Long-term efficacy and risk factors of balloon-assisted maturation for radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula with small-caliber veins.

Introduction: Balloon angioplasty maturation (BAM) is a salvage method for autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure. AVF creation using small-diameter veins is considered to have poor outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the long-term patency of small-diameter veins (≤3 mm) using BAM.

Elevation Transposition Method for Superficialization of the Basilic Vein Achieves Better Patency Rate than Tunnel Transposition.

Background: To compare the tunnel transposition and elevation transposition methods used for superficialization of the basilic vein in terms of complication and patency rates.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent 2-stage basilic vein transposition between August 2016 and December 2019. Patients were categorized into brachial-basilic fistula tunnel transposition (n = 32) and elevation transposition (n = 21) groups using medical records.

A prospective randomized study of stent graft placement after balloon angioplasty versus balloon angioplasty alone for the treatment of hemodialysis patients with prosthetic graft outflow stenosis.

Background: Hemodialysis graft outflow stenosis is a significant complication occurring in hemodialysis patients with prosthetic grafts for vascular access. Balloon angioplasty remains the first-line endovascular treatment of this complication, although covered stent graft implantation after balloon angioplasty also appears to be an effective and promising treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and durability of stent graft placement after balloon angioplasty in comparison to balloon angioplasty alone for the treatment of graft outflow stenosis in hemodialysis patients.

Analysis of chest X-ray plain film images of intravenous ports inserted via the superior vena cava.

Purposes: The optimal tip position for an intravenous port and the angle between the locking nut and the catheter are still debatable. This study evaluates the use of chest X-ray plain films for screening patients with potential intravenous port complications.

Methods: We reviewed, retrospectively, 1505 patients who had an intravenous port implanted between January 1 and December 31, 2006 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and were followed up until June 30, 2010.

Treatment of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm caused by Salmonella.

Background: We reviewed the outcomes of patients treated for nontyphoidal Salmonella-infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment at a single center.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 26 patients with nontyphoidal Salmonella-infected AAA. Four patients underwent medical therapy alone, while 22 patients underwent surgical therapy.

A single-center study of vascular access sites for intravenous ports.

Purpose: This study evaluated the use of intravenous ports and provides a guide related to clinical decision making.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 1505 patients who had received intravenous ports at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in 2006. The relationships between the complications and entry routes were assessed.

Treatment of primary infected aortic aneurysm without aortic resection.

Background: We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of two different treatment strategies for patients with primary infected aortic aneurysms, including antibiotic treatment alone and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with aggressive antibiotic treatment, as alternatives to the established treatment of open surgical repair.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were treated for infected aortic aneurysm without undergoing aortic resection from January 2000 to December 2010 at a single institution.

Results: A total of 40 patients underwent traditional open repair during the study period.

Predictors of outcome after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Background: To determine predictors associated with early hospital death, 30-day mortality, and long-term survival after open surgical treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs).

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 127 consecutive patients who received open surgical treatment of a RAAA at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, from February 1994 to May 2007. Data recorded included patient characteristics, medical history, perioperative variables, and outcomes.

Catheter fracture of intravenous ports and its management.

Background: Intravenous ports are widely used for oncology patients. However, catheter fractures may lead to the need for re-intervention. We aimed to identify the risk factors associated with catheter fractures.

Surgical outcome for mycotic aortic and iliac anuerysm.

Background: The present study was designed to review surgical outcomes for mycotic aneurysm of the aortic or iliac arteries at a single center.

Methods: The study was based on retrospective chart review of patients undergoing operation for mycotic aneurysm.

Results: From January 1998 to December 2007, 56 patients received surgical treatment for mycotic aneurysm of the aortic or iliac arteries.

In situ versus extra-anatomic reconstruction for primary infected infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Background: There is no standard procedure for revascularization after infected infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm resection. This study examines the outcomes of two contemporary methods.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records for patients who underwent repair of infected infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms from January 1998 to December 2007 at a single institution.

Balloon angioplasty versus surgical revision for thrombosed dialysis graft outlet stenosis after graft thrombectomy.

Background: It is important to correct underlying graft outlet stenosis after thrombectomy of dialysis grafts. This study retrospectively reviewed patients who received dialysis graft thrombectomy at this institution to compare the effectiveness of 2 different methods.

Methods And Results: A total of 289 dialysis graft thrombectomy procedures performed during 2001-2003 were retrospectively reviewed.

Patency rates of cuffed and noncuffed extended polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in dialysis access: a prospective, randomized study.

