Midterm outcomes of the covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation for aortoiliac occlusive disease in a latinoamerican population.

Introduction: Surgical approach of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD) with aorto-bi-femoral graft or endarterectomy, has been the first line treatment with patency rates up to 90%. Nevertheless, this procedure has an early mortality rate of 4%. Vascular complications of aorto-bi-femoral graft have an average incidence of 5-10% and development of incisional hernia in 10% of the cases.

Effect of hetastarch bolus in trauma patients requiring emergency surgery.

Unlabelled: If blood products are not available, current military guidelines recommend a hetastarch bolus (HEX, Hextend 6% hetastarch in lactated electrolyte buffer, www. hospira.com) for initial treatment of hypovolemic shock in the field.

Heart rate variability is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in hemodynamically stable trauma patients.

Background: Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic dysfunction and can triage patients better than routine trauma criteria or vital signs. However, there is questionable specificity and no consensus measurement technique. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether factors that alter autonomic function affect the specificity of HRV for assessing traumatic injury.

Bispectral index to monitor propofol sedation in trauma patients.

Background: This study tested the hypothesis that the bispectral index (BIS) is reliable relative to clinical judgment for estimating sedation level during daily propofol spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) in trauma patients.

Methods: This was a prospective observational trial with waiver of consent conducted in the intensive care unit of Level I trauma center in 94 mechanically ventilated trauma patients sedated with propofol alone or in combination with midazolam. BIS, Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), electromyography, and heart rate variability, as a test of autonomic function, were measured for 45 minutes during daily SATs.

Predeployment mass casualty and clinical trauma training for US Army forward surgical teams.

Since the beginning of the program in 2002, 84 Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs) have rotated through the Army Trauma Training Center (ATTC) at the University of Miami/Ryder Trauma Center including all those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this study was to provide the latest updates of our experience with FSTs at the ATTC. Before deployment, each FST participates in a 2-week training rotation at the ATTC.

A review of ureteral injuries after external trauma.

Introduction: Ureteral trauma is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all urologic traumas. However, a missed ureteral injury can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this article is to review the literature since 1961 with the primary objective to present the largest medical literature review, to date, regarding ureteral trauma.