Visualization of intervertebral disc degeneration in a cadaveric human lumbar spine using microcomputed tomography.

Gross features of disc degeneration (DD) that are associated with back pain include tears in the anulus fibrosus, structural changes of the endplates, and a collapse of the anulus. The aim of this study is the detailed visualization and microstructural characterization of DD using microcomputed tomography (μCT) and a dedicated image post-processing pipeline. In detail, we investigate a cadaveric spine that shows both types of DD between L1 and L2 and between L2 and L3, respectively.

Clinical impact of hypogastric artery occlusion in endovascular aneurysm repair.

Purpose: To report the long-term results for patients treated with endovascular aneurysm repair and additional embolization and coverage of the hypogastric artery compared with patients treated with simple endovascular aneurysm repair.

Methods: A database of our endovascular aneurysm repair patient cohort was reviewed to find patients with iliac artery aneurysms. The baseline characteristics, the procedural data and the results for patients treated with endovascular aneurysm repair and concomitant hypogastric artery embolization were compared with those for patients treated with simple endovascular aneurysm repair.

Looking for a Learning Curve in EVAR Based on the Zenith Stent Graft.

The purpose of this study was to report the learning curve of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) based on the Zenith stent graft (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN). In the last 9 years, 101 patients were treated with a Zenith stent graft.

Experience and outcomes after a decade of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a retrospective study from a community-based single center.

Background: The purpose of this study is to report the results of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment based on the Zenith stent-graft from a community-based single center over a period of 9 years.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed immediate technical and clinical results as well as long-term outcomes in patients treated with endovascular aneurysm repair between 2001 and 2010. The study was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the ad hoc committee for standardized reporting practice in vascular surgery.

Treatment of complex arteriosclerotic lesions with nitinol stents in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries: a midterm follow-up.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of nitinol stents in patients with short, complex lesions in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries and to assess midterm results.

Materials And Methods: Self-expandable nitinol stents were implanted in 54 extremities in 44 patients to treat complex stenoses (n = 32) and occlusions (n = 22) in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. Follow-up was performed for 5-51 months to evaluate early thrombosis and midterm patency rates.