Revascularization with Obturator or Hemi-neoaortoiliac System for Partial Aortic Graft Infections.

Background: Infections of isolated limbs of prosthetic grafts are challenging. Management can be morbid, involving partial or complete removal of all prosthetic material followed by aortic reconstruction. More limited resections of only infected material and reconstruction of the affected iliac limb has been reported as a viable surgical option.

Early results with LifeStent implantation in RESILIENT and non-RESILIENT inclusion criteria patients.

The purpose of our study was to determine outcomes of patients receiving the LifeStent (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, AZ) for femoropopliteal peripheral arterial disease in real-world academic practice outside the limitations of an industry supported trial. All patients from 2009 to 2012 at our institution who received a LifeStent during endovascular interventions and had follow-up were included. Outcomes evaluated included patency and freedom from limb loss.

Prospective randomized trial of ACUSEAL versus Vascu-Guard patching in carotid endarterectomy.

Background: Multiple studies have been conducted that demonstrate the superiority of patch angioplasty over primary closure for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Patch angioplasty with polytetrafluorethylene patches (ACUSEAL) have shown results comparable to patch angioplasty with saphenous vein and polyester patches. This is a prospective randomized study to compare the clinical outcomes of CEA using ACUSEAL versus bovine pericardium patching (Vascu-Guard).

Splenic artery embolization for the treatment of bleeding gastric varices secondary to splenic vein thrombosis.

Splenic vein thrombosis can lead to gastric varices. Subsequent upper gastrointestinal bleeding may ensue related to the change in venous outflow to the portal system. Vascular surgeons are infrequently asked to assist in the management of this entity.

Endovascular management of saphenous vein graft aneurysm: mutidisciplinary approach to a complex problem.

Treatment of vein graft aneurysms can be achieved by redo coronary reconstructions or by transcatheter techniques. Coronary interventions infrequently use large diameter devices, that is, ≥ 6 mm, and peripheral vascular interventionalists are well versed with this size technology. We report a multidisciplinary approach with technical tips for treating this uncommon pathology using 2 peripheral polytetrafluroethylene stents using a modified guide catheter.

Inactivation of insulin-like-growth factors diminished the anabolic effects of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) on bone in mice.

In vivo studies have provided ubiquitous evidence that pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) functions as a potent anabolic factor. While some evidence supports the prediction that increasing IGF bioavailability contributes to the anabolic effects of PAPP-A, definitive evidence has been lacking. This important issue has been addressed in this study using a unique mouse model in which PAPP-A was overexpressed in bone either alone or together with a protease-resistant IGFBP-4 analog (PRBP-4) which serves as an IGF inhibitor.

Transgenic overexpression of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A increases the somatic growth and skeletal muscle mass in mice.

Although IGFs are indispensable to skeletal muscle development, little information is available regarding the mechanisms regulating the local action of IGFs in skeletal muscle tissues. Here we tested the hypothesis that pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), a member of the metalloproteinase superfamily, promotes skeletal muscle formation in vivo through degrading IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), which increases the bioavailability of IGFs. Expression of PAPP-A is significantly increased in muscle five days after muscle injury in mice.