Background And Objectives: Endovascular therapy (EVT) for stroke has emerged as an important therapy for selected stroke patients, and shorter times to clot removal improve functional outcomes. EVT requires the close coordination of multiple departments and poses unique challenges to care coordination in large hospitals. We present the results of our quality improvement project that aimed to improve our door-to-groin puncture (DTP) times for patients who undergo EVT after direct presentation to our emergency department.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: A carotid-cavernous fistula is an abnormal communication between the arteries and veins within the cavernous sinus. While conservative management may be prudent in low risk cases, many patients require intervention and endovascular embolization has evolved as the preferred method of treatment. Embolization can be performed via either the transarterial or transvenous approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn an era of rapidly expanding knowledge and sub-specialization, it is becoming increasingly common to focus on one organ system. However, the human body is intimately linked, and disease processes affecting one region of the body not uncommonly affect the other organ systems as well. Understanding diseases from a macroscopic perspective, rather than a narrow vantage point, enables efficient and accurate diagnosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFContraceptive implant migration into the pulmonary circulation is an uncommon, but potentially serious complication. We describe an "aspiration" technique for percutaneous retrieval of a contraceptive implant from a subsegmental pulmonary artery, using a Penumbra Neuron MAX 088 guiding catheter and a Merit Medical VacLok Vacuum Pressure Syringe, as an alternative to the previously described snare technique. Our patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the same day.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHoarseness secondary to an anterior condylar confluence (ACC) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) has not been previously described. We present a 58-year-old patient with a 3-week history of progressive unilateral left-sided headaches and hoarseness. Nasolaryngoscopy and CT neck showed the presence of unilateral vocal cord palsy with no identifiable cause along the expected course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To compare microvascular invasion (McVI) with parameters defined by the Milan criteria in predicting tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS) in patients with surgical resection (SR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Summary Background Data: Although the Milan criteria is discriminatory for selecting patients with good outcomes in liver transplantation and SR for HCC, it neither adequately predict tumor recurrence nor explain differences in survival for patients with good liver function. McVI is a strong indicator of intrahepatic metastasis in HCC, but its relative significance for predicting clinical outcomes compared to the Milan criteria is unclear.