Artifacts in Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound during Follow-up after Endovascular Aortic Repair: Impact on Endoleak Detection in Comparison with Computed Tomography Angiography.

The study described here systematically analyzed how specific artifacts in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can affect the detection of endoleaks during follow-up after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Patients undergoing EVAR of atherosclerotic or mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms using various standard and branched stent-graft material for visceral and iliac preservation were enrolled over 5 y and followed up with computed tomography angiography (CTA) and CEUS simultaneously. CEUS artifacts were frequently identified after EVAR procedures (59% of examinations) and were caused mainly by contrast agent, different prosthesis or embolization material and postinterventional changes in the aneurysm sac.

Antibacterial [corrected] coating of abdominal closure sutures and wound infection.

Background: Poor wound healing and the development of infection in incisional wounds continue to be among the most common complications of open abdominal surgery. Various bacteria may contaminate not only the tissue in the operative wound, but also the actual suture material. To prevent the contamination of suture material in surgical wounds, triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 suture materials with antibacterial activity (Vicryl plus) was developed.