=2). DISCUSSION: In reports in the literature, revision and infection after conventional surgery is frequent. There is less risk with the endovascular approach, but it can be only applied for short occlusions. CONCLUSION: Excepting easily accessible occlusions with an apparent minimal risk for percutaneous balloon dilatation, irradiated arteries should be operated on only in case of severe ischemia. Patients with claudication should be treated conservatively because of the high risk of complications for prosthesis implantation with irradiated arteries.

Adult↗