Background: Although autogenous arteriovenous fistulae are the optimal route for dialysis access, extended polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts continue to be the preferred access for patients without suitable superficial veins. Among the common complications related to dialysis grafts, thrombosis due to graft outlet stenosis is the most frequently encountered clinical problem. A cuffed graft was designed to eliminate the outflow turbulence to reduce outlet stenosis and to enhance the clinical patency of ePTFE grafts.

Surgical thrombectomy for thrombosed dialysis grafts: comparison of adjunctive treatments.

Background: Vascular surgeons often encounter dialysis graft failure in hemodialysis patients during their daily practice. Despite advances in percutaneous treatment, there remains a role for surgical thrombectomy of thrombosed dialysis grafts. This study was designed to investigate the long-term outcome of dialysis graft thrombectomy and to examine the indications for and effectiveness of therapies adjuvant to Fogarty thrombectomy.

Impact of cuffed, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis grafts on graft outlet stenosis.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine prospectively the difference between the graft outlet strictures of a polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft with a cuff at the graft-vein anastomosis (Venaflo; Bard industries, Tempe, Ariz.) and that of the regular ePTFE graft (Stretch Gore-Tex; Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz.) placed for hemodialysis access.

Aortic dissection in a young patient without any predisposing factors.

Aortic dissection is rare in the pediatric and young adult population. We hereby present a case of a 17-year- old male patient, without any predisposing factors, who developed an aortic dissection. The initial presentation was acute abdominal pain with massive retroperitoneal hematoma.

Brachiobasilic fistula as a secondary access procedure: an alternative to a dialysis prosthetic graft.

Background: In order to extend the availability of each extremity as an access site for long-term dialysis, we created a brachiobasilic fistula by superficialization of the basilic vein, which had previously been arterialized. In this work, we present the preliminary results of this procedure.

Methods: Patients with prior forearm arteriovenous fistula dysfunction without an adequate superficial vein were enrolled in this study.

Initial experience with the benefits of intraoperative angiography in surgery for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Background: This preliminary investigation evaluated the procedures for intraoperative angiography-assisted peripheral vascular revascularization in a teaching hospital.

Methods: Between August 2000 and July 2001, intraoperative angiography with or without intervention was applied during surgery for peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in 11 patients. Intraoperative angiography was employed to: (1) decide the best possible bypass graft outlet, (2) ensure the quality of the distal anastomosis of the bypass graft, (3) assist in the thrombectomy procedure, and (4) perform concomitant balloon angioplasty of vascular stenoses.

Reconstruction using a pericardial tube and ringed Gore-Tex graft for malignant superior vena cava syndrome: report of two cases.

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome caused by malignant tumors in the upper mediastinum is not uncommon. Radiation therapy or endovascular treatment with stenting is the first choice of treatment to relieve symptoms. However, surgical treatment may be considered when the less invasive treatment modalities failed.

Experience with early postoperative feeding after abdominal aortic surgery.

Background: Abdominal aortic surgery is a form of major vascular surgery, which traditionally involves long hospital stays and significant postoperative morbidity. Experiences with transit ileus are often encountered after the aortic surgery. Thus traditional postoperative care involves delayed oral feeding until the patients regain their normal bowel activities.

Patency rates and complications of Exxcel yarn-wrapped polytetrafluoroethylene grafts versus Gore-tex stretch polytetrafluoroethylene grafts: a prospective study.

Purpose: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has long been used for hemodialysis access when there is no suitable superficial vein. We conducted a prospective randomized study to compare two PTFE grafts; the stretch Gore-tex graft and the Exxcel graft.

Methods: Between May 2000 and February 2001, PTFE grafts were implanted for hemodialysis access in the upper extremities of 94 consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease.

Repair of arteriotomy after removal of infected hemodialysis access by venous graft.

Background: Traditionally, extensive prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) graft infection is treated with graft removal and the arteriotomy or the graft stumps were simply sutured following the removal of the graft. However, postoperative bleeding may occur which requires emergent intervention. We report the results achieved at our clinic after arteriotomy repair with venous graft interposition in re-bleeding conditions.

Initial experience during balloon angioplasty assisted surgical thrombectomy for thrombosed hemodialysis grafts.

Background: Access failure in hemodialysis patients is commonly encountered by vascular surgeons. Researchers have reported various solutions for dealing with clotted grafts, including thrombectomy, thrombolysis, interposition grafting, angioplasty, or a combination of these methods. Surgical thrombectomy has been the standard procedure for dealing with thrombosed hemodialysis grafts in the cardiovascular department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.