Evaluation of the redesigned conformable GORE TAG thoracic endoprosthesis for traumatic aortic transection.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the conformable GORE TAG thoracic endoprosthesis (CTAG) device (W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) for the endovascular repair of traumatic aortic transections.

Current status of endovascular aneurysm repair: 20 years of learning.

Parodi first introduced endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in 1991 and since that time it has been shown to have a lower 30-day morbididty and mortality compared to open surgery. Anatomic constraints governed by the need for adequate access vessels, and sufficient proximal and distal landing zones, as well as the need for long-term surveillance, have been the main limitations of this technology. Anatomic factors were initially estimated to exclude 40% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Spontaneous splanchnic dissection: application and timing of therapeutic options.

Background: Spontaneous splanchnic dissection (SSD) occurs infrequently and has a poorly defined natural history. Few studies address the application, timing, and consequences of therapeutic options. Our goal was to apply conservative (non-operative) management in the care of each patient, reserving interventions for specific indications that may be predictive of adverse outcomes.

Use of a percutaneous septal occlusion device to exclude a juxta-renal pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta.

Abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon, but challenging condition. The most common etiologies are either trauma or iatrogenic repair via open surgery, endovascular aortic cuff, and exclusion via placement of coils has been described. We describe a case of a juxta-renal aortic pseudoaneurysm following aorto-bi-iliac bypass grafting that was successfully excluded by endovascular placement of a percutaneous septal occlusion device.

Endovascular exclusion of mycotic aortic aneurysm.

The presence of prohibitive risk may preclude usual surgical management. Such was the case for a critically ill, 60-year-old woman who presented with concomitant, life-threatening conditions. The patient presented with acute central cord syndrome and lower-extremity paraplegia after completing a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and osteomyelitis of the thoracic spine.

Arteriopathy in the high-performance athlete.

Pain occurs frequently in high-performance athletes and is most often due to musculoskeletal injury or strain. However, athletes who participate in sports that require highly frequent, repetitive limb motion can also experience pain from an underlying arteriopathy, which causes exercise-induced ischemia. We reviewed the clinical records and follow-up care of 3 high-performance athletes (mean age, 29.

Does post-stenotic dilatation enhance collateral flow?

Our goal was to investigate whether post-stenotic dilatation (PSD) enhances collateral blood flow. In vitro experiments and computer modeling analysis were used to study the flow through stenotic segments and through collateral channels in the presence and absence of PSD. Pulsatile blood flow was provided by a left heart simulator primed with glycerol or normal saline.

Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy with sodium bicarbonate: a randomized controlled trial.

Context: Contrast-induced nephropathy remains a common complication of radiographic procedures. Pretreatment with sodium bicarbonate is more protective than sodium chloride in animal models of acute ischemic renal failure. Acute renal failure from both ischemia and contrast are postulated to occur from free-radical injury.