Vacuum-pack temporary abdominal wound management with delayed-closure for the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and other abdominal vascular catastrophes: absence of graft infection in long-term survivors.

Patients who undergo open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) may require delayed abdominal wound closure to prevent the adverse consequences of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. However, surgeons may be reticent to use delayed abdominal closure techniques due to concern that such management may increase the risk of graft infection. We retrospectively reviewed our patient experience with rAAA and other vascular catastrophes in which vacuum-pack abdominal wound management with delayed closure was used between 2000 and 2007.

Carotid artery stenting for stenosis following cervical radiotherapy: report of early failure with associated stent fracture.

Experience with carotid artery stenting (CAS) as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CE) for management of carotid stenosis continues to evolve. We report the case of a 64-year-old man who was treated with bilateral CAS for stenoses, which developed 7 years following thyroidectomy, neck dissection, and radiotherapy. Although long considered an ideal alternative to CE in this clinical setting, CAS in this case was complicated by multiple episodes of recurrent stenosis in his left carotid, managed by balloon angioplasty.

Matrix metalloproteinases in medial arterial calcification: potential mechanisms and actions.

Arterial calcification is now understood to be an actively regulated process with promoters and inhibitors similar to those seen remodeling bone. It occurs in two distinct forms involving either the atherosclerotic intimal or the media. The amount of calcification found in the tibial arteries of the lower extremity is a better predictor of amputation than atherosclerosis risk factors and the ankle brachial index.