Publications by authors named "Allen Murga"

Background: The stroke rate in blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) varies from 25% without treatment to less than 8% with antithrombotic therapy. There is no consensus on the optimal management to prevent stroke BCVI. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral Aspirin (ASA) 81 mg to prevent BCVI-related stroke compared to historically reported stroke rates with ASA 325 mg and heparin.

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A 50 year old patient presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness, lethargy, and dyspnea. Nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2. She progressed to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and hemodynamic instability requiring intubation, pressor support, and hemodialysis.

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Article Synopsis
  • Duplex ultrasound (DUS) has been a key imaging tool for carotid bifurcation disease due to its affordability and noninvasive nature, but over time, computed tomography angiography (CTA) has gained popularity due to safety and accessibility.
  • A study analyzing preoperative imaging trends for elective carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) in Southern California from 2011 to 2020 revealed that while DUS was initially the most common imaging modality, its usage has declined in favor of CTA.
  • By 2020, CTA became the primary imaging choice for symptomatic patients, with 56% utilizing DUS, 28% CTA, 6% magnetic resonance angiography, and 10% conventional angi
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Background: The Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system has been validated to predict wound healing among patients with critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). Our goal was to analyze the use of a previously reported conservative wound care approach to non-infected (foot infection score of zero), diabetic foot ulcers with mild-moderate peripheral arterial disease enrolled in a conservative tier of a multidisciplinary limb preservation program.

Methods: Veterans with CLTI and tissue loss were prospectively enrolled into our Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere (PAVE) program.

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Objective: Our institution's multidisciplinary Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere (PAVE) program allocates veterans with critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) to immediate revascularization, conservative care, primary amputation, or palliative limb care according to previously reported criteria. These four groups align with the approaches outlined by the global guidelines for the management of CLTI. In the present study, we have delineated the natural history of the palliative limb care group of patients and quantified the procedural risks and outcomes.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates the long-term outcomes of patients after major lower extremity amputation (LEA), revealing a nearly 20% mortality rate within the first year.
  • Factors contributing to 1-year mortality include post-op myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and having a dependent functional status.
  • The analysis indicates that poorer functional status is linked to a decline in mobility, while those with dependent functional status are less likely to require a higher level of amputation.
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We report a case of stenosis involving the midportion of a polytetrafluoroethylene graft caused by the infiltration of fibroblasts into the lumen of the graft with the development of fibrovascular tissue.

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Background: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infections are rare and difficult to manage. Surgery is necessary for treatment.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of the university hospital and Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals of all patients treated for SCJ infections since 2001 was conducted.

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Background: The patency of long-term hemodialysis access in end-stage renal disease patients remains a significant challenge. Often these patients are affected with limited venous outflow options, requiring limb abandonment, and creation of new access in the contralateral arm. Vascular surgeons are familiar with the exposure of the proximal axillary artery via an infraclavicular incision.

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Background: Central venous occlusion is a common occurrence in patients with end-stage renal disease. Placement of upper extremity arteriovenous access in patients with occlusion of the brachiocephalic veins is often not an option. Avoidance of lower extremity vascular access can decrease morbidity and infection.

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