The Influence of Collagen Impregnation of a Knitted Dacron Patch Used in Carotid Endarterectomy.

Background: In selected populations, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces long-term stroke risk. Studies have shown increased risk of restenosis with use of a collagen-impregnated Dacron patch compared to a polytetrafluorethylene patch. There is concern that collagen impregnation may initiate thrombosis or promote restenosis due to platelet activation.

Timing of Chemical Thromboprophylaxis and Deep Vein Thrombosis in Major Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To identify the optimal timing of perioperative chemical thromboprophylaxis (CTP) and incidence of occult preoperative deep vein thrombosis (OP-DVT) in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery.

Background: There is limited Level 1 data regarding the optimal timing of CTP in major colorectal surgery and the incidence of OP-DVT remains unclear. Both issues influence the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and may impact Medicare reimbursement because of penalties for hospital-acquired conditions.

Decreases in diameters of treated abdominal aortic aneurysms and reduction in rupture rate.

Objective: To determine whether the diameters of treated abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have changed during the last 10 years.

Design, Setting, And Patients: A retrospective record review was completed on all patients undergoing any AAA repair from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2009, at a single high-volume institution. All cases of repaired AAAs that had computed tomographic scans within 3 months of surgery were included.

Reduction in ruptured aortic aneurysms is not due to increases in endovascular repairs.

We sought to determine if the shift from open abdominal aortic repair to endovascular methods has affected the incidence of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA). The Nationwide Inpatient Samples 2001 to 2007 was used. The incidence of rAAA and myocardial infarction (MI) as well as the number and type of aneurysm repairs were tabulated.